Measured against the standards set by the APA for psychotherapy research, EFT stands at the highest level this measurement defines.
Over the past thirty years the EFT research program has systematically covered the factors identified in optimal models of psychotherapy research. The meta-analysis by Johnson and colleagues (1999), conducted on the four outcome studies available before 2000, found an effect size of 1.3, the largest achieved by a couple intervention up to that point. Studies consistently show excellent follow-up results, and some document gains that continue after therapy ends. Subsequent meta-analyses confirm the efficacy of the model.
EFT holds a body of process research showing that change occurs in the way the theory predicts. This degree of connection between what happens in session and the measurement of outcome remains uncommon in the field of psychotherapy.
The model uses a systematic, empirically validated theory of adult bonding as the basis for understanding and easing relational distress. Results hold across different kinds of clients and with couples facing comorbidities such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Process research documents work on key relational factors, among them the forgiveness of attachment injuries.
EFT studies are published in leading peer reviewed journals.
EFT answers the questions that qualify a psychotherapy model. It works coherently and holds over time: three change events have been identified that the therapist helps the couple reach so that transformation occurs and lasts, de-escalation of the negative cycle, withdrawer re-engagement and blamer softening. The theory of change can be shared with clients transparently, and we know what the therapist must do for those events to occur. The model is teachable and generalizable: it can be learned from different professional backgrounds, training is available through a defined international pathway, and it works with clients presenting varying symptoms and comorbidities.
EFT connects coherently with other bodies of research, among them those investigating the nature of relational distress and adult attachment processes.
EFT publications in English
Scientific article
Altera, G., Orlandi, C., Greenberg, L. S. (2026). The Two EFTs: Distinguishing Psychotherapy Approaches That Share the Same Acronym. Zenodo. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.21312065
The ICEEFT archive
The EFT bibliography is maintained and kept current by ICEEFT.
EFT publications in Italian
Scientific article
Altera, G., Orlandi, C., Greenberg, L. S. (2026). Le due EFT: distinguere approcci psicoterapeutici che condividono lo stesso acronimo. Zenodo. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.21707681
Volumes
Johnson, S. (2014). Love sense. Il senso dell’amore. La nuova e rivoluzionaria scienza delle relazioni romantiche. Sassuolo: Istituto di Scienze Cognitive. ISBN 9788897386117
Johnson, S. (2015). Terapia di coppia focalizzata sulle emozioni con sopravvissuti al trauma. Il potenziamento dei legami di attaccamento. Sassuolo: Istituto di Scienze Cognitive. ISBN 9788897386209
Johnson, S. (2015). Il programma Hold Me Tight. Conversazioni volte alla connessione. Manuale del facilitatore per piccoli gruppi. Sassuolo: Istituto di Scienze Cognitive. ISBN 9788897386193
Johnson, S. M. (2021). La teoria dell’attaccamento in pratica. La terapia focalizzata sulle emozioni (EFT) nel setting individuale, di coppia e familiare. Milano: Franco Angeli. Italian edition edited by Rosario Capo, Marco Cacioppo and Ilario Mammone.
Johnson, S. M. (2022). Stringimi forte. Milano: Raffaello Cortina. Preface to the Italian edition by Giulia Altera and Andrea Pagani.
Johnson, S. M., Campbell, T. L. (2023). Guida per la terapia individuale focalizzata sulle emozioni. Coltivare la crescita e il benessere psicofisico ed emotivo in ogni cliente. Milano: Franco Angeli. Italian edition edited by Andrea Pagani and Giulia Altera.