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 have worked with children adolescents, individual adults of all ages, and couples & families. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, spiritual conflicts, and major mental health problems. I have worked with schools, faith communities, employers, physicians, and other therapists to understand the challenges confronting my clients. We often discover connections between...
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I specialize in working with couples or individuals who want to make positive changes in their relationship(s). For individuals, I strive to provide a safe and affirming space where clients feel free to explore their attachment and relational style without judgement. When working with couples, I don't believe in blame or taking sides. Instead, I work to support clients in creating a shared love...
I provide a warm, inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment. I work with clients to address a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use struggles, difficulties in relationships, loss, and balancing work-life demands, among other issues. Integrating multiple models of care based on a patient's need, I utilize aspects of behavioral approaches (CBT, DBT,...
"When you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine." Supporting others through difficult times has been a life-long passion of mine. I am a welcoming and enthusiastic therapist with the ability to help youth manage their behavior and emotional state in a moment of crisis or through major life transitions. I have a unique ability to see the strengths in each individual I meet. I am known for bei...
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Even though transitions are a part of all of our lives, they sometimes stir up old pain or are just too overwhelming to navigate without some help. You deserve the time and support to work through it and counseling can provide that for you. I believe in a person centered, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral and strength based counseling approach. I have over 14 years of experience using these...
Let’s talk about: anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, parenting stress, depression, loss/grief, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, teenage issues, obsessions/compulsions, and emotional stresses. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and a Certified...
***Specializing in Couples Counseling*** Most of my clients are couples seeking relief from relationship distress. This might include emotional disconnection, unresolved conflict, parenting stress, blending families, infidelity, contemplating divorce, living with mental and chronic illness, and other issues. Many of my clients are individuals seeking healthier relationships and create change in...
It takes courage to reach out and I am here to support and empower you. I want to help clients feel more affirmed, heard, and I want to provide a safe and open space to discuss issues. I hope client's leave feeling more encouraged, motivated, and relieved to take on life's issues. I work with a diverse range of clients from younger kids, adolescents, young adults, and adults. I work with client...
If you are interested in doing the deep inner work of healing from past childhood trauma I would be honored to support you. These experiences affect every facet of our functioning including our physical well being. The good news is that you can positively impact your present by working through these adverse childhood experiences. I have numerous tools to support you in this important work. I am...
If you are a client who wants to explore the systemic intergenerational patterns and deep emotions that sometimes prevents you from having positive interactions in relationships, then there is help. I can work with you if some of your presenting problems are communication, emotional trauma, divorce, infidelity, anxiety, fear and depression, to help you achieve your goals. Also for couples often...
Is it hard just to function and get through the day? Ready for a change? Most of my practice is based on the use of Rapid Resolution Therapy brain-based techniques as it is gentle, fun and quick; relieving unwanted symptoms in as little as 1-3 sessions. I am also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and a Prepare and Enrich Facilitator as well as trained in traditional therapeutic...
