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
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Evidence-Based Therapy with a Love-Based Approach. As a clinical psychologist devoted to practicing therapy, I value the individual strengths, perspectives and histories of each person. I believe that healing and growth occur within the context of a supportive and accepting relationship. Thus, I am highly attentive to our therapeutic relationship and more importantly, to the relationships that...
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I work with a wide range of clients and enjoy the challenge that every client brings to the table. I work with individuals (children-adult), families and couples. The ideal client is one that wants change and is ready to engage in the therapeutic process. With a comprehensive understanding I challenge, support, empathize and validate the clients I work with. It is imperative that the relationsh...
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I’ve always had a passion for helping people get through the emotional challenges that come with being human. My mission is to create a safe, warm, nonjudgmental environment in which you can address these emotional challenges. I strive to instill hope no matter what problems are being faced. Whether you need coping skills to improve daily functioning or want to gain insight into deeper issues, ...
( English | español ) I have 18 years of experience working in psychiatric hospitals, medical facilities, community health centers, pediatric clinics, schools, and residential treatment centers. I offered many years to working with children, adolescents, parents, and families through child protective services, rape crisis centers, shelters, neighborhood centers, and adoption centers. I am...
My approach is founded upon the relationship I have with each client. I create a safe, comfortable environment by providing empathy, genuineness, and a sense of humor, and work collaboratively with each client to meet their unique goals. I help clients to identify, express, and understand emotions so that they may better manage them. Therapy can also aid in understanding and changing patterns i...
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I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to challenge and change maladaptive cognitive distortions and behaviors which have negatively impacted ones life, and provide tools to improve emotion regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies to effectively problem solve independently. I am also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a psychotherapy tha...
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I specialize in providing treatment for couples and families. One of my main areas of focus is helping clients navigate the transition to parenthood, which can include issues such as postpartum depression, miscarriage, infertility, and the adjustment to becoming a parent. I also specialize in working with families with Autism. As a Marriage and Family Therapist I...
I create a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment for everyone. Whether you're coping with a diagnosis or struggling with daily life stressors, I can help. I have experience treating people living with mood disorders, anxiety and trauma, and substance abuse issues as well as women's health, sexuality and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, interpersonal relationships, and m...
