What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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

Adrienne Patridge

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Monica Denais

Dallas

Texas

Overwhelmed, confused, indecisive, worried? Yes! Has anyone told you you're an overachiever/perfectionist? It often feels like a strength, a way to accomplish, be rewarded, and avoid criticism. But it also creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Am I right? You feel stressed and don’t even know where to begin to juggle everything in your life. You find yourself feeling like it is never enough. ...
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Gershon Sonnenschein

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Maryland

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Ellie Becker

New York

New York

I specialize in working with young children and their caregivers who are experiencing a variety of behavioral and developmental challenges resulting from trauma, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety and other social-emotional concerns. I work closely with caregivers to help understand the underlying problems in order to find strategies to address the challenges they are facing. My...
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My name is Deb Viola and I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker. We are a group of compassionate, caring and professional therapists. We have been assisting individuals and couples in creating a healthier and happier life. We have had success in empowering clients to implement positive change in their lives. Through thoughtful understanding and compassion, we can help you make your...
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Shallon Dusebout

Boulder

Colorado

Shallon utilizes Equine Assisted Therapy to offer a unique opportunity for children and teens to explore interpersonal issues, increase self-esteem and confidence, and grow in hope and self-efficacy. Shallon believes that relationships with horses reveal underlying strengths and challenges while also empowering individuals to succeed and build healthy relationships. As your therapist, Shallon w...
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