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
Feeling low or discontent? Experiencing uncomfortable change? Looking for support through a difficult time? No matter what your situation, I know that reaching out to ask for help can be difficult, and I also believe that it is beneficial and incredibly important. Reach out to Wholehearted Counseling today for a free, 30 minute meet and greet consult. We can see what working together would be l...
I work with adolescents, adults, families, and groups. I am an eating disorder specialist and assist clients struggling with low self esteem, body image issues, anxiety, and depression. In addition, I have experience working with trauma, grief, loss, and life transitions. I help clients find their true self through emotion focused therapy. I utilize a holistic approach, fostering growth, healin...
I am a marriage and family therapist who's been working with individuals, couples, and families on a broad range of challenges. I find that many times, my clients thought process and actions are what's keeping them stuck and unhappy. Their attempted solutions are actually making the problem worse, bringing forth feelings of frustration and hopelessness. Exploring how much of what they do is...
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OPENINGS AVAILABLE!! Tracy believes that all healing comes from allowing clients to share their stories of personal struggles and being able to talk openly without fear of being judged. Her approach with clients is genuine, empathetic and energetic, and she takes pride in providing a safe and therapeutic environment. Tracy works to support individuals facing day to day challenges on their journ...
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The human experience is hard not becuz you are doing it wrong but becuz you are doing it right. Life is an ever changing ride & rather than resisting the process we can lean into the growth and beauty that change can bring. That means joy & abundance are achievable, even for you. Therapy can prompt growth and healing for adolescents & adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma,...
Things look pretty good from the other side of the street. Most see you as “having it altogether.” After all, you’re the driven, reliable one everyone turns to. But underneath, you feel disconnected, numb and alone. Sure, you can pull it together when you need to, and the drugs and alcohol help, but you know this cycle can’t last. To top it all off, you feel guilty you can’t be everything, to...
