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
As a counselor I show compassion and acceptance to every client I work with, and hope to serve all populations and people from all walks of life. I believe that through empowerment goals can be met and achieved. People have the ability to heal and grow from their hardships, and when we look within ourselves that is the best way to grow. Experiences in our lives don't determine who we are, but h...
I have developed a particular niche for treating adolescents, teens, young adults, and families. My experience in the mental health field has included treatment of addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I aim to guide and encourage my clients to learn how to advocate for themselves in order to get their needs met, regardless of where t...
My patients open themselves to the process of therapy because they are at a point in which they realize that something must change. My goal is to be able to provide insights, tools, and support to assist you in your journey to wellness. Whether your desire is to improve your relationships, to strengthen your sense of self, enhance your quality of life, to find support during difficult times, or...
My clinical experience includes working with children and families in the community, adults in an Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization setting, as well as, a Psychiatric Inpatient Hospital. My therapeutic approach is client-centered with a focus on evidence-based modalities such as solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavio...
I have extensive experience working with clients who are dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues and current triggers from past trauma. The majority of our session will be strength-based talk therapy. My goal is to make you feel supported, validated and empowered. Role play or aspects of drama therapy can be added to the session if needed or requested in order to...
I view therapy like a road trip: some parts are fun, some are not, but in the end you get to where you need to go. You are the driver and have the control but we are on the journey together. I will be there, in the passenger seat, to help reroute if we get detoured... and try to help us avoid the potholes! It’s your hard work, though, that gets us to the destination. I have found that creating ...
Art has the amazing power to release the areas of the mind that have been locked up due to previous traumas and experiences. I truly believe in the inherent healing nature that art provides, allowing us an avenue to reach our clients in a different way and create deeper connections through active engagement in art practices. I utilize mindfulness practices in my therapeutic approach and always...
My main goal is getting my client to be mindful and present in the here and now as a lot of people’s mind are in the future or the past. When we are focus on the future or the past, we miss out on our current experiences and can lead to depression or anxiety. By training your mind to focus on what is currently going on his a difficult challenge but not impossible. I provides tools for my client...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, CACREP approved program. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey and have received my National Certified Counselor certification. Previously, I have experience working with individuals who have varying mental health issues in a private practice, facilitating group therapy,...
In these troubled times of the current pandemic with our lives seemingly turned upside down, it is quite natural to feel concerned and frightened. Are you feeling stuck and/or overwhelmed? The challenge is learning how to deal with the present circumstances and, at the same time, continue to move forward with our lives given our own personal issues. If you are experiencing difficult issues that...
*Now open and accepting new clients* Our group of clinicians work with a diverse group of clients age 10 and up. Collectively we offer decades of experience and assistance with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, life stress, and negative symptoms related to trauma. We utilize a variety of theories and techniques to help clients identify challenges and work through barriers that...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I grew up overseas where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I pursued my dreams and moved to Illinois where I received my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Eastern Illinois University. For as long as I remember, I have always loved helping people and just being an active listener. Eventually, choosing therapy as a career came as a second nature to me...
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, or major life changes? Sometimes we need someone to help us get grounded, reconnect to ourselves and our relationships, and get through challenging times. I’m a licensed therapist in Asheville, NC, and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. I have been working with adolescents, youn...
I believe that every person that comes into therapy has the right to have their own individual life journey be the focus of therapy. I listen to the wants, and concerns of the client and then together we develop a strategy that the client(s) will be willing to apply to their lives. I have many tools from an eclectic range or psychological fields and a lifetime of real-life applications that I...
With years of experience working with children and families during some of their most difficult times, I am ready to assist children and parents in learning new coping and self-regulation skills to help deal with life’s daily stressors and unexpected situations. During my time in child welfare, I have worked with young children and youth who have experienced trauma, and/or are suffering with...
