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 currently not accepting new clients. Thank you for visiting my site and I'll be able to accept new clients soon. Our world has changed. This effects everyone - children, parents and our community. You might have noticed that your child has more anxiety, fear or unexpected behavior issues. Many families that have noticed similar changes then find their way to my office. Strategically I have...
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Our next workshop - August 14th & 15th - will be ONLINE! HMT Couples Workshops are a transformational 2 day workshop where couples learn how to move out of negative cycles that keep them stuck and disconnected, reconnect hearts, and heal old injuries, Based on the most powerful approach in couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy is a proven way to help identify the...
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Hello there, and welcome! I am glad you are here. My focus as a clinician revolves around aiding clients, particularly couples and families, in finding new ways of understanding and interacting with themselves and others. Our collaborative goals are often to shift relationships and experiences from tumultuous, discomforting, or distressing into ones that are safe, secure, and fulfilling. I have...
