emotionally focused therapy

EFT

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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an approach that recognises the central role of emotions and relationships in shaping psychological wellbeing. It is applied in individual, couple, and family therapy, particularly where distress is connected to patterns of disconnection, conflict, or emotional withdrawal.

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In individual work, EFT supports clients in exploring emotional responses and attachment-related strategies that have developed in response to stress or relational experience. In couple therapy, the focus is on understanding and shifting interactional patterns that contribute to distress, while strengthening emotional responsiveness and connection. In family therapy, EFT helps family members recognise and respond to one another’s emotional needs, supporting greater safety and stability within the family system.

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Across settings, EFT is collaborative and structured, with careful attention to pacing, emotional regulation, and therapeutic safety

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Who Can Benefit

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EFT may be appropriate for individuals experiencing emotional distress, relational difficulties, or symptoms linked to nervous system dysregulation. It can be particularly helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed by emotional reactions, disconnected from their emotional experience, or caught in repetitive patterns of responding to stress or relationships.

This approach may also benefit individuals seeking a therapy that is paced, collaborative, and sensitive to the impact of trauma. EFT supports clients in working with emotional material in a way that prioritises safety, consent, and attunement.

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EFT for Couples

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) supports couples in understanding the emotional patterns that shape their relationship. Rather than focusing only on surface conflict, EFCT helps partners identify the underlying emotional needs and responses that influence how they connect, withdraw, or react under stress. Through this process, couples are supported in developing greater emotional responsiveness, trust, and a more secure bond.

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EFT for Individuals

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) focuses on helping individuals understand and work with their emotional experience in a deeper and more integrated way. Therapy supports clients in recognising emotional responses that have developed over time, often in the context of relationships or significant life experiences, and in developing a stronger sense of internal safety and self-connection. EFIT can support emotional regulation, self-understanding, and more secure ways of relating to others.

 

EFT for Families

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) works with families to strengthen emotional connection and improve patterns of interaction. The focus is on helping family members better understand one another’s emotional responses and needs, particularly during times of stress or conflict. EFFT supports families in creating more supportive, responsive, and emotionally safe relationships within the family system.

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Typical areas where EFT may complement therapy include:

• Difficulties with emotional regulation or emotional awareness

• Trauma-related nervous system dysregulation, including hyperarousal or shutdown

• Sleep disturbances associated with heightened physiological or emotional activation

• Chronic muscle tension, restlessness, or persistent stress responses

• Challenges with attention, focus, or cognitive clarity under stress

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EFT can be integrated alongside other trauma-informed or somatic approaches to support stabilisation and emotional processing.

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What to Expect

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EFT sessions are guided by a clear therapeutic structure while remaining responsive to each client’s capacity and needs. Early work focuses on establishing safety, building therapeutic alliance, and increasing awareness of emotional and physiological responses. Therapy is paced to avoid overwhelm, with careful attention to signs of nervous system activation.

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As therapy progresses, clients are supported in accessing and processing emotional experiences in a regulated way, strengthening their ability to tolerate emotion and respond with greater flexibility. Over time, EFT aims to support increased emotional stability, self-trust, and more secure ways of relating to self and others.