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
Marriage is my client focus. You are tired of the on-going conflict and distance you and your spouse experience, right? I've been highly successful in moving couples toward emotional bonding experiences that last. Let's uncover the hidden challenges with trust, communication, emotional and sexual intimacy, passion and motivation. Every day i watch couples overcome differences with financial,...
If you are struggling with problematic life situations such as trauma, grief, relational issues, or other emotional difficulties, then now is the time to address them. Change can be a scary process and taking the first step to deal with a difficult problem may seem overwhelming. Working with a professional therapist can help to make those life transitions and the process of change more manageab...
I am a couples, individual, and family counselor based in Austin, TX. I specialize in Imago Relationship Therapy, developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt in 1980, which is built on the idea that conflict is a natural occurrence in human interaction and moving through it with openness and curiosity allows for our relationships to deepen and expand. Often when we are stuck, w...
My goals for my clients in therapy are to help them to develop a kind mind to enable them to achieve successes in the areas of Eating Disorder, Body Image, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Injury, Life Transitions, and Crisis Management. Together we build hope, health, and healing through cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness training, coaching, and self-esteem building. The focus is on the...
***My practice is currently FULL; BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities are prioritized*** Holistic & Integrative counseling at Alive is a collaborative journey of courage & discovery. Because we view mental health in a holistic way, we strive to support our clients in addressing issues related to mind, body, spirit & community. Our work with clients reflects our values of honesty, compassion, inclusivi...
Did you know that it’s ok, not to be ok? Before you can heal, change and transform yourself, you must accept where you are and what you feel right now. Being confronted with obstacles and stressors in life can be confusing and challenging, but you do not have to tackle them alone. If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first, and hardest step; reaching out for help. No matter what...
Are you struggling managing your own thoughts/emotions or doing your daily tasks? Do you feel dissatisfied with your relationships or where you are heading in life? Do you have a traumatic past that continues to haunt you? Do you have difficulty understanding your teenager’s behaviors? Are you and your partner having communication difficulties? If this is you, I can help. I work with...
I’m an interactive and relationship-focused therapist. It is important to me that you feel heard, understood, and connected. If you are struggling with life transitions, frequently feeling worried, and are concerned about yourself and your relationships, therapy can help. We will work together to determine what your needs and goals are, and we'll create a road map to meet those needs and achiev...
I specialize in assisting individuals to overcome issues that feel hopeless. I support and walk along side you to take back your life and become the person you want to be. As a person who has had his fair share of life's challenges, I found the counsel of a professional was life changing. I believe everyone is capable of change, and everyone can be successful. I believe above all else shame and...
Key Insights Response to COVID-19. Our services remain available via telehealth or phone. Collectively, we are experiencing grief, anxiety, anger, depression and frustration. Seemingly overnight, we are facing unpredictable futures and grieving the loss of lives and roles left behind in our response to these extraordinary events. Many of us are fearful about work, health, our families. We are...
Ashley is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families and believes everyone deserves a safe and empathetic place to walk through their journey. She approaches counseling through Emotion Focused Therapy so the couple or individual can explore their inner world, experience healing, gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what they need. Through this they can also begi...
I truly enjoy working with people. Learning about your life and what you want to see from it is the best part of this work. I work with adults, primarily with individuals struggling with trauma, substance abuse issues, and mood disorders. I work with you to identify patterns in your life that have blocked you from making the progress you wish to see. I endeavor to provide a safe space for peopl...
We all face changes, challenges and difficult situations in life, some we see coming, others are totally unexpected. Sometimes we handle them just fine and others, leave us feeling stuck, alone, and wondering if things will ever get better, if we will ever feel better. I offer a caring, non-judgmental, compassionate and understanding space to explore whatever challenges you are facing, whether...
Anxiety, depression, addiction, family struggles, and strife can be so difficult and draining. Finding the right person or team to help can seem daunting as well. We at Core Values Counseling want to face these struggles with you. It can be scary placing your heart, mind, and soul into the care of a therapist. In order to do so, you should have a strong connection and believe your therapist or...
As a clinical social worker, I am passionate about aiding clients in the healing and empowerment process. Whether it is difficulties with life's transitions or ongoing issues related to mood disorders, I take a holistic, intersectional approach with all of my clients in order to find the intervention(s) that best suit their individual needs and strengths. In particular, I focus on being an...
