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
Are you satisfied with your current relationships? How is your relationship with yourself, with peers, and with others? Working with a relational therapist you may begin to notice changes in the contact you have with others. I view therapy as if I’m in a boat with my clients and we are rowing down a river. I act as a GPS that may invite my client to turn left, right, or even stop and look aroun...
As a clinician, an artist and a mother, I feel we are all at our best when we have a space to unpack what's going on for us in our myriad roles in day to day life. I strive to foster a relationship with my clients that is rooted in the idea of acceptance, non-judgment, balance, and presence. My practice is rooted in both theory and play, in evidence-based practice models (CBT, DBT, Mindfulness,...
Are you surviving instead of thriving? Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious? Do you struggle with meaningful connection to yourself or within your relationships? I’m here to help you break free from the patterns that are holding you back & feel empowered to live your best life. I work with adults needing to heal from shock trauma, childhood/attachment wounds, or physical/sexual/emotional abuse. I...
**OFFERING SECURE TELEHEALTH SESSIONS FOR NEW & EXISTING CLIENTS.** Life is about connection. Relationships thrive when each person feels heard, appreciated, and respected. However, relationships can be complex sometimes. In those times, it can be beneficial to talk with someone, to help you navigate the rough spots. I work collaboratively alongside my clients - whether it's an individual, a...
I became a therapist because I believe everyone is worthy of healing and wellness. With a background in medical social work, my heart lies in working with teens and adults coping with anxiety and depression, disordered eating and body image, chronic illness, medical trauma, and grief and loss. Life throws curveballs and I’m here to be a guide and active listener throughout this process. I see...
We believe people possess the inner strength, imagination, and determination to meet life’s challenges, but sometimes we get stuck and forget that we have these abilities. Individual therapy presents an opportunity to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviors in new ways. There are times when the challenges in life may lead to anxiety, depression, helplessness and despair. You may be...
It is okay to ask for help. So often, we are shamed for reaching out and admitting the need for assistance and, I am here to tell you, it is okay to ask for help. It is my philosophy that my job is to further facilitate this cycle of positive change and growth within my clients, regardless of whatever personal struggles and challenges they may bring to counseling. Clients can look forward to...
I offer individual mental health counseling to children, adolescents, and families. Children can often times be difficult for adults to understand. Even those children who act like "little grownups" need help communicating their needs and feelings in a developmentally appropriate way. At times we have to uncover those challenging feelings that are suppressed, which become the root of problemati...
I take clients from all different backgrounds and presenting problems. Most of my clients have complex problems that start as internal struggles from depression, poor mood regulation, anxiety, racing thoughts, over-active anger, poor self-esteem, and judgment of self and others. These issues turn into interpersonal and relational problems that create felt chaos and cyclically feed those interna...
I work with individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, to issues in relationships, grief, loneliness, anger management, chronic pain and stress. Clients get results with me because my approach is practical, creative, and empowering, and I work hard to help clients gain new tools to overcome their challenges. Together we...
An ideal client is one who is being just who they are in spite of all the challenges or concerns they may be dealing with. I also have weekend and some evening hours. I work as a counselor and as an instructor for SUDC students at CVTC. I have a masters degree in counseling from the University of Iowa and am credentialed with a LPC and CSAC in Wisconsin. I work with persons who have issues rela...
My approach is empathetic, compassionate, non-judgemental curiosity, with the belief, that with the right questions we can begin to discover the beliefs that effects your feelings, thoughts and actions and uncover your internal guidance that will give you the pathway in creating the life you desire. My own journey of deep self-exploration and inquiry from a young age added to 20+ years experien...
Dr. Steve Badgett, PhD, LCSW is a Marriage, Couples, Family and Individual Therapist. Steve is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) through The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy. Steve works effectively with couples, individuals and families. Available Services include: Marriage Therapy, Individual Counseling, Family Therapy, Child/Adolescent Therapy,...
Sometimes, we get stuck. A problem that may seem small at first just seems to get worse and before you know it, you have gotten lost in a dark place and can't figure out how to get out. As a therapist, I want to be that flashlight that can guide you home. It takes courage to reach out for help, and doing so shows you are ready to find your way back- or to a new, better place! I meet my clients...
I have many years of counseling with individuals, couples, families and children. Creating a safe, welcoming space where healing, learning, growing can occur is essential for the therapeutic process which takes many forms, and is based on the needs of each person, couple or family. The therapeutic process is a shared journey and in my counseling role I help support and guide the process. My...
