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 strive to meet the needs of emerging adults and adults who are experiencing grief, present with suicidal or homicidal ideation, who are seeking peace, healing, understanding, growth, power, and/or to unlearn toxic behaviors. Discussion and a needs assessment are conducted to determine the appropriate approach to care during initial visits. Followed by individual and/or family goal setting. I ...
Being happy is essential in life. We are happy when we believe in ourselves, when we exude confidence, when we have a sense of belonging and when we have a sense of purpose. Depression, anxiety, disconnection and low self esteem interrupt the ability to overcome obstacles to happiness. You are not alone, many people suffer in silence. When a person is supported with compassion and empathy being...
I am a sexologist as well as a sex therapist in private practice for over 25 years. I can help you with any aspect of your sexuality. I conduct most of my sessions over the telephone, so I have clients around the world, as well as around the block. I'm also the bestselling author of several books including Advertising for Love, The 10 Commandments of Pleasure, Being a Woman and The Bonobo Way: ...
I have 40+ years’ experience working in the mental health field. Positions include serving as clinical director of addiction rehab for women, group preparation and selection for adoption and foster placement, disaster recovery, leading support groups for families of veterans, and counseling with seniors and their families. I have also worked with grief issues. This experience has led to a...
Sometimes we need additional support in our lives. You may be struggling with relationship challenges; feeling stuck; encountering creative blocks; seeking a sense of purpose and meaning; suffering from shame, self-neglect and self-criticism; working through grief and loss issues; or desiring a career change. Therapy can provide assistance through our challenges, create new options, and lead to...
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) a primary area of focus I have in my practice is to understand the systemic and contextual factors of clients. I also value the approach of looking into the nature of the relationships between those involved with a particular problem or situation. As a therapist it is my goal to offer a safe and respectful environment free from judgment. This...
As a therapist I work with you to find a clear path and better sense of self whether you have experienced depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, trauma, and/or attachment injuries. I work with adolescents, adults, parents, and couples from a contemporary relational depth perspective to help you find your direction and feel less alone. My focus is to help you connect and...
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist who specializes in working with adults who may be grappling with issues of emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal wellbeing. If you are feeling lost, stuck, depressed, or overwhelmed, there is no reason for you to struggle alone. I offer a warm, safe, and supportive environment where we can work together to identify and overcome the obstacles that may be keepin...
Are you feeling out of sorts? Are things just not falling into place for you? Is there a thought that won't go away, that you've perhaps tried to take away through drugs, drinking, or some other unhealthy way? Or, maybe you feel like things are going well, but you're afraid something bad will happen soon? Has someone said to you that maybe you should see a therapist about this? In today's world...
There is no better day than today to make positive changes in your life. I feel that the counseling process is a good first step in making those changes. I have provided individual therapy for the past 35 years. My guiding principal in counseling is to help clients identify their issues and custom fit a plan to address their concerns. I use various counseling techniques, including but not limit...
I help children, teenagers, and adults who are feeling anxious, lost, disconnected, overwhelmed, unstable, or alone. These feelings may be related to a specific season of life or could be ways that you’ve felt for a long time. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, identity exploration, survivors of intimate partner abuse, life transitions, and relationship issues....
Do you feel scared? Are you struggling? Having trouble finding your voice? Are your issues with substance abuse interfering with your relationships? Do you need guidance healing the wounds of trauma? Maybe you just feel lost and need a safe place to process. You are not alone. It is my experience that the therapeutic relationship can serve as a powerful catalyst for growth and change. I offer a...
*At this time, I am not taking on new clients. However, I am happy to discuss placement on a waitlist, as appointment slots typically do open up again!* Deciding to start working with a therapist is a big step in personal growth. It can feel overwhelming deciding who to work with, but I would be happy to make the experience a positive one. My approach is down to earth, humanistic, with a cognit...
Welcome! Are you feeling stressed, sad, anxious, and unfulfilled? Worried about a struggling child or family member? When being listened to, heard, and understood, you might perceive your world in a new, more positive way. As a marriage and family therapist, I have been trained to help individuals, couples, and families to collaboratively define and reach their goals. We live our lives wishing ...
Dr. RoseMary Cairo has been a clinically licensed therapist for over 20 years, and during this time she received her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Cairo strives to create a warm and safe environment that supports individuals and couples, who are looking to strengthen their lives and relationships emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. As a relationship therapist, Dr. Ca...
