Research and Results: The Science Behind EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy)

The Science Behind EFT

Developed by Dr Leslie (Les) Greenberg and colleagues (Greenberg et al., 1993), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach. EFT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating a wide range of emotional and relational issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma and interpersonal conflict. Understanding the scientific principles behind EFT can help therapists and clients alike appreciate the research-based foundations and real-world impact of this powerful therapy.

Understanding Emotion

EFT is rooted in the perspective that emotions are central to human experience and influence how we process information, relate to others, and navigate personal challenges. According to Greenberg (2011), emotions provide essential information about our needs, desires, and concerns, serving as “adaptive action tendencies” that guide our behaviour and interactions. On the other hand, unresolved, or maladaptive emotions can lead to psychological distress and psychopathology (Greenberg, 2011).

Emotional Awareness

One of the foundational principles of EFT is enhancing emotional awareness (Elliot et al, 2004). By helping clients become more aware of their emotions, they can better understand their own experiences and identify underlying issues. This increased awareness forms the basis for emotional processing and change (Elliot et al).

Emotional Processing

Rather than avoiding or suppressing emotions, EFT encourages clients to experience and process them fully. In EFT, therapeutic change is achieved by engaging with and transforming painful maladaptive emotions (Elliot et al., 2004; Greenberg et al., 1993). Studies indicate that processing emotions through EFT ‘tasks’ like two-chair and empty-chair work can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma (see Elliott et al, 2021 for a recent review of the research).

Transformative Emotional Experiences

A key component of EFT involves transforming painful maladaptive emotions by engaging more adaptive, empowering ones (Elliot et al., 2004; Greenberg et al., 1993). This process is supported by affective neuroscience, which highlights the importance of emotional regulation and restructuring in achieving therapeutic change (see Ecker et al., 2024 for a comprehensive synthesis of affective neuroscience research and theory within psychotherapy). Through effective empathy and guidance through tasks, EFT therapists support clients to access adaptive emotions, such as self-compassion and assertive anger, to transform painful stuck emotions (Elliott et al., 2004).

Evidence-Based Success

Numerous studies* have demonstrated the efficacy of EFT in treating:

• • • • Depression: EFT has been shown to significantly reduce depressive symptoms, particularly through interventions like empty-chair and two-chair work.
      • Anxiety: Emotion-focused interventions can help clients process and transform anxiety-related emotions, leading to improved coping mechanisms.
      • Trauma and PTSD: EFT’s focus on emotional processing makes it highly effective in addressing unresolved trauma and PTSD symptoms.

* See Elliot et al (2021) for a recent review and synthesis of EFT outcome research.

If you’re interested in learning more about EFT and how it can enhance your practice, the Australian Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy offers a range of training opportunities, starting with our one-day Foundations course, and continuing through to certification. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to enhance your understanding, there’s a pathway for you to explore EFT and its transformative potential in therapy. Find out more about EFT training here.

References

• Ecker, B., Ticic, R., & Hulley, L. (2024). Unlocking the emotional brain: memory reconsolidation and the psychotherapy of transformational change (Second edition.). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
• Elliott, R., Watson, J. C., Goldman, R. N., & Greenberg, L. S. (2004). Learning emotion-focused therapy: The process-experiential approach to change. American Psychological Association.
• Elliott, R., Watson, J., Timulak, L., & Sharbanee, J. (2021). Research on humanistic-experiential  psychotherapies: Updated review. In M. Barkham, W. Lutz, & L. Castonguay (Eds.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (7th ed., pp. 421-467). John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
• Greenberg, L. S. (2011). Emotion-focused therapy: Coaching clients to work through their feelings (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Greenberg, L. S., Rice, L. N., & Elliott, R. (1993). Facilitating emotional change: the moment-by-moment process. Guilford Press.