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
For me, therapy is about transformation--dealing with old feelings, memories, regrets that are now getting in the way of living and functioning. Transformation may also be about moving into or out of relationships, jobs, locations, lifestyle, or an era of one's life. I like to help people deal with who they are, with the meaning of their life, and the importance of their feelings, relationships...
Are you finding it difficult to manage your fears, anxiety and stress right now? We are all being asked to go out about our daily lives significantly different than our “norm”. Interrupted routines and structure can be extra challenging for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and recovering and healing from past traumas. Isolation can be activating (triggering) for many on their journey ...
The foundation of a quality life depends on having quality relationships whether that be with ourselves or those who are extensions of ourselves. When our relationships suffer, we suffer. We help traumatized adults, adolescents, couples, and families. Collectively, we have had over 15 years of experience helping people heal and we have sought some of the best training to do so. We have had...
In my work, I aspire to create an atmosphere of safety, respect and trust, a space where judgement is suspended and we can freely explore and understand your needs, motivations and goals. Therapy could be used in many ways. You could choose to focus on particular symptoms, or develop strategies for certain situations. You may also use therapeutic space as a kind of playground where you can let...
I see my role in therapy as the person who carries your map as we walk together. You already hold the answers; through therapy, we have the opportunity to uncover them together. My style is client-centered and humanistic. I will do my best to meet you where you are and we will work from there toward where it is you'd like to be. I will work with you in a way that acknowledges and builds upon yo...
I am a therapist with 30+ years experience. As I build a relationship with my clients I integrate traditional therapy with innovative "best practice" tools. I help people become strong at the broken places in their life so they can move forward with peace and confidence. When I am assisting adults, I come along side of them and we work together as a team to find positive resolutions. With child...
Hello, I know finding a good therapist can be a difficult process. After reading about me, please feel free to contact me with any questions. I love doing therapy and have extensive and successful experience with individual, couples and family therapy. My style is client oriented, and you will find me to be warm, non-judgmental, and honest. You can see some of my clients' experiences on the...
I believe that one of the greatest power and influence in our lives are our relationships with others. It is from relationships that all of our trauma, negativity, and heartache originate; however, it is only through relationships that we can also find true healing for prior wounds that continue to determine present actions and emotions. The difference in these two kinds of relationships is...
I enjoy assisting people that understand that it takes work to change behaviors. People that are struggling with life issues, depression, anxiety, marital struggles are all those I enjoy teaching tools to allow them to utilize to change. I am certified in Level 2 in Restoration Therapy and Marital Affair Recovery. Life is hard and there is no reason for us to think we have to do it alone. It wo...
Let's talk about the F-word....Feelings. I am passionate about emotions. All of us are full of them. The emotions we carry with us as individuals, as well as, what we bring into relationships can be powerful and challenging. I also understand that each of us carries with us an emotional heritage that is unique and has served as a means to support, protect, and empower each of us. I work with...
**NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS** Making a change can be a scary process, but with the guidance of the right person it can be just as rewarding. Therapy can help you overcome challenges, learn more about yourself, achieve goals, and increase satisfaction in your life. As a therapist, I provide a genuine, warm, and open environment that allows you to explore your difficulties, understand...
My focus is on Medicare populations as I am an LCSW. I am an Army veteran and provide services with adults/elderly who face medical, chronic pain, and endure trauma complications. I earned a Certified Addictions Counseling - Level II and interface with dual diagnosis populations. I have faith and provide Christian services due to local demographics, but also provide to an agnostic population. I...
I am a highly-driven, highly- skilled, compassionate, solution focused mental health professional with strong analytical, communication and problem solving skills. I have several years of experience working in both the Inpatient and Outpatient Setting. I am licensed in both Maryland and Texas and I have worked children, adolescents and adults implementing effective and evidence based therapeuti...
For support in managing difficulties in your personal & professional lives caused by unresolved traumas or conflict, therapy can help. I work with individuals, couples, & families to help collaboratively tackle the challenges they are facing, through creating a new insight & forming an action, solution plan. Additionally, I practice EMDR therapy, AEDP, Brainspotting and Neurofeedback and find i...
