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
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I focus on depression, anxiety, anger, and burn-out, along with marriage and family issues. I serve: Adults & adolescents (ages 13 through 17). I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, teens, and families in church, school, and clinical settings. I have over 1,100 clinical hours of experience. I hold to the Christian faith, and offer Christian-based perspectives for those who...
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I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS & MY WAITLIST IS FULL~~~ Hello! I am a couples & family therapist, as well as a sexuality therapist. My treatment approaches include IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) modalities. I help people heal from sexuality issues, trauma, anxiety & OCD, as well as relationship challenges. I aim to get a deep understanding o...
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Steve is an Illinois State Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been providing services to individuals, couples and families for over 10 years. Steve received his Bachelor's Degree in psychology from the University of Kansas in 2002 and his Master's Degree in social work from the University of Chicago in 2004. Since then he has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings as either a...
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist- Associate (LCAS-A), Certified Life Coach and Certified Forensic Mental Health Specialist. Vivian is experienced at helping others discover their potential, realizing their dreams, desires through exploring their opportunities by integrating personal goals, spirituality and...
I began my career working with incarcerated adult male and female clients. In 2004, I shifted my work from residential to community, working with adults experiencing interpersonal difficulties (including interpersonal violence and sexual abuse) marital dissatisfaction, and infidelity to name a few. I have 20 years of experience and specialized training in couples therapy to help disarm conflict...
I believe every individual deserves to experience true happiness and to have confidence in their ability to achieve their desired goals. My role is to support my clients with overcoming the interpersonal and often the internal conflicts which prevent them from having healthy relationships. I am licensed by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. I have been working with children and...
