What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) » Page 1682

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

Molly McAshan

Dallas

Texas

Are you having difficulty tolerating stress and connecting with people? Do you use food to cope? If so, I may be able to help. I believe that people are motivated by a drive to make human connections and fulfill their potential; but too often, these goals are hindered by self-doubt, anxiety, fear, and negative thoughts. Through the collaborative process of therapy, I help clients heal and silen...
Do you have something on your mind? There are times when we all have thoughts running through our minds. Thoughts related to family, friends, relationships, school, love, spirituality, money, work, or happiness. Sometimes they are memories from your past that you're unable to let go. Maybe you can't sleep, maybe you can't eat. Maybe you have lost your purpose, who you are, what you're doing or...

Shannon Mooney

Hartford

Connecticut

*SOLELY OFFERING VIDEO COUNSELING SERVICES* You know you want change but feel unsure where to start. Facing challenging life transitions can be frustrating and confusing. You may feel that your life is not what you expected it to be. Talking it through with friends and family still leaves you feeling lost. Imagine how it would it feel for you to live each day feeling fulfilled, at ease, and hap...
Treating patients (children, adolescents, teens, and adults) suffering from symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, aggression, mood dysregulation, trauma, behavioral concerns, and other mental health concerns. Treatment is provided to patients and their families who are seeking improvement in their daily functioning, including work, school, relationships, and family dynamics. Patients are the...
Do you feel that aspects of your life are out of control and unmanageable? Maybe you are noticing a pattern of avoiding people or places you once loved, or a sudden change in appetite, energy, or drive. Or maybe you know something is “off” and can’t quite put your finger on what is missing. The first step to change and healing is sometimes an overwhelming task. It takes a lot of courage to say,...

Kristine Beelek

Salt Lake City

Utah

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in emotionally focused therapy which is a research-based treatment for clients seeking emotional connection, healing, and fulfillment in relationships. I know the value and importance of marriage and family relationships to our personal happiness and fulfillment. I also know that individual health is crucial to healthy relationships. I work...

April Lendoiro

Orlando

Florida

Now Offering Weekend Appointments, spots fill up fast. Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Relationship problems? On the verge of divorce? Have a family member struggling? Have you had enough and want a better, more fulfilling life. No matter where you are in life, or challenges you face, it’s never too late to change the path you are on and take control back. Together we will find the...
My is aim to provide compassionate care by way of authentic regard for each client and their experiences. I use a strengths-based integrative approach to counseling, and I strongly believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change. My areas of clinical focus are grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, marital and relationship issues, parenting concerns, and challenges associated...

Dr. Maggie Dancel

New York

New York

Sex is usually a topic that is met with secrecy, embarrassment, shame, or judgment. Thus, I aim to create a safe, open environment to address various relational and sexual concerns (i.e., lack of intimacy, infidelity, erectile dysfunction, excessive masturbation) with individuals of various sexual orientations, genders, ethnicities, and kinks. You should be able to have the sex you desire! I al...

Danica Harris

Dallas

Texas

Are you desiring to heal from past traumas but don't know where to begin? Are you finding yourself in hurtful relationship patterns that resemble your relationships from childhood? Maybe you have tried other methods that haven’t worked for you. Or perhaps you’re feeling stuck, and wondering if healing is possible. Often, those who have experienced trauma, attachment wounds, or relational unease...
I deeply value creating brave, affirming spaces free of shame for clients to discover their authentic selves. I invite you to show up as you are with all the complexities that have left you labeled as ‘difficult’, ‘untreatable’, or feeling unworthy of healing and growth. I work from a non-pathological approach, meaning we will look beyond the diagnoses and work on the root causes of issues...
You deserve to be at peace with your body. But after receiving a lifetime's worth of messages telling you to fit into a near impossible mold, negative body images can be difficult to change, and don't change over night. As a weight-neutral, body positive therapist working from a Health at Every Size© paradigm, we can address your underlying pain and perceptions in a safe space. Together, we wil...
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist who works with individuals of all ages and various presenting concerns. I have a particular interest in working with individuals with mental health struggles, substance use concerns, or life-transitional issues (e.g. beginning college, launching into adulthood, managing relationships, grief/loss, etc.). Drawing from various...
I am not accepting new clients at this time. Are you having difficulty connecting with your spouse or a loved one? Are you feeling unloved, misunderstood and alone? You've tried talking through the issues and you continue to feel unresolved or stuck? And no matter what you do, it seems like you’re relationship or situation isn’t getting better. The thing is, whatever is happening, it must be...
Life is full of challenges. I'm a firm believer in the benefits of unbiased support during difficult periods in our lives. Please allow me to be the person to offer you the help and support that you deserve. In my ten plus years as a therapist, I have worked with people of all ages and walks of life to help address depression, anxiety, loss, anger and relationship issues. I enjoy helping others...