Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

Reconnect & Strengthen Your Relationship with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFCT)
Helping couples rebuild trust, deepen connection, and create lasting change.

I help couples in American Fork and across Utah County create a safer, more secure bond using Emotionally Focused Therapy. When trauma or intrusive memories keep hijacking the moment, I’ll selectively integrate Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to calm triggers so the EFT work lands and lasts.

What Is Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy?

EFT is a research-supported, attachment-based approach that organizes treatment into three stages:

  1. De-escalation of the negative cycle,

  2. Restructuring key bonding conversations, and

  3. Consolidation of new, secure patterns.
    This process helps partners move from protest/withdrawal to accessible, responsive, and engaged connection.

How EFCT Can Help You as a Couple

Whether you’re dealing with recurring arguments, emotional distance, infidelity, or simply feeling like roommates instead of partners, EFCT can help. In our sessions, I guide you and your partner through a process that helps you:

  • Recognize and break negative cycles that keep you disconnected

  • Access and express vulnerable emotions in a safe space

  • Understand the needs underneath your conflicts

  • Rebuild trust and emotional safety

  • Create new patterns of connection and responsiveness

My Approach to EFCT

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with advanced training in couples therapy, I use EFCT to create a supportive, compassionate space where both partners can be heard and understood. My role is to help you slow down, tune into what’s really happening emotionally, and guide you toward new, meaningful ways of connecting.

I believe relationships thrive when both partners feel secure, valued, and emotionally connected. With EFCT, we focus not just on solving problems—but on strengthening the bond that makes your relationship a safe haven.

Why Combine EFT + ART

Sometimes skills and empathy aren’t enough because the body is on red alert. ART uses guided eye movements and imagery rescripting to help the brain re-store distressing images and sensations, often producing meaningful relief in ~1–5 sessions. When triggers quiet down, couples can stay present for EFT’s bonding work.

When I Use ARE Inside of EFT

Affair/Betrayal recovery: reduce flashbacks and panic so trust-repair can stick.

Fight/flight/freeze in conflict: lower physiological reactivity so partners can use EFT moves in real time.

Trauma-linked intimacy blocks: update painful imagery and conclusions that fuel avoidance.

Grief that overwhelms the bond: process intense images and emotions to make room for closeness.

Is EFCT Right for You?

EFCT is effective for couples of all backgrounds, whether you're dating, engaged, married, or navigating complex challenges. It’s especially helpful if you’re looking to:

  • Improve emotional closeness and communication

  • Heal from betrayal or emotional injuries

  • Feel more understood and supported

  • Reignite emotional and physical intimacy

Ready to Begin?

Serving American Fork, Lehi, Highland, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, and Saratoga Springs.
Call/Text: 801-210-9147 • Email: matthew@benavidezlmft.com • Contact to schedule a consult.