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 unavailable for appointments as my caseload is at capacity.* My approach to counseling is to meet you where you are at and to understand your story to get you where you want to be. Together we will understand your inner wants and needs to form an authentic and genuine self. I work with individuals who are dealing with life after retirement, empty nests, new life stages, issues o...
As your therapist, my first offering would be creating a safe environment for you, whereby you know that you are being heard, respected, and validated. I respect and honor your wish to find someone to work with; a traveling companion for the road you are on. I know this first step is a hard one. I’ve been in your shoes too. Here is what I have learned: connection matters. Feelings matter....
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My role as a therapist is to help you gain power over the direction of your life. Do you want to set a solid foundation for your relationship? Let's do it. Are you looking for a more meaningful relationship? Let's see what that looks like for YOU. Are you feeling weighed down and unable to move forward? Lets see where that's coming from and get you to where you want to be. There is no better ti...
I am passionate about helping individuals heal from past hurts, overcome tough life situations, and feel better about themselves and their relationships. I use a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to help you understand your emotions, challenge negative belief patterns, find and develop your strengths, utilize coping strategies and set personal goals. I am a seasoned professional...
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Congratulations on taking the first steps toward a happier and healthier life! It can be difficult to reach out and ask for support and I am here to help you see this as a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are feeling stuck in the past, overwhelmed with life, or working toward ridding yourself of an unhealthy habit I am here to help. I provide a safe and judgement free environment for you ...
Offering 20 years of skilled counseling experience specializing in all child and adolescent issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression and all school issues. I have special training in adult issues related to self-improvement, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, codependency, abuse. parent/child relationships, and divorce recovery....
My heart is to help people of all ages find and embrace hope no matter their circumstances and to help them reach their goals. I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with a myriad of issues to come out on the other side of counseling feeling more confident, content, and whole. Whether it is building coping skills, managing stress, overcoming grief,...
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Iowa as well as a nationally board certified counselor. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. My experience includes working for Jackson Recovery Centers as an addiction counselor, Families First of Western Iowa as an in home behavioral skills specialist, Gerard of Iowa as a counselor in an...
*Now offering Virtual Therapy Sessions (telehealth)* Are you a woman juggling multiple roles or feeling overwhelmed? Are you lacking self-confidence, feeling stuck in your life, or constantly worrying about things out of your control? Do you have goals and dreams you want to accomplish but are experiencing difficulties reaching those goals? Women’s experiences are unique and varied. My aim is t...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in a variety of psychological services including counseling, assessment, and case management. My goal in therapy is to provide clients with the tools necessary for developing a sense of empowerment that will assist them in overcoming their challenges. I believe that by restructuring the perception of our world and, subsequently, o...
The journey of healing is not an easy path to take. To heal, grow and to find inner peace one must be given the safe and nurturing environment where your voice and pain can be heard. This is why finding and connecting with the right therapist is the key to begin the work of healing your past and addressing current stressors and challenges of the now. I believe in providing my clients with a saf...
