Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Anxiety, Depression, and Couples Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a research-based, humanistic approach developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, a globally revered clinical psychologist, author, and The Embody Lab faculty member.
Dr. Sue Johnson is best known for her groundbreaking work in couples therapy, where she integrated attachment science and emotion into her therapeutic approach. As the developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), she has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the field of couples counseling. During her time as a doctoral student for EFT co-founder Leslie Greenberg, Dr. Johnson’s thesis provided the original evidence base for the model, evaluating the outcome and process of change.
EFT has been proven effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. By embracing emotions as valuable sources of information and guidance, EFT helps individuals develop deeper self-awareness, cultivate healthier emotional responses, and empower them with the necessary resources to confront challenging situations with resilience and strength. For those struggling with severe anxiety, EFT provides a path towards improved emotional regulation and executive functioning.
EFT Treatment Versatility
By addressing avoidance tendencies and providing strategies to overcome negative emotions, EFT helps break the cycle of worsening mood and supports individuals in managing their symptoms more effectively. Through the therapeutic process, individuals gain the skills needed to navigate their emotions while nurturing a healthier emotional landscape.
EFT's versatility extends beyond depression and anxiety, showing promise in addressing issues such as childhood abuse or neglect, eating disorders, personality disorders, and interpersonal conflicts. Commonly used in couples therapy, EFT is grounded in attachment theory and emphasizes the significance of human connection.
EFT explores the nature of connections and the emotions they evoke, empowering individuals to navigate their emotions, deepen connections, and seek closeness instead of distancing themselves, leading to positive transformation and growth in relationships.
EFT in Relationships
Grounded in attachment theory, EFT recognizes that our need for connection is innate and essential for growth and well-being. By addressing attachment-related fears and vulnerabilities, individuals can actively restructure their relationships to foster closeness and create more rewarding experiences. Through this process, EFT empowers individuals to navigate their emotions, deepen connections, and solve problems together, leading to positive transformation and growth.
What to Expect in an EFT Couples Therapy Session
While treatments and sessions vary depending on the needs of the individuals or couples, below is a general outline of what can be expected in an EFT-focused couples therapy session:
Course of treatment typically consists of 8 to 20 sessions, once a week.
The therapist observes the couples interaction patterns and identifies pressing issues.
First sessions will focus on de-escalating emotional reactivity and distress.
The couples then learn to expand emotional response patterns and be responsive to their partner's needs.
The second stage focuses on restoring a deep emotional bond between the partners.
The goal is to create a sense of security and provide comfort for each other.
The EFT therapist reframes distancing behavior as misguided bids for connection.
The partners express deep feelings and communicate their needs.
The last sessions consolidate gains and focus on developing new solutions.
The couples practice comforting each other and connecting in the face of difficulty.
Understanding true emotional needs helps overcome negative patterns.
By helping individuals identify and express their emotions, EFT allows for increased self-awareness and emotional regulation, improved emotional resilience and coping skills, and enhanced interpersonal connections and intimacy, empowering individuals to harness the power of emotions for personal growth and healing.
