Couples Counselling

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based, humanistic approach grounded in attachment theory. It focuses on how interpersonal interactions form patterns or cycles that often underlie relationship distress. EFT helps individuals and couples enhance their emotional connection and deepen intimacy by identifying and transforming these negative patterns.

As an EFT therapist, my role is to help couples recognize the recurring cycles that contribute to disconnection and conflict. Once these patterns are identified, partners can begin to understand the emotions and unmet needs that lie beneath them. This awareness allows for more meaningful communication—rooted in emotional safety and mutual understanding.

Together, we work toward building a deeper emotional bond, learning to pause and truly hear one another, fostering empathy and compassion, and enhancing the ability to respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.

Evidence-Based Effectiveness

EFT is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches to couples therapy. Clinical studies show a success rate of approximately 70–73% in helping couples achieve their therapy goals, with 90% of couples showing significant improvement, even if all goals were not fully met (Johnson et al., 1999; Wiebe & Johnson, 2016).

A meta-analysis of 16 studies confirmed that EFT was significantly more effective than other forms of couples therapy in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing distress (Johnson et al., 1999).

EFT Couples Therapy Sessional Work

EFT Couples Therapy – What to Expect

The central goal of EFT is to foster secure attachment—a dynamic where each partner feels emotionally safe, protected, and supported. This secure bond helps individuals cultivate a positive sense of self and regulate their emotions more effectively, both within and beyond the relationship.

Unlike other therapy models that focus on teaching tools or communication scripts, EFT acknowledges that in the heat of emotionally charged moments, it’s difficult to access or apply those tools. Instead, EFT focuses on restructuring emotional responses and understanding how and why couples fall into negative cycles—so these patterns can be interrupted and transformed.

The outcome of EFT is not just better communication, but a new way of relating to one another—one that nurtures emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement. As partners become more attuned to each other’s emotional needs, they evoke new, more supportive responses from one another, reinforcing a positive and lasting change.

“A secure emotional connection does not stop fights, differences, or hurt feelings in a relationship,” advises George Faller. “But what it does is provide the best platform to deal with those things.”