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
I believe every individual has insight, wisdom and a unique set of personal strengths to resolve their challenges and alleviate their suffering. By creating a warm, safe and nurturing environment, you and I can work together to find solutions and break through painful or difficult life challenges and transitions. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood disorde...
Daily life can be scary, even daunting. For some of us, we have the additional stressors of trauma, loss, loneliness, addiction and loss of purpose. In therapy I strive to help individuals overcome their barriers. Happiness and balance are goals for me. I have experience treating addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, relationship issues and more. Whether you view current barri...
Are you struggling with prolonged sadness or emptiness, feelings of being overwhelmed, feeling like you don't know how to cope, or are you unable to recognize or express your feelings? I can help. Do you want to be able to communicate with your spouse but just don't know how? I can help. Are you unhappy with the way you respond to situations? I can help. Do you have a hard time talking about...
Carlos has an LCSW, an LMFT, an LCADC, and an SAP, which enables him to evaluate employees in the transportation industry. For nearly 30 years he has provided psychotherapy services to professionals in various industries. His diversity, persuasive objectivity, and ability to break down complex and emotionally-charged behavioral health issues has been appreciated among his clients. Carlos has...
I have 8 years of clinical experience working with individuals who have gone through trauma as well as with a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, employment issues, relationship issues, etc. I provide great care for individuals of all ages. I believe at one point or another everyone is in need of therapy and it should be a shame-free and non-judgmental environment. I ca...
Whats unique about The Visiting Counselor (TVC) is that I am mobile. I meet the clients in their homes where they are most comfortable and feel the most secure. I also deliver counseling and psychotherapy with compassion and understanding of the person as a whole. I am able to address a wide range of issues from the everyday stresses of life to more complex chronic issues of the mind or the bod...
I became a therapist because I believe in helping people heal from their emotional pain, so they can live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. If you or someone you care about is struggling with: RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT, DEPRESSION, STRESS / ANXIETY, or ANGER I may be the right therapist for you. I specialize in Gestalt Therapy, a mindfulness focused treatment model that helps people ga...
Smart Ideas Consulting Firm (SICF) is a Christian-based social enterprise created with a vision to alleviate all types of abuse and promote healthy personal & family development. We are home to the Live SMART Healing and Restoration Counseling Center. Our desire is to ensure that people impacted by any type of abuse have access to life-changing support. We want every survivor to have the...
When everyday life is hard to manage or understand, it helps to talk with someone caring who asks the right questions. You want to feel in charge of your own life and able to set and reach goals that are meaningful to you. You'll leave therapy knowing more about getting what you want in life, and feeling more confident in your choices. Members of the LGBTQAI+ community are up against unique...
You feel like you've done everything you can do, but the pain persists. Are you desperate for this anxious or depressed feeling to go away? Are you overwhelmed with life? Do you feel stuck by a fear or consumed by a loss that you thought for sure you would be over by now? Regardless of your age, the meaning you make from these questions impacts how you live your life. Therapy can awaken the sou...
Ana grew up in Mendoza, Argentina in a city with a landscape and four seasons, just like Utah. This came with a gift, she speaks Spanish, and is trying very hard to learn Portuguese (for now she can understand it very well). Ana earned her bachelor’s degree at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, in Argentina and her master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Argosy University, the...
Hi. I have been a therapist in private practice for over 30 years. Experience matters in this field! Also I have continued to keep up with the very latest developments, methods and skills that continue to evolve in both individual and couple's work. I have a passion for this learning and contribution. I love my work. Some of the areas that I work with are: anxiety, depression, trauma, family of...
Struggling with anxiety and/or depression and looking for help? Old wounds surfacing from the past and affecting your current relationships? Experiencing PTSD symptoms due to trauma and needing some real support? From a holistic perspective, I offer a warm space to help you identify the parts of yourself that want to be seen and healed so you can find more long term relief. Providing personaliz...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 28 years of experience in the field of Social Work. I began as a social worker working in child welfare. I proceeded to work extensively in hospitals, home health, mental health, child welfare, juvenile court, schools, palliative care, hospice, and residential settings; providing case management. I moved to Georgia 10 years ago with my...
Difficult situations can be worked through with proper care and support. Being an open-minded and empathetic therapist creates an environment of trust and partnership with clients to tackle any challenge that may arise. Honest expression within a session is key to making progress and feeling better; I provide a supportive and open-space where there is no judgement. Empowerment gives you the...