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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The City Mission offers FREE therapy. We know that life has pain, but how you handle it determines how well you live life. Do you need a safe place, with someone who will show you mercy as you walk through this stage of life? For the past 21 years, I have been working at the City Mission with people whose hurts and hang-ups have dragged them to the bottom of life. I have seen amazing life chang...
( English | 中文 ) Are you so busy taking care of everything in life but lost joy, hope or motivation in it? Lydia, as a Christian professional counselor, creates a safe place for her clients to pause and reflect on circumstances, patterns and motivations in their lives. She recognizes therapy as a client’s opportunity to be heard, understood and accepted; and that’s where powerful things can...
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I am what I would consider a “Modern Therapist”. Gone are the days of seeking out someone to listen to your problems. Instead, together we work to help you overcome all the things that impair your ability to achieve your idea of success. My experience includes working with families, children and adults who are struggling with issues such as childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-worth,...
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I Work with individuals and couples mainly. My background is in substance misuse counseling. I also see a large proportion of clients struggling with body image concerns and disordered eating. I work in a relational way, that invites the client into the therapeutic process, setting goals, assigning homework if appropriate, coming up with ways to better resource in times of stress/ emotional...
I have ONLINE evening and weekend appointments currently available. My passion is in helping people and those they love find peace as they navigate anxiety, depression, stress, and faith transitions. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA youth, individuals, couples and their families. I also have experience with compulsive eating, self-esteem struggles, and managing ADD. Additionally, I have training in...
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I want to help people find abundant joy in their relationships, in their friendships, and in their spiritual life. I want to see couples begin reconciling, parents begin succeeding, and children begin seeking God. I want to help calm the tendencies to distract and detach from reality. I am seeking those willing to begin this part of their story. Consider time spent taking care of your teeth ove...
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Thank you for your interest. People come to therapy to address a variety of issues and needs. Therapy helps people to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, the issues impacting their lives and barriers to personal change. Therapy helps to take down those walls and aids the building of a more satisfying and authentically lived life. My 6 years of experience includes working with clients wit...
My goal as a psychologist is to help individuals find their full potential. I strive to help clients discover their hidden strengths and areas for growth; thereby learning to more effectively face their concerns. I have extensive training and experience in psychological testing. I provide assessment for adult and child ADHD and Autism. I can help clarify or differentiate a diagnosis, provide...