Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based approach for helping individuals and couples build stronger, more secure emotional connections.

EFT is particularly well-suited for:

• Couples struggling with emotional distance, conflict, or recurring disconnection

• Individuals navigating attachment wounds, relationship anxiety, or emotional avoidance

• Those who long for deeper intimacy, but find it hard to feel safe or seen with others

Core elements of EFT include:

• Identifying and interrupting negative relational cycles (like pursue–withdraw or blame–defend patterns)

• Accessing and expressing core emotions in a safe, structured way

• Increasing emotional accessibility and responsiveness between partners or within the self

• Strengthening secure attachment bonds and relational resilience

• Facilitating repair, reconnection, and lasting emotional intimacy

More About Emotionally Focused Therapy:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported, attachment‑based approach that seeks to transform negative interaction cycles by creating new, secure emotional bonds between partners. Grounded in adult attachment theory, EFT conceptualizes relationship distress as the product of unmet attachment needs, including fear of abandonment, loneliness, and insecurity, that trigger defensive responses such as criticism or withdrawal. Through a structured sequence of de‑escalation, restructuring, and consolidation stages, the therapist first helps partners recognize and label their secondary emotions (anger, frustration) as defenses against deeper vulnerabilities. Next, each partner is guided to access and express primary attachment emotions (sadness, fear) and unmet needs, while the other learns to respond with validation and support. Finally, these new patterns are rehearsed and reinforced to solidify secure attachment experiences.

Randomized trials demonstrate large, durable improvements in relationship satisfaction and attachment security, with gains maintained at least two years post‑treatment, underscoring EFT’s robust effectiveness across diverse couple populations.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a research-backed modality used by Dr. Lauren Helm at Rise Psychology to help couples and individuals strengthen emotional bonds, improve attachment security, and create lasting relational change through greater vulnerability and connection.