Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on strengthening emotional bonds and attachment between partners. It was developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s and has gained significant recognition and popularity since then.

The primary goal of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is to help couples create and maintain secure and lasting emotional connections. It is based on the understanding that emotional accessibility. responsiveness and engagement are crucial for a healthy and secure relationship with each other.

EFT is rooted in attachment theory, which suggests that humans have an innate need to form strong emotional bonds with significant others that begins in infancy. The theory proposes that attachment needs and fears of rejection or abandonment significantly influence our emotional experiences and behaviors within intimate relationships.

In EFT, the therapist helps couples identify and understand their underlying emotions, needs, and attachment patterns. By doing so, couples can recognize and break negative interactional cycles that lead to distress and conflict in their relationship. Creator Dr Sue Johnson describes what EFT is about in this video.  

There are three main stages in EFT:

1.  De-escalation: The initial stage focuses on reducing conflict and creating a safe emotional space for both partners. The therapist helps couples recognize and understand the negative patterns of interaction that contribute to their distress.

2.  Restructuring interactions: The second stage involves exploring and reshaping the emotional responses and interaction patterns of the couple. The therapist guides partners in expressing their needs, fears, and desires, facilitating emotional engagement and vulnerability.

3.  Consolidation: In the final stage, the therapist helps the couple solidify their new patterns of interaction and deepen their emotional bond. The emphasis is on fostering secure attachment, trust, and intimacy.

Numerous research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy in improving relationship satisfaction, reducing relationship distress, and promoting lasting positive change. It is widely used by therapists around the world and has been successfully applied to various cultural contexts and relationship issues.