Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach that has proven effective in both individual and couples therapy. At Keil Psych Group, our couples therapy integrates techniques from both EFT and the Gottman Method, combining powerful insights and tools.

EFT is grounded in the understanding that human emotions are deeply connected to our fundamental needs. Rather than viewing emotions as pathological, EFT honors them as important signals—carrying truths and the potential for growth when properly experienced and understood. When emotions are fully processed, they become the driving force that helps people change difficult states and resolve relationship struggles.

Our EFT therapists are specially trained to guide you in experiencing emotions healthily—helping you accept, tolerate, and symbolize your feelings instead of avoiding them. In therapy, you’ll learn to interpret what your emotions are communicating, identify the underlying needs or concerns they point to, and recognize the natural urges to act that emotions provide. Emotions both inform and motivate the therapeutic journey.

It’s natural to shy away from painful emotions, but EFT encourages you to gently approach them, often by tuning into bodily sensations step by step. This process requires skill and patience. Through EFT, you’ll develop the ability to stay present with your raw feelings without trying to fix, change, or escape them. This may be harder than it sounds—but it is deeply healing. Over time, you will gain tools to regulate emotions effectively within a safe, empathetic, and validating environment. The therapist’s supportive way of attending to your emotional experience gradually teaches you to manage this process on your own outside of sessions.

In couples therapy, EFT’s goal is to foster a more secure attachment between partners. Couples learn to communicate and interact in ways that promote safety, protection, and comfort. Partners gain insight into unhealthy emotional patterns at the heart of their relationship, and understand how their individual histories impact love, security, and communication. Many couples report feeling better able to identify their emotions, express them clearly, and accept their partner’s feelings in return.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach effective for both individual and couples therapy. At Keil Psych Group, we combine EFT with Gottman Method techniques to provide comprehensive support for couples.

Core Principles of EFT:

• Emotions as Signals: Emotions are deeply connected to human needs. Rather than viewing emotions as problems, EFT views them as meaningful signals of our underlying needs and desires.

• Emotional Processing: EFT helps clients experience, explore, and work through emotions fully and safely, which promotes healing and change.

• Attachment Focus: Especially in couples therapy, EFT centers on strengthening emotional bonds by fostering secure attachment between partners.

How EFT Works in Therapy:

1. Emotional Awareness: You learn to recognize and name your emotions and bodily sensations connected to those emotions.

2. Emotional Expression: You develop the ability to express your emotions openly in a safe environment, helping you communicate more effectively.

3. Emotion Regulation: Through therapist guidance, you build skills to tolerate and regulate intense emotions without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.

4. Transforming Emotional Responses: EFT supports shifting from reactive or defensive emotional patterns to more adaptive and authentic ways of relating.

5. Building Secure Attachment: In couples therapy, partners learn to respond to each other’s emotional needs with empathy and support, creating a secure, loving connection.