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
Everyone has a story....and the chapters in it are determined by the choices we make. With the right tools, support, and encouragement, we can make the later chapters into a bestseller! Welcome to the Man-Up Counseling and Mentoring Centers, where we specialize in cultivating the formative, developmental years, of your child's story. Borrowing from the philosophy of the late Frederick Douglas; ...
I am a licensed psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience working with adult individuals, couples, and families across various treatment settings. Therapy is a powerful tool for clarifying goals, improving organization, defining values, and finding direction in one’s life. Specializing in treatments rooted in psychodynamic theory, I collaborate with my patients, empowering them to...
Once again, you hold back the tears and act like everything is okay. Deep down you wish someone would see that you’re not. Maybe if people knew what you’ve been through, they’d stop telling you to just think positive. Perhaps you don’t even realize that you have been traumatized. You just know you need help because the anxiety is overwhelming and you’re tired of fighting hopeless thinking and...
*Now Accepting New Clients during COVID-19 for Telehealth* You know yourself better than anyone. You know your challenges, your situation, your relationships...of course you do, you're the one living it. You're just trying to find someone that can help you out of this rough patch. And now with this COVID situation, you're feeling stuck, anxious, stressed out more than usual, and it is really...
After many years practicing, I continue to provide a safe space to explore concrete steps for life improvement. Through our collaboration, we will work to identify those obstacles creating distress. My approach is to mobilize our capacity for change as well as to understand our fears in doing this. We feel more hopeful as we are empowered to shift our understanding, attitude or behavior. Whethe...
It is perfectly normal for individuals, couples, and families to experience problems at various times, and therapy can be very useful in helping to navigate life’s trials and transitions. I believe that everyone possesses abundant natural strengths and resiliencies to draw from to achieve goals and move closer to a preferred life. I help clients with many issues, including anxiety, depression,...
Have your emotions, thoughts, or behaviors made it difficult to meet your full potential? Psychotherapy (also known as ‘talk therapy’) works best when it is tailored to the individual’s needs. I am trained in a range of evidence-based psychological techniques to treat your needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I work with my clients to...
Welcome! I'm so glad you've found yourself here. When complex trauma and PTSD symptoms interrupt the rhythm of your life, establishing a safe connection is the first and foremost goal of treatment. With warmth, creativity, a sharp diagnostic mind, and proven effective treatments, I offer a soft place to land and share your story. I enjoy using a natural curiosity to help clients understand...
You are entitled to joy, love, and fulfillment in your personal life, relationships, and profession. I aim to help my clients improve their relationships, learn effective communication, and develop self-compassion by being present to them with warmth, empathy, and genuineness. Whether you are entering therapy to process and heal from the challenges you face, or to enhance your life and thrive, ...
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I specialize in LGBTQ, men's, and child/adolescent issues....
*CURRENTLY PERFORMING REMOTE TELEHEALTH THERAPY VIA COMPUTER OR SMARTPHONE* *ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR WAITLIST ONLY.* The decision to begin therapy is a significant one, whether the help you need is substantial or you’re in need of a simple sounding board. Please reach out knowing that I am prepared to help in many various circumstances. My approach is generally collaborative and focused on...
CURRENTLY NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS: Life can present many challenges. Most of the time, we can successfully handle the trials and tribulations of daily living; but occasionally we get overwhelmed. To help cope and feel much better, sometimes a professional can help sort and shed light on the elements that caused these challenges. In the process, we not only learn more about ourselves but find the...
Currently doing teletherapy. Your needs and story are unique and your therapy should be too. Together we can find the right kind of therapy for you, to help you thrive rather than just get by. Whether you’re suffering deeply, experiencing relationship conflict, confused about who you are and how to be true to yourself, unable to connect with others, or bored and uninspired, I’d like to hear you...
Need a space to connect that is safe & calm? Do you feel unable to take that next step alone? I get it. Our days can be full of emotional rollercoasters or at times simply be numb and without meaning or hope. I offer a place to rest, consider, and carefully address hurt in body, mind, and spirit. With evidenced-based treatments that are holistic, the changes you have been hoping for can happen....
Growing numbers of adolescents, adults, and families are dealing with issues stemming from anxiety, depression, lack of connection, finding purpose, grief, and loss of control in an ever-changing world. Therapy can look a lot of different ways, but most importantly it is an hour of time dedicated to getting to know yourself and building a meaningful future. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worke...
