EFT helps couples identify and transform the negative processing and interaction patterns that create distress. Once this is accomplished, couples can build a better alliance and feel a deeper sense of closeness and intimacy.

EFT sessions are experiential. That means there is in-session practice with assembling and deepening each partner's emotional experience and communicating that to one's partner in a more meaningful "felt" way.

There are three phases of EFT treatment:

De-escalation - Clients identify and express their concerns, negative behaviors, and emotions. This stage can involve breaking cycles of blame, criticism, and withdrawal.

Restructuring - Clients learn to express their feelings, needs, and desires and practice self-compassion and acceptance. This stage can involve building a stronger bond and more secure attachment.

Consolidation - Clients apply new solutions to old problems and integrate their knowledge into their self-concept and relationships. This stage can involve identifying changes that have occurred and incorporating them into all aspects of the couple's lives.

Rigorous studies have shown that EFT has a 75 percent success rate (more than 2x that of other forms of couples therapy). New physiological research proves that co-regulation happens between couples when they share vulnerable emotions—when we feel seen and understood by a safe other, our physiology regulates.