Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) was developed by Dr Sue Johnson in the 1980s. EFT is an effective and evidence-based form of therapy stemming from attachment science and the power of emotion. It focuses on tuning into the wisdom embedded in our most primary emotions to guide our direction in life and on creating secure bonds with the people most important to us. EFT aims to create lasting change in wellbeing for individuals and their relationships. It is a widely known and practiced model of therapy with a vast evidence-base. There are three “modalities” of EFT, know as EFT for couples (EFCT), EFT for families (EFFT), and EFT for individuals (EFIT).
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT for Couples (EFCT)
EFT began as a form of relationship or couple therapy and has since generated over 20 positive outcome studies over the last 30 years showing it to be effective at reducing couple distress in 70-75% of couples and increasing relationship satisfaction in over 90% of couples tested. As a result, it is the "gold standard" therapy for relationships. EFCT focuses on emotion and the building of secure attachment bonds between people who matter to each other in order to foster emotional well-being for all. EFCT is used to good effect with any relationship where people matter to each other; couples, friendships, relationships of many constellations, and families of all kinds.
EFT for Individuals (EFIT)
EFT for individuals (EFIT) focuses on emotion and patterns of emotional management that all people use. EFIT looks at those patterns and how they play a role in creating and maintaining "stuckness" in a person's life and in their relationships with those who matter to them. EFIT assists by staying with the deeper emotions that we know contain vital information about what a person really needs and shapes corrective moments that lead to a sense of balance and a clear direction in life. Focusing on emotion and connection with others, EFIT promotes a sense of self-acceptance and secure attachment with others to build overall well-being.
EFT for Families (EFFT)
EFT for families (EFFT) is a transformative approach that is foundational in helping parents and children who are struggling with remaining securely attached. EFFT guides families to resolve relationship blocks and promotes the development of secure familial bonds. EFFT concentrates on specific practices for working through negative familial patterns by accessing and deepening emotional experience to promote corrective emotional experiences in family relationships.
Videos on EFT
What is EFT?
This video gives an overview of the EFT model and how it can help relationships of all kinds.
Watch videoEFT for Individuals
This video explains how EFT can assist individuals to live full and meaningful lives.
Watch videoFor more information on EFT
International Centre for Excellence in EFT
The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy has a wealth of information for those interested in EFT. It has a list of Certified EFT Therapists from all over the world www.iceeft.com
Brisbane Centre for EFT
The Brisbane Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy has information on EFT and training events for therapists in Australia as well as a list of Australian EFT-trained therapists www.bceft.com.au