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’m constantly inspired by each of the clients I am privileged to serve, and I’m honored to play even the smallest part in helping them build a brighter future. My office is a safe, nonjudgmental space where Iowa children, adults, couples, and families can find the hope and healing they need to thrive. Together, my clients and I build the customized treatment plan that is the best fit for them....
I have found that everyone struggles in one way or another at some time in their lives. It is how we grow and adapt to those struggles that define who we are and how we live the rest of our lives. I have partnered with clients in order to assist them with turning these struggles into times of learning, growing and healing. My background includes working with individuals and couples who are at...
You give, hoping to get the same thing in return, only to be disappointed yet again. This disappointment leaves you angry, frustrated, and annoyed. You find yourself in a cycle of constantly lashing out and then apologizing. You wonder, “Is there something wrong with me?” Being a woman in this day and age can be difficult, overwhelming, and draining. Trying to maintain healthy relationships,...
Do you have moments in your life where you feel, ‘stuck in time,’ or ‘in a feeling,’ that you just can’t seem to find the door to leave? Have you heard from others that, ‘you need to just get over it,’ but you have exhausted every attempt to do just that? Do you have sudden waves of emotions or feelings that seem to arrive, ‘at the wrong time,’ during your daily activities? Have you survived a...
Many of the problems that we face can be overwhelming if faced alone. That is why I became a social worker. I believe that no one should have to face life's problems on their own. It is my goal as your therapist to be a warm, empathetic, nonjudgmental listener who is dedicated to helping you explore insight to yourself, assist you in identifying goals and solving problems, and working on growth...
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food and don’t know why? Are you constantly comparing yourself to others but never add up? Do you feel like you’re caught in a vicious cycle of dieting? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, I can help. Struggling with food, negative body image, and chronic dieting can feel...
**I have no available openings at this time** Let's make it easy! My name is spelled the Gaelic way and pronounced "Sheila". I have over 20 years of experience working with people experiencing mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I spent the first 17 years of my practice working with adult survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. I’m acutely aware of how our earl...
My ideal client is trying to understand not only the root causes that created a less than optimal life functioning emotionally, socially, occupationally, academically, or intrafamilially, but the actual cognitive behavioral steps to remedy the problem. I believe most problems we encounter in our everyday lives can be improved upon and transformed into a life we have chosen. Employing the practi...
I'm welcoming new clients now & can help schedule your first session within a few business days. As humans, we all have periods in our lives when we think, “things are not how they should or ought to be” and this may lead us to a place where we may not be feeling like ourselves. I genuinely believe that you, as a client, are the expert at your own life, but sometimes, even experts can use a lit...
I look forward to getting to know you and working collaboratively with you to enact positive changes in your life. As a team, we will work on understanding and altering dysfunctional moods, behaviors, patterns of thinking, and interactions with others. I have a specialized interest in couples counseling and enjoy assisting clients with saving or strengthening their relationships. I conceptualiz...
Self-actualization is so important to feel one's life has meaning and purpose, so helping you get to or BACK to that point is what I find so fulfilling in my practice! The goal of NW Counseling Service is to help you grow and become all that you are capable of and assist you in developing and mastering those skills. I work with adults, individuals, and couples, who are experiencing issues of...
Welcome! I’m honored to join you in an intimate journey that is uniquely yours. I’m delighted to connect and support you as you traverse the fullness of your life, with its moments of celebration and hardship. As a contemplative psychotherapist, my aspiration is to join you in rediscovering your inherent goodness and resilience. As a professional counselor, I want to share with you the...
Beyond the fear is freedom. Do you struggle with drug or alcohol abuse and/or depression or anxiety? Do you want someone who can help guide you along the path to recovery? For over 22 years, I have helped individuals find healing and understanding when they have become overwhelmed with life problems. Do you drink or use drugs to numb or escape emotional pain? Do you struggle with feeling sad,...
I'm a licensed therapist & a board-certified art therapist and I'm accepting new patients. I help adolescents/teens and adults from all walks of life with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, self-esteem, life changes/transitions, grief, identity and stress (work, school, relationships, etc). I provide a safe and supportive space for people to begin the healing process & move toward...
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida who currently is serving couples. I use The Gottman Method for couples counseling. I am a Level 3 trained Gottman therapist and am currently in the certification track for Gottman Therapy. I care about your well-being and provide you all the tools you need in order to seize the day and learn how to tackle even the most traumatic...
