Emotion Focused

Therapy

Emotions shape how we see ourselves, relate to others, and make sense of the world.

They guide our choices, influence our relationships, and tell us what matters most. Yet many of us were never taught how to understand or express them. In Australian culture, we often learn to push emotions aside or stay busy instead of tuning in. Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) helps to change that.

EFT is about paying attention to what’s happening under the surface. It helps you understand, process, and work with your emotions so they don’t stay stuck or keep showing up in unhelpful ways. When we avoid difficult feelings, they don’t disappear. They can build up and affect our mood, energy, relationships, and even our physical health.

Young female adult with orange hair sitting on couch

Why emotions matter

Emotions give us information about what we need, what we care about, and how we make meaning of our experiences. When something doesn’t go as planned, or when we’re hurt or disappointed, there are emotions underneath that need attention. Learning to notice and make sense of these feelings helps us respond more calmly and compassionately, rather than reacting or shutting down.

EFT provides tools to increase emotional awareness, self-compassion, and regulation. It can help transform painful emotional experiences, including those connected to trauma, into moments of insight and growth. As people connect more deeply with what they feel, they often find it easier to be authentic, to express needs clearly, and to relate to others in healthier ways.

Male adult sitting on couch with head in hands

What sessions can look like

In therapy, we might explore different ways to work with emotions. This could involve visualisation, speaking to an empty chair to process feelings about another person, or two-chair work to explore different parts of yourself or inner conflicts. It can feel a little different from traditional talk therapy, but clients often find it powerful and surprisingly natural once they start.

How EFT helps

EFT supports people in building a more balanced and accepting relationship with their emotions. It helps difficult feelings move through more easily, and makes room to savour the positive ones. It’s particularly helpful for people who tend to think their way through problems or feel disconnected from their emotions, providing a bridge back to what’s real, human, and healing.

At Collective Hope Therapy Epping, EFT isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you understand yourself more deeply and find gentler ways to live, feel, and connect.

We provide in-person appointments at our therapy practice in Epping, Melbourne and online across Australia.