Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach rooted in understanding human emotions and their pivotal role in relationships, behaviors, and experiences. It is an evidence-based method to restructure and foster secure bonds between individuals, particularly in romantic relationships. Emotionally focused therapy is grounded in attachment theory, highlighting the value of secure attachment and individuals forging strong emotional connections with themselves and others.

Understanding emotionally focused therapy

In emotionally focused therapy, the therapist² assists the client in identifying and exploring their emotional responses, often those that are negative or distressing. The objective is to help clients recognize patterns in their emotional responses and understand the impact of these patterns on their relationships. These patterns, referred to as “stuck patterns,” often result in adverse cycles of interaction that may cause emotional distance and conflict.

Once patterns are identified, an EFT therapist can work with the client or clients to transform their habits for healthier and more productive behavior. Therapists often work toward facilitating a supportive and empathetic environment where clients can be safe to express their emotions and discuss them openly and vulnerably. Therapists can guide clients to re-experience these emotions positively to foster deeper emotional understanding. This change in perspective may empower individuals to communicate their needs more effectively and be more mindful of their emotional needs, tendencies, and cycles. 

Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) sessions help individuals, couples, and families navigate emotions and foster healthier, more productive relationships. EFT may be effective for those experiencing marital or family distress, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflicts. Emotionally focused therapy is a short-term therapy, often consisting of eight to 20 sessions. 

What happens in a emotionally focused therapy session

Each EFT session is unique and tailored to the client's needs, but there may be common elements. Initially, the therapist can work to establish a safe, welcoming space where clients can express their emotions freely. The therapist may then encourage individuals to explore their emotional responses and examine maladaptive patterns of interaction. This formative stage focuses on building mindfulness and understanding personal emotional reactions and patterns that may lie outside one’s awareness. 

As EFT sessions progress, therapists often guide individuals in fostering new, more positive interactions and emotional intelligence cycles. This phase, called “restructuring engagements, " involves creating and consolidating positive changes. In these stages, individuals may learn to express their needs more effectively, respond to others' needs more empathetically, and build stronger, healthier connections. Whether the focus is individual or family therapy, the goal of emotionally focused therapy is often to equip people with the emotional tools and understanding to maintain these positive communication patterns in their day-to-day lives.

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a practical approach to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of emotional stress. It can be particularly beneficial for those who grapple with self-esteem, communication, relationship, and behavior challenges influenced by past emotional traumas³ or complex relationships. It may also benefit those who view expressing emotions as a weakness.

Individuals who believe they are trapped in a cycle of negative self-talk or being significantly impacted by stressors may find solace in emotionally focused therapy. Individual therapy may help clients recognize, understand, and change the emotional responses contributing to these unhelpful patterns. The goal of EFT is often to encourage new, healthier responses to emotions and stress, improving overall emotional health and well-being.

Those in couples therapy are often the target clients for EFT. Emotionally focused therapy may help partners better understand their relationship dynamics, explore the profound emotions that drive their interactions, and learn to communicate their needs more effectively. This process may lead to a deeper emotional connection and improved relationship satisfaction. However, EFT is not limited to any demographic or situation, as anyone living with emotional distress may benefit from this therapeutic approach.

Emotionally focused therapy exhibits the potential to transform emotional responses and foster more secure attachment bonds as defined in attachment theory. This modality may help clients identify, understand, and change maladaptive emotion schemes that guide their decision-making. Individuals may learn to manage their emotional responses, fostering emotional intelligence. Moreover, emotionally focused therapy aids in developing a more secure self-concept to help individuals cope healthily with life's challenges.

Emotionally focused couples therapy 

In couples therapy, the objective of emotionally focused therapy is often to de-escalate conflictual cycles, deepen emotional bonding, and foster a secure long-term attachment. This treatment may help couples understand and reorganize key emotional responses influencing their interaction patterns. Couples may learn to address their needs openly, listen with empathy to their partner, and respond with understanding. 

Research on emotionally focused therapy has demonstrated it to be an effective mode of treatment for individuals who seek assistance in working through difficult emotions and coping with mental health conditions⁴ or challenging life situations. 

Emotionally focused therapy research

In one study, researchers analyzed the effectiveness of emotionally focused therapy in addressing symptoms of depression. In the study, researchers found that EFT may be an effective form of depression treatment compared to traditional approaches. 

In another comprehensive review of the effectiveness of EFT, researchers looked into its ability to address common mental health challenges like loneliness and social disconnectedness. Current research has linked these two factors to the onset of depressive disorders and other mental health conditions, and their team proposes EFT as a method of enhancing emotional ties to others and the ability to experience a sense of social connectedness. 

In their study, their team found that by improving interpersonal bonds and related emotional blockages, EFT may be an effective method for restoring emotional balance and protecting individuals from chronic loneliness and associated adverse health consequences. This study illustrates the role EFT may play in mental health treatment strategies that may require more of a focus on improving social skills and the emotional patterns that could be preventing individuals from developing healthy connections with others. 

Emotionally Focused Therapy