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
CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Therapy can heal emotional pain, improve relationships, and increase self-understanding. Although starting therapy can be intimidating, it can make a big difference in your ability to cope with challenges or make sense of what has happened so you can move forward. If you're open to addressing some unresolved or present barriers in your life, guide and help ...
I got married and had my first child as a teenager, worked in factories and got my GED at 31. I try to approach each client in terms of their relationships: with themselves, their spouses, significant others, children, families, friends, coworkers, substances, food, spirituality, goals etc. I love to go on a journey with clients where they become the directors of their own destinies, and are ab...
I believe that every person has the right to a life worth living. I welcome you to explore yourself and your goals in a safe, validating, non-judgmental environment and encourage you to learn and build new skills while recognizing the skills you already have. I have 6 years of experience working with multiple levels of care and I am currently focusing my practice around engaging with young adul...
I have years of experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and behavioral and mental heath issues . I believe in providing a welcoming and supportive environment, using a strength based/client centered approach to support and empower my people to find their happiness and empowerment. We all go through difficult times in life and I believe...
Oftentimes, we develop patterns of behaving and relating to others as a way of coping with and protecting ourselves from our early environments. As we expand out past those early experiences and relationships, we may find that these old ways of thinking, behaving, and relating no longer work for us. Together in therapy, we will explore the origins and functions of those patterns, gaining an...
Do you struggle with mood disorders like depression or anxiety? Do you have trouble managing big emotions like anger and frustration? Have you wondered if relationships could be better and more fulfilling? I value working with clients who will, in one way or another, let me join them where they're at and work toward a mutual understanding so that we can achieve the progress they're looking for ...
I strive to aid individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life who struggle with a variety of issues including mental health disorders, relationship/family conflict, grief, trauma, and life transitions/stressors. I have a huge heart for all people and specialize in adolescent, young adult, and couples therapy. In addition, I utilize my background in treatment foster care to help...
We all have an image of how our life could be, but often have barriers that block us from it. Blocks in the shape of anxiety, low self-esteem, bad habits, and others can keep us from achieving the potential that lies within us. I utilize a warm therapeutic approach to establish an alliance full of empathy and free of judgement to openly explore your challenges while incorporating sustainable...
My conceptualization in approaching therapy is “reset the mind, reset your life.” I truly believe that no matter what one is facing in life, whatever challenges, individuals have the ability, power and strength to make the changes necessary to improve/enhance their lives and find the serenity, solutions, and joy they are seeking. I use a variety of techniques and strategies yet find that one of...
My name is Joelle Kuuleinani Branch, and I have been dedicated to serving my community of Hawaii for many years. My extensive experience provides me the privilege to support children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with challenges like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD and much more. I have an extensive clinical work history with psychiatric facilities, hospital, substance...
( English | 中文 ) 你好！Life is a long journey; we all struggle at some point. Battling with pains and dark thoughts, you long for having a breakthrough to experience healing. In chaos and confusion, you want to find your way and rebuild confidence. I am here to walk the journey of restoration with you. I will accompany you to resolve your interpersonal problems and emotional wounds. My integr...
Do you feel as though you are struggling with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, or a variety of other concerns? Counseling may be an excellent opportunity for you to discuss and process these concerns in a safe and confidential environment. If you feel motivated towards making changes in your life, you may benefit from the empathetic ear and professional experience of a licensed mental hea...
Counseling is a valuable investment in you. People seek it out for different reasons. Whatever your situation, I’ll be pleased to meet you and sort out the best ways I can support you in achieving your goals. My focus as a counselor is person-centered, trauma- informed and strengths-based. Those are social work terms that mean I want to understand you and your unique story to help you use and...
I work alongside clients to help them find peace and understanding beyond the emotional pain, trauma, or negative habits that they are experiencing. I encourage, and make space for, clients to gain clarity within themselves, to decrease distress, create positive and meaningful relationships, and find hope through their darkest times. I use Interpersonal Process, Attachment, CBT, Trauma, Family...
As a therapist and a fellow human, I have found that deepening our awareness of who we are and the struggles we face, within a supportive, safe relationship, can help us navigate life’s obstacles in ways that we did not feel were possible on our own. It can be one of the most empowering gifts we can give ourselves.My therapeutic orientation is trauma, attachment, and somatic-informed, with a...
