Emotionally Focused Therapy
What is Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured and evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that primarily focuses on adult relationships and attachment bonding. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is grounded in the belief that emotions are central to human experience and play pivotal role in shaping interpersonal connections. From an EFT framework, emotions are adaptive or maladaptive. Whether or not an emotion is adaptive is not based on the type of emotion, but the context in which the emotion occurs. For instance, it is adaptive to feel fear if someone puts a gun to your head, to feel angry if someone violates or insults you, and to feel hurt if someone you love ignores you. Your emotions in these situations tell you what you need to protect yourself, giving you an opportunity to speak up against the violation or to let someone know what you need. Emotions signal what we need and what we should do in order to get what we need.
How does EFT Work?
In Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) the therapist facilitates the client’s ability to process their emotions so that the emotions change and make way for other healthier emotions. They guide the client in connecting with and expressing all aspects of certain emotions they want to change. These components include thoughts, beliefs, metaphors, physical sensation, stories, needs, and motives. Such exploration leads to deeper insight about what one is struggling with and unveils new feelings. Processing of emotions also involves expressing some emotions that are difficult because they make one feel vulnerable and are hard to acknowledge, let alone feel — sadness, hurt, shame, etc. Being able to process and validate such feelings leads to building greater emotional resilience.
Several studies have found Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective treatment for many emotional and behavioural problems such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD.
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Who does Emotional Focused Therapy benefit?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can benefit a wide range of individuals and couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties or seeking to improve their emotional well-being.
Couples: EFT is highly effective for couples experiencing relationship distress, including communication problems, conflicts, and feelings of disconnection. It helps couples understand and change negative patterns of interaction, leading to more secure and satisfying relationships. In Emotion-Focused Couple Therapy, each partner’s conflict is explored not simply as problems in communication, but as a product of different attachment and identity needs. Each partner has a certain emotional schema – or blueprint – through which they form and navigate their romantic relationships. If these emotional schemas are shaped in ways that are non-adaptive, or not fully compatible, the partners will experience a lot of distress. The form of distress for each partner depends upon what attachment and emotional needs are not met.
Individuals in Relationships: EFT can benefit individuals who are in relationships and want to improve their ability to communicate, connect emotionally, and resolve conflicts effectively. It can also help individuals address attachment issues and past relationship traumas that affect their current relationships.
Families: While EFT is primarily used in couples therapy, it can also be adapted for use with families. EFT can help family members improve their communication, understand each other's emotions, and strengthen their bonds.
Individuals with Attachment Issues: EFT is particularly beneficial for individuals with attachment insecurities or unresolved attachment issues. It helps them develop more secure attachment patterns and improve their relationships with others.
Survivors of Trauma: EFT can benefit individuals who have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse or neglect, by helping them process and heal from past traumatic experiences that may be impacting their current relationships.
How Will I Know If Emotionally Focused Therapy Is for Me?
Determining if Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is suitable for you involves assessing various factors such as your relationship dynamics, emotional intimacy goals, attachment patterns, emotional regulation skills, past relationship trauma, and desire for lasting change. If you are experiencing relationship difficulties, desire a deeper emotional connection, struggle with attachment insecurities, have trouble managing emotions, or have experienced past relationship trauma impacting your current relationships, EFT may be beneficial. Consulting with a trained EFT therapist can help you explore these factors and determine if EFT aligns with your needs and goals for therapy.
How Long Does Emotionally Focused Therapy Last?
The duration of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the issues being addressed, the goals of therapy, and the progress made in sessions. EFT is typically considered a short-term therapy approach, with most therapists offering sessions over a period of 8 to 20 sessions, usually conducted on a weekly basis. However, the exact number of sessions can vary based on individual needs and progress. Some clients may benefit from fewer sessions, while others may require more sessions to achieve their therapeutic goals. The therapist and client will regularly assess progress and determine together when it is appropriate to end therapy.