Clearly Clinical

The late Dr. Sue Johnson was a leading innovator in the fields of couple therapy and adult attachment. Sue was the primary developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 35 years of peer-reviewed clinical research. Acknowledging her development of EFT and international training and certification program, Sue’s numerous awards include the APA’s Family Psychologist of the Year, Psychotherapy Networker’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Order of Canada.

As the founding director of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), Sue trained counselors in EFT worldwide and provides guidance to over 90 affiliated centers. She consulted for the U.S. and Canadian militaries and is a popular presenter and speaker.

Her best-selling book for the general public, Hold Me Tight (2008), has taught countless couples how to enhance and repair their love relationships and now has a companion Hold Me Tight Workbook (2023). The book has since been developed into an interactive relationship enhancement program, Hold Me Tight Online. Both book and program have been translated into numerous languages, with the program also being adapted for specific groups such as for families with teens or adult children, and for couples facing cardiac disease.

Sue’s newest books for clinicians include A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) 1st Edition (2019), and her seminal text, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy — Creating Connection (2020), is now in its third edition.

Sue’s most recent book, Edgar and Elouise, Sagas 1&2, is her first work of fiction and tells the story of a group of fascinating animals who learn to discover who they are, face fear and peril, and come together to fight to save their world.

Prior to her passing in April 2024, Sue lived in Victoria, BC, with her husband and adored Argentine tango and kayaking on Canada’s lakes and seas.

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias (she/her) is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and the Founder and President of Clearly Clinical. She has specializations in Clinical Documentation, Feedback Informed Treatment, Best Practice, and Utilization Review, and works closely with clinical teams across the US as a trainer and national conference presenter; Beth was formerly an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in the Graduate Psychology and Education department. Licensed in California and Oregon, she provides therapy via her private practice to young adult and adult clients, members of the LGBTQ population, and those with addictive disorders. She has two young children, a super cool spouse who helps out with Clearly Clinical's tech, and a rescue dog.