Emotionally focused therapy for couples: a safe haven from which to explore sex during and after cancer

There is evidence that cancer has a negative impact on sexual functioning and relationships, as well as the role that relationships play in how a person copes with physical health problems. Thus, there is a need for talking therapies that can support couples affected by cancer to re-establish a sense of safety from which to explore, and reconnect with, their sexual relationship. Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFTC), which focuses on building, or enhancing, a secure attachment is one way of achieving this. This article briefly outlines the research evidence base, defines secure attachment and discusses the positive effect it can have on a couple's ability to overcome or adapt to cancer-related sexual difficulties and is illustrated with a clinical vignette.