Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a short-term approach to counseling most often used for couples, but it also works with families and individuals. EFT emphasizes developing a stronger bond between two or more people. It examines interactions and how each individual contributes to undesirable behaviors that negatively affect their emotional bond.
EFT’s goal is to reduce distress and negative patterns in the relationship so people can grow closer and rebuild trust, love, and intimacy.
There are three distinct stages in Emotionally Focused Therapy:
De-Escalation – The therapist has people slow down their conversations and interactions to examine patterns in this stage. Is one person not expressing their emotions? Is one person avoidant? Is one person quick to anger? Your EFT therapist will hone in on these specific exchanges to help you understand what interaction and communication patterns lead to hurt feelings and disconnection.
Changing Interaction Patterns – This stage involves encouraging each person to communicate their feelings and needs. Your therapist will help you express empathy, even during tense interactions.
Consolidation – In this stage, you practice the skills you learned during counseling. This stage aims to integrate more desirable communication patterns in EFT sessions and real life.
Anyone interested in improving their interactions with loved ones could benefit from EFT.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Emotionally Focused Therapy
I work with children, teens, adults, and families presenting with a variety of clinical concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma. I received my Master's Degree in Counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University and am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have has received training in providing multi-systems approach to family therapy, utilizing the ARC...
I believe pleasure and intimacy are key components to realizing your own worth. Whether you are looking to connect more deeply to yourself, a partner, or a community, I am here to reflect your own capacity for joy and fulfillment back to you. Therapy is about connection, and I bring my openness, curiosity, and sense of humor into my sessions. I use a blend of techniques from emotionally-focused...
Relationships are so fundamental to our well-being that when we are disconnected and in conflict with others, it can leave us feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and alone. We often just want to be a good partner. Maybe it feels like it's gotten harder over the years, or your relationship experienced a disruptive event. You are trying your best and maybe just need a guiding light through these mur...
My name is Michael Schweiger and I started Abundant Life Counseling with the mission of helping others truly achieve freedom, healing, and experience abundant living. Throughout our journey negative beliefs and emotions impact how we view of ourselves, others and everyday life. My years of expertise in a variety of environments allows me to understand the many pieces that make up a person's sto...
Sometimes life can be difficult or perhaps painful because of several reasons. If this is your case, it is time to take control and find meaning of your life. I have worked as therapist in schools, public mental health and private practice settings. I've worked with adults, adolescents and children using a variety of therapy models including postmodern and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I al...
I became a therapist because of my passion for healing hearts, my interest in the human brain, and bringing light to the wisdom that you already have. Not only is my client before me, but so is her/his life: her/his wish to grow, yearning for connection, fear of the unknown, and willingness to change. With a BA in Counseling Psychology from Bogazici University in Turkey and an MA in Clinical...
I offer empathy, insight, and a seasoned approach in helping others recover from addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and personality challenges. I work with individuals seeking freedom from out-of-control behaviors including substance abuse, sexual compulsivity, and other habituated difficulties. I'm credentialed to treat partners and couples affected by sexual betrayal as well as those...
The struggle is real but through hope, growth, faith and transformation we heal. We all have a story to tell. No persons story is any better or worse than anyone else's. I can attest to the struggle to reach out for help and the need to be vulnerable. I am someone who is there to help guide you through those tough times. The courage and strength that it takes to reach out for help is the first...
Seeking therapy takes immense strength and courage. It can feel vulnerable to trust another human with your struggles, fear, and pain. From the beginning, I will do my best to listen deeply and carefully, respecting that you have been doing the best you can with what you’ve been handed in life. I believe that our symptoms often provide information about how we have had to adapt to our...
We all begin life while connected to another; protected, sustained and seemingly safe. As we wend our way through life we naturally crave such deep connection with others. Without it, we may feel that we are alone and adrift. However, we all experience life in unique ways, even within the same family. Our quest for acceptance, connection and our ability to risk showing our authentic self to oth...
Not Currently Accepting Clients. I believe in the inherent value of each and every individual who chooses to seek out therapy and especially in the acceptance of those populations who have historically been marginalized or mistreated. I help individuals find understanding in who they are and to find hope for their future. Life can be very difficult at times and especially when we experience...
Are you looking for a CHANGE? Are you tired of not making progress with your mental health? Are you looking for a counselor that is supportive and an easy listener? Well if you’re looking for any of the above, you stop at the right place. HONOR WITH CLASS is a community behavioral health center that has a private practice feel. HONOR stands for Helping Others Navigate through Opposition...
Hi, my name is Jillian and I am a licensed mental health counselor. My main goal is to help individuals and families understand their struggles and behaviors in a more accepting and deeper way. I think that true growth and development can be achieved with the right connection and therapeutic relationship. The majority of my experience is helping individuals and families to manage depression,...
Life is full of ups and downs, little and big crises, and at times can be confusing and overwhelming. However, within these struggles there is hope, light and room for growth. My own life journey has led me to the counseling field and helped me find my passion. Empathy, competency and connection to others helps me build a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients to help them grow. I am a...
Do you feel defeated, left behind, unable to trust, unlovable or unloved? Do you struggle with past experiences that haunt your present and future causing shame, grief or re experienced trauma in everyday living? If so, know that it is my honor to walk along side you as you journey toward healing. I enjoy assisting individuals, couples and families regain peace, balance and will power with...
