FAQs for Couples

How Can EFCT Help Our Relationship?

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is a structured, evidence based approach designed to help couples break repeating patterns of conflict, emotional distance, and mistrust. Many couples feel stuck in cycles of withdrawal, reactivity, or frustration, often without realising how past experiences shape their reactions. EFCT helps couples move beyond these patterns, creating emotional safety, trust, and deeper connection.

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What Issues Can EFCT Address?

EFCT is particularly effective for couples struggling with:

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• Recurring arguments that never seem to resolve

• Emotional disconnection and difficulty feeling close

• Trust issues, fear of abandonment, or rejection sensitivity

• Struggles with intimacy; both emotional and physical

• One partner withdrawing while the other seeks connection

• Attachment wounds from childhood trauma affecting your relationship

 

If you and your partner are considering separation, EFCT can also help you reconnect and gain clarity about your relationship. Many couples on the brink of separation find that therapy helps them rebuild trust and decide on their future with greater understanding.

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What Happens in EFCT Sessions?

Therapy focuses on understanding how attachment patterns, emotional responses, and past experiences shape your relationship. Sessions will help you:

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• Recognise negative interaction cycles that create conflict

• Understand how past experiences influence your relationship patterns

• Learn to communicate openly, regulate emotions, and rebuild trust

• Use nervous system regulation techniques to reduce reactivity and create a sense of safety

 

Many couples worry that therapy will feel just as frustrating as their usual conversations. EFCT is designed to support couples even when communication feels difficult, by creating a structured, safe environment where both partners can express themselves without escalating conflict. Sessions are focused on understanding each other’s emotions and needs, rather than just surface-level discussions.

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How is EFCT Different From Other Couples Therapy?

Traditional couples therapy often focuses on communication techniques alone. EFCT goes deeper, helping couples reshape emotional responses so they feel more secure with each other. Research shows over 75% of couples see long term improvement with EFCT, making it one of the most effective approaches to relationship therapy.

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What If My Partner and I Have Different Attachment Styles?

It’s common for couples to have different attachment styles, one partner may seek closeness while the other withdraws. EFCT helps both partners understand and shift these patterns, creating a more stable, connected relationship.

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What Role Does Trauma Play in Our Relationship?

Many relationship struggles stem from unresolved attachment wounds or early experiences of love that felt unpredictable, conditional, or unsafe. If past experiences make emotional closeness feel risky, EFCT helps you reshape survival strategies that no longer serve you, allowing for deeper trust and connection.

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How Does Polyvagal Theory Help in Therapy?

Trauma affects not only emotions but also the nervous system, making certain triggers feel overwhelming. Using Polyvagal Theory, therapy supports emotional regulation, helping partners feel safe, calm their reactivity, and respond to each other with more security and presence.

 

What If We Keep Having the Same Fights?

Many couples feel trapped in repeating arguments, where the same issues keep resurfacing. EFCT helps break these cycles by shifting focus from who is right or wrong to understanding each other’s deeper emotional needs.

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Do We Both Need to Attend Every Session?

EFCT works best when both partners attend sessions together, as therapy is most effective when both people engage in the process. In some cases, we may discuss and agree on short-term individual work for one partner, but this is only considered when it directly supports the couples' therapy process and with the intention of rejoining joint sessions.

If your partner is unsure about therapy, we can explore their concerns in a discovery call and discuss how therapy can be adapted to your needs. Therapy can be helpful even if one partner is hesitant. EFCT is designed to create safety and understanding, rather than blame or pressure.

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Do You Offer Online Couples Therapy?

Yes, I provide both in-person therapy in Waterlooville and online therapy via Zoom.

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How Long Does EFCT Take?

Every couple’s journey is different, but most experience meaningful change within 8 to 20 sessions. Deep-rooted patterns take time to shift, which is why EFCT is designed for lasting transformation, not just quick fixes.

To support this process, I offer both pay as you go sessions and discounted packages for couples committed to longer-term work.

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How Do I Book a Session?

I offer a free 15 minute discovery chat if you're considering therapy but unsure if it’s the right step. There’s no pressure to book, take time to think it over, and if you decide you want to move forward, you can contact me to book.

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[Book a Free Discovery Chat] (Insert Link Here)

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Why Work With Me as a Couple?

Many couples feel stuck in repeating patterns that leave them feeling disconnected, unseen, or misunderstood. My approach helps couples understand their deeper emotional responses, rather than just changing behaviour on the surface.

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Using EFCT and attachment-based therapy, I help couples move from frustration and distance to clarity, emotional connection, and a more secure bond. Even if things feel stuck now, patterns can be broken, and relationships can change.

 

What are your availability and locations?
I offer both in person and online therapy at the following times:

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• Mondays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (In-person & online)

• Tuesdays: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (In-person & online)

• Fridays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (In-person & online)

 

If you need a time outside of my listed availability, feel free to reach out, I’ll do my best to accommodate where possible.

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Pricing & Session Options

To reflect the recommended duration of therapy, I offer both pay as you go sessions and discounted packages to support couples committed to this process:

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• Free 15 minute discovery call – A chance to discuss your needs and see if we’re a good fit

• 60 minute session – £100

• 90 minute booster session – £150 (for deeper exploration or extra support)

• Package Options:

  • 6 x 60-minute sessions – £580 (saving £20)

  • 10 x 60-minute sessions – £950 (saving £50)

 

Payment & Booking

• Payment is required when booking sessions.

• All sessions are available in Waterlooville and online via Zoom.

 

[Book a Free Discovery Call] | [Contact Me]

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