Emotionally-Focused Therapy
at Streams of Life Therapy
A Pathway to Deeper Connection and Emotional Healing
“The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in love relationships is to share them.”
Understanding EFT
Emotions shape the way we connect with ourselves and others. When relationships feel strained or we struggle with emotional challenges, it’s often because we’re caught in cycles of disconnection, miscommunication, or unresolved pain.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a highly effective, research-backed approach that helps individuals and couples understand their emotional patterns, break free from negative cycles, and build stronger, healthier relationships.
At Streams of Life Therapy, we integrate EFT into our work because we believe in its ability to foster deep emotional healing, helping people create more secure, meaningful connections.
“Emotions are seen as crucial in motivating behavior. People generally do what they feel like doing rather than what reason or logic dictates.”
What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
A Research-Based Approach to Lasting Change
EFT was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg as a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people identify, understand, and reshape their emotional experiences.
EFT is grounded in attachment theory, which recognizes that human beings are wired for connection. Just as children seek safety and comfort from caregivers, adults seek security in their emotional bonds with partners, family members, and close relationships.
Instead of just focusing on surface-level communication strategies, EFT gets to the root of emotional distress by helping individuals and couples express their underlying needs in a way that fosters connection rather than conflict.
“Emotion becomes the music of their interactional dance.”
How EFT Helps Individuals and Couples
Breaking Negative Cycles &
Building Stronger Bonds
EFT has been scientifically validated across different settings and has shown effectiveness for individuals, couples, and even families. It is particularly helpful for those struggling with:
Recurring arguments and miscommunication
Emotional disconnection in relationships
Anxiety, depression, and self-esteem challenges
Attachment wounds and past trauma
Healing from infidelity or trust issues
Navigating life transitions together
The EFT Process in Therapy
EFT works in three key stages:
De-escalation: Recognizing harmful interaction patterns and learning to understand underlying emotions rather than reacting defensively.
Restructuring Bonds: Creating emotional safety by reshaping conversations to express deeper needs in a way that fosters connection.
Integration & Lasting Change: Strengthening new patterns and reinforcing emotional security for long-term relationship health.
EFT helps individuals and couples understand and regulate emotions so they can respond intentionally rather than react impulsively.
Why Choose EFT?
What makes EFT different from other therapeutic approaches is its focus on emotions as the foundation for change. Instead of simply working on communication skills, EFT works at the root of the emotional experience, creating deeper and more lasting change.
Science-Backed & Proven: EFT has been shown to be highly effective, with research indicating that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and 90% show significant improvements.
Emotion-Focused & Attachment-Based: EFT helps clients understand their emotional needs and express them in a way that fosters connection rather than conflict.
Versatile & Inclusive: EFT is used effectively in individual therapy, couples therapy, and even family therapy, offering a compassionate, adaptable approach for different relationship dynamics.
“[EFT is] A map to the way people can understand and shape their most precious connections.”
How WE INTEGRATE EFT
At Streams of Life Therapy, EFT forms the foundation of our work. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples therapy, or clinical supervision, we incorporate EFT principles to create a secure, client-centered environment for healing and personal transformation.
Our therapists are trained in EFT and provide:
Compassionate, attachment-based care tailored to your needs
A safe, non-judgmental space to explore emotions and patterns
Practical tools and strategies to help you navigate relationships and personal challenges
A Journey Toward Healing and Connection
Emotions shape our lives, relationships, and sense of self. With EFT, you don’t just learn how to "fix" problems—you learn how to connect in a way that transforms relationships from the inside out.
At Streams of Life Therapy, we are passionate about helping individuals and couples experience deeper emotional security, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re looking for support in your personal life or in your relationships, we’re here to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions About EFT
Is EFT only for couples?
No! While EFT is best known for its effectiveness in couples therapy, it is also highly effective in individual therapy and family therapy. It helps people process emotions, heal from past experiences, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
How long does EFT take?
The timeline for EFT can vary depending on the complexity of emotional distress, patterns, and personal goals. However, research has shown that the majority of individuals and/or couples begin to notice change within 8-20 sessions.
What makes EFT different from traditional therapy?
Unlike therapies that focus primarily on thoughts and behaviors, EFT works directly with emotions and attachment needs, helping individuals and couples shift their emotional responses in a way that leads to lasting change.
Does EFT work for high-conflict relationships?
Yes! EFT is designed to help couples de-escalate conflict and rebuild trust. It is especially effective for partners who feel stuck in recurring arguments or emotional disconnection.
“Therapy isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about becoming who you really are.”