Emotion Focused Therapy
I've found EFT to be a highly effective and transformative approach, leading to lasting therapeutic change. Unlike other modalities that focus primarily on thoughts and behaviors, EFT recognizes that emotions are the core drivers of our experiences. By targeting emotions directly, we can address the root causes of distress and promote deeper, more lasting change.
How EFT Works
EFT is an experiential, present-moment approach that emphasizes attachment and emotional connection. This allows us to work with emotions in a more immediate and powerful way, rather than simply trying to change thoughts or behaviors. By focusing on emotions, we can:
Access and process underlying emotional wounds and vulnerabilities
Develop greater emotional awareness and regulation
Enhance emotional resilience and well-being
Improve relationships by addressing emotional needs and attachment patterns
In my private practice, I specialize in helping couples and families build stronger, more resilient relationships using EFT. By focusing on the emotional core of their experiences, we can work together to create lasting change and promote greater emotional intimacy and connection.
An introduction to Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a research-proven approach to couples therapy, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and one of the leading experts in the field of couples therapy and adult attachment. With over 25 years of clinical research backing its effectiveness, EFT helps couples strengthen their bond by expressing and responding to each other's deeper emotions. By fostering vulnerability and connection, EFT achieves remarkable results, with a 70-75% success rate that endures even in challenging circumstances – a statistic unparalleled by other therapeutic models.
The Three Stages of EFT
1
Assessment and Stabilization
In the first stage of EFT, we focus on de-escalation of negative cycles.
key therapy goals include:
Identify and understand the negative interaction patterns that maintain relationship distress.
Help partners de-escalate their negative cycles of interaction and reduce conflict.
Increase emotional awareness, acceptance, and regulation in both partners.
Establish a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment.
2
Reorganization and Restructuring
In the second stage of EFT, we focus on changing interaction patterns.
Key therapy goals include:
Identify and challenge negative interaction patterns and underlying emotional vulnerabilities.
Promote empathy, understanding, and validation between partners.
Encourage the development of more adaptive and responsive interaction patterns.
Foster a sense of secure attachment and bonding between partners.
3
Consolidation and Renewal
In the third stage of EFT, we focus on consolidation and integration.
Key therapy goals include:
Consolidate gains made in previous stages and reinforce new interaction patterns.
Help the couple develop strategies for maintaining their progress and addressing future challenges.
Enhance the couple's sense of emotional intimacy, trust, and connection.
Encourage the couple to integrate their new skills and understanding into daily life, promoting long-term relationship satisfaction and resilience.
"Love is not the answer, it's the question. What is it about this relationship that makes me feel seen, heard, and valued?"
— DR. SUE JOHNSON, Founder of Emotion Focus Therapy
FAQs
Is EFT effective?
Yes, EFT has been shown to be effective in numerous research studies. It has been recognized as an evidence-based treatment for various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and relationship distress.
How does EFT differ from other forms of therapy?
EFT differs from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on emotions as a primary source of transformation. Unlike some other approaches, EFT does not focus solely on changing thoughts or behaviors, but rather seeks to understand and transform the underlying emotional dynamics driving these experiences.
What will happen in the first few sessions?
In our initial session, we'll explore your reasons for seeking therapy, discuss your goals, and address any concerns you may have. This meeting will also allow us to establish a comfortable working relationship.
As we begin couple or family therapy, I'll conduct individual intake sessions with each participating member. These private sessions provide a safe space for each person to share their personal history, relationship experiences, and mental health background.
These individual sessions help me gain a deeper understanding of each person's unique perspective and needs, enabling me to tailor our therapy sessions to best support you.
How long does EFT typically take for individuals, couples and families?
Here are some general guidelines on the typical duration of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and families:
Individual EFT:
Short-term: 8-20 sessions (addressing specific issues or concerns)
Mid-term: 20-40 sessions (exploring deeper emotional patterns and attachment issues)
Long-term: 40+ sessions (more intensive, in-depth work on complex emotional issues)
Couple EFT:
Short-term: 10-20 sessions (addressing specific relationship issues or conflicts)
Mid-term: 20-30 sessions (working through deeper attachment and emotional issues)
Long-term: 30+ sessions (more intensive, in-depth work on complex relationship dynamics)
Family EFT:
Short-term: 10-20 sessions (addressing specific family conflicts or issues)
Mid-term: 20-30 sessions (working through deeper family dynamics and emotional patterns)
Long-term: 30+ sessions (more intensive, in-depth work on complex family relationships and dynamics)
Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual duration of EFT can vary significantly depending on:
The complexity of the issues being addressed
The individual's, couple's, or family's level of motivation and engagement
Ultimately, the duration of EFT will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each individual, couple, or family.
How long are sessions and how often will we meet?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length, and we will usually meet once per week. However, this can be adjusted based on your needs and schedule. For couple and family therapy, I recommend 80-minute sessions. This extended time allows each member to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, ensuring everyone's voice is heard.
Is everything discussed in session confidential?
Yes, everything discussed in our sessions is confidential. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I am bound by confidentiality laws and professional ethics. However, there are limits to confidentiality where I am obligated to report concerns to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
These limits include:
Suspected child or elder abuse or neglect
Threats of harm to yourself or others
Court order or subpoena
In all cases, I will only disclose the necessary information to the relevant authorities.
Individual Therapy:
In individual therapy, everything discussed will remain confidential, unless you provide explicit consent for me to share information with someone else.
Couple and Family Therapy:
I respect confidentiality in couple and family therapy. However, I do not hold “secrets” that may impact relationship dynamics, such as infidelity or substance use. Instead, I will help you share this information with your partner or family members in a safe and healthy manner, promoting open communication and relationship growth.
Confidentiality with Youth Clients:
When working with youth clients (ages 12-18), I recognize them as ‘mature minors’. This means that:
I do not require parental consent to conduct individual sessions with them.
Information shared during sessions will remain private unless the youth provides explicit consent for me to share specific information with their parents or guardians, or if there is a risk of imminent harm to the youth or others.
