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
As a Doctoral Student, Neuropsychotherapist, Mental Healthcare Media Contributor for CBS Austin & NPR Radio, Junice uses her time spent in law school, her experience working in newsrooms (at CBS Nashville & UPN Detroit) & her clinical brain-based training, to better understand clients’ perspectives. She integrates her knowledge of EMDR, CBT, Family Systems, Addiction, Harm Reduction & Nutrition...
Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship, I will work with you to mobilize your capacity for healing and self-care. I work with individuals and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, post-partum issues, trauma, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. I believe the unconditional positive regard of a therapist is the foundation for a successful treatment experience....
The practice New Decision Therapy was designed to heal those who have less than ideal relationships with themselves and others. When trauma happens to us, these memories embed themselves in our bodies on a cellular level. This is what leads to our particular types of behavior, personalities and affects our reactions and relationships. When we feel overwhelmed, unhappy, alone and disconnected, t...
I see people who desire an authentic therapy experience free from judgment or stigma. My clients find relief knowing they can talk about what is really going on in their lives, rather than what they feel a therapist wants to hear. I am committed to helping your live your best life, providing confidential treatment in a safe and caring space. I provide individualized sessions tailored to your...
Christina is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a near decade of experience. She is honored to work with kids, tweens, teens, parents, and families who have courageously chosen to seek help during times of struggle. She has spent time working in the foster care system, community mental health clinics, and private practice. In each of these settings, her primary aim is to help our mos...
I believe what Carl Rogers said, “If I can listen to what he can tell me... if I can sense the emotional flavor which it has for him, then I will be releasing potent forces of change.” My goal is to provide a space where clients can make sense of their emotions through understanding and connecting with their emotional experiences. I believe in using a holistic approach that encompasses the...
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Some of the reasons people I’ve treated have come in relate to struggles with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse. During my career, I have developed a specialty in working with those affected by trauma and the symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Among other approaches used to help them, I am trained in the...
We are all aware in these current days that life is hard and often out of our control. Sometimes we are surrounded by obstacles that seem insurmountable, and at other times even the simple things overwhelm us. There are days when you know exactly what is bothering you, and other days that it feels as though you're walking through a heavy cloud and simply can't find your way through. You want...
We are all seeking relief from something. Or have certain roadblocks we are continually coming up against and just can’t seem to get past. Needing extra support is nothing to be ashamed of. Reaching out for it is a sign of strength and courage. I believe that every individual possesses innate strengths, and I work with clients to identify and build upon these as the foundation for healthy chang...
Everyone has a story; everyone has struggles; everyone is fighting their own battle. We all experience some degree of suffering though it and all of us need a safe place. A safe place where we can be who we really are, where we can listen to our own needs, wants, feelings, and beliefs. I create this kind of environment for you by providing validation, empathy, and compassion. I conduct...
Some people know exactly what they are looking to accomplish, others are not so sure. Maybe you are desperate for peace in life. Maybe you just do not know how to communicate anymore, you are alone, or you need to talk about a loved one. I'm here to sort through it with you. Usually, talk therapy is what's needed to raise your own awareness, express your emotions, and welcome healing or change....
When asked the following questions: What are my ideal clients? What are their issues, their needs, their goals? What do they want and why? My ideal clients are those who are in need of substance abuse or substance dependence counseling. It is my opinion that all issues are treatable, all needs can be met, and most goals can be achieved when working together. One just has to have the desire to w...
I am providing insurance covered Telehealth counseling with HIPPA compliant encrypted video sessions. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your life or your relationship let me help bring clarity and harmony back into your life. My role is to empower every individual and couple as they seek their own unique goals—that can mean guiding you as you make peace with the past, offering ideas for a fresh...
No matter where you’re at on your travels through life, we want to be your partner on your personal road to overcoming pain, finding hope, and discovering solutions. We believe that you matter, no matter what. We invest in the lives of our clients and our team to ignite change and spark achievement both personally and throughout our community. We seek to serve our entire community. As such, our...
