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Johnson and Greenberg’s Emotionally Focused Therapy Model
Amy R. Jacobs
School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
Dr. Benjamin Schoening
October 1, 2022
Author Note
Amy R. Jacobs
Department of Counseling Education and Family Studies, Liberty University
1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515
I have no known conflicts of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Amy R. Jacobs.
Email: ajacobs19@liberty.edu
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Abstract
Family counseling has been growing and developing over many years. There are many different
approaches that have been developed, added to changed, and led to more advanced approached
to family counseling. In this paper, we will discuss and review the development of the Johnson
and Greenberg’s Emotionally Focused Therapy Model, its key concepts, techniques used and
more to gain a better understanding of the details entailed in this model. There are various
similarities and dissimilarities that will also be discussed. This paper will include details about
the knowledge acquired by the research done in this family approach model and integration of
personal faith and counseling. Lastly, personal SYMBIS assessment results will be broken down
and discussed.
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Part I: Johnson and Greenberg’s Emotionally Focused Therapy Model
Introduction
This paper will explain the important information of the Johnson and Greenberg’s
Emotionally Focused Therapy Model and detail it’s key features that led to its value in family
counseling. Included in this paper will be comparisons of similarities and dissimilarities of
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Personal
integration with this family therapy model and the SYMBIS assessment results will include
details and be discussed based on personal assessment results.
Leading Figures
The predominant leading figures of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) are Leslie
Greenberg and Susan Johnson (Goldenberg et al., 2017). Other influencers have been mentioned
such as Dr. Robert Elliott, Dr. Laura Rice, and many more whom have contributed to this therapy
over the years, too many to mention, in the development of EFT, each adding to and contributing
to EFT and its development. Each individual has made an impact on EFT and how it works.
There are many studies show the positive impact that it has made on so many people throughout
its years of development.
Development of the Theory/Historical Events
In 1970, Leslie Greenberg, a graduate student, met Laura Rice, a professor at York
University. Rice was Greenberg’s mentor, and both spent the next twenty years collaboratively
researching what brings change into the therapy sessions. During their years of research, the pair
was able to identify different and specific interventions that created change for their theory
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(Goldman, 2019; Tan, 2011). During this time period many changes were happening. It was
thought that therapy itself was the main component of change, not any one intervention. Many
would say that all therapy was equal. This concept was referred to as the “Dodo Bird Verdict”
(Goldman, 2019, p.4). This was to further the world of therapy and make a difference in clients’
lives by using the best therapy interventions available that would be most effective and which
ones would not be as effective (Goldman, 2019).
Robert Elliott became a part of this research effort and the trio “developed process-
experiential therapy, which later became known as emotion-focused therapy (EFT)” (Goldman,
2019, p 7). Susan Johnson entered the picture and applied EFT to families and found that the
same principles of EFT produced positive changes. This led to the expansion of EFT to EFFT
(Emotional-Focused Family Therapy) (Furrow et al., 2019; Goldenberg et al., 2017; Goldman,
2019; Johnson, 2019). Burgess Moser et al. (2015) reports that “70-73 % of couples
demonstrates recovery from relationship distress after completing 8-12 sessions of EFT.”
Relationships satisfaction increases if the couple is willing to commit 3 months to 2 years of
posttherapy (Burgess Moser et al., 2015, p 232). There is support that these statistical numbers
are in line.
In the article Training Therapists in Emotionally Focused Therapy: A longitudinal and
Cross-sectional Analysis, proved that the ICEEFT’s training protocol to be effective, reflecting
positive results in the counselor that meets all training requirements in being recognized as an
EFT therapist is competent to create positive change in their client’s lives (Koren et al., 2021).
Johnson founded the ICEEFT- International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused
Therapy (2022). This training is to ensure that the therapist understands the practice of EFT and
all its requirements to practice EFT. This includes specific guidelines through the ICEEFT
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training and that the therapist has met all these requirements in order to effectively practice and
counsel clients the proper way.
