Best 10 EFT Books (Emotionally Focused Therapy)

The following are some of the best EFT books.

What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals improve their emotional connection and bond with their partners, family members, or loved ones. It was originally developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson and is based on attachment theory, which posits that humans are wired to seek close emotional connections with others.

EFT therapists work with individuals or couples to identify and understand the negative patterns of interaction that may be undermining their relationships. Through guided conversations and exercises, clients learn to express their emotions more effectively, listen empathetically, and develop deeper levels of trust and intimacy.

EFT has been shown to be effective in helping individuals overcome a range of emotional and relationship-related difficulties such as anxiety, depression, infidelity, and communication issues.

EFT has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its success rate in helping couples reconnect and strengthen their relationships. It is often recommended for couples who wish to improve their emotional bond, overcome negative relationship patterns, and increase their overall satisfaction and happiness together.

EFT Books

1. Attachment Theory in Practice

By Susan M. Johnson

Drawing on the principles of attachment theory, this book provides a profound understanding of how emotional bonds shape our relationships and influence our well-being.

Johnson offers a practical approach to applying Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in various contexts, including working with individuals, couples, and families. EFT is a highly effective therapeutic modality that aims to help individuals develop and maintain secure attachments, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections.

With her expertise and compassionate guidance, Johnson takes readers on a journey through the core concepts of attachment theory and the essential skills needed to implement EFT successfully. She provides numerous case examples, dialogues, and exercises to illustrate the application of EFT techniques in real-life scenarios, allowing readers to deepen their understanding and develop their therapeutic skills.

Related: Do We Need Couples Therapy Quiz

2. Couples Therapy Workbook for Healing

By Lori Cluff Schade PhD LMFT

In this groundbreaking workbook, Schade offers readers effective techniques to improve communication skills, increase empathy, and build emotional intimacy. Using EFT strategies, she helps couples understand the underlying emotions and needs that drive their behavior, allowing them to break free from patterns of conflict and disconnection.

The Couples Therapy Workbook for Healing is organized into five parts, with each section providing valuable insights and practical exercises designed to promote growth and healing within the relationship. From identifying attachment styles and core emotions to managing conflict and creating loving rituals, Schade offers readers a comprehensive roadmap for improving their relationship.

Throughout the book, Schade emphasizes the importance of approaching the healing process with compassion, openness, and vulnerability. She encourages couples to be proactive in building a strong foundation for their relationship, rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise.

Related: Best 10 Books For Couples

3. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy For Dummies

By Brent Bradley, James Furrow

In playful and easy-to-understand language, Bradley and Furrow explain the key components of EFT, including attachment theory, emotion regulation, and communication skills. They provide practical exercises and tools that can be used both in session with a therapist and at home. Readers will learn how to identify negative patterns in their relationship, understand their underlying emotions, and develop new ways of communicating that promote intimacy and connection.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy For Dummies also provides insightful case studies, highlighting the power and efficacy of EFT in real-life situations. Through these examples, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how EFT can help couples heal from past traumas, build trust, and strengthen their bond.

Related: How To Save Your Relationship From A Breakup? 5 Steps To Strengthen Your Relationship

4. The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy

By Susan M. Johnson

Johnson draws on over 30 years of research and clinical experience to provide a comprehensive guide to EFT, including a step-by-step approach to assessment, engagement, and treatment. The book is filled with practical exercises and case examples that demonstrate the power of EFT in helping couples overcome negative patterns and strengthen their bond.

Through clear and engaging writing, Johnson explains the underlying principles of EFT, including attachment theory, emotion regulation, and the role of the therapist in creating a secure base for the couple. She also explores the latest developments in EFT, such as the use of neurobiology and mindfulness practices to enhance the therapeutic process.

Related: Emotional Intimacy Test (+13 Tips On How To Increase Emotional Intimacy In A Relationship?)

5. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors

By Susan M. Johnson

Johnson draws on her extensive experience as a therapist and researcher to provide a comprehensive guide to working with traumatized couples using EFT. She highlights the importance of understanding the impact of trauma on attachment bonds and offers practical strategies for strengthening those bonds through EFT.

The book is filled with case examples, exercises, and worksheets that demonstrate how EFT can be used to help couples overcome the challenges of trauma and build stronger, more secure relationships. Johnson also explores the latest research on the neurobiology of trauma and attachment and provides insights into how this can inform therapeutic practice.

