Building Safety and Understanding Your Cycle
First, we help you identify and understand the negative patterns that keep you stuck. We create a safe environment where both partners feel heard and understood.
When your marriage or relationship feels stuck in painful patterns, you’re not alone. At Peterson Family Therapy in Salt Lake City, we specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)—the most research-backed couples therapy approach available today.
The Results Speak for Themselves:
- 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery using EFT
- 90% of couples show significant improvement
- Ed Peterson is a Certified EFT Supervisor – the highest level of EFT specialization
- 40+ years of combined experience helping couples throughout the Salt Lake Valley
This isn’t just any couples therapy. It’s a proven, structured approach with decades of scientific research behind it.
“My wife and I have been using Ed for the last four years, both separately and jointly. Ed has helped us through all sorts of seasons of life as well as a good mental health check up on a frequent basis.”
– Paul S.
Common Couples Therapy Issues We Treat
Are you struggling with any of these common relationship challenges? You’re not alone—and we can help.
Communication & Conflict Issues Fighting about the same topics repeatedly, arguments that escalate quickly, feeling unheard, or difficulty expressing needs without criticism.
Emotional Connection & Intimacy Feeling emotionally disconnected, loss of physical intimacy, or feeling like roommates rather than partners—especially after major life changes.
Trust & Betrayal Recovering from infidelity, rebuilding trust after broken promises, and working toward forgiveness and reconnection.
Life Transitions & Stress Adjusting to parenthood, career changes, financial stress, empty nest, retirement, or managing grief and loss together.
Mental Health Impact on Relationships When depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction (yours or your partner’s) affects the relationship dynamic.
Addiction & Recovery Rebuilding trust after substance abuse, supporting a partner in recovery, and creating healthier relationship patterns.
LGBTQIA+ Specific Challenges Navigating external stressors from family or society, managing coming out at different stages, and negotiating roles without heteronormative blueprints.
Non-Monogamy & Open Relationships Establishing healthy boundaries, managing jealousy, communicating needs across multiple partners, and navigating relationship transitions.
Relationship Uncertainty Considering separation or divorce, uncertain if the relationship can be saved, or making a “last resort” attempt to reconnect.
Why Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Works
The Science Behind EFT
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) was developed about 30 years ago by Dr. Sue Johnson in Canada. It’s grounded in two powerful foundations:
- Attachment Theory – Understanding the science of emotional bonds and how we connect with important people
- Humanistic Psychology – Focusing on acceptance, understanding, and creating safety before change can happen
The Proof: More than 20 peer-reviewed studies have proven EFT to be the most successful couples therapy approach in the world. It’s also grounded in neuroscience, explaining how our brains are wired for connection and empathy.
As Ed explains: “When I found EFT, it absolutely blew my mind from the standpoint of how simple it was, how powerful it was, and mostly because I started seeing success in my clients—especially with couples who were struggling, in pain, and disconnected from each other.”
Understanding The Negative Cycle
At the heart of EFT is understanding the negative cycles that trap couples in patterns of disconnection.
Here’s what typically happens:
- One partner feels something (fear, rejection, loneliness)
- They react in a specific way (withdraw, criticize, pursue, defend)
- The other partner gets triggered by this response
- They react with their own protective response
- The cycle continues and intensifies, often over trivial-seeming issues
“Sometimes we fight about the silliest things that seem small,” Ed says, “but these negative cycles can drive major disconnection. We’re not actually fighting about dishes or money—we’re fighting because the cycle itself has taken over.”
How Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Transforms Relationships
The EFT process works in three stages:
Accessing Deeper Emotions
Next, we help each partner access and express the deeper, more vulnerable feelings beneath the surface anger, criticism, or withdrawal – the hurt, fear, and longing for connection.
Creating New Interactions
Finally, we guide you to create new patterns of interaction based on emotional openness, responsiveness, and secure connection.
The Transformation in Action
In a typical session, a couple might move from this cycle:
- Husband’s withdrawal: “There is no point in talking to you. I don’t want to fight.”
- Wife’s criticism: “You just don’t care. You don’t get it.”
To this kind of connection:
- Husband’s vulnerability: “I do want to be close. I want you to give me a chance. Stop poking me and let me learn to be there for you.”
- Wife’s openness: “It is so difficult to say—but I need you to hold me. Reassure me. Can you?”
Your relationship becomes a safe haven and a healing environment for both partners.
Couples Therapy Process At Peterson Family Therapy
Meet Your Couples Therapists
Ed Peterson, LCSW, MBA Certified EFT Therapist & EFT Supervisor
Ed is a licensed clinical social worker and Certified EFT Supervisor—the highest level of EFT certification available. With over 20 years of experience, Ed specializes in helping couples rebuild connection and intimacy.
