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
We have telehealth appointments available daily. We're here to help during the current troubling times. We view life as a journey. An individual’s path may be long or short, similar or different from others. Whether one views this path as set or as pliable, sometimes this path can feel overwhelming. This is true especially today when so many are anxious about the future. Certain points on an...
Therapy is about investing in yourself and trying to achieve your best self. My aim is to end the stigma of mental and emotional health and make it a priority. I want you to feel heard, understood, loved and accepted. I am a Liberian-American woman born in Washington D.C. and raised in Gaithersburg, MD. I graduated from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work where I spent two years working wi...
Human beings are hardwired for attachment and connection. I believe strongly in the power of relationship and support. I work with the lifespan starting at 2 and up to help individuals, families, and couples realize their potential and opportunity for growth can be endless as long as they are feeling supported and heard. I use a variety of different therapeutic modalities and techniques such as...
Sometimes the parts of us that are open, curious and authentic can feel stifled or closed off by life stressors and pain. As a result, we develop thoughts, behaviors and emotional patterns that cause us to resist or avoid our true self and prevent us from moving through the world with harmony and ease. By doing so, we end up experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness, anxiety and stress,...
I work with both couples and individuals. Are you experiencing issues that seem unsolvable? Has there been a breach of trust? Is there’s a major life transition happening such as a marriage, a birth of child, a move, a new job, or a personal loss that is throwing your relationship off balance? Perhaps you want better communication, deeper connection, or a more fulfilling sex life. The pain caus...
We all know life can be hard... And we don’t have to do it alone. I work with couples and individuals ranging in issues of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self esteem, relationships, and parenting. My own painful experiences, and the work I have done to heal, have afforded me the ability to be present and sit with people in their own pain. I have a natural inclination to seek out deep connecti...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children, families, and adults. I have extensive in patient and outpatient clinical experience working with adolescents and adults who have significant trauma histories. In addition, I have worked in Emergency Services for over a decade, helping clients navigate life threatening crisis situation...
I enjoy helping patients improve their lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I specialize in depression and anxiety that stems from relationship issues, peer issues, work problems, and school issues. Through education, life experiences, a family of my own, and a great deal of empathy, I feel that I can offer unique and confidential treatment. I...
My journey in the mental health field started 10 years ago. As a therapist specializing in trauma, I can help you in exploring your needs and feelings that have negatively impacted your lives. I have worked with children, adults, and adolescents in the community I bring extensive experience in helping clients explore negative thoughts, triggers to their anxiety and depression, and helping them ...
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who truly enjoys helping people live their lives to their full potential. I have experience working with adults, young adults, teens, children, as well as couples and families. I see challenges in life as opportunities for growth, and invitation to better ourselves. Specializations: Adults, Young Adults, Teens/Adolescents, Children, Couples and Fami...
The most important parts of mental wellness are the ability to increase one’s self-awareness and broaden one’s perspective. As your counselor, I will provide a safe and judgment free environment for you to gain a better understanding of whatever issues you are dealing with as an individual, couple, or family including both mental health and substance abuse problems. Together, we will work to...
Part of being human is that we all experience challenges, suffering, and brokenness in our lives. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but please accept my warm invitation into a relationship based on trust and the inherent belief in your goodness. It is my ongoing commitment to bring acceptance, understanding, open-mindedness, empathy, empowerment, and respect to the therapeutic relationsh...
*Teletherapy/phone sessions available and families preferred*. I specialize in making people feel understood and unstuck. I've found that most of us already have what is takes to move past the challenges and sometimes we can't get there on our own. I specialize in working with teens and families as well as individuals and couples to seek understanding and clarity to reach a happy healthy outcom...
“These pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.” -Rumi When our lives feel heavy with pain, there is opportunity for healing and growth. I believe in my client’s ability to work towards a more balanced, connected, fulfilled life with the right tools and guidance. My goal is to earn your trust through creating and providing a non-judgmental, supportive, safe space to explore where you are...
One of the most important aspects in therapy is for patients to feel heard, respected, and understood. I offer an active and collaborative therapeutic style that offers the opportunity for clients to learn, grow, explore, challenge and live the life they want to be living. Treatment is tailored to fit your needs and goals, drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities such as CBT,...