Related: Top 7 Tips On How To Create A Conscious Relationship Using ACT

6. A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

By Susan M. Johnson, T. Leanne Campbell

Johnson and Campbell draw on their extensive experience as researchers and therapists to provide a comprehensive guide to EFIT. The book explores how EFIT can be used to help individuals who struggle with emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The authors provide a step-by-step framework for conducting EFIT sessions, including practical strategies for creating a safe therapeutic environment, building a strong therapeutic alliance, and developing interventions tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

The book is filled with case examples, exercises, and worksheets that demonstrate how EFIT can be used to help clients overcome emotional difficulties and build more fulfilling lives. Johnson and Campbell also explore the latest research on the neurobiology of emotional distress and attachment, providing insights into how this can inform therapeutic practice.

Related: Top 25 Relationship Journal Prompts (+FREE Worksheets PDF)

7. Emotionally Focused Family Therapy

By James L. Furrow, Gail Palmer, Susan M. Johnson, George Faller, Lisa Palmer-Olsen

The book draws on the extensive experience of its authors to explore how EFFT can be used to help families overcome a wide range of issues, including trauma, attachment difficulties, and relationship conflict. The authors outline a step-by-step framework for conducting EFFT sessions, with practical strategies for building strong therapeutic alliances, creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, and developing interventions tailored to each family’s unique needs.

The book also delves into the latest research on attachment and emotion regulation, providing insights into the neurobiology of emotional distress and its impact on family dynamics. The authors demonstrate how EFFT can be used to help families improve their communication, build stronger bonds, and develop greater resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

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8. Stepping into Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy

By Lorrie L. Brubacher

In this book, Brubacher breaks down the key ingredients of EFT in a clear and accessible way, providing readers with a step-by-step guide to implementing the approach in their work with couples. Drawing on extensive clinical experience and the latest research, Brubacher explains the fundamental principles of EFT, such as attachment theory and emotion regulation, and demonstrates how they can be used to help couples overcome a wide range of issues, including communication difficulties, infidelity, and emotional disconnection.

The book also includes detailed case studies and transcripts of therapy sessions, providing readers with a real-world understanding of how EFT works in practice. Brubacher also provides practical tools and strategies for building strong therapeutic alliances, helping couples to identify and express their emotions, and working towards lasting change.

Related: Earned Secure Attachment: What Is It And How To Become More Securely Attached?

9. The Emotionally Focused Casebook

By James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson, Brent A. Bradley

This book offers a rich collection of real-life case studies that illustrate the principles and practices of EFT in action. The book explores the six key stages of EFT, providing readers with a roadmap for working with couples who are struggling with issues of communication, trust, intimacy, and attachment.

The cases presented in this book cover a broad range of topics, including infidelity, trauma, depression, and addiction. Each chapter provides a detailed description of the therapeutic process used, along with assessments, interventions, and techniques that are specific to EFT. The authors also offer insights into the challenges and rewards of working with couples who are experiencing profound emotional distress.

Related: Top 8 Tips On How To Get Past Infidelity Triggers And Build Trust Again (+FREE Worksheets)

10. Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist

By James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson, Brent Bradley, Lorrie Brubacher, T. Leanne Campbell, Veronica Kallos-Lilly, Gail Palmer, Kathryn Rheem, Scott Woolley

This book provides a detailed overview of the EFT model and its underlying theory. It explores the role of emotions in relationships and how they can be used as a powerful tool for healing and connection. The authors provide practical guidance on how to assess and conceptualize cases from an EFT perspective and outline specific interventions and techniques that can be used to help clients achieve greater emotional intimacy.

The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of EFT. Part I provides an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of EFT, including attachment theory and the importance of emotional expression in relationships. Part II delves into the practical aspects of EFT, including assessment, case conceptualization, and the stages of therapy. Part III focuses on advanced topics and techniques, such as working with trauma and addiction, and incorporating mindfulness and other complementary therapies into EFT.

Related: Conflict Resolution In Marriage (+Marriage Conflict Resolution Worksheets PDF)

How EFT Books Can Help?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) books can be incredibly helpful for therapists and individuals seeking to improve their relationships.

Here are some of the ways in which EFT books can help:

1. They provide a detailed understanding of the EFT model: EFT books explain the theoretical underpinnings of this approach to therapy, so readers can develop a deeper understanding of how it works and why it is effective.

2. They offer practical guidance on how to use EFT: EFT books provide step-by-step instructions on how to assess cases from an EFT perspective, how to conceptualize cases, and how to use specific interventions and techniques that can help clients achieve greater emotional intimacy.

3. They help readers better understand emotions and relationships: EFT books explore the role of emotions in relationships and how they can either create or repair attachment bonds.

4. They offer case examples that illustrate the therapeutic process: Many EFT books provide case examples that demonstrate how EFT can be applied in practice and give readers a sense of what to expect in therapy.

5. They can help build skills and confidence: By providing readers with a detailed understanding of the EFT model and practical guidance on how to use it, EFT books can help increase the skills and confidence of therapists and individuals working to improve their relationships.

Conclusion

EFT books can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this highly effective approach to couples therapy.