What is EFT?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a form of therapy developed by Dr. Sue Johnson that is designed to help individuals, couples, and families, strengthen their emotional bonds and improve their emotional regulation. EFT is also known as emotionally focused couples therapy (EFCT) when used with couples, emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT) when used with individuals, and emotionally focused family therapy (EFFT) when used with families.

At the heart of EFT is the belief that strong emotional bonds are essential for psychological well-being, and that these bonds can be strengthened through the therapeutic process. EFT is based on the premise that emotions can play a central role in our relationships. By attending to and addressing these emotions, individuals can more effectively navigate and resolve conflicts within their relationships. 

EFT is a systematic and structural approach, which means that it views individuals and their relationships to be interconnected and influenced by broader social, cultural, and historical contexts. This means that in EFT, the therapist works with the couple or family as a unit, rather than as individuals within that unit.

EFT is an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues. These issues include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has also been found to be particularly effective in improving communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intimacy in couples.

The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the practice of EFT. ICEEFT offers training, resources, and research on EFT and provides a directory of certified EFT therapists.

Another big concept upon which EFT is based is attachment. Attachment is the emotional bond that exists between individuals. These emotional bonds are thought to be influenced by early experiences with caregivers and can have a significant impact on an individual’s relationships throughout their lifetime. In EFT, the therapist works to help clients understand and address their attachment-related issues that may have an impact on their relationships and life.

Emotional regulation is also an important concept in EFT. Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage and express emotions in a healthy, adaptive way. When using EFT, the therapist helps clients to identify and address patterns of emotional disregulation that may be causing problems in their relationships.

EFT is a popular type of therapy in many places, and Bountiful, Utah is no exception. At Bountiful Counseling, the therapists are trained in EFT, and work to help clients by using this approach. Many other counselors and marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are trained in EFT as well.

EFT can be applied to a wide range of issues and can be helpful for individuals, couples, and families alike. It is a flexible and adaptive theory that can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. If you are considering EFT as a form of therapy, it is important to work with an EFT therapist who has received specialized training in this approach.