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
Personal and Relational Growth--Wherever you are in your mental health journey, it takes courage and self-love to explore counseling services. Whether you are seeking individual or relational support, I maintain a consistent flow of calm, compassionate, creative, and curious energy. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals, who...
I have been working for over 25 years with children and families who have issues with trauma, anxiety, anger management, need for couples counseling, addictions and issues related to breaking up families. I have worked with mothers, fathers, their children, husbands and wives and trying to strengthen their families. In all cases, I help and try to achieve their maximum potential through helping...
If you are feeling resistant, frustrated, or uncertain about what next steps to take to feel better, then I can help you get started in an experienced, judge-free, comfortable setting. If anger, anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, traumatic events, oppositional children, interpersonal conflicts, workplace issues, or bullying is getting in your way of happiness, I can guide you to overcome these...
I have helped many people conquer their fears and control their emotions so they can get back to living the life they deserve. Possible solutions to issues one is dealing with can be helpful when they are from an experienced 3rd party, such as myself. I have a passion for helping others grow both emotionally and spiritually. The client will achieve the their desired goals when they learn the to...
My name is Dea Butcher and I am a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Massachusetts. I believe that every individual can achieve an optimum state of health and growth leading towards a sense of wholeness and well being. Individuals, families, and communities are part of a whole and each has an influence on the other. Problems may come from experiences during developmental stages,...
I imagine that whoever you are, you have a story to tell about the journey that has led you here. It may be a story about loss, or betrayal, or confusion, or a feeling of being stuck. Perhaps it is a story about a great longing that lives in you, a sense that it is possible to live with more meaning, more delight, more authenticity, more connection. Therapy is work that asks a great deal from u...
Whether you’re looking to make changes in your life or work through existing challenges, it does not have to be done alone. My primary goal is to help people better understand the way their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions impact day-to-day life. I collaborate with clients to explore new ways to deal with life’s daily challenges and stressors. Empathy is an essential component of our sessions,...
IF you are looking for a safe and supportive environment where you are encouraged to explore connections between relationships in your life and the suffering you are enduring. Then making a proactive choice to begin counseling or even return to it is an opportunity for growth and making genuine life changes. This process can help you move from feeling stuck to actually experiencing a feeling of...
There is light at the other side of the tunnel. The current state you're in does not have to be where you become stuck. Sometimes we allow circumstances and situations to deprive us of living the best life we can. Your mental health is valuable. Seeking therapy can help you remedy parts of life that stand between "who you are" and "who you want to be". My desire is to help my clients develop th...
Are you feeling unhappy about your life at this point. often depression is masked with the use of alcohol, drugs or some other kind of compulsive behavior. I have over 30 years treating families, couples, and individuals with these problems. There is no need to continue unhappiness when help is available. Asking for help is the first step, take it now. I've been working with families and...
Joni specializes in & is most passionate about bringing awareness to & healing the underlying foundation of disordered eating as well as other addictions. Joni is skilled in serving those in the process of grief, be it through a death or the shifting of life circumstances. Through her own life experience, 25 + years of personal recovery & education, Joni has garnered the ability to guide client...
Difficult times in our lives offer the opportunity to grow, heal our emotional wounds, and become who we truly desire to be. I am humbled to have the opportunity to work together in uncovering the root of issues, in understanding life lessons, and in resolving long standing problems. My goal in working with families, couples, and individuals is to provide the opportunity to explore your inner...
Are you looking for help making deeper connections with important people in your life? Are you in a relationship and have a desire to make that connection stronger? Are anxiety, self-esteem or other concerns getting in the way of your connection with others? Have you struggled with friendships and romantic relationships in the past and just want to learn how to connect with people on a deeper...
Welcome, and thank you for considering me as your therapist. I am a licensed professional who specializes in anxiety, stress management, issues related to chronic and physical illness, and life transitions. When confronting challenges such as chronic illness, disability, and mental health issues you may feel that your world has been turned upside down. Everyday tasks and responsibilities may se...
