EFT is based upon the idea that emotions are central to a person’s identity. According to EFT, emotions serve as a guide for choosing and decision-making. EFT is based upon the assumption that if someone lacks emotional awareness or often denies/avoid emotions, it can be harmful to them. EFT was developed by Greenberg and it is centered around the humanistic approach to psychotherapy. It also draws largely from CBT, Client Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. EFT uses emotions to guide the person to lead a healthy and content life. The therapist helps the client to develop the skills of being more aware of one’s own emotions, accepting those and working towards the transformation of emotions to avoid destructive emotions or actions and cope more healthily.

The beginning of EFT is usually about focusing on helping clients to arrive at emotions. The goals for initial sessions are:

Increasing awareness about one’s own emotions
Learning to accept, allow and regulate one’s emotions
Description of emotions in a detailed manner
Understanding multiple layers to emotions

The latter part of the therapeutic process of EFT focuses on the following goals:

Evaluation of emotions
Using emotions to guide the behavior in the right direction
Understanding of source of negative emotions and changing them
Alternative ways of coping
Forming scripts to challenge negative thoughts associated with destructive emotions

It can be helpful with various issues: