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
We all struggle with emotional upheaval during times of stress and transition. Excessive worry, sadness, shame and hopelessness impact our daily lives and those who love us. Couples and families are challenged with the loss of connection and attachment that leads family conflict and a lack of mutually gratifying relationships. By defining our values and our goals we can learn to clarify what is...
Dr. Jesus Castro works from a client-centered, solution-focused approach using empirically validated treatments through Interpersonal and Cognitive-Behavioral approaches. His individualistic approach allows for him to focus on clients specialized needs centered on client’s culture and preferences. He uses a here-and-now approach to bridge gap between client’s desired goals and overcoming issues...
My personal mission is to show compassion and care to every client/person that I come into contact with. I firmly believe that every person does the best they can with what they have to work with. My respectful approach considers you to be the expert in your own life and offers you the sounding board to come to your own conclusions with empathy and support. I have many years of experience using...
With nearly 15 years of experience in the mental health field, ranging from residential/enhanced services for children/adolescents to intensive substance abuse counseling and basic outpatient services with adults, I have found it incredibly rewarding to support anyone- be it individuals, families, or couples- in their journey towards recovery and wellness and I enjoy working with all ages (3 to...
I have been licensed as a counselor since the mid 90's. I am married with three children and eight grandchildren. I am passionate about helping people move toward healing, wholeness and a healthy life. In a world where people often feel isolated, alone, abandoned or rejected, I am willing to walk into that pain with my clients. I have a particular interest in working with clients who are...
I am passionate about treating individuals in the Mahoning Valley who are experiencing distress due to changes in their lives or symptoms that have become unmanageable. I focus on a collaborative approach in identifying behaviors that no longer serve you and assist in replacing them with coping strategies and interventions suited to your needs. Each session is tailored to the individual and...
Dr. Maggie Coleman is a licensed psychologist who treats adults, children, couples, and families. Dr. Coleman truly enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, and genuinely appreciates getting to know each person to help them reach their goals and find their happiness. Dr. Coleman believes seeking therapy is one of the greatest gifts a person can give to themselves. She is...
My ideal client is one who is established in their life and community, yet they are unhappy and feel stagnant or stuck. They may struggle in their professional career or feel unfulfilled in the workplace. They may be socially isolated or do not connect well with people their age. This individual, on the outside, appears to have it all, but they are not satisfied with their life. This individual...
If you’re in search of an encouraging, welcoming and comforting space to help guide you through the challenges life brings, I look forward to partnering with you on your journey. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, couples and family systems. I am passionate about working with individuals and couples in all stages of their infertility journey, families involved in foster car...
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Are you struggling with relationship issues? Do you want to make changes in your life, but are unable to? You can overcome depression, anxiety and learn how to manage anger--if these are issues concerning you. Find out what's stopping you from being able to experience a satisfying, fulfilled and joyful life. As a psychotherapist with extensive training, I take a comprehensive and integrative...
Choosing to come to counseling is a major decision. You need to believe the counselor you're working with is competent, kind and compassionate and can provide a space where healing and change can be fostered. I work with a diverse population of clients with a wide range of needs. Together, we address relational conflict, miscommunication, sexual struggles, infidelity, anxiety, and depression, t...
As a relationship and family therapist, I provide a non-judgmental and affirming space that acknowledges and celebrates the beauty of human experience. I help couples, relationships and families to examine and create new patterns, communicate more openly and lovingly, and strengthen the relationships in their lives. My approach to therapy focuses on helping you to identify, explore, and, if...
TELETHERAPY, My ideal client is one who has psychological mindedness to seek help, attain mental stability and self-acceptance to overcome their distress. I have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients (children, adolescent, adults) in providing appropriate interventions, targeting recovery and progress. I have extensive clinical experience in the assessment/diagnosis of...
I understand that reaching out for support and finding the right person to guide you through your journey to healing can be a challenging process. We all have the capacity to heal and see ourselves as whole, and my training as a therapist puts me in the unique position to be your guide. Its important for me to create a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, connect and share. You do not have to...
