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 have a passion for helping kids that are struggling to become more successful and happier in their world. I like allowing kids to express in ways that help me to understand their perspectives. I find that better understanding their perspective and method of self expression can help me communicate in ways that the individual child better understands. I love working and playing with kids in way...
I believe that living a peaceful life is very important to the stability of your mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my passion is to assist you in developing the tools you need to effectively heal, resolve issues, and achieve your desired life changes. Life can be full of many challenges, that can often present themselves at some of the most unexpected times in our lives. We a...
I enjoy doing all types of therapy for all different issues to include depression, anxiety, addiction/substance use and abuse, health and wellness, grief, trauma, parental alienation, developmental challenges, autism spectrum disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, codependency, work stress and relationship conflict. I work with people to identify...
I work hard to understand, diagnose and frame what the issues really are, and work gently and intelligently with my clients to help them grow into their own abilities to change the status quo and “see” what is possible for them. This is not magic -- it’s work. But hard work and a commitment by both of us to a trusting and open therapeutic relationship can produce what seems like magical outcome...
A break-up, the loss of a loved one, anxiety, or adjusting to a life transition are common issues addressed in therapy. Most people go through difficult times; therapy helps you to gain better insight into your struggles and make lasting changes. Therapy can truly change how you see yourself, how you feel, and how you experience life. I work to create a judgment free, safe environment using a...
Embridge Counseling Services’ goal is to guide individuals/families/couples by empowering them to identify/resolve their own personal difficulties which will encourage growth. ECS’ ideal client is someone, a couple and/or a family who is motivated to face his, her or their challenges head on in a safe environment and is/are empowered to identify effective ways to resolve those issues on their o...
Are you struggling in your marriage/relationship? Does this sound familiar? Hi, my husband and I do not seem to be happy anymore. Over the years we have both made some bad mistakes and have hurt each other. Now, we hardly talk and when we do it becomes an argument, we say a lot of hurtful things to each other. In our last argument, things got really out of hand, and he left the house, slamming ...
During my decade as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have helped clients of all backgrounds cope with trauma and improve their lives. My specialties include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, parenting concerns, and such women's health issues as infertility, maternal depression, and PCOS. My practice also concentrates on stress management and navigating issues related t...
Whether you are struggling with everyday stressors, traumatic events, or long-term challenges, counseling services are available to support you through these hardships. We offer counseling in a safe and encouraging environment to help you identify your concerns and maintain a state of positive wellbeing to promote growth. Throughout this journey, we will identify barriers and find pathways to...
I work with people who are struggling with difficult emotions. When our emotions take over, we are left feeling hopeless, self critical, alone, angry and confused. I am here to help. I guide individuals through anything from deep traumas to everyday stressors. I support people who are struggling to build and maintain meaningful and long lasting relationships. Individuals build a tool belt that...
Dominique duBois is a licensed clinical social worker who has been in the social services field since 2005. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Social Work from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. Dominique has worked in numerous settings from integrative health, residential treatment, outpatient and private practice....
Our Mental Health and Social Justice Clinic provides comprehensive psychological evaluations and therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We provide trauma informed individual and group sessions including yoga, art, and dance therapies. We are specialists in trauma informed care and our practice provides individual and group therapy services to survivors of human trafficking,...
We often experience seasons where we struggle to find hope - hope in relationship, hope through depression or anxiety, hope beyond current circumstances. Is there hope despite any circumstance? We long for a change. We long for someone to hear our hearts, our stories, our circumstances and say “yes, there is hope.” My goal is to help renew that hope in you. I want to walk alongside you, look at...
An ideal client is one who is being just who they are in spite of all the challenges or concerns they may be dealing with. I also have weekend and some evening hours. I work as a counselor and as an instructor for SUDC students at CVTC. I have a masters degree in counseling from the University of Iowa and am credentialed with a LPC and CSAC in Wisconsin. I work with persons who have issues rela...
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety or disconnection from the people you love? Perhaps you've been hurt, and you long for healing but don't know how to begin. Maybe you're a couple finding your relationship harder than it used to be, or you are a family going through major transition in uncharted territory. If reconnecting with yourself, your loved ones, or even your faith, sounds...
