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 believe that we all have the resources within us to heal, and yet sometimes we need a little help. The right connection between a therapist/client can help start that healing. Maybe your teenager is sullen and isolated. Maybe you are in love and scared to be truly seen by another. Maybe there’s an angry side of you that your family doesn’t understand and a vulnerable side that is too scary to...
I am very dedicated to my clients. I work in a reflective and empathetic style, and offer collaborative input toward their personal growth and self-compassion. I strive to build a welcoming partnership with them over time, in which they can feel safe to verbalize and explore their true feelings within a supportive and trusting clinical alliance. By gradually deepening their own awareness of...
The mask we wear covers how lonely we really feel. Are you going through the motions, when all you feel is lost, depressed, scared, and drained? Are you having trouble speaking up for yourself in relationships or struggling with boundaries at home or at work? Do you hold it all in, constantly frustrated? Is it hard to make life transitions right now? Are you crying in the car on the way to work...
I firmly believe there is a function to our behavior. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes not. And sometimes, while our behavior made sense at one time, maybe even to the point of saving our life, it is no longer serving us. We're all just doing the best that we can but sometimes the way we're coping leads to highly negative impacts on our body, mind, spirit, & relationships. A wise mentor once...
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Wander translates to the Latin term, Vagus- the largest and most complex network of nerves in our body that make up our socially and emotionally connected, neurobiological experiences. Our bodies can manifest dis-eases in ranging degrees of severity, after a prolonged period in stressful circumstances. Through a relational/attachment, neurobiological and systemic look at your world inside and o...
I believe that a person is truly capable of change, with the right knowledge and tools. I believe that each person is different and trauma affects each of us so differently. Learning how to cope and better our situation is meant to be unique for each person. I believe that there is no band-aid approach, in order to resolve one's suffering one must be ready to work hard and heal from the inside...
The sea of life is always changing, making it necessary for us to learn new skills to navigate it. I believe we can all benefit from learning flexibility and building a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients while they explore their changing lives is my main goal. Being true to oneself, and living an authentic life are k...
Over the past 5 years, I have been working with children ages 4 to 18 and their families in schools, homes, and community settings. In this work, I have focused on topics including depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, emotional regulation and communication skills. I also have experience assisting parents in behavior management and establishing a routine to implement at home. Working wi...
My goal is to personalize your care plan, and work collaboratively so you feel supported and heard. I value professionalism and honesty and will work hard for you and with you. I have extensive background knowledge in disability related issues and know the stress caregivers experience. I enjoy working with couples who want to strengthen their relationship or work on separating peacefully. I als...
I work from a collaborative and experiential approach and believe that you are the expert on your experience. I am here to come alongside and help guide you as you create and discover solutions. I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, posttraumatic reactions, cognitive concerns, and co-morbid mental health and medical...
**Now offering TELEHEALTH. Weekend appointments available. Do you feel lost or like you don't belong? Providing practical, short term approaches while working toward resolving deeper, long term struggles; facilitated in a safe space that allows you to process and explore. We can explore your ability to discover your own daily practice(s) that help you find the state of mind that you seek. I can...
I am part of a team of psychotherapists at Rose Hill Psychological Services, where I work with patients who are experiencing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, stress, and relationship conflicts. I welcome patients of all races and racial identities, countries of origin, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and body sizes. I am...
I have a passion for guiding individuals and families in overcoming emotional and situational challenges. My experience includes providing therapy for children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings as they navigate specific mental health diagnoses, trauma, addiction issues, grief and loss, body image issues, and interpersonal and family conflict. I implement a variety of strategies ...
Therapy can benefit you wherever you are in life, whether it's in the midst of a crisis, if you're feeling distant from a partner or your parents, or if you simply want to know yourself better. I view providing therapy as a sacred calling, and I am honored to empower clients to reach goals or explore the unknown. I use a systemic approach, helping individuals, couples, families, or groups in th...
