Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

​At our practice, we offer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps individuals, couples, and families understand and heal the emotional patterns that shape their relationships and inner lives.

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What is EFT?​

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EFT is grounded in the understanding that emotional connection is a core human need. When we feel disconnected — from ourselves or from those we love — we can experience distress, conflict, and a deep sense of loneliness. EFT helps to repair these emotional bonds by fostering safety, trust, and open communication.

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Originally developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg in the 1980s, EFT has evolved through decades of research and clinical practice. It draws from attachment theory — the science of how we form and maintain close relationships — and focuses on helping people build secure, supportive connections both within and between themselves and others.

Who is it for?​

EFT can be deeply supportive for individuals, couples, and families who want to strengthen emotional connection, heal from past hurts, or find new ways to relate with compassion and understanding. It’s particularly helpful for those experiencing:

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• Relationship conflict or disconnection

• Chronic patterns of misunderstanding or withdrawal

• Emotional distance or fear of closeness

• Grief, loss, or life transitions

• Anxiety, depression, or emotional distress

• Lingering effects of trauma on connection and trust

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Whether you come to EFT on your own, with a partner, or as a family, this approach can help you rebuild trust, communicate more openly, and feel more secure in your relationships.​

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How Does EFT Work?

 

Identifying emotional patterns​​

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In EFT, your therapist will help you explore the emotional patterns that keep you feeling stuck — the moments when you might react with anger, shut down, or pull away. Together, you’ll begin to understand the emotions and needs underneath these reactions, often uncovering longings for closeness, understanding, or safety.

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Increasing security

 

Through this process, you’ll learn to express yourself more openly and respond to others with greater empathy and compassion. For individuals, EFT can also deepen self-awareness and self-compassion, helping you create a more secure and nurturing relationship with yourself.

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Creating space for growth​

 

EFT is gentle yet powerful, and it moves at your own pace. It’s not about blame or fixing — it’s about creating space for emotional safety and genuine connection to emerge.

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The evidence​

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Emotionally Focused Therapy is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches for improving relationships and emotional wellbeing. Decades of studies have shown that EFT helps reduce conflict, increase closeness, and sustain positive changes over time. It is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an empirically supported treatment for couples and individuals.​​​​​

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Next Steps

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Emotionally Focused Therapy is not just about changing behaviour — it’s about healing the emotional patterns that lie beneath, so you can experience relationships that feel more secure, loving, and resilient.

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If you are interested in EFT for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to book a consultation to discuss if this may be a good fit for you in counselling. ​​​​​​​