Assessing the efficacy of emotion-focused therapy in the treatment of depression, anxiety and related disorders
Many people with mental health difficulties experience depression and anxiety together. Most talking therapies, like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), are designed to treat just one specific condition at a time. This trial explores a different option called Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Researchers are testing whether an adapted version of EFT can help adults who have a range of overlapping problems, including low mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or trauma. Participants are placed by chance into one of two groups. One group starts about 16 weeks of free therapy right away. The other group is placed on a 16-week waiting list before starting the same therapy. Researchers will track symptom changes in both groups to see how effective the treatment is. The goal is to give people more evidence-based choices for their mental health care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people living with mental health challenges find that their symptoms overlap. For example, it is very common to experience depression alongside severe worry, panic, or past trauma. While conventional counselling often focuses on just one diagnosis at a time, psychologists now know that these different conditions frequently share similar underlying roots and emotional patterns.
This study evaluates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) as a 'transdiagnostic' treatment—meaning a single therapy designed to address multiple conditions. Rather than focusing mainly on thoughts and behaviours, EFT helps people identify, make sense of, and work through difficult emotions. By adapting EFT for a broader range of difficulties, researchers hope to offer an effective alternative for people who may not benefit from or prefer standard therapies like CBT.
The trial aims to test how well this adapted therapy works in a real-world community clinic. By comparing participants who receive therapy straight away with those who wait 16 weeks, the researchers can measure the true impact of the treatment. The findings could help improve psychological care and give patients greater choice in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for people with depression, anxiety, OCD, or trauma.
- Aims to treat multiple overlapping mental health conditions with a single therapy approach.
- Participants receive roughly 16 free sessions of therapy, either right away or after a 16-week wait.
- Open to adults aged 18 and older who are not currently attending other talking therapies.
- Run by Trinity College Dublin in partnership with the Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy Ireland.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are experiencing depression, an anxiety disorder (such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorder), OCD, or trauma-related problems like PTSD. If you take medication for your mental health, your dose must have been stable for at least six weeks, and your doctor must agree that staying on this dose during therapy is appropriate for you.
You cannot take part if you are currently receiving another form of counselling or psychological therapy. For safety reasons, the study is also not suitable for people currently dealing with active suicidal thoughts, severe alcohol or drug misuse, psychosis, or organic brain conditions. People with these needs require immediate or specialist medical care.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, or trauma.
- I am not currently receiving any other counselling or talking therapy.
- If I take psychiatric medication, my dose has stayed the same for the last six weeks.
- I am not currently dealing with severe alcohol/drug misuse, psychosis, or severe crisis.
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you will be placed into one of two groups at random, like flipping a coin. One group begins therapy immediately, while the other group waits 16 weeks before starting. Regardless of which group you are in, you will receive around 16 sessions of free Emotion-Focused Therapy from trained therapists.
Sessions take place at the Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy Ireland. Therapy sessions may be video-recorded to help researchers monitor the quality of the treatment. You will also be asked to complete interviews and questionnaires about your symptoms and well-being. If you are placed on the waiting list, your total involvement will last around 32 weeks; if you start immediately, it will take about 16 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy, IrelandUnverifiedDublin NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England
Common questions
What is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)?
EFT is an established talking therapy that helps people recognise, understand, and change difficult or painful emotions that may be driving conditions like anxiety and depression.
Do I have to pay for the therapy sessions?
No. All therapy sessions provided as part of this clinical trial are completely free of charge.
What happens if I am put on the waiting list?
You will wait 16 weeks before starting your treatment, after which you will receive the exact same 16 sessions of free therapy as the first group.
Can I stay on my mental health medications?
Yes, provided your dose has been steady for at least six weeks before starting and your doctor agrees you should stay on that dose during the study.
Why are therapy sessions video-recorded?
Recordings are used strictly by the research team and clinical supervisors to check that the therapy is being delivered correctly and to help refine the treatment model.
How to find out more
Ladislav Timulak
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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