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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Certified Christian Counselor, & Educator; specializing in trauma recovery; social & emotional maladjustments in children, adolescents, and adults. I am experienced in helping clients heal from: childhood abuse (all forms), abandonment issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship recovery, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, career issu...
Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, stress, and doubt? Are repetitive thoughts, panic attacks, and depression creating suffering in your life? As a licensed clinical psychologist I specialize in the treatment of Anxiety and Trauma related disorders including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I am passiona...
At Valiant Couples Therapy our deep desire is to honor your valiant steps toward renewal. Renewal in your life and in your most important relationships. We use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to do this. My team strives for excellence in providing EFT for individuals and couples in North Carolina. I'm an ICEEFT certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) trainer, supervisor, and therapist.
Specializing in LGBT/Kink/Poly/SW populations, I have extensive experience engaging with people across the spectrum of sexual orientation, gender expression, and power role identification. I provide a holistic, non-pathologizing counseling and sex therapy experience for individuals and partners that celebrates the diversity of consensual adult sexuality, identity, and relationship structures. M...
Now Accepting New Clients..........Therapy is about the willingness to change and grow, an endeavor that takes Commitment and Courage. It is an honor to work with individuals and couples who are willing to look at their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in order to gain insight Into themselves. Call or text Cynthia at 805-975-3151. Working from a trauma-informed approach I am aware of the complex...
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Dr. Gavel is a licensed psychologist with experience in assessment and outpatient treatment for individuals struggling through complex challenges of life. He specializes in treatment of trauma, anxiety & panic, depression, addiction, psychosis, and interpersonal problems. He is trained and experienced with cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure, mindfulness, and other research-support...
Many couples seek my services because their marriage is without passion, trust has been violated or hope seems like a faded memory. I partner with couples in restoring hope. It begins with developing a deep marital friendship, learning how to navigate marital conflict, learning how to repair after conflict and establishing an environment of positivity. As a cognitive behavioral therapist, I wor...
Being vulnerable is the bravest thing any of us can do. I feel honored to be present with my clients as they work through their barriers, trauma, and anxiety to reach an authentic and fulfilling life. It is unrealistic to live free of stress and hardship, but it is possible to understand how to thrive in an unfair world, while still being true to yourself. I am committed to providing honest...
