What is Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)?
Emotionally-Focused Therapy or EFT is a scientifically-validated intervention that heals relationships. Even though it was initially developed for working with couples, it has since been successfully adopted for working with families as well as individuals.
EFT is based on attachment theory, which proposes that the way we related to our attachment figures (primary caretakers) in infancy and early childhood follows us into adulthood and informs the way we deal with our emotions, how we engage with others on the basis of these emotions, and how we form a sense of self from the drama of repeated emotionally laden interactions with our attachment figures.
EFT helps people in close relationships create secure attachment bonds with each other.
Goals of Emotionally-Focused Therapy with Couples:
Emotionally-Focused Therapy with couples is built on the idea that each partner can provide a sense of security, protection, and comfort for the other, and can be available to support their partner in creating a positive sense of self and the ability to effectively regulate their own emotions.
The ultimate outcome of treatment involves a new sense of self and a new way of relating to your partner, which in turn, evokes new responses from that partner. We expand and re-organize key emotional responses and, in the process, the organization of self. We create a positive shift in partners’ interactional positions and patterns. We foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.
Emotional regulation (learning to regulate and cope with difficult or intense emotions) is a key component of Emotionally-Focused Therapy. We uncover the underlying emotional problem and begin to change the way it is perceived. We focus on creating new emotional experiences to replace the negative experiences and setting the couple up for more effective communication.
Goals of Emotionally-Focused Therapy with Families:
Emotionally Focused Therapy with families seeks to restore connection and promote resilience in family relationships. Similarly to Emotionally-Focused Therapy with couples, we will be looking at attachment styles, working on correcting any negative family interaction patterns, repairing any misunderstandings and broken emotional bonds.
We will be using resources that develop flexibility and closeness necessary for families to promote individual growth and meaningful relationships across generations. The focus is on building connections, security, trust, responsiveness, and effective communication even in the face of challenges.
For parents of young children this includes understanding the child or adolescent’s behavior in terms of attachment needs or fears and work with parents on the building of a coherent parenting team.
Get in Touch with an Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Counselor:
Are you ready to reach out and get professional support from a California-based counselor specializing in Emotionally-Focused Therapy? Get in touch with us and an EFT counselor will contact you. You are welcome to ask questions about EFT couples or family counseling and to schedule a complementary 15-minute phone consultation.
We are physically located in Santa Barbara County (Santa Barbara and San Ynez), and are available virtually to help people residing anywhere in California.
Our counseling team looks forward to hearing from you.
- Write us an Email
- Call or text us at 805-245-3340