Sue Johnson, the developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), compared couples therapy to a dance because it illustrates the patterns of how partners interact.
Patterns in relationships: Just like in a dance, it’s not just about what each person does individually, but how they move together. EFT focuses on the emotional "steps" couples take in response to one another, like pursue-withdraw or blame-defend.
Repetitive moves: In struggling relationships, couples often get stuck in the same emotional pattern - like a dance they don't want to be in but can't seem to stop. EFT helps them recognize and change this dance.
Connection and attunement: A good dance requires partners to be in sync and attuned to each other’s signals. EFT helps couples become more emotionally attuned, so their new “dance” is one of connection rather than conflict.
Learning new steps: Therapy is like learning a new dance. It takes practice, safety, and support to change the steps - and eventually, it becomes more natural and graceful.
50-minute sessions are $175.
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #153348.
I am employed & supervised by Ossi Pace, LMFT #88864, Certified EFT Supervisor.