What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)? 

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of emotions and attachment in shaping human relationships. Developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg, EFT is rooted in the science of adult attachment—a developmental theory that helps us understand how people form bonds and navigate love, connection, and relationships. 

EFT recognizes that human beings are inherently social and thrive on meaningful, secure relationships. The therapy process helps individuals and couples better understand their emotions, improve emotional regulation, and deepen connection with loved ones. 

EFT is widely regarded as one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for couples, but it is also successfully applied to individual therapy (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy – EFIT) and family therapy (Emotionally Focused Family Therapy – EFFT). This flexibility makes EFT an invaluable tool for addressing a range of emotional and relational challenges. 

Contact Us

Why Choose a Therapist Who Uses Emotionally Focused Therapy in Los Angeles? 

  • Evidence-Based and Proven

    Backed by over 30 years of empirical research, EFT is one of the most effective therapeutic models for addressing relationship distress. Studies show that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery, and 90% report significant improvement. 

    Learn More

  • Attachment-Focused

    EFT helps clients tap into the deep emotional needs that drive their behaviors and interactions. By addressing attachment fears and insecurities, it helps build stronger, healthier bonds. 

    Learn More

  • Collaborative and Respectful

    EFT therapists prioritize working alongside clients, creating a safe and nonjudgmental space. The process is client-centered, empowering individuals and couples to explore and resolve issues at their own pace. 

    Learn More

  • Applicable Across Contexts

    EFT has been successfully applied to various relational and emotional challenges, including: 

    • Couples experiencing conflict, infidelity, or disconnection. 

    • Families seeking to repair broken bonds or navigate transitions. 

    • Individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma. 

    Learn More
Book a session today

The Science Behind Emotionally Focused Therapy in Los Angeles 

EFT is grounded in decades of research into adult attachment, and the role emotions play in shaping our sense of security and connection. Some of the key principles include: 

  • Attachment Theory: Humans are biologically wired for emotional connection. Secure attachment fosters trust, emotional regulation, and resilience. 

  • Emotion as the Core: Emotions are the driving force behind our behaviors, thoughts, and relational patterns. EFT helps individuals and couples identify, process, and share their emotions in ways that strengthen connection. 

  • Interactive Patterns: EFT identifies negative cycles or interaction patterns in relationships, helping couples or family members disrupt unhealthy dynamics and create new, supportive ones. 

Contact Us

What Makes EFT Unique? 

EFT focuses on building secure and loving relationships by addressing emotional and interactional challenges. The therapy process typically involves three main stages: 

Focus on the Root Cause

While other therapies may focus on surface-level symptoms, EFT goes deeper to address the emotional and relational patterns at the core of distress.

Emphasis on Emotion

EFT teaches clients how to identify, process, and share their emotions in ways that strengthen connection.

Systemic and Individual

EFT is grounded in the understanding that relationships are systems. Change in one part of the system influences and strengthens the whole, whether in a couple, family, or individual setting. 

Call Us Today: (562) 353-5335

How Does EFT Work? 

EFT focuses on building secure and loving relationships by addressing emotional and interactional challenges. The therapy process typically involves three main stages: 

De-escalation 

  • Identifying negative patterns of interaction (e.g., blame, withdrawal) that create disconnection. 

  • Recognizing unmet emotional needs driving these patterns. 

  • Reducing conflict and creating space for understanding. 

Restructuring Bonds 

  • Exploring underlying emotions and fears. 

  • Helping partners or family members express vulnerabilities in a safe and supportive environment. 

  • Fostering emotional connection and empathy. 

Consolidation 

  • Reinforcing new patterns of interaction. 

  • Strengthening the emotional bond and deepening trust. 

  • Equipping clients with tools to maintain connection and navigate future challenges. 

What Can EFT Help With? 

