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 understand and honor the courage needed to take the first step towards change in your life. Navigating the human condition can often be immensely painful and this is why I believe so strongly in compassionate and supportive therapeutic engagement. The beauty and growth in life that we are all seeking is often discovered amidst pain and discomfort. My training and experience allow me to...
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“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP” (Tao Te Ching) I am a National Board Certified Counselor specialized in Evidence Based Treatment. My treatment philosophy is to help Adolescents, Adults and families manage stressful life situations, relational stressors, embrace change, acceptance and meet challenging goals. I specialize in CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informe...
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Have you stopped feeling like yourself, or you don't recognize yourself in the mirror anymore? Are you afraid you are slowly losing your significant other or having vicious fights and don't know how to resolve them? Are you having thoughts or feelings that disturb you and you don't know who to talk to? Are you haunted by the past and you can't seem to move on? Maybe you are scared by your own...
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Manhattan near Union Square. I specialize in individual therapy for adults. Therapy provides a safe and nurturing environment that fosters growth, understanding, and resilience. Folks use therapy to enhance both their personal and professional lives. I have been practicing for over a decade and deeply enjoy working with each of my...
I provide therapy for all ages, children through older adults as well as people with mild to severe diagnoses, complex cases, and trauma. My practice uses a mind-body approach to therapy since our bodies and minds are interconnected. Everyone’s struggle is unique and every person may need to start their path to healing in a different place. Some may need to start with focus on body then move to...
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While other programs claim to be 'trauma-informed', our practice revolves entirely around trauma therapy. This is what we do best. The Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy is named after the legendary figure of the phoenix. Mythology suggests that the phoenix dies and is reborn from its own ashes – it is a symbol of transformation and resilience. The phenomenon of growing after...
