We are so sad to announce that Sue Johnson has died on the age of 76 from cancer. She was a detailed friend of ours and a valued colleague. We loved her enormously. She gave us profound insights into easy methods to create connection and safety in close relationships. Sue used attachment theory to brilliantly illuminate the logic of emotions and how, once revealed, they develop into a guide to our interpersonal needs. These needs, once articulated within the context of a loving, shelter can guide a pair toward lasting love.
From the beginning, Sue created a theory of adult love relationships that she tested empirically. She combined the very best qualities of a healer with the very best qualities of a scientist. She could also communicate her insights poetically and lyrically. When she observed that some couples got stuck using her emotionally-focused therapy, she went back to the info and revealed that typically there was a regrettable incident that had created an attachment injury, and then she demonstrated that healing that attachment injury increased her therapy’s effectiveness. Science, guided by clinical intuition, doesn’t get any higher than that.
The three of us used to have deep conversations concerning the dance of affection and easy methods to conduct further studies into choreographing it. Years ago, Sue also joined us at a Gottman Institute Summit conference that was one in all our greatest. She was at all times willing to share her insights. It may be easiest to say that we had a mutual admiration society.
For Sue relationship synchrony could develop into a gorgeous dance that would give flight to some’s imagination and intimacy. Sue Johnson tapped a significant fountain of affection and connection that would heal and create a secure bond. What a meaningful life she led.
We will deeply miss her.
