EFT is a therapy that centers around a person’s emotions and the response to said emotions. It was first developed in 1985. In the 1980s, divorce rates were at an all-time high, and psychologists Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg were trying to find a better way to help couples solve their differences. This led to them discovering that most of the problems couples face come from a cycle of reinforcing emotions that go back and forth between them. Emotion is not just one individual, but a web that that can weave between partners.
EFT has been evolving since the first manual was published 30 years ago, with many new steps added since then. EFT also can be used for family members and even for individuals. Many couples find it helpful. Why? Because they learn to understand each other’s emotions, as well as be self-aware of their emotional responses.
When it comes to therapy, the biggest question you may have is, “Does this work?” You don’t want to invest time and money into a temporary bandage, after all.
No therapy is 100 percent effective, and some couples just can’t settle their differences without separating, but EFT is found to be effective for most people. It’s true that couples tend to have attachment issues, and by figuring out the root emotions and learning how to handle that, the couple can move on to have a happy, healthy relationship.
EFT tends not to be a temporary bandage. There will be follow-up appointments, and most couples keep using the techniques and end up having a happy, healthy life with each other.
No matter how close you are with your partner, you’re going to have hiccups, and sometimes it feels like it can be the end. When in all actuality, you just need some therapy with them to get the relationship moving on the right track.