How Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) can help heal your relationship
How Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples (EFT) can help heal your relationship
Topics:
Emotionally Focused Therapy
for Couples
|"Love is not the least bit illogical or random, but an ordered and wise recipe for survival. The need for connection is our first and most basic instinct." - Dr Sue Johnson
Is Emotionally Focused Therapy an effective approach to Couple Counselling?
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFTC) has provided a map to guide us in creating healing and loving relationships. EFTC is an approach to couples counselling that works. Research indicates up to 90% of couples that undertake a course of EFTC report significant improvement in their relationship and up to 75% of couples recover from relationship distress. Changes in the relationship have been shown to last, even in couples facing significant life stressors.
“To really help couples find happiness, we must shore up the foundation of their relationship; that is, help them relay and rebuild their emotional connection”
– Dr Sue Johnson
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples?
EFTC is a non-blaming, structured approach to couple therapy, that overcomes distress in couple relationships. EFT is usually short term (12-20 sessions). The approach validates each partner’s perspective. In understanding each other’s emotional signals, needs and fears, EFTC helps couples create secure, loving bonds.
How does Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples work??
By helping you go deeper into understanding yourself, your partner and the dynamics of your relationship, you can find lasting solutions, to ensure your relationship is strong, no matter what life brings your way now or in the future.
"The way to enhance or save a relationship is to be open, attuned, and responsive to each other and to re-establish emotional connection."
– Dr Sue Johnson
As you begin to understand and respond to each other’s emotions, the relationship dance begins to change. The struggles and conflict get left on the “dance floor” as you move into greater closeness and harmony. Through the secure attachment relationship that develops, EFTC helps each individual in the couple relationship navigate the challenges and transitions of life. People that are more securely attached have a greater ability to cope and manage stress, and better physical and mental health.
"Forget about learning how to argue better, analyzing your early childhood, making grand romantic gestures, or experimenting with new sexual positions. Instead, recognize and admit that you are emotionally attached to and dependent on your partner in much the same way that a child is on a parent for nurturing, soothing, and protection. EFT focuses on creating and strengthening this emotional bond by identifying and transforming the key moments that foster an adult loving relationship."
– Dr Sue Johnson
Love Sense: Cradle to grave, Dr Sue Johnson and Dr Ed Tronick
Is accredited training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples needed?
Jo Gniel is certified Emotionally Focused Therapist and Supervisor in training. Therapists need to complete accredited training followed by extensive clinical experience and practice review to be certified by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Looking for more personalised support?
If this article resonated with you, and you're looking for expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, Jo Gniel is here to help. As a Relationship Counsellor, certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, and trained teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion, Jo provides evidence-informed support to help you better understand yourself, others and your relationships.
Book an appointment with Jo Gniel today and start your journey towards a more fulfilling life.
Resource library
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