Basic Assumptions and Key Philosophy
The key philosophy of EFT come from John Bowlby’s attachment theory, Perl’s Gestalt
Therapy, and Carl Roger’s Person-Centered Therapy. EFT is experiential, humanistic, and
systemic in nature and backed by neuroscience (Bodenmann et al., 2020; Burgess Moser et al.,
2015; Goldenberg et al., 2017). There is strong influence from all these theories that influenced
EFT as it is today. According to Johnson (2019) EFT is systemic, but still an individualized way
of seeing the issues that hurt clients.
Key Concepts
The key concepts of EFT are based on emotions to effect change. The emotions are
targeted and are able to be regulated in therapy and then the change includes action (Johnson,
2019). By looking at the underlying emotions, attachment bonds are strengthened between the
couple or families, which is the main result and goal of EFT. When attached confidently to
others, individual psychopathology is resolved in most cases (Bodenmann et al., 2020). Johnson
(2019), offers therapists well-researched process for harnessing the power of emotions to
transform relationships and inspire personal growth.
Techniques
EFT encompasses three stages and nine steps, if used and followed correctly, they could
invoke powerful healing and changes in the client’s habits (Bodenmann et al., 2020; Goldenberg
et al., 2017, Koren et al., 2021). The three stages of change in EFT are: “de-escalation of
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negative cycles and stabilization, or a working alliance; creation of new stances and patterns of
interaction that foster open responsiveness and more secure bonding; and consolidation and
integration” (Johnson & Bradley, 2009, p 405). Within the first stage there are four steps that
must take place. The first step within the first stage is to “establish a therapeutic alliance and
begin assessment” (Welch et al., 2019) The second step is to identify patterns of interaction. The
third step is to help the clients identify and explore their emotions. It is important in this step to
make sure the clients are listing primary and secondary emotions and that they understand the
difference in the emotions. Lastly, the therapist reframes the problem and underlying emotions
and attachment needs of the couple (Welch et al., 2019).
Two primary techniques that are used in EFT are “withdrawal re-engagement and blamer
softening” (Johnson & Bradley, 2009, p 407). Johnson mentions other techniques as being
reflection, validation, questions and responses, a deeper engagement in experiences between
couples and interpretation (2019). The empty chair intervention by Gestalt can also be used in
multiple ways, which has been utilized in EFT therapy (Goldman, 2019).
Similarities/Dissimilarities
There have been may studies that have been conducted to the effectiveness of Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Both these therapies are
empirically based and successfully affect the client but since they have different approaches the
results come in different ways. For example, CBT is top-down approach and EFT is bottom-up
approach (Bodenmann et al., 2020; Greenberg, 2019; Greenberg et al., 2019). In CBT which is a
top-down approach simply means that the therapy is focused on the brain such as thinking,
speaking, and our moment-to-moment emotional awareness. In EFT, the bottom-up approach is
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simply talking about the base of the brain and its automatic reflexes and survival (Balough,
2021).
CBT works to change cognitions that produce emotions. EFT can produce the same
results but is more experiential than structured. It is important to mention that EFT does not
ignore the cognitions that produce emotions. EFT and its bottom-up approach allows the client to
explore their feelings and make sense of emotions that they are feeling (Balough, 2021). Both
CBT and EFT focus on challenging negative core beliefs (Lee, 2022). EFT is widely used for
depression, relational distress, trauma, and many other conditions (Welch et al., 2019).
New Knowledge Acquired
I choose to research more about EFT because I did not know anything about this theory. I
am happy with the research that I have learned about this theory and I feel that it is compatible
with my worldview. I feel that I would want to incorporate EFT in my future counseling
sessions. The success rate for EFT is very convincing to use and with the proper training I would
be able to apply what I have learned to help my clients. I have mostly leaned towards CBT
because that is what my supervisors have used throughout my practicum and current internship.
I have always been curious of emotions and where they come from and how they work.
The more research that I have done on EFT the more I understand the importance of self-
regulation, I have also gained a more understanding about where our emotions come from and
how they operate in our brains. The effectiveness of reducing depressive symptoms in an
individual of couple by using EFT have shown positive results in many studies (Alder et al.,
2018). By starting with a fresh perspective of EFT, I was able to go into the research and to find
many studies on this theory and to see how effective it has been for many people.
