Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) at Sky Therapies

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is an attachment-based therapeutic approach that focuses on emotional responses within family relationships. The primary goal of EFFT is to help family members understand and express their emotions in a safe and constructive way, leading to stronger bonds and healthier interactions.

EFFT was originally developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. The principles of EFFT were adapted from EFT to work specifically with families, particularly in addressing issues like family conflict, emotional withdrawal, parent-child struggles, and the effects of trauma or distress.

At Sky Therapies, we use EFFT to help families develop healthier communication patterns, navigate difficult emotions, and heal from past hurts. By working together in a safe and supportive environment, families can create a space where everyone’s feelings are acknowledged, and mutual understanding can flourish.

EFFT is grounded in the belief that emotions are at the heart of how we connect with others. When we don’t understand or can’t express our emotions, it often leads to misunderstandings, tension, and conflict in relationships. EFFT works by helping family members identify and process these emotions, leading to healthier, more supportive interactions.

There are a few key components that define how EFFT works:

1. Emotion as the Key to Change:
   In EFFT, emotions are seen as vital signals that help us understand our needs and connect with others. When we acknowledge and express our emotions in a healthy way, it creates an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection. EFFT helps family members tune into their own emotional experiences and recognize how emotions are influencing their behavior and interactions with others.
2. Attachment Theory:
   EFFT is deeply rooted in attachment theory, which focuses on the emotional bonds we form with others. Our attachment patterns—how we connect, seek comfort, and respond to others—play a critical role in our relationships. By recognizing attachment needs and learning how to meet them, EFFT helps family members create stronger, more secure connections.
3. Safe Emotional Expression:
   One of the main goals of EFFT is to create an environment where family members feel safe expressing their emotions. In a typical family dynamic, emotions like anger, fear, or sadness may not be openly shared or may be dismissed, leading to emotional disconnection. EFFT helps family members learn to communicate openly and vulnerably, which fosters trust, empathy, and closeness.
4. Reframing Negative Patterns:
   Families often fall into negative cycles, where one person’s emotional response triggers an equally intense reaction from another family member. These cycles can feel overwhelming and lead to escalating conflict. EFFT helps family members understand the underlying emotional needs driving these reactions, breaking the cycle of blame and creating space for healing.
5. Building Secure Attachments:
   EFFT aims to strengthen the emotional bond between family members, especially in cases where attachment injuries have occurred. When parents and children, or spouses, feel securely connected, they are more likely to respond to each other with empathy, patience, and understanding, leading to healthier family dynamics overall.

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy offers a variety of benefits for families experiencing difficulty in their relationships. Here’s how EFFT can help:

1. Strengthening Communication
   Communication issues often arise when emotions aren’t being expressed or understood. Through EFFT, family members learn to identify their feelings and communicate them in a way that encourages empathy and understanding. This leads to less defensiveness, more effective conversations, and a deeper connection between family members.
2. Resolving Conflict
   Every family experiences conflict. Whether it’s disagreements about household responsibilities, differences in parenting styles, or long-standing unresolved issues, conflict can create emotional distance between family members. EFFT helps families approach conflict in a way that reduces emotional reactivity, making it possible to work through disagreements with greater understanding and less stress.
3. Healing from Trauma
   If your family has experienced trauma—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a significant illness, or abuse—EFFT can help. Trauma often leaves emotional scars that affect how family members relate to one another. EFFT provides a safe space for family members to process these emotions, allowing them to heal and rebuild their emotional connections.
4. Improving Parent-Child Relationships
   Parent-child relationships can be particularly challenging, especially when children are going through difficult emotional periods or developmental changes. EFFT helps parents better understand their child’s emotional needs and learn how to respond with compassion. Similarly, it helps children express their feelings in healthy ways, fostering a stronger parent-child bond.
5. Building Empathy and Understanding
   When family members begin to recognize the emotions that drive each other’s behavior, they can develop more empathy and understanding. EFFT teaches family members to view each other’s actions through an emotional lens rather than through judgment or frustration. This shift in perspective fosters compassion and opens the door to more supportive, nurturing relationships.

At Sky Therapies, we offer a warm, safe, and confidential space for families to engage in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through the process of healing, providing support and insight as you work toward deeper emotional connection.

Here’s what you can expect during your EFFT sessions:

• Initial Assessment:
  The first step is a thorough assessment of your family’s needs and dynamics. During this session, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing, the emotional patterns within the family, and your specific goals for therapy.
• Safe and Compassionate Environment:
  Our therapists create a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where every family member feels heard and respected. We encourage open communication and provide the tools necessary to navigate difficult emotions.
• Skill-Building:
  EFFT isn’t just about processing emotions; it’s about learning how to interact with each other in healthier ways. Your therapist will guide you through exercises and communication strategies to help you better express your feelings, listen actively, and resolve conflict constructively.
• Ongoing Support:
  As you work through the therapeutic process, we’re here to offer ongoing support. EFFT is a gradual process, and the benefits build over time. Our goal is to empower your family to continue healing and growing even after therapy ends.

If your family is experiencing emotional disconnection, frequent conflict, or unresolved trauma, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy could be an ideal fit. The process is particularly beneficial for families who are struggling with:

• Communication breakdowns
• Parent-child conflicts
• Emotional withdrawal or disengagement
• Trauma and loss
• Anxiety or depression affecting the family
• Divorce or separation

At Sky Therapies, we believe that families are at their strongest when they can support and understand one another. Through EFFT, we help families rebuild trust, strengthen their emotional bonds, and navigate the challenges of life together with compassion and love.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, we’re here to help. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping families heal and grow stronger together. We’ll work alongside you every step of the way, providing support, guidance, and a safe space for emotional expression.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about how EFFT can help your family. Together, we can create lasting emotional connections that will serve as the foundation for a healthier, happier future.

Family healing is possible with the right support. At Sky Therapies, we’re here to help you build the emotional freedom and connection your family deserves.