Online EFFT: Emotion Focused Family Therapy

Start learning how to support your child today!

What is EFFT?

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) views parents as the primary agents of change for someone struggling with an emotion- or behaviour-based problem, regardless of their age. It is a transdiagnostic approach that empowers parents to support their child through emotion coaching, behaviour coaching, and relationship repair.

How does EFFT work?

Parents/caregivers meet with a therapist alone (i.e., without your child present) to learn how to validate difficult emotions by going from “but to because” and provide practical support. Through this process of co-regulation, your child will learn to better label and manage their emotions, and in turn, their response to stressful situations.

Wait, there’s more! Your feelings also matter!

In EFFT, we also spend time helping parents, like yourself, identify any underlying emotions or “blocks” that may be making it difficult for you to access your inner wisdom or employ new strategies with your child. For example, many parents may struggle to set limits because they’re afraid of upsetting their child or pushing them too far and making things worse. Meanwhile other parents, may struggle with feelings of guilt or self-blame that make it difficult to sit with their child in times of need.

Where can I find a therapist who offers EFFT?

Many of the child and adolescent therapists on our team are trained in EFFT and can help with this! We offer EFFT to parents/caregivers residing in Ontario through virtual appointments.