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
Thank you for visiting my profile. I feel honored whenever people allow me into their lives—especially when they don’t know me. As a therapist, my primary areas of focus are trauma, addictions, anxiety and relationships. I've specifically chosen these four areas because a problem with one typically creates and reinforces challenges in the others as well. I've created a unique, multi-disciplinar...
I work with adults, with a passion for empowering women to live their most fulfilling lives. My approach is determined by your needs and pays attention to your strengths, guided by the belief that you already possess the answers to what will work best for you. My job is to come alongside you and facilitate the process. Together we’ll look at the strengths and strategies that have served you, an...
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James takes an eclectic approach to counseling which draws heavily on Person-Centered Therapy and Relational-Cultural Therapy, while also incorporating Multicultural Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. James Clementi has experience working with a wide range of individuals including LGBTQ+ populations, individuals, coupl...
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless? Are you experiencing pain from feeling alone, insecure, or unable to connect with your partner and you don't know where to turn for help? These experiences can be hard and I want you to know there is hope and I am passionate about helping you through the pain you are experiencing. In my office, I will respond empathetically towards your feeling...
Adrienne was trained in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy, an approach that attempts to understand how past events affect current feelings and behavior. In addition to her foundation in traditional psychotherapies, she also utilizes more current, evidence based modalities, such as CBT, to help clients reframe various experiences that are causing discomfort. Adrienne has worked with...
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Life is bittersweet. Even happy moments — a graduation, a wedding, a big career move — can come with a twist of sadness. Change is sometimes harder than expected. Whatever you’re facing, I want you to have a plan for how you will get through this season and move forward. I provide a safe place for your story to be heard and understood, so you can gain perspective and learn from it. As with...
My approach to therapy is to create a safe space where you can explore and heal the difficult and painful issues that are showing up in your life. Together we will move beyond problem-solving into releasing the deeply held mistaken beliefs and core unresolved issues behind your symptoms. My body-centered and somatic approach allows me to work directly with your nervous system to address symptom...
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( English | español ) Whatever brought you to this point it probably started with something you couldn’t control and you are still trying to cope with it. You don't need to deal with all of that alone, seek for help. If you feel stuck in your life, and is hard to move forward, you might benefit from psychotherapy. I will encourage you with empathy, support and confidence to step out of your...
Aloha, If you believe you are suffering from addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress or just need someone to talk things through with, let's work together and find a lasting solution. I can help to achieve this by providing a neutral safe space and listening to your needs. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Hawaii, and CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse...
Each person or couple, has the ability to experience growth and change throughout the therapy process. Being able to have completely open conversation, without judgement, is how I like to create the space for your transformation. If you are lonely and feeling disconnected, therapy can help find what you're looking for, especially teens and adults struggling to find themselves . I can work with ...
Each of us can experience hard times, but only few know how to turn it into a starting point for a new life full of happiness. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and my mission is to find your hidden potential and give you all necessary tools to develop and grow. I am an experienced clinician, trained in counseling children, adolescents, and adults. My goal is to help people identify...
