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 am an experienced professional LMFT licensed in CA and NV, I work with children, adolescents and adults for individual, couples, group, and family therapy. I studied depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I possess skills in crisis management, trauma resolution, life transition, behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, stress management, grief and loss, and family conflict. My approa...
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I have an eclectic approach and use a blend of strengths-based approaches and modalities. I utilize the therapeutic setting to help my clients feel they have the space to reach the change and goals they wish to achieve. I have experience working with various individuals including families, children, and adults. I am trained in utilizing trauma-focused therapy and have worked with individuals th...
I have dedicated more than a decade to learning how to best help each individual and family that I come across. I have a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as PTSD and working individually with children and adolescents. I dedicate my time to continuing to research and understand the best method of helping families, individuals, and the communities in which we live. I am bilingual ...
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