Couples therapy

Our need for togetherness exists alongside our need for separateness

- Esther Perel

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach to couples therapy that helps partners move out of conflict and disconnection, and into deeper emotional closeness and trust. Rooted in attachment theory, EFT sees our need for secure, loving relationships as a core part of being human. EFT recognises that when that connection feels threatened or strained, it can trigger patterns of conflict, withdrawal, or misunderstanding, which are often rooted in deeper fears of rejection, abandonment or not feeling good enough.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

By working from this framework and place of understanding, EFT offers many opportunities to improve how partners relate to each other. This approach is not about ‘fixing’ anyone. Instead, EFT aims to uncover the attachment needs underneath relationship struggles in order to meet each other with empathy, care and presence.

How EFT therapy can help you and your partner

Through EFT, couples can learn to:

Identify and understand the emotional cycles that keep them stuck

Explore the vulnerable emotions that often drive reactive behaviours

Express needs in ways that invite closeness rather than defensiveness

Create new, secure ways of connecting that feel safe and emotionally responsive

EFT is affirming and inclusive of all relationships, sexualities and identities. EFT honours the unique ways your relationship functions, while helping each partner feel seen, valued and emotionally safe. With EFT, I meet you with curiosity, respect and a commitment to holding space for who you are and how you love.

The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in relationships is to share them

- Sue Johnson

Who do I work with for couples therapy?

Partners therapy can be helpful and effective at many relationship stages, and may be relevant for those wanting to generally maintain a positive dynamic as well as those facing more significant challenges. The partners therapy I offer can help to address the following experiences:

Communication problems. Therapy helps partners express emotions more openly and listen more empathetically.

Conflict and arguments. Therapy aims to reduce negative interaction patterns and foster understanding instead of blame.

Emotional distance or disconnection. Therapy can rebuild intimacy and a sense of safety in the relationship.

Attachment injuries. Therapy can heal wounds from betrayals, abandonment or other relational traumas.

Trust issues. Therapy aims to re-establish emotional security and fosters a sense of reliability and connection.

Infidelity recovery. Therapy can help couples work through the emotional aftermath of infidelity and rebuild trust.

Fear of vulnerability or abandonment. Therapy aims to encourage safe emotional expression and secure attachment.

Recurring negative patterns. Therapy identifies and changes rigid interaction cycles that keep couples stuck.