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
Psychotherapy is a learning process for both consumer and clinician. The beginning phases of therapy include developing a genuine understanding of who you are as a person. As patterns in feeling, thinking and behaving begin to appear, our understanding of your life and your struggles deepens. With this understanding we are able to reframe, refocus and move beyond our past patterns and focus on ...
*Not accepting new clients* 100% Virtual Therapy Services. I help adults and couple/relationship systems of all identities heal from the past, appreciate the present, and grow in the future. Maybe you feel disconnected from your partner or yourself. Perhaps you are feeling anxious or stressed about current or past life events. Topics such as sexual wellness, couple conflict, and trauma are...
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( English | Português | español ) I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional, relational, or other phase of life changes. The way I do this is sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. As we work together in a safe, non judgmental therapeutic...
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I am truly passionate about my work and believe it is important to find the right match. My goal is to meet everyone where they are at in their readiness and insights, and I work with a wide range of clients from various backgrounds. I have over a decade of experience in working with others, and will bring a comprehensive and eclectic approach to our time together. Working in the Present allows...
You feel stressed out all the time. You have managed to keep everything together for years but you feel like you are barely holding on. You are exhausted all the time and often think you just can't do it anymore. On the outside, it seems like you have it all it. You’re accomplished, driven, and dependable. But on the inside, you never feel good enough and the voice in your head often reminds yo...
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NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS -- Valuing both reason and emotion, I believe in helping clients find a balance of the two in their daily lives. A safe, confidential connection is a courageous step when coping with big issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, divorce, addiction, strained relationships or transitions. It is with genuine regard for clients' personal stories that I feel...
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Toby is a graduate of the University of California-Santa Cruz and Lesley College, he is an experienced community outpatient therapist focusing on a broad spectrum of mental health issues. He works with treatment-resistant clients, including adolescents, individuals with substance use disorders and at-risk clients referred for court-mandated treatment. As the Senior Clinician at Recovering...
