I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). EFT is a short-term, structured approach to repairing a distressed relationship.
This attachment-based, experiential, humanistic and systemic model offers a comprehensive theory of adult love, as well as a structured therapeutic “road map” not only to conflict reduction, but also the healing of damaged attachment bonds. EFT provides a clear roadmap intending to create a safe emotional connection between partners which lasts.
The model recognises that relationship distress results from an actual, or perceived threat to the basic adult need for safety, security and closeness in intimate relationships. Couples in conflict tend to lose themselves in reactive emotions or withdraw into non-responsiveness and shutting down. Both behaviours become part of a negative cycle that leaves the partners hurt, alone and disconnected.
Using the power of emotion as a target and agent of change, EFT focuses on helping partners restructure the emotional responses that maintain habitual negative interactional patterns. Once vulnerable feelings are owned and shared by each partner, trust and meaningful connection can be re-established safely through the ‘corrective emotional experience’ that occurs during the session.
A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists, with research studies finding that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and around 90% show significant improvement.
If you are interested in couples counselling and relationship therapy, please do not hesitate to call me.
