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
INDIVIDUALS: Sometimes, our emotions are like a network of painful roots: buried, somehow connected, popping up everywhere. If we’ve avoided these emotions, it can be overwhelming to begin exploring them. In my work, I gently guide your journey inward - towards your authentic self - so that we can tend to this pain with care. || RELATIONSHIPS: There are points when our relationships can feel...
Do you feel heavy with despair, struggling each day to keep your head just above the darkness and dread? Does it take every ounce of energy to stay afloat? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness? Do you feel like you’re not being heard by your partner? Or not appreciated? Is there an issue surrounding a lack of faithfulness, money, being a parent, the in-law...
My experience includes working with adolescents, young adults, parents, couples, and families. Are you struggling to feel like you are enough? Are you overwhelmed with social, academic, or work pressure? Have you recently gone through a major life transition such as losing a loved one or going through a separation or divorce? Do you struggle as a parent with setting limits or are you terrified ...
"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase", MLK Jr. I believe no one wants to live in misery and the first step is asking for help. I believe in helping others to reaffirm their positivity and build on the ones that are struggles. My goal in therapy is for my clients to feel at ease and know they are not alone. To help them deal with the multitude of issues th...
I have over ten years of experience in behavioral health and have a passion for helping those in need of guidance and support. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Areas of treatment include but are not limited to; anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self esteem issues, identity conflict, Latinx concerns, multicultural concerns, first generation...
I believe the therapeutic relationship is a crucial vehicle to help us better understand ourselves and elicit change. I work hard to build a relationship where you feel deeply seen and heard. I believe therapy is helpful both for people seeking change or healing around specific issues or for those seeking an unbiased space to process day-to-day stress. I have experience working with a range of...
I specialize in palliative, grief, and redesigning end of life. I work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, societal oppression, and women’s issues. The foundation of my practice is person-centered with a multicultural lens. I incorporate spirituality when appropriate. My goal is to help clients traverse challenges, discover healthy solutions, develop resilien...
"No one is you, and that is your superpower." Reaching out for help can be challenging, but I am here to help you travel on your journey. I am willing, and will hopefully be lucky enough, to offer the support you may not have received. I listen, I observe, and I remain non-judgmental and accepting. Also, while I recognize and understand that everyone's experience are different, I am able to...
Each stage of life presents us with its own distinct set of challenges and obstacles. I believe that when we learn how to properly direct our energies to meet and then overcome these challenges in our own unique way, we develop and mature towards greater well-being, growth, wholeness, and the freedom to be who we are. Sometimes it can feel too overwhelming, confusing, or painful to undertake su...
Many of us have had to adjust to a new type of reality that has restricted our ability to connect with family, friends, coworkers, and the general population due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a cloud of uncertainty that tells us that life as we once knew it has forever shifted in how we function as a society. Social distancing has become our new normal. For many of us, this current crisis ...
I believe in a genuine partnership between a therapist and client and aim to create a safe space full of empathy and curiosity. I find myself drawn to helping people find the tools to more successfully communicate with those they hold dear. There are many unique facets to our individual lives, and each piece has helped to create the person, people, and family that surrounds us today. Approachin...
There are times in everyone's life when circumstances, challenges or inner struggles can lead them to feeling overwhelmed and alone. Talking with a caring therapist can be the support you need to feel better. It is my passion to inspire and empower people to be their most joyful and compassionate version of themselves. As a licensed psychotherapist for more than 25 years I have had the privileg...
Currently accepting patients via telehealth during Covid 19 Crisis. When life gets you down and you feel the weight of life on your shoulders. Know that there is someone to assist you with your everyday struggles. Life’s struggles come in all forms; depression, anxiety, behavioral, parental/child relationships, marital conflicts, or many more. My goal is to help you by enhancing coping skills y...
So what IS therapy? Does it mean that I am crazy? Is something wrong with me? Will I be judged? No, no, and no. Despite what our peers may tell us or what we our culture has told us, therapy provides an opportunity to process your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe place. It can be very instrumental in helping individuals work on resolving problems/issues, craft achievable goals, learn ...
Sometimes life can feel unmanageable and overwhelming. Everyone has been through times that have felt impossible, and it is my goal in therapy to help you to find a way out. I offer a strength-based approach that allows my clients to pull from their most valued characteristics in order to overcome life struggles, build self-esteem, and create an overall feeling of happiness. I believe that...
