EFT - Emotionally Focused Therapy. A simple introduction
By: Elana Zagorsky, LCSW
Reviewed by: Scott R. Woolley, PhD, CFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT for short, is a proven therapeutic approach that works on building strong emotional bonds between partners. But what is EFT therapy exactly? Originally drawn from attachment theory, EFT therapy helps people strengthen their emotional connection by addressing their attachment style and emotional intimacy to create a deeper, more meaningful bond.
EFT is a special way that counselors help people with their feelings and relationships. It helps people feel more connected and safe with the important people in their lives. During the therapy session, an EFT therapist guides patients through their emotional patterns and responses.
The Importance of Feeling Connected:
EFT is all about "attachment." Attachment means the close bond we have with our family and friends. It's important for us to feel close and connected to the people we care about. EFT helps us understand our feelings, as well as other's emotional experience, and make our relationships even stronger. Whether addressing emotional distress, unresolved attachment needs, or general mental health concerns, EFT helps individuals achieve greater emotional awareness and become more attuned to emotional responsiveness.
The Three Components of EFT:
EFT has three big steps that help people feel better and have stronger relationships:
Calming the Storm: Sometimes, we get stuck in a pattern of being upset or angry with the people we love. In this first step, a counselor helps us see these patterns and understand why we feel the way we do. This helps us feel calmer and safer.
Building Bridges: In this step, a counselor helps us talk about our feelings in a better way, so we can understand each other more. This helps us feel closer to the people we care about.
Staying Connected: Finally, a counselor teaches us ways to keep feeling close and connected, even when things get tough. This helps us have happier and healthier relationships.
In individual therapy and group therapy, an EFT session helps clients identify and process maladaptive emotions, leading to a corrective emotional experience. To sign up for Emotionally Focused Therapy and embark on this transformative experience, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're dedicated to helping you and your partner navigate the challenges of premarital life and emerge stronger, more emotionally connected, and better prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
To sign up for Emotionally Focused Therapy and embark on this transformative experience, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're dedicated to helping you and your partner navigate the challenges of premarital life and emerge stronger, more emotionally connected, and better prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation or to inquire about our premarital counseling services:
Whether you're facing specific issues or simply want to invest in your relationship's long-term success, Emotionally Focused Therapy can make a significant difference. We look forward to helping you build a lasting and fulfilling partnership.
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Sources:
Fauchier A, Margolin G. “Emotion-Focused Therapy.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/emotion-focused-therapy. Accessed on September 27, 2024.