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
( English | español ) I am a Bi-lingual Licensed Psychotherapist with 8 years of experience, working with individuals and families in areas of community mental health, corporate, and private practice. Currently, I work mainly in the subject of inter-generational trauma with immigrant families, adults, and adolescents. I believe that what is helpful for the therapeutic process is providing...
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Alberto is a highly gifted psychotherapist with over 30 plus years of experience. His passion and calling is his work . Alberto has helped hundreds of individuals gain their sense of well being and get back their lives. He is extremely intuitive and can go deeply into the source of the clients issues and causes that created their original problems. Clients who have spiritual beliefs, Alberto...
CURRENTLY HAVE A FULL CASELOAD WILL RESUME TAKING NEW PEOPLE IN 1-3MONTHS As a clinician I focus on helping people find meaning and purpose in their lives to help build resilience through difficult times. It is important to me to help people understand how to treat themselves with compassion in a society that can be difficult to navigate for those that feel alienated from the mainstream culture...
