Which theory does Greenberg and Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy draw upon?

Greenberg and Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is fundamentally rooted in Attachment Theory. This approach emphasizes the significance of emotional bonds between partners and focuses on the role that attachment styles play in relational dynamics. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is designed to help partners recognize and address the emotional needs that arise from their attachment patterns, facilitating deeper emotional connections that can strengthen the relationship.

Attachment Theory posits that the way individuals form emotional bonds in adult relationships is significantly influenced by their early experiences with caregivers. In EFT, therapists work to create a safe space for couples to explore these attachments, identify distressing relational patterns, and foster a more secure attachment, ultimately leading to improved intimacy and communication.

While other theories, such as Behavioral or Systemic Theory, may influence certain therapeutic practices, they do not capture the primary focus and foundational principles that underpin EFT as effectively as Attachment Theory does.