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The research that I uncovered was studies of couple’s key changes in blamer-softening or
steps to a successful resolution within their relationship (Welch et al., 2019; Burgess Moser et al.,
2015). This is to enhance understanding between the couple and to have a safe place to share
these thoughts towards satisfaction within the relationship. I also learned that the primary goal of
EFT is to create safety within the relationship. This entails that the couple be able to share their
experiences, have a connection, and talk about their emotions without the fear of rejection or
judgement (Welch et al., 2019). This must include a safe environment so that when the couples
are sharing all these raw emotions, they are not having those feelings whelming up inside and
causing anger or frustration, but they are feeling better about sharing.
Part II
Personal Integration
I am taking away from this course a whole new appreciation of EFT and how it is similar
to CBT. My theoretical stance before this course and all my research was more towards
maladaptive cognitive changes. Although CBT and EFT are compatible in many ways, I did not
understand the importance of working emotions and the strengths of implementing other theories
(Bodenmann et al., 2020).
I found the workbook Couple Therapy: A new Hope-Focused Approach so fulfilling
(Ripley & Worthington, 2014). It gave many interventions that are very practical in a counseling
session. Even though the book is full of information it can be overwhelming to digest all of these
different interventions, they are all practical. I can see how the Hope-Focused Approach
(Handling Our Problems Effectively- HOPE) and the FREE- Forgiveness and Reconciliation
through Experiencing Empathy would be the two interventions that I will take away from
reading this book. These two are compatible with my biblical world view, which is important to
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me. I learned so much from this workbook that it is hard for me to just talk about one thing, but I
feel that the most important thing I did learn was replacing negative emotion with positive
emotion. This goes well with all the research about EFT reframing approach (Ripley &
Worthington, 2014).
Throughout my college years I have taken different assessments to find my most
compatible counseling theories and the approaches that I was matched to were Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. Person-Centered Therapy is based on
the foundation of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity (Wilkins, 2016). Now
that I have learned more about HOPE and FREE, I will be able to incorporate these different
approaches into my practice as a counselor as well.
I can see how these theories complement my biblical principles. EFT emphasizes
emotions and how they affect a person to get to the truth about the issue, which in turn is
considered the primary emotion (Johnson, 2019). The idea of being able to have that safe space
within a relationship and uncovering the truth with the individuals within the relationship, the
connection will be enhanced.
The HOPE- focused approach, playing on the couple’s strengths, reminds me of how God
wants us to come together as couples and how two become one. It also goes with His image of a
marriage and how we are to lean on each other. This is what EFT does for a relationship, it
enhances the safe space between the couple so that when the issues arise, they are able to take
what they learned from EFT and apply it to their marriage. Ripley and Worthington, (2014), talk
about how the HOPE and the FREE interventions are “highly congruent” with Christian beliefs
(p. 208). I think this is why I like these two interventions so much and want to be able to apply
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them to my counseling. The authors go on to say that not only do they want correction of
behavior but also heart, mind, and body (Ripley & Worthington, 2014).
I want to be a counselor that not only shares a Christ-centered approach, but I also want
them to see Christ in me, so that His will be done, not mine. By learning more skills to
accomplish this I will be shining Christ through theses approaches. Learning relationship skills
and practicing them the more I (as the counselor) will be able to help the couple I am counseling.
The main thing that I like about the HOPE intervention is that it is simple and direct. Couple will
be able to practice them and hopefully be able to resolve conflicts in their relationship.
Improving communication skills and conflict-resolution skills the couples will enhance the
couples lives for the positive (Ripley & Worthington, 2014). By doing a more Christ-centered
approach within the counseling session the more the couple will see how God can be a secure
base and help them to repair their relationship form within.
