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
My lifelong passion is empowering others to maximize opportunities, develop skills, and achieve their personal potential. I believe we all have the power to grow from challenges and stressors; we just need the right guidance and space to do so. I offer high quality individual, couple and/or family therapy to treat a wide range of symptoms, stressors, and/or conflicts. I believe the way change...
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I am a Marriage and Family Therapist that works collaboratively with individuals, couples and families. I have a special interest in working with adolescents and young adults going through transitional periods (i.e., school, new job, college, new relationship, etc.). My goal is to improve family dynamics, address intrusive issues, thoughts, and aim to improve the relationship with yourself and/...
As a licensed psychotherapist & Marriage and Family Therapist with an electric style of practice I provide Remote therapy with a multitude of services to fit the needs of my clients lifestyle. My use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy allows me to support individuals and couples who are looking to restore th...
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Where there is hope, there is healing. I provide a warm, safe, caring, non-judgemental space for you to express and process upsets and pain while gaining insight and hope. This is a safe place where you do not have to suppress any part of yourself - all your thoughts, feelings and beliefs are valued and understood. If you're looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or re...
MySpectrum is an outpatient therapy practice located at 707 North Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield, Virginia. We offer outpatient counseling and coaching to any person, on any spectrum. We focus on the Autism Spectrum, Mental Health Spectrum, Substance Use Spectrum, and the Whole Life Spectrum. Our philosophy is that any person, regardless of situation, should have access to skilled...
**Not currently accepting new clients** I’m a big believer that therapy doesn’t have to be buttoned-up or artificial. It should be comfortable and real. I prefer to facilitate a casual, collaborative, & affirming environment where we can openly discuss anything that’s on your mind and empower you to explore who you are and how you relate to others. I work with individuals, couples,...
If you’re feeling anxious, nervous, stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place. At times in our life we all feel the desire to be healthier. Using evidence-based treatment and modalities including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused theories, Nick is an empathetic clinician who loves working with parents, adolescents, and adults in order to help them...
I am a psychotherapist and breath work practitioner based in the SF Bay Area and offering services online throughout CA. I utilize integrative wellness practices to support my clients in releasing negative beliefs, processing difficult emotions, healing past wounds and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning in their lives. I work from a relational framework, meaning that I believe the authentic...