What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) » Page 11

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Samantha Elkrief

New York

New York

Samantha is an action-oriented, experientially focused supportive psychotherapist. She has trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Internal Family Systems, Non-Violent Communication and incorporates various mind-body practices into her clinical work. Samantha is also a health coach and chef, and has training in Nutritional Psychiatry (how food impacts...
I approach clients with a collaborative, strengths-based focus and direct style informed by my training and experience working with individuals and families in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I help people identify stuck patterns and appreciate areas of personal resilience. We will work together to find insight, new learning and successful strategies to help you move in your desir...
I provide therapeutic coaching in a safe, supportive, and validating environment. I help clients better understand problems, increase self-awareness, and build life skills and stress coping related to relationship issues, work concerns, depression, anxiety/panic, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, grief/bereavement, anger management, addiction, chronic pain management, insomnia, adult ADHD, chronic...

Murriel A Schulte

Austin

Texas

Now 100% ZOOM teletherapy counseling!! I am here to work with you to develop resilience against anxiety, depression---and any other painful or distressing issue. I am hoping for you to have a happy, creative, and productive life in a world full of challenges. Many patients need to verbalize their fears to be able to look at their situation from multiple perspectives. You can face the irrational...
I have tremendous respect for individuals who desire to face what is not working personally, professionally, socially, or in finding meaning and purpose in the universe. Whether you are struggling with emotional-mental stress and confusion, relationship, work, or family issues, or anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, I offer a trustworthy place to create a better life. I will collaborate...
**Virtual sessions and reduced rates to provide support during COVID-19 containment.**" Do you have a problem (or relationship) that you have spent countless hours thinking about, trying to solve, and maybe even seeking the advice of friends? Yet somehow you are still struggling to find a solution that works for you. Does your anxiety take over at the worst possible moment? Perhaps you wish lif...
My specialties: trauma, anxiety, depression. 18 yrs experience: counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families. I do supportive listening, accepting, understanding and compassionate counseling to help problem solve together and cope to focus on healing. Kinds of therapy I do: CBT, DBT, REBT, Art therapy, Play therapy, Person centered therapy and Christian counseling. Experience: counseled...
*Video Trauma Therapy* Difficult & painful life experiences often leave us feeling like something in our life just isn't right. Sometimes it's not even clear what's off, but something seems missing, we feel stuck, overwhelmed, lonely, or disengaged. I work with those who are navigating challenges in their lives & who are searching for a path of healing, connection, & rediscovery. Together we'll...

Patrick Thomas Byrnes

Chicago

Illinois

I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship problems, family conflict, identity concerns, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. I believe that lasting change only happens when people feel they're talking to a real person who understands the cultural complexities that make them unique. My work is collaborative and built on the trusting relationships I take time to develo...
We offer a complimentary telephone consultation so you can learn about the nCenter's integrative approach. With us, you can combine counseling with neurofeedback, lasers, and nutritional counseling along with qEEG brain maps and psychological assessments or you can simply see a counselor. Our MD oversees the brain maps. Our nutritional counselor has a functional medicine approach, and our...
Cristi Habermann MA LPCMH LAC Counseling Services is not accepting new clients at this time. Therapy is a collaborative process. In partnership, we will determine the best path to meet your goals. Practicing what you learn in the session during the week is the best way to learn new skills. I use a combination of techniques to teach my clients new skills. Some of the therapies I use to promote t...
Helping individuals achieve balance and a quality of life is my passion. You do not have to struggle alone! Let me help you navigate the path to wellness and help you achieve your goals. Therapy is not always easy and can be anxiety provoking as you try to find the right therapist who is compassionate, understanding, and have the skills to guide you. I want to help you through this path in a...
I believe that counseling can be a crucial part of reaching your personal potential. I strive to come alongside each client in their journey and assist them in reaching their goals. I desire to explore each unique story, in order for the client to increase awareness, gain new skills and implement practical strategies for a healthier and more purposeful life. Above all, I hope to create a safe...