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
My approach is person centered, supportive, positive and challenging to the point of helping you develop self-compassion, self-love and overall confidence. We all struggle from time to time and deserve a non-judgmental support person. If you are wanting to improve any aspect of your life, or to cope with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, I am here to assist you as you work toward your goals. ...
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Children, adolescents, adults and couples: As I have a Masters in Drama therapy any age client could have an activated improvisational state of connection and embodiment with the Self and in relationship. Goals are a need to feel at ease with different parts of yourself through, movement, sound, role play and character development! Connect to the unconscious through projective play i.e. sand tr...
Are you looking for someone to assist you with your mental health journey? Are you a high-profile individual, or looking for an experienced safe and secure place to address your mental health issues? Are you in need of a sounding board? Do you long for a safe space to be able to unload some of your darkest moments, challenging experiences, and unmanageable behavior? Are you tired of doing thing...
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I work best with clients who are ready to begin the sometimes difficult work of exploring who they are, setting goals, and discovering how to make changes to improve their lives. For those who are not quite sure where to begin I provide support, education, and a safe space to delve into the possibilities of how they might create the life they want. I offer a person-centered approach, meaning I...
Life can be a struggle. Maybe you’re balancing multiple demands: parenthood, relationship, career, and you feel constantly pulled in different directions. As the demands increase, time for yourself decreases and you find yourself full of worry and defeating thoughts such as: “I can't handle this” “what will I do?”; “I’m not good enough”. Self doubt and insecurity set in and daily tasks may feel...
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida since 1998 (licensed in NJ since 1995). My experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and children with mental health issues; assessment and evaluation; individual, family and group therapy. I am trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE) or the treatment of Veterans/clients with PTSD related to trauma, Certified Consultan...
