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
I was drawn to social work out of my desire to understand and empathize with human suffering. I believe that all of us, at some point in our lives, can benefit from healing therapy sessions. The bulk of my career has been in Hospice care, therefore, I specialize in grief work. We can grieve over the changes in life that don't resemble death, such as postpartum, divorce, empty nest and caring fo...
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I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years' experience working with adults, children and families. I have worked in many settings from behavioral health agencies, Childrens Hospitals IOP, and school settings providing both clinical and group counseling. I find that the most effective approach is one that is strengths-based with a strong emphasis on helping clients solve the proble...
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For over 30 years I have been treating depression, anxiety & addictions with a specialty in eating disorders. I'm a founding fellow for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy and also integrate other strategies in helping my patients actualize their full potential. I provide individual, marital, family, and group therapy. From adolescence to later life years, I help clients improve their physical,...
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I am an over 50 years young, divorced, faith based, a confidential and compliant, clinical counselor and breast cancer survivor, with a successful new private practice, in the DMV ( District of Columbia and Maryland). I welcome clergy, celebrities, and the very special everyday client, that simply needs someone to talk too. Talk To Me Inc is here...to help and respectfully help and empower the...
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Thank you for the opportunity to partner together on your personal growth, relationship, family, or overall mental health goals. I work with individuals, adolescents, and couples to help provide new perspectives, realistic goal setting, resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts, and restore a more balanced way of managing stress. I am committed to providing a positive, accepting environment...
Welcome to my page! I know that choosing a therapist can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help in whatever way I can. My goal for every therapy session is to create a welcoming and safe environment where you will feel comfortable sharing and processing your emotions. As each individual is different and unique, I use a variety of different types of therapy, and will do my best to utilize whateve...
