Reconnecting Through Emotion – Building Safe and Loving Bonds
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is a scientifically proven and widely recognized method for improving and healing couple relationships. Developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is based on the science of adult attachment and bonding, helping partners understand the emotional patterns that shape their relationship.
EFT views love and emotional connection as essential human needs — not luxuries. When couples feel disconnected, it is not because they have “failed,” but because something has disrupted their emotional bond. Through therapy, couples can rebuild trust, safety, and closeness.
What Is Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help couples recognize and transform the negative interaction cycles that create distance and conflict.
Instead of focusing on blame or behavioral control, EFT helps partners identify and express their deeper emotions and needs. By doing so, they begin to experience each other with empathy and understanding, rather than defensiveness or withdrawal.
Research consistently shows that over 70–75% of couples experience significant relationship improvement after EFT, and the majority maintain these positive changes over time.
How EFT Works in Practice
EFT typically takes place over 8–20 sessions, depending on the couple’s needs and goals. Sessions focus on:
- Recognizing the negative cycles that trigger conflict or emotional disconnection
- Identifying underlying attachment needs and fears (such as fear of rejection or abandonment)
- Learning how to communicate these needs safely and openly
- Creating a secure emotional bond, where both partners feel accepted, valued, and loved
EFT is not about rehashing every argument or analyzing the past endlessly. Instead, it works with what happens in the present moment, using emotions as the key to change.
Through guided exercises and open dialogue, couples learn to respond to each other’s needs with compassion rather than criticism — turning moments of conflict into opportunities for closeness and connection.
Why Choose Emotionally Focused Therapy?
EFT differs from traditional couple counseling because it focuses on emotion and attachment rather than logic or communication skills alone.
Where cognitive therapy targets thoughts and reasoning, and behavioral therapy focuses on actions, Emotionally Focused Therapy brings transformation through emotional awareness and connection.
Many couples find EFT especially helpful when:
- Communication has broken down
- Emotional distance or loneliness has developed in the relationship
- One or both partners feel insecure or unloved
- The couple is recovering from infidelity or loss of trust
- Repeated conflicts leave both partners feeling unheard
The Healing Power of Connection
EFT recognizes that our ability to love and bond deeply is shaped by our early attachment experiences. Sometimes, childhood wounds or past relationship traumas resurface in adult intimacy — often unconsciously.
The good news is that secure, loving relationships can heal old attachment injuries. In EFT, partners learn to become each other’s “safe haven” again — a place where they can turn to each other with confidence, vulnerability, and care.
By the end of therapy, most couples report:
- Greater emotional intimacy and trust
- Reduced conflict and resentment
- Better communication and empathy
- A stronger, more secure bond
Is EFT Right for You?
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is suitable for couples at any stage of their relationship — whether you are facing a crisis, drifting apart emotionally, or simply want to strengthen your bond.
If both partners are open to reflection, growth, and emotional honesty, EFT can help you create a safe, connected, and joyful relationship where love becomes a source of strength again.
Book a Session
If you’re ready to take a step toward change, growth and better mental wellbeing, I invite you to get in touch.
📍 Location: Budapest XI. district, Fadrusz u.27., Hungary
💻 Online sessions available
📩 Email: info.pszichologia
gmail.com (info[dot]pszichologia[at]gmail[dot]com)
Let’s work together to make your experience in Hungary more balanced, meaningful, and fulfilling.
Author: Gabriella Brédáné Kis, Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist
I’m an English-speaking psychologist based in Budapest, offering in-person and online therapy for individuals seeking support with self-awareness, trauma and grief recovery, performance anxiety and relationship difficulties.
I help clients — including expats, international students, and professionals — gain deeper insight, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of connection in their personal and professional lives.