Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured, short-term form of psychotherapy originally created to help couples.
Over the past several decades, EFT has been applied successfully to individuals and families as well. EFT is grounded in attachment theory, which explores how human beings form emotional bonds and how these bonds influence behavior, communication, and self-esteem.
Through EFT, people learn to identify their core emotions, understand how these emotions influence their interactions, and ultimately transform problematic patterns in relationships.
Roots in Attachment Theory:
Focus on Emotions:
Structured, Goal-Oriented:
By helping people connect to their underlying emotional needs, EFT fosters resilient, empathetic relationships.
At Altura Mental Health, this approach aligns perfectly with our values—compassion, evidence-based practice, and holistic well-being.
While “Emotionally Focused Therapy” is the most widely recognized term, you may encounter closely related terminology:
Outside of these specific applications, many clinicians simply call it “EFT,” emphasizing its core approach of leveraging emotions as the primary drivers of change. Regardless of naming, the underlying principles remain consistent: building empathetic, trusting bonds and reshaping emotional responses.
At Altura Mental Health, we may integrate EFT into group therapy or family therapy sessions for clients in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP), or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) settings, depending on individual needs.
Because we believe in a holistic view of mental health, EFT provides a powerful, attachment-based framework to spark lasting positive change.
Focus
Key
Focus
Key
Focus
Key
EFT complements other therapies provided at Altura—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—offering a multi-layered avenue for healing.
Encourage trust and reliance among partners or family members, reinforcing emotional safety.
Teach participants to “feel with” each other, thereby diminishing blame and promoting unity.
At Altura, these goals align with our mission to provide holistic mental health support that addresses not only symptoms but also the underlying relational aspects of well-being.
Chronic Relationship Conflicts: When arguments become repetitive or emotional distance persists, EFT can realign the attachment and emotional “dance” to restore harmony.
Some clients begin EFT not because of acute crisis but to preemptively solidify healthy patterns for long-term growth.
EFT is a powerful choice for:
Whether experiencing acute conflict or wanting to strengthen an already stable bond, couples often benefit from EFT’s attachment-based methods.
EFT is beneficial for individuals seeking to overcome deep-seated emotional struggles, including anxiety, depression, or trauma.
From parenting challenges to sibling conflicts, EFT can help family members cultivate healthier emotional bonds.
At Altura Mental Health, we serve a diverse range of clients—from adolescents grappling with identity issues to adults balancing high-pressure careers. Whether you’re an individual in need of healing or a family striving for unity, EFT can be a cornerstone of your therapeutic journey.
Studies indicate that 70-75% of couples move from clinical distress to recovery when using EFT-based interventions.
Helps clients gain insight into emotional triggers and patterns of worry.
Fosters stronger support networks, which can mitigate loneliness or hopelessness.
Encourages safe emotional expression and secure attachments, key for trauma recovery.
Particularly in adolescents or adults who grew up in unstable environments.
At Altura, our trauma-informed care approaches and holistic modalities combine seamlessly with EFT to provide robust, personalized treatment plans.
Chronic conflict, fear of abandonment, communication breakdowns.
Mismatched expectations, lingering resentments, or trust deficits.
Parent-child estrangement, blended family complexities, sibling rivalries.
Feeling emotionally numb or isolated from partners, family, or close friends.
Persistent negative self-image linked to relational or attachment wounds.
Avoiding closeness due to fear of rejection, betrayal, or emotional vulnerability.
At Altura Mental Health, our clinicians customize these strategies according to your personal or familial context. Each technique is applied with empathy, ensuring comfort and progression.
Therapists reflect and clarify emotions expressed by clients
Ensures participants accurately identify and label feelings.
Therapists acknowledge and respect each person’s lived experiences, no matter how conflicting they may appear.
The therapist asks a couple or family member to speak directly to another in the session, practicing new ways of emotional expression.
Helps participants see recurring negative cycles as an outside problem (the cycle itself) rather than blaming each other.
The therapist guides the creation of new, more nurturing interaction sequences.
Individuals or couples practice emotional closeness, active listening, or physical affection in a safe, guided environment.
A licensed therapist gathers background details, observes communication styles, and explores each person’s emotional patterns.
The therapist identifies repetitive interaction cycles and highlights the emotional underpinnings.
The therapist helps participants articulate vulnerable feelings—often hidden beneath anger, blame, or anxiety.
By uncovering these core emotions, partners or family members learn to respond compassionately, break negative cycles, and nurture new ways of relating.
Participants practice newly learned interaction patterns outside therapy sessions.
Over time, these new relationship skills become second nature, leading to enduring improvement in closeness, communication, and understanding.
Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys and challenges, shaping your child’s emotional well-being and capacity for healthy relationships. This comprehensive guide offers proven strategies
Discover the healing power of group therapy at Altura Mental Health. Join us for understanding, growth, and lasting change. Explore our evidence-based programs for support
Embark on a transformative journey towards unshakeable self-confidence with evidence-based strategies and practical tips offered by Altura Mental Health. Discover the science behind confidence, debunk
Take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life today.
