Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

I was quickly drawn to EFT early in my training because the ideas of emotional responses and bonding just made sense within a significant relationship.  In my practice, I’ve seen this approach work quickly and effectively with couples, even those in high distress.  

EFT is a highly researched and effective approach to couples therapy that is based on attachment theory and bonding.  It is a process that helps couples to identify their position and roles in the negative relationship cycle and to enact ways to disrupt this cycle and re-connect. 

Goals of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy:

1)  To expand and re-organize key emotional responses – the music of the attachment dance.  

2)  To create a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiate new cycles of interaction.  

3)  To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners. 

(Goals taken from International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy;  www.iceeft.com)