Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Identifying patterns, processing emotions and strengthening communication.
What is EFT?
Emotion-focused therapy (or EFT) is an evidence-based approach to couples counselling. It aims to improve the emotional bond between couples through an attachment-informed lens. By helping couples to identify negative patterns in their relationship, EFT helps them build more compassion and better communication in their relationship.
This form of therapy can also be used to help individuals and families.
Conditions EFT Can Help With
EFT has proved to be an effective form of therapy for people dealing with the following conditions:
Techniques Used in EFT
EFT uses a variety of techniques that can help partners develop healthy emotional expression and better understanding in a relationship.
These techniques include:
De-escalation
Crowded emotions can overwhelm us and make us react in destructive ways. This can lead to unhealthy conflict patterns in relationships.
De-escalation helps couples to explore negative communication patterns that lead to conflict. Both partners are asked to reflect on any negative emotions, including fears and other attachment-related insecurities that might be influencing their reactions towards each other. They are then asked to reframe this negativity to consider any unmet needs they have. This also increases self-awareness.
Restructuring
Restructuring teaches couples to be vulnerable. Partners are encouraged to express internally held fears, desires, and insecurities with each other. This creates room for understanding, connection, and stronger emotional intimacy.
By helping partners to be curious about each other, EFT fosters a greater level of empathy and security in relationships. Not only do people learn to healthily express their own needs, but they also learn ways to make space for their partner’s emotions.
Consolidation
In this stage, the counsellor helps couples come up with new communication strategies in place of older destructive ones. This way, couples can approach conflict in a healthier manner and develop better problem-solving abilities.
If your relationship is in need of communication that is safe, vulnerable, and helps you feel understood, then EFT can help you and your partner.
Reach Out To Us
Located in the beautiful Orchard Treatment & Wellness Center at 4012 Perth Rd #107, Shakespeare Ontario, we are local to Stratford, Tavistock, New Hamburg, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our clinicians also offer remote therapy across Ontario so that you can access the support you need - no matter where you are!
To get started you can fill out a contact form, call (226) 215-4244, or book an appointment online with one of our counsellors by clicking below.
We’re looking forward to supporting you!