Call us at (619) 350-0077 to connect with compassionate experts who are here to provide the personalized care and support you deserve.
At Altura, we’re ready to help you overcome challenges and embrace a brighter, more hopeful future.
At its core, EFT focuses on identifying and reshaping the emotional responses that drive behaviors. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
EFT views distress in a relationship or within oneself as a signal of unmet attachment needs (e.g., feeling unsafe or unvalued).
Because emotional safety is foundational, Altura’s evidence-based approach weaves in mindfulness, relaxation, or self-regulation skills to stabilize intense emotions before focusing on deeper issues.
Your therapist’s role is to guide you compassionately, not to criticize you or take sides.
You’ll begin by identifying negative cycles and exploring the deeper emotions driving them.
Expect to engage in homework assignments, such as noting emotional triggers or practicing new communication skills at home.
If you’re enrolled in any of Altura’s programs (IOP, VIOP, or PHP), EFT may be complemented by other modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Mindfulness strategies.
You’ll have an opportunity to set specific relationship or personal growth goals with your therapist, ensuring a directed, purposeful approach.
Emotionally Focused Therapy is typically a short- to mid-range treatment approach, often spanning 8 to 20 sessions.
If you or your family requires more intensive care—such as our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)—we integrate EFT as part of a structured schedule, ensuring you receive consistent and concentrated support.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can be a transformative experience—whether you’re seeking relief from persistent relationship conflicts, aiming to understand your personal emotional landscapes, or wanting to develop stronger family bonds.
At Altura Mental Health, our compassionate team is committed to guiding you through this process with expert care and genuine empathy.
Ready to rebuild trust, closeness, or self-awareness?
Looking for a safe space to explore emotional patterns and transform negative cycles?
We invite you to take the next step by contacting Altura Mental Health today. Through EFT and our wide range of evidence-based services, you can find renewed connection, emotional clarity, and a lasting sense of well-being. Call us at (866) 545-6848 to learn more about our specialized programs. We look forward to walking with you on your path toward healthier relationships and holistic mental wellness.
High Rate of Relationship Satisfaction
Scientifically Validated
Long-Term Impact
Applicability Beyond Couples
Because our approach at Altura is evidence-based, we consistently see positive outcomes when combining EFT with complementary therapies and medication management (if needed).
No. Though EFT started as a couples-based therapy, it has expanded to individual and family contexts. Families struggling with conflict, individuals aiming to heal attachment wounds, and even those dealing with chronic mental health conditions can benefit from EFT.
While traditional talk therapy often focuses on surface-level behaviors or cognition, EFT zeroes in on emotional needs, highlighting how these needs shape relational dynamics.
It also emphasizes attachment theory, helping clients establish or restore a secure foundation for emotional connection.
EFT is highly effective at addressing emotional distress and negative interaction patterns. However, external issues—like financial stress, job loss, or extended family conflicts—may also need attention.
In many cases, EFT significantly enhances communication and emotional resilience, better equipping you to tackle other challenges.
While EFT works best when all parties participate, individual EFT can still help you develop insight, emotional regulation, and healthier relationship patterns. Sometimes, one person’s transformation can inspire other family members to join therapy later.
If there’s ongoing emotional or physical abuse, immediate safety measures and specialized interventions must be prioritized. EFT aims to build a secure bond, but in abusive relationships, fundamental safety issues must first be addressed.
At Altura, we routinely collaborate with crisis intervention and protective services when necessary.
Coverage often depends on your insurance policy and whether EFT is recognized as a medically necessary treatment for specific conditions. Our admissions team at Altura Mental Health can help you verify benefits, estimate costs, and coordinate financial arrangements.
Absolutely. EFT focuses on emotional and relational healing, whereas medication management can address biochemical imbalances associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other diagnoses.
At Altura, we provide comprehensive care—blending therapy, medication management, and other modalities as needed.
Yes. Altura’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) offers secure telehealth platforms, enabling you and your therapist or therapy group to maintain face-to-face interactions online.
Research suggests that teletherapy sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions, particularly for relational therapies like EFT, provided that privacy and technical stability are ensured.
EFT therapists are trained to pace sessions and provide emotional safety. If you feel overwhelmed, your therapist will use grounding techniques, mindfulness exercises, or simple breaks to help you regulate your emotions.
Contact our admissions team at (866) 545-6848. We’ll work with you to assess your needs, determine the right level of care (IOP, VIOP, or PHP), and match you with a therapist who specializes in EFT.
1539 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
United States
1321 Garnet Avenue San Diego, CA 92109
Monday-Friday 9AM-7PM
Saturday & Sunday 9AM-4PM