Credentials & Background:
- Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor
- MBA in Business Administration
- 20+ years as a licensed clinical social worker
- Background in addiction recovery treatment
- Extensive experience with couples in crisis
- Specializes in emotionally focused couples therapy, family systems work, and helping couples break negative cycles
“My style is highly empowering and motivational. I encourage my clients to get out of their comfort zones and take calculated emotional risks. I believe in inspiring them to do the hard emotional work needed for true recovery.”
Candace Peterson, LCSW Advanced Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy
Candace is a licensed clinical social worker with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFCT/EFIT) and over 20 years of experience in mental health. Her specialized background in trauma therapy gives her unique insight into relationship dynamics and how past experiences affect current relationships.
Credentials & Background:
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFCT & EFIT)
- 20+ years of experience in mental health
- Specialized trauma therapy training including work with veterans
- Facilitates the Religious Trauma Support Group at the Utah Pride Center
- LGBTQIA+ affirming specialist
- Member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Special Expertise:
- Trauma-informed couples therapy
- Religious trauma and faith-identity conflicts in relationships
- LGBTQIA+ inclusive couples therapy
- Supporting couples where one partner has experienced trauma
- Couples navigating identity questions and faith transitions
“I believe people have the answers inside themselves. My style is highly empathetic and caring, while at the same time pushing clients to stretch and become who they authentically are. My job is to understand and accept you 100% the way you are and then assist you in making the changes you want.”
All Types Of Relationships And Couples Welcome
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Every Relationship Type
We work with all couples, including:
- Traditional couples (heterosexual marriage or long-term partnerships)
- LGBTQIA+ couples with full affirmation and understanding of unique challenges
- Polyamorous relationships and relationship structures
- Open relationships and ethical non-monogamy
- Couples at any stage (newly married, long-term partnerships, rediscovering connection)
We approach all relationship structures with curiosity and respect, without judgment about what your relationship “should” look like. Our goal is to help you build healthy attachments and communication patterns, regardless of your relationship structure or identity.
Serving The Salt Lake City Area
We work with couples throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including:
Salt Lake City • South Jordan • West Jordan • Murray • Sandy • Draper • Cottonwood Heights • Holladay • Millcreek • Sugarhouse • And surrounding areas
Whether you’re in downtown Salt Lake City or anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley, we’re here to help your relationship thrive.
Take The First Step Toward Healing With Expert Couples Therapy In Salt Lake City, UT
Your relationship deserves the best chance at happiness and connection. Whether you’re in crisis or simply want to strengthen your bond, couples therapy can help.
Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Consultation
During this call, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Tell us about your relationship and what you’re struggling with
- Ask questions about EFT and our approach
- Learn more about Ed and Candace
- Determine if we’re the right fit for your needs
Call us today: (801) 809-7990
We’re here to help couples throughout the Salt Lake City area rebuild connection, communication, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does couples therapy take?
Most couples see significant improvement within 8-20 sessions. However, every relationship is unique, and the timeline varies based on your specific challenges and goals. During your initial consultation, we can discuss realistic timelines for your situation.
Do we both need to want to come to therapy for it to work?
It’s ideal when both partners are equally committed, but it’s common for one partner to be more hesitant initially. Many reluctant partners become engaged in the process once they experience the non-blaming, emotionally safe environment of EFT. The key is creating enough safety that both people can be honest and vulnerable.
What if one of us isn’t sure about the relationship?
This is actually quite common. Many couples come to therapy uncertain whether they want to stay together. EFT can help you gain clarity either way—either by reconnecting and rebuilding, or by developing closure and understanding if separation is the right choice.
What if we’re considering separation or divorce?
It’s never too late to try. Many couples come to us as a “last resort” and find that EFT helps them reconnect in ways they didn’t think possible. Others gain clarity and closure, whatever the outcome. Either way, EFT can help.
How much does couples therapy cost?
We provide detailed fee information during your initial consultation. We’re committed to making therapy accessible and can discuss options based on your situation.
Is couples therapy covered by insurance?
We’re currently an out-of-network provider but can provide documentation for insurance reimbursement if your plan covers out-of-network mental health services. We also accept HSA and FSA payments.
What is the first session like?
Your first session will be an introduction where we get to know you, understand what brought you to therapy, and start developing treatment goals. We’ll talk about your challenges and what you hope to achieve. Most people leave feeling heard and hopeful about the journey ahead.
About Peterson Family Therapy
Peterson Family Therapy is a family-owned counseling practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s operated by Ed and Candace Peterson, life partners with the desire and skill needed to help couples in crisis, individuals suffering from addiction issues, and anyone dealing with depression and anxiety. Peterson Family Therapy is a member of The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).
Peterson Family Therapy
4505 Wasatch Blvd, #260
Salt Lake City, UT, 84124
(801) 809-7990
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