EFT is a versatile approach that addresses a range of challenges, including: 

Couples Therapy: 

  • Emotional disconnection 

  • Trust and betrayal 

  • Communication challenges 

  • Physical intimacy and sexual difficulties 

Individual Therapy (EFIT): 

  • Anxiety and depression 

  • Post-traumatic stress 

  • Emotional regulation difficulties 

Family Therapy (EFFT): 

  • Parent-child conflicts 

  • Family transitions 

  • Healing after estrangement or loss 

Your Journey with EFT 

Embarking on an EFT journey means investing in your emotional well-being and relationships. Whether you're: Seeking to heal from past wounds, Rebuilding trust after betrayal, or Simply looking to deepen your connection with a partner or family member, EFT provides a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap to transformation. Let’s work together to foster stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a session. 

Testimonials

  • Liz is the best couples therapist in Long Beach (actually in the whole world). With great compassion and understanding, Liz helped us become whole again. She gave us many exercises and activities to try along the way which were fun and exciting. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and very easy to talk to. We love Liz so much and highly, HIGHLY recommend her.

    Melia

  • If you're looking for someone who is empathetic, easy to open up to, has a true love for helping others, respectful and non-judgemental...then Liz is it. Anyone who is able to meet Liz can vouch the same!”

    Jean

  • All I have to say is THANK YOU to my couples therapist Liz. She has been the best couples therapist in Los Angeles that we have used. She is always open, helps us both understand each other's thought processes and helps guides us through everyday situations. Now my husband and I can communicate better in a healthy way. Couples Healing Center Los Angeles is the only place that I refer people to.

    Jess

  • Liz is absolutely amazing!! She helped us in every way, we’ve gotten back together and haven’t looked back!

    Jared

  • Liz has a calm spirit that immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease. She creates a safe space for her clients to openly share without feeling judged. She is supportive, knowledgeable and empathetic while offering great insight and providing the tools you need to have a successful relationship with yourself and/ or with your partner. I highly recommend Liz. She is amazing, professional and dedicated.

    Julie

  • Liz is one of the nicest people I know. She's very accommodating, and she knows what she is doing. If you're dealing with some issues with yourself or your partner, I highly recommend you to talk to her. She is one of the few therapists that shows deep care about their client's well-being. 1

    Ken

  • My spouse and I learned very valuable tips with Liz as our therapist. She was able to help us see things from each others perspective and also helped us with self reflection. I learned things about my attachment style that never would have made sense to me before.

    Toni

Still have a question?

Contact us! We’ll happy to help.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can help couples and individuals navigate a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Common concerns include communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, trust issues, infidelity recovery, attachment wounds, anxiety, depression, trauma, and family relationship struggles. EFT helps uncover the deeper emotions and unmet needs that often drive these difficulties, creating opportunities for healing, understanding, and stronger connection.
EFT is one of the most researched and effective approaches to relationship therapy. Studies have found that many couples experience significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, emotional closeness, and communication. Because EFT focuses on strengthening emotional bonds and creating lasting changes in interaction patterns, many clients continue to benefit from the skills and insights they gain long after therapy has ended.
During an EFT session, you and your therapist will explore the emotional experiences that shape your interactions and relationships. Together, you'll identify recurring patterns, understand the emotions beneath conflict, and learn how to express needs in a more open and constructive way. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and designed to help create greater emotional safety, understanding, and connection.
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, circumstances, and the complexity of the challenges you're facing. Some clients begin noticing meaningful shifts within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work to address deeper relationship patterns or past emotional wounds. During the initial sessions, we'll discuss your goals and create a plan that supports the pace and depth of work that feels right for you.
EFT may be a good fit if you're experiencing recurring conflict, emotional distance, difficulty communicating, trust concerns, or challenges expressing your feelings and needs. It can also be helpful for individuals seeking greater self-understanding and healthier relationships. Whether you're looking to strengthen an existing connection, repair a relationship after hurt, or better understand your emotional patterns, EFT provides a compassionate and evidence-based path toward growth and healing.

Book a Session Today! 

Ready to explore the transformative power of ketamine assisted couples therapy? Contact us today to schedule your consultation or book your first session! 

Contact Us