What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
How does Emotionally Focused Therapy stands out from other therapeutic processes?
What makes EFT different for couples therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) stands apart from other approaches by focusing on the emotional bond between partners—not just communication skills or conflict resolution. While many therapies aim to change behaviors, EFT goes deeper: it helps couples uncover and share the core needs and emotions driving disconnection.
Rooted in attachment theory, EFT sees love as a powerful, healing bond—and disconnection as a source of emotional distress. Rather than analyzing problems from a distance, EFT invites partners into new, emotionally engaged conversations that create lasting change. It's not about fixing each other—it's about finding each other again.
Where traditional therapy might ask, “What’s wrong with how you’re communicating?” EFT asks, “What are you really needing, and how can your partner respond in a way that brings you closer?”
How EFT Is Different for Individuals?
Emotionally Focused Therapy isn’t just for partnerships—it also helps individuals understand and heal the emotional patterns that affect their relationships. Unlike some therapies that focus mainly on thoughts or behaviors, EFT helps you connect with the deeper feelings and attachment needs that drive your reactions.
By exploring these core emotions, you can learn to build stronger bonds with the people who matter most—whether it’s a partner, family member, or friend. EFT supports you in becoming more emotionally aware and responsive, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Instead of just managing symptoms, EFT helps you uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface, so you can create meaningful, lasting change.
BOOK CLUB
Browse our handpicked books not only helpful in your relationships, but parenting and overall personal growth.
VIDEOS
Explore helpful videos from Dr. Sue Johnson’s, the creator of EFT on her YouTube channel. Start understanding the science of love and connection now.
Still Face Experiment
The Still Face Experiment reveals just how deeply we’re wired for emotional connection. In this powerful and eye-opening demonstration, a baby tries to engage with a parents who suddenly becomes unresponsive. Watch as the childs’s confusion turns to distress— showing how even at a young age, we seek connection, attunement, and emotional safety. This experiment powerfully illustrates the impact of emotional disconnection and helps us understand why relationships can feel so painful when we’re not seen or responded to.
Taming the Cycle
In this video, we explore the common “pursue-withdraw” pattern—where one partner seeks connection and the other retreats to preotect themselves. Both people ended up feeling misunderstood and alone. Learn how to recognize this cycle, understand what’s really happening underneath it, and behind to shift toward a deeper, more secure connection.
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