Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples focuses on helping each partner reprocess the emotional experience underlying the negative dance that keeps them stuck, so that they can have more secure emotional bonds.

“It is all about our innate need to have someone to depend on, a loved one who can offer reliable emotional connection and comfort” – Dr. Sue Johnson

• Are you here for me?
• Are you accessible when I need you?
• Are you responsive when I call?
• Are you engaging with me when I miss you?

Developed in the 80s by Dr. Sue Johnson, Ed.D and Leslie Greenberg, PhD, EFT is continuing to grow and help thousands of people worldwide.

Today, more and more EFT Therapists are following the rigorous training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy as extensive research is continuously backing up the therapy.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples presents a comprehensive theory of adult love and attachment and a process for healing distressed relationships.

It recognizes that relationship distress results from a perceived threat to basic adult needs for safety, security and closeness in intimate relationships.

The theory behind Emotionally Focused Therapy is based on Attachment Theory. John Bowlby talked about the emotional bond between child and mother, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples transforms relationships, as the love between intimate partners is all about attachment and emotional bonding.

The aim of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is not only to change the way people fight, or to help them to be more able to handle everyday things like chores around the house or parental duties.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy helps partners build more secure emotional bonds

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples focuses on helping each partner reprocess the emotional experience underlying the rigid negative pattern. “Emotions play a critical role in the life of the couple as they are the glue in romantic relationships that connect couples to the experience they share.” – Gail Palmer.

Through a series of well-defined stages, the therapist takes the couple from conflict deadlock to creating new bonding interactions.

The well-defined stages of the therapy helps the couple move from ‘stuck’ to creating new, safe bonding interactions. Changes happen in the process of interaction between the partners and the process during the sessions. The therapist is constantly ensuring the safety of both partners.

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is a relatively short term therapy and can span over 6 to 20 sessions depending on circumstances.

During the sessions, you will learn together how to:

• Become aware of and challenge the stuck patterns and negative cycles in your relationship,
• Understand your own emotions and those of your partner,
• Learn more about your own inner world and emotional needs as well as your partner’s,
• Develop deeper understanding and closeness as your relationship develops into the safe haven you want to build.

Completed and ongoing EFT research consistently supports the efficacy of the Emotionally Focused Therapy model. For more details visit www.iceeft.com Research Menu.

If you feel your relationship is not how you want it to be, and you would like to know how you can get help, you can contact me, give me call me on +971 55 732 99 66 or send me an email to evelyne@evelynelthomas.com and we can discuss your situation.

Couples have found the book: ‘Hold Me Tight – Your Guide to the Most Successful Approach to Building Loving Relationships’ by Dr. Sue Johnson a useful guide to a better intimate relationship. It is packed with insights and self-help tips which you can apply in your relationship.

VIDEO – Dr. Sue Johnson – How to Love Intelligently in the Age of Instant Gratification.