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 work with adolescents and young adults to address a wide range of emotional and interpersonal problems. My counseling approach is based on your needs, strengths and goals. I have knowledge and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Being able to use my knowledge and experience to assist individuals in healing from...
I enjoy working with clients of all ages and have experience in working with young children, adolescents, college-aged young adults, and adults. I work with clients presenting with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+, adjustment or phase of life transitions, body image, self-esteem, relationships, divorce, substance abuse, behavioral concerns, and school/academic issues...
"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Congratulations on taking that first step! I am a clinical social worker who specializes in working with trauma, anxiety, and depressive disorders, and enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I help people who long to feel confident and mentally well, but struggle to balance day to day life. I help clients to balance inn...
You may be painfully aware that things are not as they should be. Stress, anxiety, conflicts, or past trauma are stealing your peace. Maybe you're trying to adapt to life's challenges or reconcile a conflict between your faith and what you feel. Whatever brings you to this point of looking for a therapist, welcome, you're not alone. No matter what your life has looked like up to now, I believe...
Holly Lake Dana is a native of Arizona and completed a Master’s degree in counseling from Ottawa University. Holly addresses divorce, blended families, life transitions, grief & loss, emotional and sexual intimacy, religious and spiritual struggles. She also has a Bachelor’s of Elementary Education from Arizona State University and worked for Mesa Public Schools from 2009 to 2013 as a substitut...
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who are feeling "stuck", overwhelmed or unsure of how to take the next step towards the life they want. My primary experience is in working with clients with diverse racial, ethnic, and sexual identities and those affected by all types of trauma (PTSD, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, etc). My open-minded, non-judgmental approach...
Based on a holistic approach that encourages a healthy lifestyle for overall physical and psychological well being, I help my clients access and harness their intrinsic power to achieve and maintain the meaningful and fulfilling lives they desire. Through talk therapy, I guide clients towards self-reflection and the internal curiosity required to facilitate healing , problem solving and resilie...
I graduated from the University of South Dakota with my Master of Social Work degree. Throughout my career I have enjoyed working with a variety of clients and have experience with children, adolescents and adults in group, couples and individual therapy. My career has given me the opportunity to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings along with providing telehealth therapy services to...
I believe in a holistic approach which respects the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My client base includes individuals with chronic illness and pain, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stage of life issues. My therapeutic approach includes collaborating with my clients to set goals and devise a plan. I utilize evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Motivationa...
My ideal client is open to evolving and to trying new tools for self-excellence. My client realizes life's transitions and milestones are inevitable and an opportunity for growth. My client wants to reach her/his full potential and live her/his best life. I create a strong and safe therapeutic working relationship with my clients through genuineness and proper boundaries. I work with children,...
We provide a full spectrum of services for mental health concerns in order to be of service to our community. We are goal/plan oriented to assist patients in overcoming obstacles in their lives. We very much provide an eclectic approach that is often inclusive of a variety of theories/treatments in order to meet the needs of the patient....
You’re different. You always have been. You’re brave because you’ve chosen to live your life in a way that’s authentic to who you are. But.. you’ve also felt the impacts of this: relationships strained, feeling judged by others and worst of all: a nagging, guilty conscious. Ultimately, you wonder, will I ever be enough? Am I truly lovable just the way I am? Am I too much? You’re exhausted. Peri...
( English | español ) Welcome! I enjoy working with individuals who are looking to improve their overall wellness. I work with individuals/couples/families who are looking to heal and live a life they are proud of. I believe in a comprehensive approach to mental health, wellness and healing. My goal is to help you through this journey of life with all that comes with it, and offer a space to co...
“You can only enter half way into the dark forest before you begin to come out the other side” – Chinese proverb. Maybe you can relate to this quote. Reading this alone shows your desire to live in a different way than you have been. It shows you care about yourself and the people you interact with. You are seeking something. I have been working with clients for over 4 years challenged by...
