What can an emotionally focused therapist help with?

Emotionally focused therapy is intended to help distressed couples get beyond their dissatisfaction and create a vibrant relationship. It is of value to couples who feel that they have lost their connection with each other, who no longer feel physically or emotionally close, and who typically feel alienated from and angry with their partner. They may even feel that the relationship is irreparable.

Who is a qualified emotionally focused therapist?

An EFT therapist is a licensed mental health professional who has additional training and experience in EFT. Trained EFT therapists receive certification by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Experience is important because EFT therapists need skills to defuse conflicts and to wrestle positive intent out of highly negative relationship behaviours.

How do therapists use emotionally focused therapy?

The primary goal of emotionally focused therapy is to improve couple relationships by rekindling the physical and emotional bond that couples typically crave but that often gets eroded by the accumulation of disappointments over time Under the guidance of a therapist, couples are led to recognise the unmet need for closeness that lies under emotions such as anger or sadness. With the security and comfort that closeness provides, couples can then rebuild a relationship that is satisfying and supportive to both partners.

How do I recognise a good emotionally focused therapist?

A good emotionally focused therapist has special training in EFT and experience working with distressed couples. EFT therapists, like all therapists, are trained to see the perspective of all parties in a relationship. In addition, they are skilled at de-escalating conflict, understanding the positive intent that can underlie even the most negative behaviours, and helping couples reconnect emotionally and physically. As with all forms of therapy, it is important to find an EFT therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can establish clear communication.