Couples Counseling

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a highly structured, evidence-based approach to relationship counseling developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. Grounded in the science of adult attachment, EFT views relationship distress not as a sign of incompatibility, but as a threat to the emotional safety and connection between partners.

EFT helps couples move away from repetitive, painful arguments and guide them toward creating a secure, lasting emotional bond. Sessions are active, collaborative, and supportive.

Sessions progress through three structured stages to transform your relationship:

1. De-escalation (Identifying the Cycle): We work together to identify the negative cycle that causes conflict. Partners learn to recognize the underlying triggers and emotional needs driving their behaviors.
2. Restructuring the Bond (Creating New Connections): Partners learn to access and share their deeper, more vulnerable emotions (such as fear of rejection, loneliness, or inadequacy) rather than expressing secondary emotions like anger or withdrawal. This vulnerability allows partners to respond to each other with empathy, comfort, and accessibility.
3. Consolidation (Solidifying the Change): We integrate these new, positive patterns of connection into daily life, helping you resolve old conflicts from a place of security and establish a resilient foundation for the future.

What to Expect in Sessions

EFT sessions are collaborative, active, and supportive.

• No Referees: The therapist does not take sides or judge who is “right” or “wrong.”
• In-the-Moment Processing: While we look at the history of your relationship, the primary focus is on the emotional dynamics happening in the room during the session.
• Guided Conversations: You will be supported in speaking directly to one another, practicing new ways of expressing your needs and responding to your partner’s vulnerability in real-time.

Is EFT Right for Your Relationship?

If you feel stuck in the same argument, emotionally distant, or are recovering from a breach of trust (such as an infidelity), EFT offers a clear, compassionate pathway back to connection.

Click here to schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation.