What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Lauren Nicole Mason

San Diego

California

Specializing in couples and adult individual therapy. At times we might find ourselves feeling stuck and even crippled by past events. Recognizing that the past is actually present in every moment of our lives can help us move through these roadblocks into a flourishing future. Facing painful experiences with mindful and proven therapies can help us turn vicious cycles into virtuous ones, and...
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I have been in practice as a licensed therapist for over 20 years and have experience with many issues. I appreciate the honor that my clients give me when they allow me into their private worlds to help them heal and grow, to set goals, and to do and become all they can dream....
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Amy Schulz

Portland

Oregon

NOT CURRENTLY TAKING CLIENTS. “Are you suffering with the symptoms of PTSD? Does this impact your relationships? I believe everyone can reach an optimum state of well-being as long as we have the right tools and supports. To help my clients reach this goal, I employ a comprehensive approach with a strong reliance on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and EMDR. It is with this...
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David Joel Freilicher

New York

New York

I understand the challenges and anxiety we are all currently experiencing. I believe that psychotherapy is an invaluable journey to identifying personal strengths, greater self-awareness, examining recurring issues, leading to living a more satisfying life. My training and experiences shape a unique perspective in working with clients. I focus on couples counseling, individuals, older adults...
Life can be hard. Unfortunately, despite our best planning efforts, life rarely goes how we want it. That can often leave us feeling discouraged, anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, frustrated and many other emotions. I am passionate about helping others get through some of the hardest and some of the best seasons of their life. I know that it can be hard and scary to give counseling a try or it...
Welcome- I am glad you are here. If you are looking for a couples therapist, you might be struggling in your relationship. Maybe you have experienced a lot of conflict, a major relationship stressor or trauma, or maybe you have been feeling disconnected and know things could be better. Relationship issues can impact more than just the relationship and can have a huge effect on mental health, li...
I am a solution focused, clinical social worker who seeks to help my clients restore balance within themselves and their environment. Establishing realistic goals helps to pave the journey we take together between client and therapist. It is inevitable for life to provide some type of challenge and I am here to help my clients navigate their struggles utilizing a variety of coping skills develo...
Life is difficult right now. I would be honored in being able to support you in promoting psychological wellness, including experiencing more joy, gratitude, fulfillment, and authenticity. I have substantial experience and expertise in working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and their families. I work well with those experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, mood,...
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of over 13 years of clinical experience, an approved AAMFT Supervisor and founder of Enso Minds a center of therapy, counseling, evaluations, supervision and concierge membership services, offered in English and Spanish in person or online. I pride myself in providing custom, evidence based services to all my clients, respecting their unique needs. ...
Life has become extremely uncertain and more difficult in every way! If you are feeling stressed, anxious and scared, this is a great time to reach out and find support. My goal as a therapist is to help you navigate through challenges, make sense of your experiences, and even find the tiniest joys in the hidden in the day to day. I understand that these are historic times and there is so many...
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