Emotion Focused Therapy

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based, psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on targeting how we deal with and manage our emotions to facilitate healing. It centers on the belief that emotions are an intrinsic, adaptive system that helps us to survive and thrive. Our emotions are strongly linked to our sense of self and identity, and paying heed to them helps guide us in our everyday choices and attitudes. The lack of emotional awareness is seen as detrimental which can result in negative behavioural and interpersonal consequences. 

In EFT, the focus is on helping clients better understand and manage their emotional responses through greater emotional awareness, regulation and transformation. As such, clients would be able to make better use of this information when responding to a variety of situations to achieve better outcomes. EFT achieves this by helping you:

• Identify and gain greater awareness of your emotions and emotional experiences
• Accept your emotions freely and regulate them so they don’t become overwhelming
• Better understand why you may respond or feel a certain way in different situations
• Build coping strategies in the face of situations which elicit maladaptive emotions

To achieve the most optimal results from EFT, your therapist will take on a collaborative role as a guide. The person undergoing therapy is in the best position to understand and interpret their emotional experiences, and each session would move at their own pace. Your therapist will take on a compassionate, reflective and non-judgemental approach when listening or asking questions. EFT empowers the individual and promotes self-discovery to bring about change at the personal and interpersonal levels. 

EFT can be used to address mood disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety), eating disorders, personality disorders, childhood abuse or neglect and interpersonal issues.