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
The therapy I provide is transparent, warm, compassionate, and organized to help. I have over 10+ years of clinical experience and worked in multiple settings over these years. Whether you have panic attacks, obsessions, or your partner is not giving you what you need, I offer the support and ears that you need to help process your emotions and thoughts. I am a therapist who not only will valid...
Katie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who obtained her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Processional Psychology. Katie provides individual, family, and couples counseling to all ages. Katie has extensive experience in providing therapy to those with addictive behaviors, trauma, sexuality, anxiety, depression, self-injury behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and...
I am a clinical psychologist interested in mid life and later life issues as well as issues in rehabilitation, chronic pain, chronic illness and emotional challenges. Some of the aging process involves loss and disability and can be difficult to deal with. Since a feeling of overwhelm can bring on anxiety, depression and fear. It becomes essential to have an empathic person to share your life...
Hi there! My name is Darrin Dennis. I am a registered associate professional clinical counselor who believes that people reach out for help because they're experiencing some kind of pain they can no longer manage on their own. As a therapist, I come alongside my clients, building a personal and authentic relationship so I can walk with you through your first steps toward growth and onto helping...
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and have worked helping others for over twenty years. I also received my Doctorate in Diversity Studies in 2006 which has given me a unique approach to counseling. I love working with people and enjoy the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of each person I meet through my practice. I use a collaborative approach and believe that the dialogue we...
Hello, I am an LMSW licensed through the State of Michigan and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals. I work out of the Great Lakes Psychology Group South Gate office and am currently accepting new clients. I have almost ten years of experience in providing outpatient therapy and have provided therapy to children,...
**Note: I am not accepting new clients at the moment. Please reach out if you would like to be placed on my waitlist.** I truly believe therapy is not a “one-size-fits-all’ practice. I approach every client with an open heart and mind, acknowledging and honoring one’s truth. I embrace a person-centered approach uniquely tailored to fit the needs of each individual client. I focus heavily on the...
( English | español ) Are you going through a challenging transition? Is your family struggling to communicate? You love your spouse, but feel that the relationship could use some help? Is it hard to enjoy being a parent sometimes? Are you worried about a loved one who may have a mental health condition and would like to explore evidence-based options to help? As a Marriage and Family Therapist...
For some, the idea of therapy is very scary and a last attempt to find answers and peace. At times the most difficult thing to do is reach out and ask for help. Wherever you or those you love are on the therapeutic spectrum I provide a calm, safe, and relaxed environment with a bit of humor and unconditional support. My goal is to work with you and your current stressors and process past hurts...
I am currently accepting new clients for telehealth counseling during evening hours. My practice is devoted to working with individuals who are struggling in life and who seek out therapy as a helpful and supportive tool to foster growth and change! I collaboratively work with adults providing individual and group therapy that addresses areas that include self-esteem, life transitions,...
If blocked parts of us remain unexpressed, we can become frozen, or overwhelmed by our feelings, and sometimes develop addictive or unhealthy behaviors, or patterns that impact our lives in harmful ways. Sometimes we just need a space to share and unpack an issue and look at it from a different perspective. I am passionate about producing safe spaces where folks can step outside of their everyd...
There is an old saying: “The more you run from something, the more you run into it.” That is a scenario that can play out time and again for persons struggling with mental health issues. And avoidance is tempting. But the key to experiencing less pain and to living life with more enjoyment is in effectively confronting mental health challenges. This is where an ally is required—an ally trained ...
**NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** You’ve worked hard to get where you are and yet your achievements aren’t as satisfying as you imagined. Perhaps you’re struggling to manage new responsibilities at your job, disappointed with how some things turned out, or you're wondering how to integrate your authentic self into different spaces. Maybe everything is going well in your professional life,...
Happiness is in your hands. You can wake up every morning feeling joyful. I provide a healing path paved with support, light and empathy. With dedication, work, focus, and goals you can create a life filled with positivity, growth, well being, self-acceptance, self-confidence and empowerment. As your holistic psychotherapist, we will work together on short and long-term treatment solutions that...
The people I work with in therapy often want change in their lives, such as relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, guilt or shame, help navigating difficult situations, LGBT issues, and improved communication between partners/spouses, family members, and friends. I provide the means for my clients to explore issues and the sources of those issues. In both individual and coupl...
