What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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 ...
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Melvyn A Hill

New York

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Experienced in working with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. Enjoys serving the needs of those individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, any behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and any stress related issues. Will work with your individual needs. Setting short term and long term goals. Work to establish healthy skills to create a balanced and harmonious...
A benevolent open-minded counselor with 25 years of expertise in the field of counseling visualizes the needs of the ideal client: to actively listen, to assist client to identify their needs, and to help them find means of reaching long-term goals, changing issues into solutions and finally helping them to become responsible individuals. I consistently demonstrate initiative and cooperation to...
I have had the opportunity to work for 36 years with Individual adults and adolescents, couples, families, and groups. The issues of trauma, loss, life changes, depression and anxiety are so much a part of all of our lives. Levels of stress complicate conversations, disconnect relationships, decrease self care, and interfere with our happiness. Finding balance is what this therapy can offer....
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Paula Powell

Colorado Springs

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I have developed knowledge on various types of therapy and can understand the daily stresses of living in a hectic and demanding Manhattan lifestyle. I aim to help my clients develop a positive outlook and provide empathy and support for them to ultimately maintain success. I believe that the therapeutic alliance is essential to the healing process and I strive to create a trusting environment...
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I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT-c) candidate, working under the supervision of a top field expert, Dr. Kate Ballestriere, CSAT-S. Now offering online therapy sessions. Call or text 818.570.0745 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to talk about what your motivation is and how therapy can help. I am experienced in working with couples and helping client's with...

Monica F. Boyd-Layne

Chicago

Illinois

In response to the state of emergency we will be seeing clients via HIPPA compliant TeleHealth. You are often nervous and feel like you are an imposter. You would like to be free from doubt and fear. When you attend business meetings or social gatherings do you feel more like your 12 year old self rather than an adult? Are you also haunted by childhood memories of not belonging? You are an...