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
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear" -Ambrose Redmoon. Brittany recognizes the courage it takes to reach out to someone for counseling. Brittany enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of counseling needs including marital concerns, self-esteem, stress management, anxiety, depression,...
When the storms of life hit us, it can leave one feeling breathless. Even after the crisis and challenge passes, it takes time to heal and learn to breathe again. In Hawaiian, Kealohahou, means to renew ones Ha or breath, without breath we cannot live. Aloha, my name is Celeste Leonani Sagarang and I am passionate about helping those who have been through abuse, trauma and loss. I have worked w...
I am a very caring and compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with men, couples, families, and children. My faith plays a large role in the services I provide. My intention is to meet my clients where they are and help them become unstuck or untangled from their current issue or situation. I encourage families to see me, when it is appropriate, as I excel in systems work,...
I am a licensed independent social worker with a passion for helping others find their path and promote positive change in their life. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with general life stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and a multitude of other challenges. I utilize a variety of client centered therapeutic approaches to best fit each...
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. SE HABLA ESPANOL. VIDEO SESSIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS. Overcome obstacles that have been preventing you from living your best life. Experience positive reflection and empowerment through a therapeutic relationship that is trusting, open-minded, and safe. I will guide you to a healthier way of coping and discovering your purpose. Let’s work toget...
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...
I have dedicated myself over the last decade to providing efficient, empathetic, and supportive services to countless clients with various needs and circumstances from differing backgrounds and of various ages. I have worked with children in the foster system, teens on probation, babies and parents struggling with attachment, victims of domestic violence, older adults with memory loss, individu...
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...
( English | español ) I have worked on the field of psychology for more than 20 years, first as an undergraduate student in University of Havana, Cuba, then Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain and finally in Atlanta, Georgia, where I completed my internship and postdoctoral studies at Emory University. As part of my training and the last 11 years in private practice, I have had the privile...
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...
Is your child slipping deeper into avoiding school, friends, or family as they become stuck in the cycle of anxiety and depression? Are you becoming frustrated and helpless as you try your best to reach them? I hear you! Using evidence-based interventions, I effectively and creatively use your family's strengths and resiliency to help your child get back on their feet. A specialist in parent-ch...
I obtained my Master's in Social Work from The University of New England with a concentration in clinical social work. I am currently a LCSWA. I have experience in public and private mental health, the school setting, and social services with individuals, families and couples. Each individual or family has specific needs and strengths. I help the individual or family identify their strengths so...
First I want to congratulate you on your search for a therapist. Whether new or returning to therapy the search for a therapist can be daunting. The relationship between the therapist and the client is one of the most effective aspects of therapy. Considering that, here is a bit about my style as a therapist. My approach to therapy focuses on listening to and reflecting with you on what you are...
You’re a modern couple, building a career and a relationship. You notice the effort taking its toll. You’re ready to learn how to protect your spark, so that your love continues to thrive. Perhaps, it’s been too long since you experienced passion and fun with your partner, or, you're going through a relationship crisis. You remember when things were different, and you long to re-connect, and...
Dr. Cierra Barker is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Cumberlands, following completion of her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Kentucky University. She has extensive experience working in various mental health setting...
