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

Life and career

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. 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. With Les Greenberg, she developed emotionally focused couples and family therapy (EFT), a psychotherapeutic approach for couples based on attachment theory. She founded the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which offers training in EFT to mental health professionals. Johnson authored several books for therapists (including EFT treatment manuals) and general audiences. 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). Johnson died from cancer in Victoria, British Columbia, on 23 April 2024, at the age of 76.

Selected works