What is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)?
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps couples reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional intimacy. Whether you’re facing ongoing arguments, feelings of disconnection, or withdrawal, EFCT offers a path toward lasting change and deeper connection.
The Gold Standard in Couples Therapy
EFCT is recognized as one of the most effective methods for helping couples create meaningful and lasting changes in how they relate to themselves and each other. Rooted in the science of attachment and human connection, EFCT helps couples address the deeper needs and fears that drive conflict and distance in their relationships.
How Does EFCT Work?
At its core, EFCT focuses on understanding and transforming the negative cycles of interaction that keep couples stuck. These patterns often arise from unmet emotional needs, such as feeling unimportant, unseen, or afraid of rejection.
Here’s a closer look at the three stages of the EFCT process:
1. Identifying the Negative Cycle
We explore the repetitive patterns in your interactions, such as arguments or withdrawal.
Together, we identify how these cycles create disconnection.
Instead of assigning blame, we focus on understanding the cycle as the problem, not you or your partner.
2. Accessing Deeper Emotions
Beneath surface-level emotions like anger or frustration, there are often more vulnerable feelings such as fear or sadness.
We work to uncover these deeper emotions and create a space where they can be safely expressed.
This process helps both partners understand and respond to each other’s emotional needs with empathy and care.
3. Creating a Secure Bond
In the final stage, we reshape how you interact with each other, moving toward patterns of communication that build trust, intimacy, and safety.
You’ll learn tools to navigate conflict effectively and maintain a stronger emotional connection over time.
What to Expect from EFCT Sessions
Session 1: Joint Session (90–120 minutes)
We begin with a joint session to understand your unique relationship dynamics.
We’ll explore both the challenges and strengths in your relationship.
This session sets the foundation for our work together, ensuring both partners feel heard and supported.
Sessions 2 & 3: Individual Sessions
These sessions allow me to understand each partner’s personal history and emotional experiences.
We’ll explore how your individual backgrounds and experiences influence your relationship dynamics.
This helps create a compassionate understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Sessions 4 and Beyond: Breaking the Cycle
We focus on identifying and interrupting negative interaction cycles.
You’ll practice expressing deeper emotions and needs in a way that fosters connection.
Over time, we build healthier patterns of communication that create a secure and loving bond.
Why Choose EFCT?
EFCT is not just about solving problems; it’s about transforming your relationship into a safe haven of emotional closeness and security. Research shows that couples who engage in EFCT experience long-term improvements in their relationships, making it one of the most effective methods for creating lasting change.
A New Dance for Your Relationship
Think of your relationship as a dance—one where conflict and disconnection can create a frustrating rhythm. EFCT helps you rewrite that dance, creating a new pattern of trust, understanding, and intimacy.
Ready to Reconnect?
Take the first step toward transforming your relationship.
Contact us today to schedule your first session.
Join our Hold Me Tight workshop to deepen your connection in a supportive group setting.