Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT)

EFT is a short term (8 to 20 sessions) structured approach, originally developed for couple therapy and based on attachment science, formulated in the 1980’s. Interventions in EFCT integrate a humanistic, experiential approach to restructuring emotional experience and a systemic structural approach to restructuring interactions. A substantial body of research now exists on the effectiveness of EFCT. This research shows large treatment effect sizes and stable results over time. EFCT is used successfully with many different kinds of couples in private practice, university training centers and hospital clinics. Preliminary research exists for couples dealing with depression, with anxiety resulting from trauma, with medical illness and with forgiveness dilemmas. EFCT is used with varied cultural groups and educational levels across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa and Asia. It is used with traditional and non-traditional couples, including same-sex couples.

Goals:

To expand and re-organize key emotional responses and, in the process, the organization of self.

To create a positive shift in partners interactional positions and patterns.

To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.

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The following video explains Emotionally Focused Therapy from the creator, Dr. Sue Johnson: