When working with couples, I use a process called Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is considered one of only two "empirically supported" methods for working with couples, which means a lot of research has shown clearly that EFT works. Here are some things you should know about seeing me for EFT:

* EFT can change your relationship for the better. Fully 90% of distressed couples who complete EFT experience significant improvement in their relationship. Almost three-fourths can be classified as "recovered" by the end of treatment, having made gains so significant they no longer qualify as distressed.

* EFT works even where other treatments fail. EFT has been shown to work well with couples who have low incomes, couples with little formal education, and couples where the husband is rated by the wife as "inexpressive"--three groups that do not do well in other forms of couples therapy. If you think that your relationship (or your spouse) isn't fit for traditional therapy, EFT may be just what you're looking for.

* Perhaps most importantly, EFT appears to create lasting change. Unlike in other forms of couples therapy, where the positive effects begin to drop off almost immediately at the end of treatment, couples who complete a course of EFT maintain their gains--and even continue to improve on them--over the next 24 months, without any additional treatment.

* EFT can be a good investment. Twelve sessions of EFT (sessions are usually 90 minutes) will cost less than $1,500. A divorce could cost you ten times that much--maybe more--and will uproot you, your spouse, and potentially your children. If there's even a small chance your relationship could survive whatever is currently impacting it, isn't it worth it to make the effort?

* Of course, EFT isn't for everyone. If there is ongoing violence in your relationship, or if one partner is absolutely unwilling to even attempt emotional reconnection, EFT cannot be effective.

For more information on the scientific research supporting EFT, including sources for all of the statistics cited above, please visit the Research Support page.

If you are interested in scheduling a free, in-person or phone consultation to see whether EFT may be right for your relationship, call me at 858-876-5003 or send me an email at ben@bencaldwell.com.