Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured and empirically validated approach to individual, couples and family therapy. It is based on clear, explicit conceptualizations of emotional distress, and is collaborative and respectful of the client’s own experience of emotion.
EFT helps clients develop their emotional intelligence so that they can deal with their problems and live in better harmony with themselves and others. Emotions are adaptive but can become problematic due to past trauma or because people are taught to ignore or dismiss their emotions. Emotions tell us what is important in a situation and guide us to what we need or want or to figure out what actions are appropriate.
Clients are encouraged to experience their emotions within the safety of the therapy session so they can discover for themselves the value of greater awareness, more flexible management of and more productive use of emotions.
