Attachment theory, the foundation of EFT, posits that our earliest bonds with caregivers profoundly shape how we relate to others throughout our lives. Secure attachment fosters healthy interdependence, where we feel safe seeking support and expressing our needs. Insecure attachment styles – anxious or avoidant – can lead to unhealthy patterns of connection, sometimes including codependency.

The cycle of codependency

SE was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, a psychologist and biophysicist who studied how animals cope with stress and trauma. He observed that animals in the wild are able to shake off the effects of life-threatening situations and return to normal functioning, while humans tend to get stuck in a state of hyperarousal or hypoarousal after experiencing trauma.SE is based on the theory that trauma is not caused by the event itself, but by the body's inability to complete its natural response to the event.

When we face a threat, our nervous system activates the fight, flight, or freeze response to help us survive. However, if we are unable to fight or flee, or if we are overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation, we may freeze and dissociate from our body sensations. This can lead to a buildup of unprocessed energy and stress in our nervous system, which can manifest as various symptoms of trauma.

EFT: Healing through emotion

EFT departs from traditional therapies by prioritizing emotions as a primary force driving our actions and reactions within relationships. Therapists trained in EFT work to:

• Access and Process Emotions:
  
  Many of us are uncomfortable with vulnerability. EFT creates a safe space to unpack underlying emotions like fear, shame, or the desperate need for connection. By learning to express these emotions, we can break down defensive barriers and create more authentic connection.
• Restructure Interactions:
  
  EFT therapists guide clients to practice new ways of interacting based on healthier expressions of emotion and attachment needs. This promotes secure bonding and breaks codependent cycles.
• Identify Attachment Patterns:
  EFT helps clients explore their attachment styles and recognize how they play out in their relationships. Understanding these patterns offers a roadmap to healing.

Benefits of EFT for attachment and codependency

EFT offers numerous benefits for those seeking healthier relationships:

• Improved Self-Awareness:
  EFT fosters an understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, empowering you to make intentional choices about how you engage.
• Secure Attachment:
  
  The goal of EFT is to move towards a place of secure attachment, where there is trust, open communication, and the ability to ask for support while also respecting your partner's needs.
• Overcoming Codependency:
  EFT helps you break free of the need to please others at the expense of yourself, enabling you to establish strong boundaries.