Family Therapy
Strengthen your relationship with your child or teen through family therapy.
Rebuild Connection…One Conversation at a Time.
Your family didn’t always feel chaotic and distant.
Not that long ago, there were more peaceful and pleasant times in your home. Memories that made you smile. Holidays to look forward to. The sweetness of being together as a family.
But lately, that connection feels more distant in spite of all of your efforts and good intentions. Conversations that used to flow easily—like chatting during car rides or laughing over dinner—now feel strained, or just don’t happen at all. Your teen givse one-word answers when you ask how their day was and they spend most of their time in their room, headphones on, door closed. Even simple questions like “Do you have any homework?” are met with an eye roll or irritation.
You’ve tried to make sure they’re OK—asking if something’s wrong, offering to talk—but it doesn’t go anywhere. You’re left wondering what changed… and how to bridge the growing gap between you.
You find yourself locked in never ending debates, yelling matches and emotional meltdowns. You’re struggling to cope emotionally and you know other people in your family are too.
You anticipated that family life would bring some heartache, but you honestly expected that you’d figure it out. Yet here you are, worn thin. Exhausted and out of hope that you’ll ever find your way through this emotional minefield.
Family life isn’t always easy…we’re here to help.
Families dynamics can be very complicated because everyone is unique and sees things differently, yet together they need to get through all kinds of challenges like births, serious or chronic illness, unemployment, moves, aging parents, divorce, death and trauma.
We believe that your greatest strength and your most helpful tool in getting through life’s most difficult moments lies in the power of your family relationships.
But many people grow up never learning how to navigate big emotions, conflict or major disagreements a healthy and helpful way. They are left trying to make sense of difficult behaviour, emotional meltdowns and conflict without having a map to guide them through the storm.
You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Many parents feel this way as their kids grow and start pulling away. Communication changes, emotions get more complex, and what used to work—like hugs, snacks, or pep talks—might not land the same way anymore. It can leave everyone feeling stuck, disconnected, and unsure how to move forward.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. There’s a path back to each other—and we’re here to help.
What Is Emotionally Focused Family Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a proven, short-term approach that helps families move from feeling disconnected to feeling closer and more supported.
Instead of focusing on who’s “right” or “wrong,” we help you understand what’s really going on beneath the arguments, silence, or tension. Often, what looks like anger or withdrawal is really about deeper feelings—like fear, sadness, or a longing to feel understood.
EFFT creates a space where both parents and kids can feel safe to share what’s really going on. We help you notice the patterns your family gets stuck in and guide you toward new ways of connecting—ones that build trust, closeness, and better communication.
It’s about helping your child or teen feel truly heard—and helping you feel like they’re letting you in again.
Why Families Come to EFFT
Families don’t come to therapy because they’ve given up. They come because they care deeply—and even with all that love, something still isn’t working.
You might notice things like:
– Your child or teen has stopped opening up about what’s really going on
– Simple conversations turn into arguments—or just end with silence
– You feel like you’re walking on eggshells, unsure what might set things off
– You miss the closeness you used to have and want more connection
– You want to support your child’s emotional well-being, but you’re not sure how
These are all common signs of a family stuck in a difficult communication pattern. Even your best efforts—asking questions, giving space, offering advice—can sometimes make things feel worse instead of better.
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) helps families get underneath those patterns to understand what’s really going on. From there, we guide you toward new ways of relating—ways that feel more natural, respectful, and emotionally safe for everyone involved.
Our role isn’t to judge or tell you what you’re doing wrong. We’re here to guide your family with care and curiosity. In our sessions, both parents and children feel seen, heard, and supported.
Over time, your family can start to feel more connected, more resilient, and more hopeful again.
Benefits of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
Notice and understand the patterns that keep getting in the way of connection
Slow things down so we can get underneath the arguments or silence
Help children and teens express what they’re really feeling and needing
Support parents in responding in ways that build trust—not shutdown
Strengthen the emotional bond between parents and kids
Feel more effective as a parent
What Makes This Approach Different?
In Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, we understand that:
- What matters most is the bond you share—not perfect communication
- It’s the patterns that get families stuck, not the people
- Change is always possible, even when things feel tense or hopeless
We’re not here to give you a script or teach one-size-fits-all communication tips. And we don’t expect parents to have it all figured out.
Instead, we help you and your child get to the heart of what’s really going on—what’s underneath the frustration, silence, or outbursts. Together, we create new moments of connection right in the therapy room—moments that help rebuild trust and closeness, and that can carry over into everyday family life.
Ready to for your family to feel closer again?
If you’re a parent wanting to rebuild connection and open up communication with your child or teen, family therapy can help.
Reach out today to take the first step toward a calmer, more connected home. Let’s create a space where your family can reconnect, communicate, and thrive—together.
WHO ATTENDS FAMILY THERAPY SESSIONS?
Therapists at Bedford Couple & Family Therapy provide effective and evidence based help for your family.
In Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), participants typically include:
The Child or Adolescent (Identified Client):
The young person experiencing emotional, behavioral, or relational challenges is actively involved in therapy. EFFT focuses on helping them express emotions and rebuild secure connections with their caregivers.
Parents or Primary Caregivers:
One or both parents participate in therapy sessions. They play a key role in learning how to respond to their child’s emotional needs and in strengthening the parent-child relationship. EFFT helps caregivers become more emotionally attuned, responsive, and supportive.
Other Family Members (Sometimes):
Depending on the family dynamics and specific issues, siblings or other significant family members may also be included. The therapist will assess who needs to be involved based on who plays an important role in the child’s emotional environment.
EFFT is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on building stronger, more secure emotional bonds within the family.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR FAMILY THERAPY?
The 3 Stages of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
1. Stage 1: Identifying Negative Patterns and Expressing Emotion
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In this initial stage, the therapist helps the family recognize negative emotional cycles (e.g., avoidance, conflict, or miscommunication) that are contributing to distress.
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The therapist creates a safe space for family members to express and explore vulnerable emotions (such as fear, sadness, or frustration) that are often hidden beneath the surface.
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This stage aims to break through defensive patterns and create an atmosphere of understanding.
2. Stage 2: Restructuring Interaction Patterns
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In this stage, the therapist helps family members reframe their perceptions and change how they interact with one another.
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The focus is on helping parents and children respond to each other in more emotionally supportive and attuned ways.
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New communication strategies are introduced, encouraging family members to express their emotions honestly and respectfully, fostering deeper emotional connections.
3. Stage 3: Consolidating New Emotional Bonds and Strengthening the Relationship
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The final stage focuses on solidifying the positive changes in the family’s emotional interactions.
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Family members work to maintain and strengthen the new patterns of responsiveness and emotional security they’ve developed.
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The therapist helps the family develop strategies to manage future challenges, reinforcing the family’s capacity to stay emotionally connected even in difficult situations.
These stages together help families build stronger, healthier relationships and improve emotional well-being.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR FAMILY THERAPY?
At Bedford Couple & Family we have therapists who specialize in working with parents and with parent and child dyads.
Most of our clinicians offer a free initial phone consultations with all of our new clients to help match them with the best therapist for their concerns.
After the phone consultation we will schedule you for an initial in person or virtual session with your therapist. During this appointment you will discuss in greater detail your challenges and concerns.
With your clinician, you will create a plan to move you from where you are now to a more connected, secure and peaceful family
Therapists Who Offer Family Therapy

Lois Ells MSW, RSW
Clinical Social Worker
How Do I Get Started?
Book Appointment
Use our awesome online booking system to schedule your free consultation call.
Phone Chat
We’ll call you at the number you left for us and have a chat about what you’d like to get out of therapy and how we can help. If we’re a fit, we’ll book your first session.
1st Session!
Come to your first session! It’s normal that you might feel nervous or unsure what to expect. But taking this big step is so important. You can do it!