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
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, loneliness, or grief? Do you feel "stuck" in life? Are your relationships weighing you down rather than building you up? You have taken a brave and difficult step—you have acknowledged that there is a problem. As your therapist, we develop a safe, trusting, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. I have a holistic, client-centered, intuiti...
I endeavor to help people better understand the problems in their lives in order to find new, more satisfying ways of living. I work with patients in therapy to foster an inquisitive yet non-judgmental space where difficult questions and emotions can be explored and worked through. Influenced by a life in music, I aim to listen to others with a keen ear. In my experience, people communicate...
I believe the mind knows how to heal. Given the right conditions, our own wisdom guides us back to what makes us feel alive and whole. Therapy can be one of the conditions we need for healing. By becoming familiar with what blocks us and aligning with what we value and love, we begin to untangle the past and create the life we want. I enjoy working with people of all ages, couples and families....
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. I work with depression, anxiety, family/parenting and other issues, to help you lead a happier life with improved relationships. I also lead support groups for new retirees and for those going through the grieving process. I am experienced in several "talk" methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I always keep in mind that I am dealin...
(Not currently accepting clients) I am here to provide you with a safe and supportive space to deepen self-awareness and foster self-compassion. If you are experiencing difficulty with life transitions, emotional turmoil, relational conflict, trauma, or issues pertaining to gender/sexuality, I can help you towards growth and healing. We will explore your personal narrative within the context of...
As a therapist, I am devoted to working with individuals and their family members, who misuse alcohol, drugs, food, and sex, or suffer from other destructive and compulsive behaviors. I am experienced with the substance abuse population with comorbid symptoms of anxiety and depression. Most of my clients have a history of abusing substances to relieve stress, cope with uncomfortable feelings an...
I provide a full range of psychotherapy services that guide individuals in reaching their potential & discovering a life that thrives, not just survives. Using personally tailored techniques and therapeutic approaches, I help clients get "unstuck" and experience joy. I work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, marital issues, parenting issues, career indecision,...
( English | Italiano ) As a self-identified gay man, I am quite familiar first-hand on the process of 'coming out' in a predominantly heterosexual normative, patriarchal, society. I can be your ally dealing with issues of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, how they affect relationships, be it romantic, sexual, purely platonic, or work-related, and any compulsive behavior you may...
As a licensed clinical social worker, I offer an empathetic safe space for you to talk about your life experiences and emotions. My intention is to help you improve your quality of life and gain confidence in yourself. I believe in utilizing mindfulness to help increase your self-regulation skills as we collaboratively work through the difficulties caused by day-to-day life stressors, trauma,...
Counseling is a confidential process intended to aid you in dealing with your self-doubts, life-uncertainties, and personal concerns. I believe counseling will help you better understand your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, while you discover more effective coping skills. Consequently, counseling is a relationship between you and me. I am dedicated to helping members of the LGBTQ+ community ...
With the Covid-19 Virus my therapy methods have gone to phone or Tele Therapy. My therapeutic style is a holistic goal orientated approach to help patients better understand themselves by developing insight to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to cultivate the life that have you imagined or dreamed possible. I provide a safe and supportive environment to earn your trust to work on thi...
Throughout the course of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, we can experience a wide range of issues – such as relationships, family, work, or school – that can potentially interfere with our level of functioning, productivity, or ability to feel generally happy. Some people are able to master these issues through their development as a person, but there are times or situations in which th...
I value the vital role of the therapeutic relationship in the process of healing and personal growth. My aim is to help clients become more aware of the thoughts and emotions that underlie their distress. With new insights, unhelpful emotional and behavioral patterns can change, opening up new ways of experiencing oneself and others. I see individuals who are struggling with feelings of sadness...
Whether you are struggling with parenthood, having frequent conflicts with your partner, grieving a loss, trying to establish healthy boundaries with family and friends, or working to understand yourself better — having someone to help support you through that process with empathy, insight, and guidance can be life changing. I have a masters in the field of psychology, am married and a mother o...
My ideal client wants "something extra" out of therapy. Not just a safe place where an experienced practitioner can carefully listen, support, and guide them toward change and feeling better. But also an extra gift. Learning that model of emotional growth used in their own therapy so as to share and teach it to others they care about. 3 decades of searching has led me to David Hawkin's MD PhD...
