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
Here's the thing about emotions: they are signals that communicate with your mind, body, and social world. Emotions carry important information, ranging from love to survival. Whether I am seeing you individually or as a couple, we will work together to uncover the powerful emotions behind your behavior and navigate them in a way that strengthens the relationship with yourself and your partner....
I SPECIALIZE in COUPLES: married, engaged, separated, living together... fighting, not talking, unhappy or hopeless. Calling a couples counselor is hard. "What good is it talking to a stranger?!" You've tried everything maybe even counseling—nothing works.. You're stuck. That's where I can help. Believe it or not there are ways to make it better. Your partner may be afraid or doesn't want to co...
**Now Accepting New Clients** In over a decade of education and counseling experience, I discovered a passion for helping women who struggle with anxiety, codependent relationships, stress, and life transitions. I understand that reaching out for help when you are feeling overwhelmed, troubled, or just plain stuck in your life takes courage, and I believe that making the decision to seek help...
It can be difficult to admit when we are struggling. In a world that can be harsh and unforgiving, we may learn to believe that showing vulnerability means we are weak. That if we share our fears and anxieties with others, that we are burdening them, or giving them ammunition to use against us in the future. These are all common beliefs held by clients when I first see them. Asking for help is ...
Do you feel burned out? Feeling stressed, lost, worried, exhausted, or angry? Are you repeating the same old relationships, patterns, or situations, and wishing you could break the endless cycle? Maybe little things feel more frustrating or overwhelming than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or...
My practice provides therapy services for adults and adolescents seeking help for depression, anxiety, mood issues, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, grief/loss, coping with adolescence/teens, work-life balance and weight loss. I am certified to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and PTSD. Veterans are welcomed in my office; as are all cultures, religions and sexua...
I believe we are all wired for connection, and, whether extraverted or introverted, rejection and isolation are incredibly painful experiences. Our brains and bodies are built in such a way that protects us from threat and harm. While these protection instincts are necessary and helpful in the midst of threat, sometimes they can keep us from the connection we truly crave and need. If you're...
I utilize a holistic approach in working with clients, which encompasses components of cognitive behavior theory, trauma-informed interventions, positive behavioral supports and solution-focused methods. I believe in the value of the therapeutic relationship and strive to provide a safe environment for clients to feel validated, understood, and more capable of moving forward through life’s...
There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to therapy. In my practice, I tailor therapy to each individual’s needs by integrating relevant elements of evidence based approaches. I will be there to support and empower you as overcome you challenges and fulfill significant life goals. Seeing my clients overcome personal challenges is one of the most rewarding feeling I’ve known. I have...
There are experiences and struggles in life that can create uncertainty in the things you thought you knew, that shake the confidence you had in yourself, and leave you feeling unsure of what to do next. Seeking help for yourself or your child can be an overwhelming process during an already difficult time; you are taking a significant first step. We will work together as a collaborative unit...
I specialize in working with fat folx and people living in otherwise marginalized bodies. I want to help you feel at home in your body and at home in yourself. I’m a fat-positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, kink knowledgeable, anti-diet therapist, I’ve got a passion for issues regarding sex and sexuality, and I’m here to help you kick ass and take names. I believe self image and sexuality comprise so...
I use a holistic person-centered approach and believe each individual has the ability to find the answers within. I view therapy as a place to explore the different parts of self that contribute to the whole of a person. I love helping others find the places within that feel blocked or stuck and help them address what is needed to help clients move forward with renewed hope. I believe as one...
Lindsay James, C.S.W., is a certified social worker that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma as well as a wide variety of life’s issues. She is passionate about helping clients to live their best lives and overcome struggles. She has experience working with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ARFID, as well as other ment...
Our agency specializes in the treatment of substance use disorder or co-occurring counseling and groups facilitated by licensed Clinicians. We are made up of 3 female LADC Clinicians, ready to meet you where you are at, with compassion and empathy, and without judgement, to help you achieve your personal treatment goals. A Time To Rise offers individual and group counseling for substance use...
