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
Aiming to thrive and not solely survive? Despite our adverse experiences or current circumstances, we can find ourselves wanting to find more meaning in life. I help my clients slow down to closely examine the obstacles that are interfering with their ability to live the life they envision. My aim in counseling is to learn to love yourself as you are while working on our areas of growth. We are...
I recognize the decision to begin or return to therapy can be rather challenging. For many of us, processing pain and trauma is often avoided until a crisis arises, feelings become too unbearable, or life seems unmanageable. Therapy requires courage, strength, and trust in yourself & in your therapist. As such, regardless of where you are in your process, I will meet you there. I believe that t...
The relationship that we have with ourselves is the most important. We live in a world where many demands are placed on us. Life challenges can sometimes be unpredictable and derive from a multitude of situations and experiences. I am experienced in working with a diverse population including children and adolescents. I provide therapeutic services for individuals and families in a safe,...
If you are in a season of suffering, difficulty, or overwhelmed with life challenges, consider seeing Susannah for therapy services. Susannah is available to help individuals, couples and families with various issues, including, but not limited to: grief and loss, anxiety and worry, adoption, identity issues, life transitions, eating issues, chronic illness, depression, and trauma. Susannah...
From day one we begin to develop a relationship with ourselves and those around us. These deeply personal experiences create different layers to who we are and effect what we bring to a relationship. Experiences like overcoming conflict, communicating effectively, trust issues, intimacy issues, parenting differences, modern day dating, healing from heartbreak, anxiety and overcoming negative...
Stress, depression, worry, feelings of hopelessness, and past difficult/traumatic experiences....All of these things can have a real impact on our day-to-day ability to enjoy life, function well in our relationships, and reach our fullest potential. *CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. As a clinical and developmental psychologist, I have completed extensive training in evidence-based models fo...
Deciding to seek therapy takes courage and finding the right therapist can be a challenge. I believe that finding the right fit for you is essential in your journey to being the best version of yourself. My goal is to create a safe, calming, and genuine space for all my clients. I have over 20 yrs experience working with diverse populations of every age group. My experience involves working in...
Under any weather conditions, where rough seas and rugged shores collide, there stands a lighthouse signaling: “This way home; this way to safety.” (Monson) Under any life conditions, when our body, heart, mind, or spirit may collide with harsh reality, there comes a guiding signal from our inner lighthouse. Without such guidance, we may find ourselves lost, alone, hurt, discouraged, and...
The majority of people will experience some type of sexual difficulty, discomfort or dissatisfaction at some point in their lives, and sadly many are too intimidated or embarrassed to seek out the help they need. Some are not even aware that help exists. As a Certified Sex Therapist and the Executive Director of the Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, I want you to know that you are not the only o...
I believe people need to feel good; have the energy of body, clarity of mind and self confidence to be the best version of themselves. I have worked with individuals with disordered eating and body concerns for 30 years and have concluded that how they care for themselves is foundation. I treat anxiety and mood with integrated care; mind, body and heart. I am trained in lifestyle medicine, as w...
I am an expert on difficult life transitions, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, career shifts, and health concerns. Women today on average are dealing with one to three major life transitions at any point in time. My specialty is supporting women to navigate life’s most difficult and trying transitions. I blend my doctoral training with my experience as a professor and high school...
We all have times when we go through struggles in life and can the use help of someone who will care and listen without judging. I try always to create a warm and accepting environment, in which you can feel comfortable and understood. Maybe you are struggling with depression, anxieties, relationship issues, addiction, or other life challenges. My goal is always to walk along your path with you...
I provide holistic counseling for couples, adults, and families. My areas of focus include relationship issues, life transitions, gender and sexuality, conscious (positive) aging, living with mental and physical illness, trauma, grief and loss. Drawing on over 35 years in mental health and medical social work, I offer clients support and guidance dealing with the challenges and opportunities of...
I am a dually licensed therapist in both Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Professional Counseling with approximately 10 years worth of working with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of mental health issues. Throughout my experience as a MFT/LPC, I have had the privilege of working with US Active Duty Military members and their families, grade school students ranging from...
