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
Don is a seasoned “life veteran” who has gone through a recovery from divorce, raising two sons on his own as well as a number of other life struggles where the personal changes required have helped him understand first hand how the counseling process can bring about positive effectual movements away from difficult circumstances. Don’s passion to come along side others in the capacity of a...
Having problems with excessive worries, self-doubt, lingering sadness, feelings of frustration, hopelessness or troubles getting past traumatic experiences? Parents, are you worried about your child, teen or young adult & want to try to reach them or provide them with more support? Work problems, relationship issues, school struggles or just generally feeling lost? Therapy can be a great avenue...
You're a corporate executive/leader and find you are wanting to increase your ability to empathize and relate to those you lead in a professional manner. You are a stay at home mom that is struggling to develop close, connected relationships with your children while also taking care of your own emotional and social needs. You are finding that things have been more distant with your partner late...
I have fifteen years experience working as a therapist. My clientele varies from working with children with disabilities to adults with extensive mental health issues. I tend to utilize Cognitive-Behavioral approaches, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques to help clients accomplish their personal goals and build healthy relationships and self esteem to reach their full...
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families who may need guidance in addressing and resolving their relational difficulties with their partners, children, and parents, in addition to dealing with family changes and transitions. Furthermore, I help clients overcome and manage their symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and grief. As a Prepare and Enrich facilitator, ...
Life can be overwhelming and stressful at times. Therapy can provide the support one needs to overcome the challenges we may face. I believe each of us possesses the strength and courage needed to face life’s difficulties and make positive changes for ourselves. With respect and compassion, I would work with you to develop the most effective and empathic approach to achieving your therapeutic...
Jaclyn is a Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC), who earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. Jaclyn takes a client-centered approach, which has been most beneficial for her work with clients. Common therapeutic approaches Jaclyn may use will be CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy, harm reduction techniques, and ERP. She has experience working wit...
Hi! I'm Kate, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trained in Counseling and Psychotherapy, based in Kingston, NY. I have a masters in Human Sexuality from NYU, and a masters in Social Work from Fordham University, and almost ten years' clinical experience. I work with young adults, and adults (both individuals and couples), helping them with a variety of issues. Are you feeling stressed?...
Everyone needs relationships. Whether you're looking for a safe, healing relationship within which to explore and repair past hurts or trying to mend or strengthen existing relationships, I'm here to help. I believe personal growth requires a supportive and secure environment, and I've been told my warmth and humor have put clients at ease as we seek to understand what they are wanting from...
Our lived experiences are unique to us and set the path for how we envision ourselves and the world around us. My practice comes from a diverse perspective that allows for understanding to meet you where you see fit. I provide a safe space where you can feel comfortable, understood and valued as an individual. Within this space, we will explore your current difficulties and challenges. Whether...
We all face moments that test our foundations. Seasons where we find ourselves struggling, often feeling alone and quietly wishing things would get better. It’s important for you to know that there’s no need to suffer. Hope is here. As therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), warmth, empathy, and growth are what you can expect from our time together. I believe in a compassionate,...
I’m so happy you’ve come looking for help. Life can be tough and challenging at times, or feel overwhelming. Sometimes we need someone to help guide us in the right direction. Whatever it is you in particular come seeking, I am here with a compassionate ear, an open heart and skills to help you on your way. I oriented towards helping you feel at ease and comfortable in your own skin. I will hel...
Your goals will be our goals in therapy. I come alongside my clients with listening ears, a sharp mind, and an attentive heart to help individuals, couples, and families reach their goals. Sometimes it's challenging to come up with solutions, or even identify the problem-why you think, feel, behave, or relate the way you do, but collaboratively we can sort it out together. Having a bachelors of...
**As of December 2020, I am accepting new clients!** I am In-Network with PacificSource and Regence. The values I hold and create in therapy are grounding, humor, authenticity, compassion, creativity, balance, safe space, emotional understanding, and trusting relationship. I offer professional mental health counseling for individual adults, young adults, and couples with a focus on anxiety,...
Our team has extensive experience helping women & families. Common concerns here include mental health, relationship, and child/adult child concerns. Our passion is to help each individual reach their full potential for fulfillment in life. Beyond getting relief from personal and interpersonal struggles, we believe in helping people get unstuck from underlying causes to mood, behavior &...
