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
For me, counseling is an exciting, yet challenging process with a goal of positive change. I will collaborate with you to establish appropriate and achievable goals to help you improve your life in a number of contexts. I believe that only you can choose your path. We will work together to achieve your goals through a variety of different interventions. I strive to maintain an open, honest, and...
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Hi ! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice. I believe in the Therapist/Client relationship of "Trust". I realize how difficult it is to walk in the door and share some of your deep hurts, struggles, problems and pain. My goal is to help you realize "your not alone" and "together we can find a way back for you to feel empowered and at peace." I am also a Licensed Alcohol and...
Mental Wellness Counseling is a Traverse City Counseling Practice and a Holistic Mental Health Center. At Mental Wellness Counseling our therapists use a holistic perspective, addressing the the "whole" person. Our counselors use their passion, experience and specialties to help you heal from traumatic experiences, address symptoms related to anxiety and depression, help you strengthen your...
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Janelle uses an integrative and multicultural therapeutic approach to meet the needs and desires of her clients. Whether she is using a person-center, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, or strength based technique , Janelle brings a warm, safe, and thought provoking environment with every couple or individual client she works with by introducing the necessary components of different models to...
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Hello! I am Shanna Tipton, MS, LPC, and I hold a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Addictions and Social Work. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado through the Department of Regulatory Agencies. I work with all types of issues: anxiety, eating disorders, addictions, adjustment issues, grief, depression, issues of focus, stress, identity, sexuality. I have...
Relationships are central to our lives and the most important relationship is the one that we have with ourselves. I work with my clients so that they may understand their experiences by processing feelings and creating a sense of inner peace and acceptance within. The goal is to foster tools for managing anxiety, depression and stress while encouraging each client's personal strengths. My...
