Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based experiential therapy grounded in attachment science. Developed by Sue Johnson, EFT helps clinicians understand how emotional responses and patterns of connection shape distress within individuals, couples, and families. 

The model focuses on identifying and shifting the emotional and relational patterns that maintain suffering, helping clients develop greater emotional safety, responsiveness, and secure connection.

EFT Founder Sue Johnson explains more in this Q&A - Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment-Based Healing

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) is the individual therapy application of EFT. EFIT uses attachment science and experiential interventions to help clients work with emotional pain, attachment injuries, self-criticism, shame, trauma, and difficulties in relationships. 

The approach helps therapists work moment-to-moment with emotional experience while supporting clients to develop a more secure relationship with themselves and others.

Co-Developer of EFIT, Leanne Campbell, elaborates more in Working with Trauma and Attachment Injuries using EFIT. 

Yes. Many clinicians integrate EFT alongside approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and other trauma-focused models. Grounded in attachment science, EFT helps therapists work more effectively with emotional experience, attachment patterns, and relationship dynamics as they emerge in session. Many clinicians find EFT deepens their ability to stay with emotion while supporting clients within a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

These courses are designed for mental health professionals interested in developing skills in attachment-based and experiential therapy. They are suitable for psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, psychiatrists, and other clinicians working with individuals, couples, or families. 

The courses may also be valuable for therapists from other modalities who want to strengthen their ability to work with emotion, attachment patterns, and relational dynamics in session.

This course is an introduction to EFT as an attachment intervention across three modalities. Please see the ICEEFT site – International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy –  for information on formal requirements for ICEEFT certification in EFT.