Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is an evidence-based, cutting edge therapy for couples. EFCT has a clear map of getting to the root of how and why couples get disconnected from one-another. It is a deep but results-oriented therapy with a clear map and focus on improving communication while creating secure bonding for couples.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is considered a shorter term therapy. The initial focus is on getting to the bottom of the couples’ ‘Negative Cycle’ that keeps them feeling disconnected and stuck. The ‘Negative Cycle’ is a reinforcing negative pattern driven by reactive emotions and behaviors.

The EFCT work is an experiential, attachment-based therapy where we identify the negative cycle and what brings it on and how each partner is interpreting what is happening in the moment where the cycle emerges. We understand what reactive emotions drive the cycle and why. We look underneath those reactive emotions to discover more vulnerable, adaptive, connective emotions that drive the nervous system to become reactive in 0-60 speed.

The therapist is very hands-on, guiding and coaching the couple to get in touch with what vulnerable (more connective) feelings are hiding behind the reactivity and help each partner to share from that place. This can create a wonderful sense of safety, bonding, and a newfound security for the couple.

We meta-process what has been done, how the negative cycle looks and how it is changing, as well as baking these changes into the nervous system through positive emotional experiences that also self-reinforce. 

We never let you fight or withdraw from one-another in the sessions because we want to do something different than you do at home. As EFCT therapists, we are trained to guide the process gently but firmly so that you are moving towards more connection, understanding, and regulation.

Couples can often feel better at the end of the sessions, closer, and more resolved.