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
Feeling overwhelmed? Do not know exactly where to start? Does life seem unfair or not fun anymore? "The stresses of it all" seem overbearing, does it appear that you have it all together but on the inside, you feel that you may be falling apart. If you have become everything to everyone except yourself and may have lost who you really are or who you would like to become. Life's opportunities co...
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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...
I hold a MA from Wake Forest University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in Administration of Justice with special focus in Forensic Mental Health Treatment. I am a master level trained behavior specialist in Applied Behavior Analysis. I am an experienced therapist and hold licenses in Pennsylvania and Ohio with licensure pending in New York State. I also have a passion for groups...
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Hi, and welcome! We’re all meant to live a life of deep expression, fulfillment and freedom, but sometimes need a little help. Together, we will strive not only to manage symptoms but to understand the root cause. We will explore aspects such as the past and present, cognitive/behavioral patterns, and deeper internalized messages to cultivate actual life-long and sustainable change. We will aim...
Each of us can lead lives of authenticity, balance, and purpose through mindfulness and self-reflection. Life can be scary at times. We all need someone we can count on: to listen, to try to understand, and to hold our hand as we travel rocky terrain. By creating a safe, collaborative space with warmth, honesty, and humor, I will take that journey with you when you are ready....
Do you have a child or teen who is struggling with things such as anxiety, depression, anger? Do you have a young child who has tantrums and difficulty listening at home and school? Are you a parent who needs help managing your child's behaviors? At STL Play Therapy Institute, we believe in the power of play. Play therapy is a hands-on therapy that allows people of all ages to learn better ways...
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Quality of life and emotional well being are built one intentional decision at a time. Therapy helps us become more informed about our wants, needs, hopes and dreams to help us build our best life and successfully handle our inevitable challenges. I offer psychotherapy to children, teens, adults, couples and families using a systemic, eclectic, strength-based approach that is collaborative and...
