Even the closest of couples can face serious conflicts over the course of their relationship. Everyday issues such as financial woes, childrearing, family disputes and health problems can all trigger serious difficulties by themselves. With the coronavirus pandemic now disrupting normal life, partners are facing increased pressure and spending a lot more time together in closed quarters, which can exasperate existing problems.

The good news is you can still sign up for and participate in couples therapy even if you’re stuck at home by taking advantage of our tele-therapy service. We can meet by phone or video conference to discuss any difficulties you and your partner are currently facing. Thankfully, learning to communicate and be more responsive to your partners’ emotional needs is achievable through this mode of treatment delivery while still allowing you to keep a safe distance from the privacy of your own home.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is a short-term, proven approach to psychotherapy that was created in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson. EFT is effective for couples who have trouble communicating in a healthy way, leading to damage to their emotional bond.

Through guided exercises and communications, the EFT therapist highlights and re-organizes certain key emotional responses for more empathic and healthier interactions. The EFT therapist will never take sides — sessions explore both partners’ experiences and perceptions equally. You and your partner will learn how to listen and express yourselves more effectively and establish more positive patterns of behavior and communication with techniques that you’ll learn how to use in everyday life.

When is EFT Not Appropriate?

You may be wondering how effective couples therapy actually is. Research shows that EFT helps 70% of couples recover from marital issues. This evidence also demonstrates that the positive effects that come from EFT can last over time and can work even on years-old relationship issues.

Even with science backing its efficacy, however, there are some situations where it is not appropriate, such as when there is ongoing physical and emotional abuse. It also requires both partners to engage in the therapy process as willing and full participants. You can’t expect couples therapy to change someone who does not want to change, nor does it work when someone feels forced into attending sessions.

But for most couples and problems, EFT can help you fundamentally change the way you relate to each other and repair longstanding damage to your relationship. In many cases, treatment takes as little as 8-20 sessions and achieves lasting results.

Feel free to call my office at 407-579-2070 for a complimentary phone consultation to see if couples therapy might be right for you. Together we’ll take the necessary steps to rebuild trust and move your relationship in a healthier and more positive direction.