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
If you or a teen or young adult in your life is seeking to improve their mood, gain confidence, clarify life goals, and gain a better understanding of themselves, I can help. I have worked in the field of teen and young adult mental health for 17 years, and starting in January of 2020, I will be offering flexible weekend options for busy teens and families. I am trained in CBT, (cognitive...
The demands of work, parenting, and life transitions have become overwhelming and you feel like nobody "gets you." Let's talk about this! To the outside world, you look "fine," but inside, you feel downright exhausted, and you no longer want to pretend everything is okay. Your stress level has reached an all time high. Maybe you're someone whose substance use has become a problem, and has...
Arie Baker utilizes a non-judgmental and empowering approach that helps clients build skills and recognize their internal strengths. She provides a warm and welcoming environment to process your experiences and life's difficulties. Arie Baker received her Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She has been practicing for 25 years. Arie has worked with adolescents, adul...
Individuals/Couples/Families Experiencing Challenges with: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Interpersonal Relationships, Behavioral Issues, Professional/Career Challenges, the Family System, Self-Esteem/Identity Issues and Life Transitions. Ages: Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors. Clients consistently find Jodi to be supportive, understanding, accepting, and tremendously easy to talk to. F...
PREGNANCY, POSTPARTUM, MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH. Not feeling like you "should" after a new baby? Experiencing scary or intrusive thoughts? Struggling with stress or mixed emotions during pregnancy? Difficulty adjusting to motherhood? Even though it can feel very isolating, you are not alone. Counseling from an experienced provider can help. I'm one of just a small handful of providers with a...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Safety and warmth are very important to me when establishing the therapeutic relationship with my clients. I utilize my sense of humor and empathy to aid my clients to feel comfortable with being uncomfortable. I am trained to aid individuals, children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in systemic therapy. I recognize how systems can impact symptoms and I can ...
Everyone gets stuck or overwhelmed and at these times we need additional support. Therapy creates opportunities for you to explore your thoughts and feelings so you can better understand and change what's getting in the way of you living as your fullest self. I work with children, adolescents and their parents as well as individuals; in order to address anxiety, depression, self criticism, ange...
Feeling at the end of your rope? At a loss about how to resolve or go forward in a relationship, a difficult loss, a family conflict, an internal struggle? Please know that we all face these struggles from time to time and just need a helping hand to guide us. I believe that trust is the foundation of all healing and approach the therapeutic relationship with warmth, humor and respectful...
Hello! My name is Sara Gibson, LCSW, RYT-200. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Art Educator, Health and Wellness Coach through Integrative Nutrition (IIN), and Advocate. I am a Trauma-Informed, Holistic Therapist and Yoga Teacher. I believe in a holistic approach to healing. Professionally as well as anecdotally, I know the importance of mind, body, heart,...
You worry entirely too much and feel that the world is much too big. You are scared by all the possibilities, frightened by the fear of making choices. You linger way too long in bed dreading each day, wondering why the world seems like such a scary place. You find certain smells, certain tastes and certain sounds draw you back to a world that you try to escape. Imagine what it would look like ...
My passion is working with men’s issues, LGBTQ+ folk, people raised in oppressive environments, and writers/artists. In healing my own trauma, in my training, and guiding others, I know well the remarkable power of mind/body integration. I will be with you every step of the way as you emerge into a loving, connected and free self. My holistic approach to therapy is down-to-earth and gentle,...
**Accepting New Clients** Change is possible, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Change happens in the small, countless decisions we make daily. It would be my honor to be a part of your journey. My goal in counseling is to create a warm, welcoming and honest space for you to process, develop new skills and create greater resiliency. It can be challenging and intimidating to start the counseling...
I am a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, certified Addiction Counselor, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), and trained EMDR therapist for working with trauma. I work with children, adults and families struggling with eating disorders and also those struggling with addictions using Family Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Solution Focused Brief...
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or stuck; therapy will help you develop personal awareness, ease painful patterns, and help you to take control of your life. I partner with individuals to ease discomfort and meet their essential goals. In therapy, you will find new ways to meet these goals through the supportive reflection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I provide a non judgmental...
I’ve always had empathy, compassion, and genuine concern for others. My passion is helping individuals learn more about themselves, assisting and guiding them through life’s difficult situations, and discovering their true potential. Therapy is a supportive, compassionate, and collaborative process that unfolds naturally and organically. The mind, body, and spirit are holistically addressed and...
