ABOUT EFT
WHAT IS EFT?
EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the 1980’s and has developed alongside the science on adult attachment and bonding to expand our understanding about what is happening in couple relationships and to guide therapists. In the last fifteen years, Dr. Johnson and her colleagues have further developed and refined the model and completed numerous studies. EFT is also used with families and individuals. A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists. Research studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements. Find more information regarding EFT research here.
OUR STANCE ON DIVERSITY
We aim to cultivate a climate of inclusion, an environment where all can feel safe, valued, cared for, and given an opportunity to form meaningful connections with each other. In all facets of our work we strive to embody what we hope to see in the world — a just, loving humanity and community in which people are free to be themselves fully — where people can embrace their most basic universal human attachment needs without fear of persecution or marginalization as a result of religion, race, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, class, mental health, physical character or disability. These values are inherent in the attachment science and humanistic approach to intervention that all our work is based on.
Specifically, humanistic approaches such as EFT are collaborative and respectful. We create a safe place for people and treat them as persons not problems or types. Our approach is non-pathologizing in practice.
Our values are inclusive and egalitarian while viewing human connection as sacred — something to be honoured and cultivated.
Our scientific and theoretical base outlines key universals, emotion and attachment, while respecting individual differences.
STRENGTHS OF EFT
EFT is based on clear, explicit conceptualizations of couple distress and adult love. These conceptualizations are supported by empirical research on the nature of couple distress and adult attachment.
EFT is collaborative and respectful of clients combining experiential Rogerian techniques with structural systemic interventions.
Change strategies and interventions are specified.
Key moves and moments in the change process have been mapped into nine steps and three change events.
EFT has been validated by over 20 years of empirical research. There is also research on the change processes and predictors of success.
EFT has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.
To expand and re-organize key emotional responses – the music of the attachment dance.
To create a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiate new cycles of interaction.
To foster the creation of a secure bond between partners.