Sue Johnson

Susan Johnson CM (19 December 1947 – 23 April 2024) was a British clinical psychologist, couples therapist and author who lived and worked in Canada.^[1] She is known for her work in the field of psychology on human bonding, attachment theory and romantic relationships.^[2]

Johnson earned a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Hull in 1968, and an Ed.D. in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia in 1984.^[3] At the time of her death, she was a Distinguished Research Professor at Alliant International University, a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, and held the title of Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ottawa.^[3] With Les Greenberg, she developed emotionally focused couples and family therapy (EFT), a psychotherapeutic approach for couples based on attachment theory.^[4][5] She founded the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which offers training in EFT to mental health professionals.^[6]

Johnson authored several books for therapists (including EFT treatment manuals) and general audiences.^[7]

In 2016, Johnson was named Family Psychologist of the Year by the American Psychological Association's Society for Couple and Family Psychology. In the 2016 Canadian honours, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada (CM).^[4]

Johnson died from cancer in Victoria, British Columbia, on 23 April 2024, at the age of 76.^[8]

Books

• Johnson, S.M. (2019) Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) With Individuals, Couples, and Families. New York: Guilford Press
• Johnson, S.M.; Sanderfer, K. (2016) Created for Connection: The "Hold Me Tight" Guide for Christian Couples. New York: Little Brown
• Johnson, S.M. (2013) Love Sense: The Revolutionary Science of Romantic Relationships. New York: Little Brown
• Johnson, S.M. (2008) Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. New York: Little Brown
• Johnson, S.M. (2007). Practica de la Terapia Matrimonial Concentrada Emocionalmente: Creando Conexiones New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group – Spanish Edition.
• Johnson, S.M., Bradley, B., Furrow, J., Lee, A., Palmer, G., Tilley, D. & Woolley, S.(2005) Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook. New York: Brunner /Routledge.
• Johnson, S.M. (2002) Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors: Strengthening Attachment Bonds. New York: Guilford Press.
• Johnson, S.M. (1996) (2004 -2nd edition). Creating Connection: The Practice of Emotionally Focused Marital Therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel (now Brunner /Routledge).
• Saxe, B. J., Johnson, S.M. et al. (1994) From victim to survivor: A group treatment model for women survivors of incest. Government of Canada: Health Department. Distributed across Canada in French and English, pp. 1–188.
• Greenberg, L. & Johnson, S.M. (1988) Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. New York: Guilford Press.

Articles

• Johnson, S. (2019). Attachment in action—changing the face of 21st century couple therapy. Current opinion in psychology, 25, 101-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.03.007

• Lebow, J. L., Chambers, A. L., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. M. (2012). Research on the treatment of couple distress. Journal of Marital and Family therapy, 38(1), 145-168. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00249.x

• Johnson, S.M. (2008). "My, How Couples Therapy Has Changed!: Attachment, Love and Science."

• Makinen, J. A., & Johnson, S. M. (2006). Resolving attachment injuries in couples using emotionally focused therapy: steps toward forgiveness and reconciliation. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 74(6), 1055–1064. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.74.6.1055

• Johnson, S. M., Hunsley, J., Greenberg, L., & Schindler, D. (1999). Emotionally focused couples therapy: Status and challenges. Clinical psychology: Science and practice, 6(1), https://doi.org/67.10.1093/clipsy/6.1.67