What is EFT?
EFT is a systemic and structured approach to couple therapy formulated in the 1980’s by Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. Grounded in attachment theory, this approach recognizes the primacy of emotion in organizing both inner experience and key interactional patterns in primary attachment relationships. Emotion is seen as a powerful agent of change in the therapy, not just as a manifestation of relationship distress. By expanding clients’ emotional experience around core attachment needs and structuring change events to shift the cycle of negative interactions, EFT therapists work to help partners create a more secure bond in their relationship.
Over the last twenty years, a substantial body of research validating the effectiveness of EFT has been developed. Studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and approximately 90% show significant improvement. EFT is an empirically supported treatment which is now being taught in university training programs and treatment centers.
EFT is effective with many different kinds of couples as well as families and individuals, and with a variety of cultural groups. The attachment frame of EFT provides a healing approach to partners in relationships as well as families and individuals suffering from depression, posttraumatic stress, and chronic illness.
Strengths of Emotionally Focused Therapy
- EFT is based on a clear understanding of marital distress and adult love. It is supported by Attachment Theory and empirical research.
- EFT is collaborative and respectful of clients. Alliance is key because it creates a safety that is healing in itself, is egalitarian, and non-pathologizing.
- Change strategies and interventions are specific and address recurring patterns of negative interaction as well as the underlying emotions that drive these patterns.
Goals of Emotionally Focused Therapy
- To move from relational distress to a more secure bond between partners.
- To expand and re-organize key emotional responses—the music of the attachment dance.
- To facilitate a shift in partners’ interactional positions so that they can move toward increased accessibility, responsiveness, and safe engagement with each other.
Become an OCCEFT Member
- Network with local EFT therapists
- Learn and practice EFT skills in monthly meetings
- Find out about local supervision, externships, and core skills trainings
- Watch EFT training videos and discuss the latest research in the field
- Get involved in EFT activities and events in Orange County
- Work toward becoming a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist
How to Become A Member of OCCEFT
If you would like to become a member of OCCEFT (which includes your listing on our “Find A Therapist” page), you must complete an Externship and be a current member of ICEEFT. For more information on joining the International organization, go to their website at www.ICEEFT.com. If you have satisfied these requirements, please join our enthusiastic Orange County Community for EFT now!
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Supervision in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Tinaz Vevaina, LMFT, is running an EFT Supervision Group in Newport Beach, on the second and fourth Friday of each month. This is a small group (max. 6 therapists), and is a closed group to allow for more confidentiality and support while learning to hone EFT skills and work on Self of Therapist issues. Therapists will present cases and video clips, followed by discussion and role plays.
WHERE: 4000 Birch Street, Suite 203, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
WHEN: The 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, from 2 to 4 pm.
COST: $100 per month ($50 per session) payable monthly.
ABOUT TINAZ:
Tinaz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is Co-
Founder and Clinical Director at Diamond Family Counseling. She is a Certified EFT Therapist, and currently an EFT Supervisor-Candidate under Lisa Palmer Olsen and Rebecca Jorgensen. For more information, please go to: www.Diamondcounseling.com.
Call or text Tinaz at 949-466-5176
Email: Tinaz@diamondcounseling.com