Emotionally Focused Therapy

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?

Emotionally Focused Therapy, or EFT, is a type of counselling that helps people strengthen their emotional bonds and improve the way they connect with others.

EFT is especially effective for couples, but it can also help individuals and families who want to build healthier, more secure relationships. The focus is on understanding emotional needs, repairing patterns of disconnection, and creating a stronger sense of safety and trust.

How EFT Works

EFT is based on the idea that healthy emotional connection is a basic human need. When we feel disconnected, misunderstood, or unsafe in a relationship, it can lead to conflict, distance, or emotional withdrawal.

In EFT, you’ll work with your therapist to:

  1. Identify negative patterns that cause conflict or distance

  2. Understand the emotions and needs underneath those patterns

  3. Create new, more supportive ways of interacting

  4. Strengthen feelings of trust, closeness, and emotional safety

What EFT Can Help With

EFT is proven to help with:

  • Couples wanting to improve communication and intimacy

  • Families dealing with conflict or emotional distance

  • Healing after betrayal or breaches of trust

  • Managing recurring arguments

  • Reducing relationship-related stress, anxiety, or depression

  • Rebuilding connection after major life changes or trauma

What to Expect in an EFT Session

EFT is a gentle, structured approach. During sessions, you can expect your therapist to:

  • Help you slow down and explore emotions in the moment

  • Guide you in expressing needs and feelings safely

  • Support both (or all) people in truly hearing and understanding each other

  • Focus on building emotional safety, not placing blame

Most EFT work is short to medium term — many couples and families notice significant improvement in just a few months.

Why Patients Like EFT

  • It’s connection-focused — the goal is a stronger, healthier relationship

  • It’s gentle but deep — you work through emotions safely and respectfully

  • It’s proven — EFT has one of the highest success rates of any couples therapy approach

  • It’s transformational — many people experience lasting improvements in closeness and trust

If you’re curious about how EFT could help you or your relationship, click here to meet our counsellors who specialize in this approach and learn how to book your first session.