Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
Families often seek therapy when communication breaks down and emotions feel overwhelming. Long-standing patterns that once helped the family cope may begin to create distance instead of connection. In these moments, every family member is affected — and beneath the stress, each person is longing to feel seen, valued, and emotionally safe.
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Adele Lafrance, is grounded in attachment science, which shows that our closest relationships shape how we regulate emotions, cope with stress, and relate to the world. Using EFFT, we help families slow reactive cycles and begin to understand the deeper needs beneath frustration, withdrawal, shutdowns, or conflict.
Rather than focusing on blame or “fixing behavior,” EFFT supports parents and caregivers in becoming a safe emotional anchor for their children and a secure base from which children and teens can explore, grow, and thrive. Therapy focuses on strengthening emotional responsiveness so family members feel understood, supported, and connected, even during difficult moments.
In therapy, we identify what interferes with connection — including stress, trauma histories, emotional dysregulation, and protective coping patterns — and help families create new moments of openness, responsiveness, and repair. Sessions are carefully paced and trauma-informed, prioritizing emotional safety while supporting meaningful and lasting change.
We work from a lens of compassion and curiosity, integrating trauma-informed approaches when families have experienced loss, fear, insecurity, or ongoing conflict. Together, we strengthen trust and build emotional safety so each family member can engage with greater confidence, understanding, and connection.
The goal of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy is both simple and powerful: to strengthen relationships so the family becomes a primary source of healing, resilience, and support.
Use our secure, HIPAA-compliant form to request a consultation or schedule your first family session.