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
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Tanya L Peters
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Tanya L Peters
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
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Beverly Ransford
Chicago
Illinois
Beverly Ransford
Chicago
Illinois
Uncertainty about what lies ahead and pain from life experiences can be overwhelming and isolating. You may find that you question yourself or feel like you’ve fallen short compared to others around you. I believe that facing challenges is most successful when we feel seen, supported, and understood. Therapy can be a powerful experience that brings relief and the tools to live a more balanced a...
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Diana Cheng
Long Beach
California
Diana Cheng
Long Beach
California
VIDEO THERAPY AVAILABLE. ACCEPTING MEDICARE. Are you struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, managing your emotions, or another challenge? Are there times when you feel overwhelmed and having a hard time grasping how to handle your emotions? Therapy is a journey to develop a deeper understanding of all aspects of self. It also works to finds acceptance and solutions to the issues and stress...
Evelia Ilarraz
Oakland
California
Evelia Ilarraz
Oakland
California
Therapy is a place where you can uncover any barriers that may be limiting your relationship with others and, most importantly, with yourself. When we can access and understand our inner thoughts and emotions, we become empowered to make better choices, love fully, and live lighter. I am keen on working with clients with trauma and helping them to uncover how our bodies and minds store traumati...
Daniel Quintana
San Francisco
California
Daniel Quintana
San Francisco
California
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Ashley Watson
Buffalo
New York
Ashley Watson
Buffalo
New York
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As a certified, advanced practitioner of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, I can assist you with -improving relationships impacted by a history of abuse, neglect, attachment trauma, and other childhood issues; navigating through stressful situations and grief; resolving trauma and PTSD; and finding relief from anxiety and depression. As an Emotional Focused Couples therapist, I can assist couples to...
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Danielle Marie Cotter
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Danielle Marie Cotter
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Danielle works with a wide variety of clients ranging in ages and backgrounds. She sees individuals, couples, and families and has extensive experience in facilitating therapeutic groups. She has experience with mood disorders, trauma, struggles with body image and relationship to food and eating, maternal mental health, family transitions, relationships, as well as diminished sense of well-bei...