Part III
SYMBIS Assessment
Marriage Mindset
The SYMBIS assessed my husband and I as a “resolute mindset” and I would agree with
this assessment. I agree because there is not divorce option or will there ever be one. We both
agreed that this marriage was forever, and that God was the one whom brought us together so
why would we want to divorce. This “resolute mindset” is a forever commitment and not
something that would be easily broken. When first married, I feel that we have always had this
“resolute mindset” even though at the beginning of our marriage it was like a fairytale. I am not
saying that our marriage has not had some ups and downs throughout our 21 years but when
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looked at itI see how God has been the center and that has what has kept us together (Parrott &
Parrott, n.d).
Five Issues in Real Relationship
Since my husband and I have been married for 21 years I feel that most of this report was
not a surprise to me. I do think that I gained some insight to the first part of the five issues which
is love. This first part about love I found interesting that my husband put being passionate, bold
and adventurous together. I do however agree that he is the “energizing spouse.” By this I mean
that he is always the one to make sure we are spending time together and making sure that we
continue to work on our relationship (Parrott & Parrott, n.d).
The second is attitude dynamic and is was not surprised in the results. I have never liked
adjusting my outlook on life even though I do try to look at life as half-full and overcoming a
hurdle. I do think that this is why we get along so well in that we are different so that we can
hold each other up in times of hurdles. I also agree with all the coping tendencies except one, I
do not want my husband to think that I am unconcerned when under stress and when life
becomes demanding. This is something that I will want to work on in the future as to let him
know that I am concerned and want to support our marriage (Parrott & Parrott, n.d).
The third dynamic is communication. Communication over the years of our marriage has
become so much better than in the beginning. I still have to be mindful of being to quiet and
keeping my feelings to myself. I do not tell dramatic stories as my husband does and telling
stories is not something that I do well. Sometimes, I do find myself wanting to talk with him and
he seems to be busy, so we have to make a conscientious effort to listen to each other (Parrott &
Parrott, n.d).
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The fourth dynamic is gender differences. This part made me look hard at our differences.
I guess this is why we do these assessments to see exactly how our spouse thinks. His number
one thing was intimacy. I do not have a problem with this except I feel that our intimacy is great
and does not need work at this time in our lives. This has made me sit down and talk with him
about this and to make sure that we are on the same page together (Parrott & Parrott, n.d).
The last dynamic was conflict. The SYMBIS reported that our hot topics were “relatives
and schedules.” I feel that this was confirmed in this report and that we have to come to terms
that in this season of our lives, at least until I graduate, our schedules will be a little bit
overwhelming. As I said earlier, we are making it a priority to have a “date night” or just have a
few hours together without the children to make sure we are nurturing our relationship (Parrott &
Parrott, n.d).
Walking Together with God
I can honestly say that God is the center of our relationship. I give all the credit for being
married to this amazing man of God for 21 years to God’s grace. It goes without saying that the
last six years have been a strain on our family as I have been in college and it takes so much of
my time. I make every day count. The three things that the SYMBIS report shows we are a part
of a is a weekly Bible study, serving in different ministries with our church and praying for each
other (Parrott & Parrott, n.d).
Theory and Spiritual Integration
In the SYMBIS assessment, I can see how this tool could be used when using EFT with
couples. SYMBIS assessment is able to analyze and make each client’s worldview, personality
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and style of communication, among other styles, objectively on paper. This lets the client
understand where the other is coming from and by using this tool it is done in a non-threatening
way. In each section of the SYMBIS assessment one is able to see through the eyes of the other
person within the couple, what their struggles and strengths are and how they can improve. I can
also see how the SYMBIS assessment is compatible with biblical principles.
Conclusion
Being humans are made differently, one can only conclude that not just one specific
theory will work on any one person. It will take multiple ways of counseling theories to help in
the client’s issues. By utilizing EFT, Hope-Focused Therapy, and the SYMBIS assessment
together could be a dynamic intervention. Also, it is important to see the client through a biblical
lens so as not to be judging them on their issues. In using the SYMBIS assessment, seeing the
strengths of the clients, and understanding their attachment style the action plan that will be
made between the counselor and the couple will provide valuable information for the couple’s
future.
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