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
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Thanatologist, and an EMDR-trained therapist. At Chicago Mindful Psychotherapy, I offer sessions at a reduced rate. Due to COVID-19 health guidelines, I am able to offer Telehealth sessions at both Chicago Mindful Psychotherapy and Courage to Connect. Each one of us has the resources and inner wisdom needed for chan...
You are the expert in your own life and I am here to help you uncover solutions that will work for YOU to reach your therapeutic goals. I believe in a collaborative, not a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. My primary objective in providing therapy is to ensure that we are working towards outcomes that will make a significant impact in your life that will allow you to experience more life...
I have experience working with clients of various cultures, ages, and presenting concerns. I have a passion for working with individuals who experienced anxiety, depression, racial/cultural discrimination, trauma, grief, loss, improving self-esteem, and family and relationship concerns. I believe in using a collaborative model so that clients experience acceptance, feel comfortable, and are abl...
I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME Life can be a challenge at times, and we discover the need to consider an outside viewpoint to assist with uncovering the basis of our struggle. As a therapist I seek to promote your ability to unveil your inner strengths and develop a plan for growth and healing. My philosophy is strength and resilience based, I strive to provide a safe ...
My counseling philosophy involves allowing a client to be themselves and working to meet them "wherever they may be on their own self discovery journey". I have been in the counseling field for over 20 years and have tremendous experience working with several populations. I have learned that individuals have the innate capacity to grow and become their best selves, given an environment in which...
Things look pretty good from the other side of the street. Most see you as “having it altogether.” After all, you’re the driven, reliable one everyone turns to. But underneath, you feel disconnected, numb and alone. Sure, you can pull it together when you need to, and the drugs and alcohol help, but you know this cycle can’t last. To top it all off, you feel guilty you can’t be everything, to...
There are a lot of struggles that we go through in our daily lives. Whether there is a struggle within a relationship with a significant other, co-worker, family member, friend, or even ourselves. I assist couples, individual adults, teens, and children to gain or regain a sense of normalcy through compassion and care within the therapeutic relationship. I am also here to help with challenges w...
I am a mental health therapist specializing in infant & maternal mental health. Families are the foundation of strong & vibrant communities & they should be supported & uplifted in a compassionate & non-judgmental way. I support clients through active listening, helping to navigate difficult & uncomfortable situations/feelings, & always focusing on strengths. I believe that attachment is the ba...
The human experience is hard not becuz you are doing it wrong but becuz you are doing it right. Life is an ever changing ride & rather than resisting the process we can lean into the growth and beauty that change can bring. That means joy & abundance are achievable, even for you. Therapy can prompt growth and healing for adolescents & adults facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma,...
I believe individuals already have the answers inside themselves but sometimes we tend to get lost in the overwhelming feelings of our situations and this is where I can help. I offer a safe space to help guide and walk alongside you through these difficult times. I help individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and overwhelm find happiness. I have extensive experience...
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these...
Let us work together toward your liberation. Our world is an incredibly difficult place to live and an even harder place in which to thrive. Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, disordered eating, or any other problem, I will make your health and well being my priority. As a therapist, I work from a social justice lens and strive to meet each individual, relationship, and family where t...
Sometimes, life challenges can make us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and like no one could possibly understand. If you're experiencing this and finding it harder to cope, I'd love to partner with you in exploring and improving your situation. I'd like to show you that someone can, in fact, understand. My training – in both Counseling (MS & EdS) and Marriage & Family Therapy (PhD) – makes me uniqu...
Hi, my name is Deborah and I believe that we all go through ups and downs and difficulties in life. Reaching out for help, I feel, is the bravest step that anyone can take in dealing with challenges that they are trying to overcome. Life is a journey and we often encounter bumps in the road. This can be within ourselves or with others. I work WITH you, right by your side, to help you navigate...
My name is Lisa Higgins, and I am a trained Couple and Family Therapist. In this role I work with Individuals, Couples, and Families. My passions lie in helping you identify and reduce stress and anxiety, and to help you find the patterns in your life or relationships that you’ve held on to that are causing you to feel stuck. Additionally, my prior career in Human Resources also provides a brid...
