EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) is a structured, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy designed to improve emotional connection and relationship dynamics. Rooted in attachment theory, EFT helps individuals, couples, and families recognize and reshape emotional patterns that contribute to conflict, disconnection, or distress. Rather than just managing symptoms, Emotionally Focused Therapy focuses on healing the emotional roots of pain and strengthening secure bonds.
The Origins of EFT
Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT was originally designed to help couples who were struggling to communicate, feeling emotionally distant, or caught in cycles of conflict. Over time, the approach has been adapted for individuals (EFIT) and families (EFFT), and is now widely recognized as one of the most effective forms of therapy for relationship and emotional issues.
Who Can Benefit From EFT?
EFT is suitable for a broad range of people and situations, including:
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Couples dealing with conflict, disconnection, or loss of intimacy
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Individuals struggling with emotional isolation, trauma, or low self-worth
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Families navigating life transitions, ruptured trust, or communication challenges
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Anyone seeking to strengthen emotional connection—whether with a partner, family member, or themselves
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, recovering from a breakup, or working on personal growth, Emotionally Focused Therapy can help you reconnect with your emotional needs and build more meaningful bonds.
Core Principles of EFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy is guided by several key principles that make it both effective and compassionate:
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Attachment-Focused: Recognizes emotional bonds as central to well-being and security
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Emotionally Engaging: Encourages the safe expression and exploration of deep emotions
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Client-Centered: Tailored to each individual or couple’s unique emotional experiences
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Short-Term & Structured: Most people see meaningful progress within 8 to 20 sessions
Why Choose EFT at Linanna Therapy?
The power of Emotionally Focused Therapy lies in its ability to go beyond surface-level issues and reach the heart of emotional distress. Some of the benefits include:
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Rebuilding trust and closeness in relationships
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Improving emotional communication and understanding
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Healing past emotional wounds or attachment trauma
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Strengthening self-esteem and personal clarity
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Reducing anxiety, conflict, and emotional disconnection
By addressing the emotional undercurrents that often go unspoken, EFT creates a space for genuine healing and connection to take root.
EFT for Individuals and Couples in Coquitlam
While Emotionally Focused Therapy is often associated with couples therapy, it’s equally powerful in individual work. Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) helps individuals explore their internal emotional processes—often shaped by early attachment experiences—and transform how they relate to themselves and others, both emotionally and behaviorally.
EFT for couples, on the other hand, focuses on strengthening emotional bonds, improving communication, and creating secure attachment between partners. It helps couples move from cycles of conflict, disconnection, or emotional distress toward deeper connection, empathy, and understanding.
Whether you’re seeking therapy as an individual or with your partner, EFT is especially valuable for those who want to:
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Overcome emotional blocks or recurring patterns
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Heal from emotionally unavailable or traumatic pasts
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Build healthier and more secure relationships in the future
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Foster deeper emotional intimacy and trust in close relationships
Start Healing With EFT in Coquitlam
If you’re feeling stuck, emotionally disconnected, or overwhelmed—whether in a relationship or within yourself—Emotionally Focused Therapy offers a proven, compassionate way forward. Through the supportive guidance of a trained EFT therapist, you can move beyond the cycles that keep you feeling distant or unheard and start creating more fulfilling emotional experiences.
Reach out today to a clinical counsellor at Linanna Therapy and take the first step toward lasting emotional clarity, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of self.
We offer in-person sessions in our two locations in Coquitlam and Cloverdale. We also provide services virtually to clients across BC.
