Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

We adhere to the philosophy that relationships are at the core of human experience.

Research indicates that secure attachment and emotionally fulfilling relationships are integral components of mental and physical health, and that emotionally focused interventions have the power to establish and recreate supportive bonds among individuals. We are therefore dedicated to the understanding of individual health and dysfunction in the context of relationship with others and the enhancement of couple and family functioning.  All people can maximize their potential given a nurturing social environment, which we endeavor to foster in our work. See ICEFT Philosophy 

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples was conceptualized and published by Dr. Susan Johnson and her colleagues in the 1980s. EFT for couples has been developed primarily by Dr. Johnson since that time and research studies have found that EFT is an effective treatment for distressed couples with more than 70% of couples recovering from symptoms of relationship distress and approximately 90% show significant improvement.

Dr. Johnson found in her early observations of couples that relationships are attachment bonds, not bargains to be negotiated.  EFT offers couples a new experience of their relationship, not just behavior modification that is typically unsustainable over time. Typically when couples are guarded, hurt and don’t feel secure in their relationships, they are unlikely to use the tools they learn at marriage workshops and through self-help books.

The EFT therapist utilizes principles and practices that enable couples to identify common patterns that define their conflict and enable partners to shift out of positions that often keep them stuck and feeling alone and defeated in their relationship. Couples often get stuck in these patterns as they attempt to be heard, understood and connected.