Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
EFT is one of the most effective couples therapy models worldwide
What is EFT?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a research-supported approach that helps couples understand the emotional patterns that keep them stuck. Instead of trying to decide who’s right or wrong, EFT explores what’s happening underneath conflict — the longing, fear, or hurt that fuels disconnection.
EFT is one of the most effective couples therapy models worldwide and shows lasting improvements for many couples.
Why EFT Works
EFT is based on attachment science — the idea that we’re wired for connection and safety with our partners.
When couples understand the emotional needs underneath their reactions, the defensive patterns that create distance begin to soften. This makes room for compassion, reassurance, and deeper connection.
How EFT Helps
Couples often come to therapy feeling:
caught in the same painful cycle
distant or alone in the relationship
overwhelmed by arguments
unsure how to reach or understand one another
EFT helps you:
make sense of your relational patterns
understand what you each need emotionally
break reactive cycles (such as pursuing–withdrawing)
build a safer, more secure emotional bond
communicate so you feel heard rather than criticised or dismissed
My Approach
I blend EFT with my psychodynamic background, which means we explore both your present-day patterns and the deeper emotional experiences that shape them. My practice is informed by ongoing EFT training and regular supervision, allowing me to bring the model into our work in a grounded, supportive way.
I work with couples navigating:
emotional disconnection
affairs and ruptures of trust
communication breakdowns
cross-cultural and international relationships
relocation and expat life
major life transitions (parenting, career moves, long-distance periods)
The focus is never on blame — it’s about helping each of you feel safer, more understood, and more able to reach for one another.
What Sessions Look Like
EFT sessions often involve:
mapping your “negative cycle” together
slowing down reactive moments
exploring deeper emotions beneath conflict
creating new ways of connecting and responding to each other
Over time, couples often notice:
less escalation in conflict
more ease in communication
a return to teamwork
closeness feeling more accessible again
The Three Stages of EFT
EFT follows a clear, gentle structure:
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Seeing how you get stuck together and what each of you is protecting.
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Learning to reach and respond differently, with more safety and openness.
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Strengthening a secure bond so you can navigate challenges together.
Reassurance for Anxious Partners
It’s completely normal for one partner to feel more hesitant about starting therapy.
Many couples arrive unsure, nervous, or worried they’ll be judged.
Part of my role is to create a space where both of you feel safe enough to explore things at a pace that feels manageable — no pressure, no taking sides, no blame.
What Most Couples Don’t Realise
It’s rarely the argument itself that hurts most — it’s the feeling of being alone in it.
EFT helps you find each other again, even in difficult moments.
Is EFT Right for You?
EFT can support couples who are:
in crisis or recovering from a rupture
wanting to reconnect emotionally
working through cross-cultural or intercultural challenges
navigating relocation, distance, or life transitions
wanting to deepen intimacy and understanding
All couples are welcome, including diverse, international, and intercultural partnerships.
Safety, Confidentiality & Trust
You will never be pushed to share more than feels right for you.
Your sessions are confidential, and my priority is to create a space where both partners feel respected, heard, and emotionally safe.
Practical Details
Format: Online or in-person (England)
Session Length: 50 or 75 minutes
Suitable for: Couples of all backgrounds, genders, and relationship structures
Therapeutic Orientation: EFT + Psychodynamic
Languages: English, Italian