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 believe that every human being has the ability to be the best person they can be. Everyone struggles at different times in life, some unfortunately, more than others complicated by circumstances, situations and relationships. I work with the understanding that we get stuck around negative emotions that we tend to avoid, as they are uncomfortable, unwanted and painful. I help people explore wh...
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Hello I am John Kenner, I am a therapist and clinical social worker. I provide active behavioral counseling and therapy. My practice consists of direct clinical service including family, individual, couples, youth, adolescents , adult and elderly therapy. I use evidence based interventions, client centered therapy and life coaching. I also provide interpersonal and relationship building tools...
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( English | 中文 | 日本語 ) I believe we’re naturally good and unfortunately taught to feel shame, worthlessness, inadequacy, and the ideas of “bad” and “wrong”. I’m dedicated to providing a non-judgmental environment to support clients, explore their situations, and achieve their goals. I strive to hear and understand your feelings, past and current experiences, as well as to provide informati...
I believe that people are so close to their own life’s challenges and stressors that they often miss what is right in front of them. Therapy provides an opportunity to step back and regain perspective. I know that each individual is an expert in their own lives, and at the end of the day, only they know what is best for them. Through therapy, I create a supportive and nonjudgmental space for yo...
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