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
We all have painful experiences. They are part of the human condition. I believe it’s what we do with these difficulties that determines not only the extent of our suffering, but how we are able to transform our pain and loss into strength, power, and growth. The most impactful experience we can provide each other is to be fully present and listen to one another's stories with open hearts and...
My ideal client is a woman who feels she has the world on her shoulders. That Woman Walking Alone. I have helped over a couple hundred women with their worries and fears, insecurities, relationship concerns, breaking free of codependency and abuse, recovery from trauma and addiction, and the infliction of self-injury. I find that no issue is too small or too large to handle. I'm here so you don...
Explore. Equip. Empower. I believe that we all have the ability to live the worthy and abundant life destined to us. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about empowering individuals to shift their mindset, practice new habits, and create a healthy and whole life. I am specifically passionate about working with women that are seeking identity, wholeness, and empowerment. My approac...
I am so glad you have taken the time to seek support, as this step can feel overwhelming and confusing. With all the responsibilities and hardships that life provides, having therapeutic support can be an amazing tool. Over the last 4 years I have found meaning in working with individuals struggling with life transitions, relationship issues, troubling mental health symptoms, and family dynamic...
Lily is passionate about supporting individuals in finding ways to live their happiest and most authentic life. She is committed to fostering an environment where the client is the guide of their own story and treatment and believes that each individual is the expert of their own story. Utilizing the strengths of the client, Lily brings skills based in Mindfulness Integrated Cognitive Behaviora...
To the broken & the beautiful, to the ones who feel stuck in their story & to the ones who feel like there is no story, welcome to a safe place. A place in which together we will explore how your story was formed and who the authors have been. A place in which together we will learn new ways to rewrite that story and choose who you will allow the authors to be. Whether it is the story of your...
I relocated from New Jersey, where my past clinical experience included gerontology, oncology, hospice, serious mental illness, substance use disorders & dual diagnosis treatment. Currently, I'm clinically proficient in treating PTSD, C-PTSD & trauma related disorders. I am trained in EMDR therapy. I utilize a holistic lens when treating clients, paying attention to the mind, body and soul. I...
As a therapist, my overall goal is to empower my clients. Each person has a unique set of gifts that are important for our world; sometimes we just need help finding them & believing in them. Therapy should be a place where clients are able to explore who they are, what they have been through, & where they would like to go from here. The best work comes when clients are motivated to transform &...
Life is about so much more than going through the motions. But heavy changes or adjustments, grief, anxiety, stress, and struggles with relationships make a full life hard to live. Some days it’s easier to merely function instead of thrive. The goals and fulfillment you once had slip through the cracks. Your wellness is hard to fight for. You’re trying to move on with your pain, but it holds yo...
Mary McGowan, LPC Mary is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a social services and school counseling background. She has extensive experience working with teenagers and adults who have suffered significant obstacles and challenges in their lives. She is focused on helping her clients work through their anxieties and fears in a supportive, encouraging and safe environment. A proponent of...
I believe that relationships define each us and form the foundation for our life. I work from a systemic perspective with couples, individuals, and families on ways to create relationships that define not only who we are, but also who we desire to become. I enjoy helping clients with their relationships, intimacy, connection, communication, and sexual compatibility. I help clients with identity...
Hi, I'm Gladys I specialize in providing therapy to women to prevent and treat perinatal (time before and after birth, usually during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum) mood and anxiety disorders. While that is my specialty, my services are not limited to perinatal clients. I am passionate about studying trauma and raising awareness about mental health disparities, resources, and support....
We all have our own story that needs to be told and we need to "feel" heard without judgment Children just as adults, want to tell their story and feel & know someone is really listening. At BHCS we pride ourselves on meeting the client where they are while providing a safe and comfortable place to begin healing. We all have our rough patches in life and as Murphy's Law would have it, "life" di...
I'm a human change agent that doesn't judge the hand that life has thrown you. I'm diverse in skillset and experienced with specific expertise in addiction. Im currently offering individual and group supervision to substance abuse professionals entering into the addictionfield and individuals seeking licensure. My approach is eclectic as I believe the individual is the expert and influences the...
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* My goal as a counselor is to provide a safe, comfortable environment to build a trusting relationship with my clients. Life can be difficult at times and I meet each client where they are in life without judgement or criticism. My counseling style is genuine and honest. My hope is as we self-explore it can lead to meaningful changes. My training and experience is in work...
