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
April Hough
Las Vegas
Nevada
April Hough
Las Vegas
Nevada
Every person is unique and copes with life's struggles differently, so it is important to find the person-centered approach that works best for you! I rely on an empathetic, compassionate style when working with clients. I work with families, couples, and individuals facing relationship distress, anxiety, and marital issues. I also have experience working with children coping with behavioral...
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Gabriela Contreras
San Diego
California
Gabriela Contreras
San Diego
California
Life oftentimes will put us through difficult situations, where we might feel as if we are drowning or have no idea how to pull ourselves out of the dark place we have found ourselves in. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and marital conflicts are just some of life's challenges that can be thrown at us during different points in our lives. I want you to know that I will walk alongside you in this...
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Amma is a licensed clinical social worker with a passionate commitment for helping others make positive changes in their lives. She received her master’s degree in social work from Delaware State University. Her primary passions are helping individuals work through their problems and issues utilizing positive self-talk, mindfulness and grounding. Areas of Specialties including but not limited t...
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**** English and Spanish Speaking **** I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adult individuals, families & couples. I am passionate about helping individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance use, autism and schizophrenia as well as individuals that are experiencing grief & loss and trauma. I have taken time to learn ways to help families who are struggl...