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
Gregory Ingram, LCSW-C, LICSW, CTT, MAC, NBCCH is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland. I am also a seasoned trauma therapist, addiction counselor, and family therapist. I have treated patients throughout the united states and abroad. I am well versed in the emotional deprivation found in individuals who have been abused, neglected, and or...
I am a licensed professional counselor specializing in Adolescents, Couples and Individual counseling. With over ten years experience as a therapist, and a graduate from Georgian Court University, specializing in the Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Among my areas of expertise are couples/marriage, depression, anxiety, school issues, sexual...
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I am the owner of Summit Healing Center and am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Do you feel like things are unbalanced, unmanageable and overwhelming? I believe thru all of life's challenges and obstacles we have a potential hidden within us that with support, empathy and compassion we can achieve and sustain. I am committed to supporting you find...
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Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker fully trained in EMDR specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety and trauma. I provide individual therapeutic treatment to adults experiencing personal challenges impacting their relationships, self-efficacy and overall daily functioning. My approach is collaborative, integrative and strength-based, incorporating a variety of treatment...
My goal is for us to work together short-term based on needs and goals we identify at our first session. My clients learn skills immediately and reduce their symptoms quickly. I have 26 years of experience using Biofeedback and teaching coping skills with many different disorders, cultures, and individuals (adults/kids) & families. I have seen people improve the quality of their life and reduce...
I have dedicated myself to providing positive emotional support to children with a broad range of presenting problems, including anxiety, anger management difficulties, Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, and trauma-related symptoms. My forte is intervening with children ages 4-14. I am also quite effective in helping 17 year olds. I have a strongly committed passion for helping others, and am...
Are you considering ending your relationship because you are tired of arguing or simply co-existing? Does it feel like every cell in your body is overwhelmed, exhausted, or tense? Are you struggling with letting go of the traumatic event that continues to haunt you? I have helped hundreds of clients who struggled with these issues. I provide counseling services Lasting Serenity Counseling in...
