Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Therapists

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy empowers parents and caregivers to become agents of change in their family's healing journey. Connect with EFFT-trained therapists who can guide your family toward stronger emotional bonds.

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a specialized approach that recognizes parents and caregivers as essential partners in supporting their children through emotional challenges. Rather than positioning the therapist as the sole expert, EFFT equips families with practical emotion coaching skills that can be used long after therapy ends. This approach is often helpful for families navigating anxiety, eating disorders, and other difficulties affecting children and adolescents.

Finding the right therapist for your family is an important step. On First Session, you can browse EFFT therapists across Canada, watch their intro videos to get a sense of their style, and book directly online. Credentials are verified during onboarding, so you can focus on finding someone who feels like the right fit for your family's needs.

Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vaughan, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Show More
Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Cassandra Fezzuoglio

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$185/session
ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Career guidance, Dating challenges, Couples, Competitive anxiety, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Infertility, Vulnerability, Separation and divorce, Neurodiversity
ADHD, Attachment, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Career guidance, Dating challenges, Couples, Competitive anxiety, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Depression coping skills, Navigating challenging relationships, Infertility, Vulnerability, Separation and divorce, Neurodiversity
No results found. Your criteria may be too specific.
Search finds the closest match while filters exclude profiles that do not match your criteria. Try clearing your filters and using search to find a match.
We add therapists weekly. Sign up to receive updates.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
What is Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)?

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy is an evidence-based approach that positions parents and caregivers as central figures in their child's recovery and emotional development. Developed from research on attachment and emotion, EFFT helps families understand the role of emotions in behaviour and teaches practical skills for responding to difficult feelings. The approach recognizes that parents, when supported with the right tools, can provide powerful healing experiences for their children.

Who might benefit from EFFT?

EFFT may be helpful for families where a child or adolescent is struggling with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or eating difficulties. It can also support families who want to strengthen their emotional connections or improve communication patterns. Parents who feel uncertain about how to respond when their child is distressed often find EFFT's practical coaching approach particularly valuable.

What does EFFT involve?

In EFFT, therapists work primarily with parents and caregivers, teaching them specific emotion coaching skills to use at home. Sessions typically focus on understanding the emotional blocks that can interfere with caregiving, practicing new ways of responding to a child's distress, and building confidence in navigating difficult moments. Some sessions may include the whole family, while others focus on parents alone.

How long does family therapy typically take?

The length of EFFT varies depending on each family's unique situation and goals. Some families find meaningful progress in several months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist can discuss a general timeline during your initial sessions and adjust the approach based on how your family responds to the work.

How do I know if a therapist is right for our family?

Finding a good therapeutic fit matters, especially for family work. On First Session, each therapist has a profile with an intro video where you can hear them speak about their approach and get a sense of their personality. Reading about their training in EFFT and other modalities can also help. Many families find it useful to book an initial consultation to see how the therapist connects with different family members.

How do I book a session?

Booking a session on First Session is straightforward. Browse therapist profiles to find practitioners trained in EFFT, watch their intro videos, and check their availability. Once you find someone who seems like a good match, you can book directly through their profile. Many therapists offer both online and in-person sessions, giving your family flexibility in how you attend.