Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFCT) for couples is a structured approach that enhances emotional bonds by focusing on emotions and attachment theory. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFCT helps couples identify and express emotions, understand underlying needs, and address attachment-related issues to form secure bonds. It works by de-escalating negative interaction patterns, creating positive communication cycles, and integrating new behaviors into daily life. EFCT is highly effective, with 70-75% of couples moving from distress to recovery and 90% showing significant improvements. Benefits include improved communication, stronger emotional bonds, and effective conflict resolution. EFCT is ideal for couples facing relationship distress, communication problems, emotional disconnection, trust issues, and infidelity. In every session, couples have the opportunity to bring forward specific challenges they are struggling with, such as conflict, sex, infidelity, parenting, or finances. 

All of our therapists hold Masters Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling and are Licensed or Registered Marriage and Family Therapists with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. In addition, engage in ongoing training in research based couples therapy models.

We have discovered that most couples communicate well during the times they are feeling secure and connected. Yet when couples experience conflict, their communication skills tend to go out the window. Communication is complex. The messages we send to others are influenced by emotions, verbal language, body language, thoughts, memories, facial expressions, past experiences, and tone of voice. Food, sleep, substances, and our general state of wellbeing also impact how we communicate. Therapy helps couples raise awareness, and shift, the underlying dynamics that drive their communication patterns. 

Absolutely. Couples therapy includes sex therapy. For most people sex is a vital aspect of their romantic relationship. The process of couples therapy begins with helping couples co-create a solid foundation and new ways of interacting with each other. Once this is solidly established we help our clients explore and enhance their sexual connection.

Yes, we can help. You are in the right place and we are here for you. We provide counseling that is direct while being non-blaming and non-shaming. Affairs are often considered a relationship crisis and post-traumatic stress symptoms are common. With therapy couples can recover, and stay together, if this is their goal.

Yes, if this is your goal. We help our couples meet their goals for therapy, whatever their goals may be. At the beginning of our work together we will help each partner articulate what it is they want to get out of the therapy process. The therapists at Integrative Couples Therapy are pro-relationship and align themselves with the goals that their clients bring to therapy.

This is a common dilemma that is best discussed in therapy. We cannot give direct advice on whether someone stays in their relationship or leaves the relationship. Generally speaking, good couples therapy helps most people create secure and fulfilling relationships. Many couples find peace of mind in knowing that they are trying everything they can to improve their relationship before making this decision. If you are seriously considering leaving your marriage, we encourage you to share this with your couples therapist and partner directly so you can begin address the challenges you are facing before making this decision. Some couples decide that the best thing for them is to end their relationship. If this is the decision you and your partner make, your therapist will support you to separate or divorce amicably.

Some couples begin therapy at a time when one partner is not interested in working on their relationship at this particular time. During the assessment process we will explore your commitment levels to the relationship and to therapy itself.  Therapy generally helps couples tap into energy and hope. The assessment process with your therapist can help you develop more clarity.

If you are being abused, whether this is physically, emotionally, mentally, financially or sexually, couples therapy may not be safe. We encourage you to schedule individual therapy instead of couples therapy.  If you are already in couples therapy, contact our care coordinator and ask to schedule an individual therapy session with a therapist that is not your couples therapist. The individual therapist can help support you with next steps that will prioritize your safety. If you do not feel safe enough to bring this information forward to one of our therapists please contact another therapist outside our practice. To educate yourself on abuse in relationships at The Hotline website https://www.thehotline.org/.  Or visit the Community Resource Center https://crcncc.org/get-help/domestic-violence-services/ .

Yes. We work with couples practicing consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, swinging, and open marriages. Therapy can help you engage in meaningful dialogue, support each other during challenges, and keep connection strong while navigating the complexities of multiple relationships. 

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is an evidence based practice. Ninety percent of couples that move through the EFT process find that their relationship improves and seventy percent of couples move from a distressed state to a satisfied state. To learn more about EFT research visit www.iceeft.com