What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Ashley Whiteside

Albany

New York

*Not currently accepting new clients* Ashley is a healer of self and others and lover of humanity. She believes that choosing to heal is a radical act of self-love. Once we take the time to learn and heal ourselves and our wounds we can emerge toward collective empowerment. She is a trained Social Worker currently working in day treatment with youth in a school setting who have mental health an...
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Growing up fatherless is a struggle far too many of our young boys face today. Angry, resentful, confused, uncertain and often unmotivated, the youth of Metro Detroit are desperate for guidance. Odis Bellinger was once one of those children. He credits his success to two people who refused to give up on him, no matter how hard he pushed them away. I UNDERSTAND what it is like to have that "abse...

Deanna M Fierman

Boulder

Colorado

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client, and that by working together we can help you move toward understanding and healing. Your job is to be curious about yourself. Mine is to inspire and assist you in exploring the unknown, uncomfortable, and unfamiliar. I strive to kindly challenge the way people think, and to be challenged myself. I am honored when as...
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Alexandra Daem

Phoenix

Arizona

I am Clinical Mental Health Psychotherapist that specializes in working with adults struggling from behavioral & emotional issues including; mood challenges, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, & trauma. I am an EMDRIA trained, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) provider with advanced training. I enjoy working with individuals who want to improve their communication,...
Of all the things we are now forced to give up, don't let it be your sanity! I'm offering day, evening and online sessions to those in and out of state! My story: I thought I could do it all & on my own. I was "ok" ignoring all the signs like panic attacks, staying in bed all day, and obsessing over every little decision, mistake or adversity. I've learned to accept some things & change others ...
Do you question why you've had your life's experiences? Do you want clarity about your feelings? Do other people's actions make no sense? Do you feel weighed down by the pain of loss? Through the use of Bibliotherapy, Narrative therapy, Gestalt techniques, motivational interviewing, we can work together to discover a deeper purpose and meaning for your unique life and responses. Individuals and...
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Panic? Anxiety? Obsessions/compulsions? It's time to change your thoughts and start living again. It is my hope that we can build a foundation of trust to begin to get to the root of any emotional turmoil you may be feeling. I can be here to help you with any short term or long term problems you may be facing. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, or obsessed thoughts can be managed with the...
Finding the right therapist can be daunting, and for some, it can be the most difficult step. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can assess if we are the right fit. I work with teens and adults presenting with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/ loss, chronic health concerns, relationship issues, and life transitions. In our work together we will explore yo...
Are you feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to get done in a day? Struggling with negative self-talk? Wishing you had a more fulfilling relationship? It is important to know that you do not have to struggle through your hurt alone. At Peaceful Minds Counseling LLC, I offer online video counseling services to individuals and couples who reside in the state of Nebraska. This service gives ...

 

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