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
Feeling overwhelmed–personally, emotionally or relationally–can wear us down and leave us feeling stuck. And especially when you’re stuck, searching for resources for change and growth takes strength and guts! Counseling creates opportunities to increase awareness and facilitate change with guided support. You may have specific goals you want to focus on, or a deep sense of wanting more. Whethe...
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Hi! My name is Jennifer Jennings. I specialize treating trauma/PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, life transitions, addictions, couples therapy, women and men issues, adolescents’, anger issues, grief/ loss, sexual abuse, relationship issues, co-occurring disorders, and working with the military. I work primarily with adults. I am a military veteran, and I served 4 years in the USAF. ...
Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor who completed his graduate studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Counseling and his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in Psychology. Allen uses key principles from CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy to partner with clients to develop new systems and narratives to achieve the...
I enjoy working with children (9+) adolescents, and adults to develop conflict resolution skills, communication skills, emotion regulation skills, social skills, impulse control, self-exploration, and self-esteem building skills. I specialize in an Eclectic holistic approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and other treatment approaches. I am a Board Approved Supervisor and I strive to h...
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People come to the crossroads of seeking mental health treatment for many different reasons and with many different paths. I would like to meet you on that path and help guide you to the place you want to get to in your life. I have over 28 years experience in counseling and therapy with 18 years working in addictions, dual diagnosis,inpatient mental health with persistent mental illness and...
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In addition to my private practice, I have worked as a counselor at Santa Barbara City College, El Camino Elementary School, and the Center of Successful Aging. Within these populations, the need for the most support has been with anxiety, depression, relational issues and life transitions. My own life experiences have helped inform my practice and deepen my understanding of the challenges that...
I love working with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide-range of challenges and I work with every individual to develop a unique and effective approach to helping them achieve their goals. I am also experienced and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting techniques, both of which are highly-successful treatments for trauma recovery. I have...
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