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
Losing a loved one can be the most difficult time in your life. Emotions are often surprising in their strength or mildness. Grief often breaks a person completely from inside out. Grieving is hard work, you can get worn out, and feel battered. It can take a lot longer to work through grief than most people realize. People around you may think it’s helpful for you to not talk or cry or focus on...
It can be exceptionally difficult to go through daily life, and I've found that to be true for most (if not all) people I know and love. There are so many difficult things that can pile up on one another, making it complicated to maintain relationships, wellness, work, and other things you might value. Sometimes it's hard to "ask for what you need" because sometimes we have no idea! I'm here to...
Do you feel you’ve lost a sense of meaning, direction or purpose in your life? Are you held back by addiction, anxiety, past traumas, or fears of rejection and abandonment? I can help you gain awareness into your patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving and communicating that create obstacles to a fulfilling life. Whether you are struggling with substance use, obsessive thoughts, compulsive...
I have been working with children and adults in a variety of environments both within a school and a community based center. I have a background in education and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I empower individuals to improve their life circumstances using clinically tested and evidenced-based interventions. My therapeutic approach utilizes an eclectic counseling style with a fo...
It is a courageous step to reach out for help. Seeking a supportive, non-judgmental, and objective listener to assist with daily life struggles is part of becoming the best version of yourself. There is not a right way to be in therapy. I invite you to come in as you are, into a space of acceptance and compassion, in order to grow and learn about yourself. I offer an honest and collaborative...
My approach to therapy is collaborative and relational. While woundings often occur in relationship, I also believe that healing happens in relationship. In navigating life woundings, we join together as a team to create safety, security, and trust in order to understand what brought you into the therapy. A firm believer in the power of discovering one’s own voice and core identity, my hope is...
Eric Stobie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) and NCC (National Certified Counselor) whose specialty is trauma work but also has experience with mood and anxiety disorders. Eric works with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as families and couples, and also specializes in working with those in the military. Eric utilizes Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, as...
Philosophy and Approach: I believe people are courageous to face their individual and relationship challenges. People are amazingly resilient and capable of healing, growth and change. I believe my role as a therapist is to collaborate with my clients toward a more desirable future and provide a safe, non-judgmental, supportive environment that nurtures growth and healing. We are all a part of ...
"Moment by moment, throughout our lifetime, our brains hum with the work of making meaning; weaving together many thousands of threads of information into all manner of thoughts, feelings, memories, and ideas" - Daniel Tammet Registered Nurse with a background in Mental Health, Emergency, and Women's Health. Experience working with clients in the outpatient and inpatient settings. Special areas...
I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Indiana Wesleyan University and completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Purdue University. I have experience with children, adolescents, couples and individuals-- I have worked with clients in a range of cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life. My approach to therapy involves forming a strong therapeutic alliance with my...
Regardless of what you are experiencing, I am here to help you in a safe, and non-judgmental environment. If you find that you are lashing out, avoiding being around people, are shutting down, or your anxiety is too high, it is important to ask for help and guidance. Contact, me; let's see if we are a good fit for your counseling needs. I specialize in trauma, anxiety (including social anxiety)...
Evening, weekend, early morning appointments available. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, parenting or relationship issues, give me a call. Together we will get clear on what results you want to see, and create a potent “healing space” for initiating positive change. Whether you’re wanting a fresh perspective on patterns that are no longer working for you in your relationships, need...
** Accepting new clients ** Hi there. My name is Melissa and I’m an Associate Therapist at the Center for Compassion. As a therapist experienced in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and grief, I am always inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. I love being able to walk with my clients on their therapeutic journeys by providing a safe, accepting space to process their loss and tra...
My goal is to help people who are struggling with personal and interpersonal challenges. Whether you're struggling with a long-term problem or just going through a rough patch, my goal is to help you move forward, feel more empowered and in control of your life. The therapeutic relationship offers a thoughtful, sensitive and safe space where you will feel heard and understood, and where you wil...
Are you feeling isolated by the very walls you built for protection? If so, you are not alone, and I am glad you are here. Past hurts can leave us feeling inadequate, questioning our self-worth, and struggling to develop meaningful relationships. Whether you are seeking healing or personal growth, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space to collaboratively work towards your goals. Those wh...
