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 am a Resident in Counseling under the supervision of Sharon Watson. I am passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds to experience growth in their lives and achieve their highest potential. I believe in the value that an individual's culture, religion and family history brings to their lives. Empowering and guiding people to take hold of their personal growth is a large focu...
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I believe each and every one of us comes from a place of intrinsic goodness. Within each of us, are the internal resources and resilience we need to navigate life. Hello! I'm Tracey, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) serving children, adolescents, and adults in and around the Montclair area. If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably ready to ask for help. Asking for help is no easy t...
The Safety Net Youth Services, is a Nonprofit organization, our goal is to provide enrichment services for communities, families, children, in crisis, in the state of Georgia. Our agency is a was established in 11/2015. Our agency offers the following services; Intervention/Prevention, Child Development, Social Awareness, Outreach, Assessments (Substance abuse, Anger Management, and Trauma),...
During this time of crisis you may find yourself needing some extra support. I am currently offering sliding scale and low-fee Telehealth services for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. I seek to create a safe and trusting environment, where we can explore the areas in which you are wanting help. I use an integrative approach, catering to client’s unique needs and goals. I have experience...
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My focus is on working with individuals and families helping them become whole again. I have lived in Alaska on and off for 15 years, grew up in Minnesota, military spouse for 20 years, and have two children in college. I work from a variety of therapeutic frameworks to help achieve holistic harmony and wellness. I have been a therapist for many years with children, teens, adults, and families ...
Are you searching for a therapist? There must be a strong fit between the client and the therapist for the work to be productive. I welcome clients looking for a non-judgmental, strength based, solution and action focused approach. I enjoy working with clients who seek a no nonsense, pragmatic approach to life challenges. I do understand that life can sometimes seem irrational and out of contro...
Testimonial from a former client: "Susan's approach to therapy is grounded in real neurological and behavioral science. With some past counselors, I've often been put off by vaguely new age "feel good" sessions that never sought to address the actual underlying illness. Susan has helped me to identify why I reacted or interpreted something in a certain way, and how to catch myself from repeatin...
Although life is not complete without sharing it with others, relational distress is a painful part of living. From an early age relationships mold us, and the throws of life can trigger something deep within our being that can make communication difficult. Emotionally laden issues take on a life of their own and seemingly without end. As a marriage and family therapist trained in systemics I...
I have been blessed to enjoy a wonderful family, with four boys and their spouses, and soon to be 8 grandchildren. I have worked almost 30 years at Brigham Young University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). My work has been mainly with young adults, adults, and couples. I have specialized in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have also worked with man...
Something doesn't feel right inside? Perhaps you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, apathetic, lonely or sad. You may be feeling drained and even find it hard to keep yourself motivated. The good news is that emotions are useful tools that lets us know when something is off in our lives. By paying attention to these emotional signals, you can better understand yourself, both past an...
( English | 中文 ) Are you (or your kids) finding it difficult to get things done? The chores and the to-do list keep growing but you keep putting it off. Instead, you are snacking, drinking, and spending more time on Netflix or social media. Or perhaps you are easily irritated by your family or simply feel too tired or depressed? Whatever the reason may be, you just can’t get motivated or don’...
Tara works as a therapist to service individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. She earned her Master’s degree from Friends University in Marriage and Family Therapy. She began her career working at South Central Mental Health in Andover, KS, before transitioning into private practice in 2013. Tara has focused her practice on working with anxiety, depression, survivors of suicide, attachm...
