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 believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. Are you struggling just to get out of bed each morning? More often than not, your life is so full of anxiety and worry, that by the end of the day you are left overwhelmed and exhausted? Is every happy moment overshadowed by depression, leaving you feeling like you are missing out on all the important little...
If there is one thing in life that is guaranteed, it is that it’s unpredictable. The many twists and turns we experience throughout life can be challenging and overwhelming to manage. My goal to help you navigate this unfamiliar territory and become the best version of yourself! I help my clients achieve this by looking within: accessing their own strengths, values, and purpose, while providing...
I specialize in empowering young women and women who are experiencing difficulty with sense of purpose, identity, and connection to self in mind and body. I work with feelings of shame, insecurity, and distrust of self. My work includes exploration of trauma, body loathing, body and life transitions including pregnancy and post-pregnancy, menopause and young adult development. I also work with...
I believe the capacity to become whole is embedded in each psyche, just as the oak tree is encoded in the acorn it grows from. Healing doesn’t come from outside you, but from an internal wisdom that only needs the right conditions to flourish. Psychotherapy provides those conditions—ground and light and warmth and space—that allow your inner intelligence to guide you towards strong and balanced...
I believe every individual has within them the inherent ability to heal. In our work together the goal will be to help you identify and navigate barriers that keep you from having the life you deserve to enjoy. My approach is rooted in the idea that we are wounded in relationship and therefore the healing must also occur in relationship. This concept is essential to the therapeutic process and ...
I believe that professional counseling provides a safe space for self-exploration and personal growth and that all individuals have the potential for positive growth. I enjoy working with individuals who are interested in developing a more integrated and embodied experience in life. My practice primarily focuses on individuals who experienced interpersonal or development trauma, PTSD, depressio...
I collaboratively work with clients to explore and understand their unique presentation and how it relates to a larger cultural context. I am passionate about increasing self-awareness and encouraging individuals to find a more authentic way of interacting in their lives. Authenticity is very important to me and I show up this way in working relationships. I received my master's degree in 2009 ...
I believe that everyone has a story and it deserves to be heard. My approach to counseling is to empower the client while maintaining a therapeutic and professional relationship. I believe that the counselor should not work harder than the client and the client should not work harder than the counselor. I will work hand in hand with the client, toward goals that are appropriate to their situati...
I obtained a master degree in counseling Psychology as well as two graduate certificates in Psychotherapy and family therapy from Bowie State University. Ultimately, I obtained my professional/independent license (LCPC/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) in 2006. I have 15 years of experience as a licensed provider. I have experience working on multiple settings of mental health delivery...
My intention would be to help you learn to notice when you are being hijacked by this inner voice and to start feeling curious of how and why it is showing up in your experience. In my own journey, I have noticed that self-judgment is softened by curiosity and using the tool of self-examination, we can begin to heal the hurt(s) that keep you stuck.
I have a passion for helping others...
While I believe every person is the ultimate expert in themselves, I think therapy provides a powerful opportunity for partnership and guidance. In a safe, nonjudgmental space, people are able to explore new elements of their lives and selves, to identify goals and values, and to examine the ways current patterns are either supporting or hindering those goals. My job as a therapist is to help...
Christine has been working in the field of psychology for the past 25 years as Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. She specializes in Addictions, Relationship Enhancement, Couples, Family, Stress Management, Career Development, Mindfulness Training, Self Hypnosis, Sports Psychology, EMDR-Trauma Work, Peak Performance, Life Coaching, & Personal Development. I am an Approved Consultant in EMDR (E...
You've been struggling with anxiety. You've heard a lot about the benefits of yoga, meditation & mindfulness but haven't known exactly where or how to start. My Yoga for Anxiety classes will be perfect for you, with simple and clear instructions to utilize these modalities effectively. Learn to settle your mind by being present in your body. Discover the power of using your breath to calm your...
Life is challenging and while we all have coping skills to assist us in times of struggle, sometimes life overwhelms and we need additional support to become unstuck. Counseling is essentially a journey of self-discovery; an exploration of who you are and how you show up in the world. Together we will seek to uncover the things that may be holding you back from your goals and aspirations, while...
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