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
Our innate human desire and need for love and connection is undeniable. In my work with families, individuals and partners, I encourage my clients to uncover and share feelings that often lie underneath dysfunctional patterns and interactions. This systemic perspective also values reflection on the impact from our families of origin. I also aim to nurture a strong sense of identity and self wor...
We often seek out therapy because we feel disconnected from others or from ourselves. Relationships may not be working out the way we want. We might feel we are not being the best version of ourselves when relating to other people. This can create anxiety, sadness, anger and other negative emotions. I create a supportive space to help you better understand yourself and your loved ones. Our work...
PRACTICE FULL - I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing upheavals in life due to transitions, family conflict, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and stress. My style is direct and interactive, exploring connections between the issues you are facing now and older behaviors and patterns of coping that might no longer be working for you. Our work can also draw on...
It is shown that 90% of individuals seeking mental health care suffer from some form of trauma, causing hardship in their life. Therefore, my specialty area is trauma therapy. I am also passionate and work closely with those whom experience anxiety, depression, relational and marriage challenges, personality disorders, OCD, ADD/ADHD, chemical dependency, parenting difficulties, self-esteem and...
I am here to offer my clinical support through life's unexpected twist and turns. I look at the challenges that people face through a systems approach. This approach treats an individual’s entire system, their family, work and relationships, as a cohesive entity. I believe that lasting and sustained change is possible. It is often vital to go back to our past experiences to understand our curre...
Your story is so much bigger than whatever brings you to therapy. I'm Dr. Kyler Shumway, and I joined the field of psychology because I know what it's like to lose momentum, to feel defeated, to be lost. I know what it's like to feel alone, like no one else can or wants to understand. I know what it's like to be tormented by the ghosts of your past. And -- I know what it's like to move forward,...
People weren't made to go through life alone. If you're struggling with depression, trauma, loneliness, or just the everyday stresses of life, it's helpful to have someone in your corner. That's where I come in. I help clients like you make peace with painful emotions, learn practical strategies for solving problems, and chart a course towards a better life. Whatever your challenges, let's face...
Is life feeling heavy? Are you in a dark place? Life events can have a major impact on us as humans. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, identity struggles, and much more can be results of these events. Most importantly, we want to make sense of these things and why this is happening to us. What comes next is the need for a safe, warm, and nonjudgmental...
My heart as a counselor is to meet my clients where they are. I believe that we are all on a journey of growth with a desire to improve our emotional health. Every once in a while we get to a place where we feel stuck and sometimes being stuck is painful. That is where a qualified therapist can come into the picture and help you identify goals and process past hurts. I strive to provide a safe...
As our changing world becomes more complex, it's important to take stock of what matters in life. When emotional struggles result in destructive behaviors, anxiety, and depression, we loose sight of our best selves. Meanwhile, seeking out help for these issues can be awkward! Your comfort in this process is my priority. Our time together will be based on your goals, your concerns, and your uniq...
Life is full of change and transition, and that means life is also full of times when we need extra support to manage the anxiety, depression, and/or distress that often comes along with it. If this sounds like you, you're in the right place. That includes moms, new and not-so-new, who are navigating the challenges of motherhood. I like to think of myself as a treatment partner, not someone who...
Are you feeling stuck? Have issues become overwhelming? Do you feel like giving up? Has your relationship or marriage lost its spark? We all have times when life seems tough. It is during those times that we need a nonjudgmental listening ear. I would love to help you! Any problem can have a positive outcome. Together, we can work through emotional pain, sadness, stress, anxiety, relationshi...
Isaac Obenzinger spent the first few years in Chicago focusing his career on improving the quality of care for those in a community hospital. He values seeing the progress that people can make through their work in therapy, and it brings him great joy to be part of the journey with them. His ideal populations to make progress with are those open and willing to explore himself or herself,...
What do you need to know about me? I have a personal belief that each person is unique and deserves to be treated with respect, listened too, and meant to feel heard and safe. It might help you to know that I am from a multi-cultural, multi-racial, blended family. Growing up in such a family has exposed me and sensitized me to experiences outside our dominant culture. I believe this makes me a...
“The value of emotions comes from sharing them, not just having them.” I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families for a number of years. I am fluent in English and Portuguese and I enjoy helping individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Clinically, I implement psychodynamic, person-centered, strength based and cognitive-behavior...
