Dr. Sue Johnson (1947–2024) was a clinical psychologist, teacher, researcher, author, and the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).  Over a celebrated career spanning several decades, she brought attachment theory to the heart of psychotherapy, transforming how clinicians understand love, conflict, and emotional connection in couples, families, and individuals.

Sue Johnson developed EFT with Dr. Les Greenberg in the mid-1980s as a method for helping couples and families resolve relational distress. The approach grew into one of the most evidence-based and widely practiced models in the field, later extended to individual therapy (through Emotionally Focussed Individual Therapy; EFIT) and family therapy (through Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy; EFFT).  She founded the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), and held positions as Distinguished Research Professor at Alliant University, San Diego, and Professor Emeritus at the University of Ottawa.

Her books remain essential reading for clinicians and general readers alike, among them Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection, Attachment Theory in Practice: EFT with Individuals, Couples and Families, and A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, as well as her fiction book, Edgar & Elouise, published in 2022.  In 2016, she was named Family Psychologist of the Year by Division 43 of the American Psychological Association, and was also appointed a Member of the Order of Canada by her adopted home country.