EFT Couples Therapy in Edmonton
Learn AboutEmotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
What is EFT?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured, short-term approach to couples therapy developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. Grounded in attachment theory and supported by decades of research, EFT helps couples recognize and reshape the emotional patterns that underlie conflict, distance, or disconnection in their relationship.
Rather than focusing solely on communication skills or behavior change, EFT helps partners identify unmet emotional needs, heal attachment injuries, and build stronger emotional bonds. The therapy is based on the idea that secure emotional connection is the foundation of a healthy, thriving partnership.
EFT is effective for couples facing frequent arguments, emotional distance, infidelity, trauma recovery, or feelings of being stuck and disconnected.
How Does EFT Work?
EFT follows a clear, three-stage process to help couples move from disconnection and distress toward emotional safety and lasting connection.
The 3 Stages of EFT:
De-escalation: Couples begin by identifying the negative cycle they’re caught in (such as pursue-withdraw or criticize-defend). This cycle is seen as the real problem — not either partner. You’ll learn to slow down and recognize what’s happening beneath the surface of your arguments.
Restructuring interactions: In this stage, partners learn to express deeper, more vulnerable emotions (like fear of rejection or need for closeness) instead of reacting with anger, criticism, or withdrawal. These emotionally honest conversations help reshape the bond and create new patterns of connection.
Consolidation and integration: Couples build on their new emotional experiences and develop tools to maintain closeness, navigate future conflicts, and support each other’s growth.
EFT helps each partner feel seen, safe, and supported — creating a space where true intimacy can flourish.
What Are the Benefits of EFT?
Emotionally Focused Therapy isn’t about changing who you are or “fixing” your partner — it’s about creating a space where each person’s emotions and needs are understood and responded to with care.
Key benefits of EFT include:
Improved emotional connection: Reconnect with your partner on a deep emotional level, not just at the surface.
Greater relationship satisfaction: Couples report higher levels of trust, affection, and intimacy after EFT.
Conflict resolution through connection: Arguments become less about who’s right and more about being heard and understood.
Healing from past relationship injuries: EFT provides a path to rebuild trust after betrayals, loss, or periods of disconnection.
Increased emotional safety: Feel more secure in your relationship, knowing that your partner is emotionally available and responsive.
Sustainable change: EFT creates lasting transformation by changing the emotional bond, not just behaviours.
What Can I Expect in EFT?
EFT typically involves weekly or bi-weekly sessions with a licensed therapist trained in the model. Most couples begin to experience meaningful shifts in the first few sessions.
Here’s what the process might look like:
Assessment and exploration: Your therapist will meet with you both to understand your relationship story and identify the negative cycle keeping you stuck.
Emotion-focused sessions: You’ll learn to tune into your deeper emotional needs and fears, and communicate them in ways your partner can hear.
Pattern breaking: Your therapist will guide you through new types of emotional conversations that build connection rather than conflict.
Reinforcement: Over time, these new patterns become more natural — helping you approach challenges as a team, not opponents.
EFT can be helpful whether you’re facing a major crisis or simply want to feel closer and more secure in your relationship.
Our Approach
we use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help couples of all backgrounds, orientations, and stages of life build strong, lasting emotional bonds.
Our approach is:
Emotionally attuned: We create a safe, supportive space where both partners can be open and vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Attachment-focused: We see relationship struggles as a response to emotional needs — not as personal failures.
Trauma-informed: If past hurt, betrayal, or trauma is affecting your connection, we move gently and respectfully toward healing.
Inclusive and affirming: We work with couples of all genders, sexualities, cultural backgrounds, and relationship types.
EFT doesn’t just help you stop fighting — it helps you feel seen, heard, and loved in a way that transforms your relationship from the inside out.
