What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) » Page 1729

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

If you’re anything like me then you feel as if there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done. You check things off on your to-do-list and don’t even realize self-care didn’t make the list! You ask yourself “HOW can I take care of myself?” “WHEN can I take care of myself?” “WHY can’t someone take care of ME for once?” “WHY do I always have to be strong for EVERYONE ELSE?” If this...

Colleen Dolan

Hartford

Connecticut

Life can be a bumpy road we can often feel overwhelmed, scared, stressed, and at times alone. Therapy can be an intimidating thought but can act as a great catalyst for growth. Often we struggle to articulate our feelings in a way that can be heard which results in negative/destructive behaviors. I work hard at creating an environment in which individuals and families feel comfortable to share...

Dr. Michele Parker

Tallahassee

Florida

I strongly believe that our physical, mental, and relational health are all interdependent on one another. Whenever one of these areas develop challenges, the other aspects are affected as well. I am here to provide a collaborative, therapeutic environment to improve the overall well-being for you and your loved ones. My clinical training is in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and I have been ...

Alexandra Trusty

Mesa

Arizona

**Not currently accepting new clients until March 2021** At Encourage Empowerment, we understand the intricate emotional, psychological, and social complications associated with someone who has sustained complex interpersonal trauma. The goal of Encourage Empowerment is to provide safety, trust, and hope through a mind, body, and spirit perspective to children, adolescents, and families who hav...

Grayson Stadler

New York

New York

Grayson is a licensed clinical social worker that works as an associate therapist at the group practice of Dr. Chloe Carmichael. Grayson holds a Master of Science degree in social work from Columbia University. Grayson is a warm and engaging therapist who creates a safe environment for her clients to explore and effectively manage difficult feelings. Grayson works in partnership with her client...

Katie Benns

Salt Lake City

Utah

We’ve all experienced varying degrees of pain or trauma in our lives. Sometimes that pain, sadness or fear becomes debilitating and we find it difficult to function. You may know what is causing your distress (loss of job, end of a relationship, family problems) or you might have no idea why you’re struggling. Either way you may be feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, anxious, worried, angry or ev...
Drastic life changes, crippling anxiety, and depression influence our daily routines, well-being, and capacity to cope effectively. Throughout these struggles having a place to receive support is key. I recognize therapy can seem intimidating, but I can assure you I offer a safe space to be heard without judgment or criticism. I offer questions, reflections, and interpretations to gain a deeper...
Glade Run has a 165 year history of service to individuals in need in our communities. With a range of caring and professional client-focused therapists, we are able to help you set and reach your personal goals. With office locations in Zelienople, Butler, Beaver Falls, and Pittsburgh, Glade Run is ready and available to help. Glade Run is Sanctuary-certified, and specializes in trauma-focused...
I love working with clients who are committed to working on themselves, and who want to experience a fuller, richer life. I enjoy working with individuals as well as couples and family relationships. I believe that every individual possesses within them the ability to grow and achieve their desired goals in life. I would like to facilitate that growth and change by helping you to explore and...
As a therapist, I enjoy being a listening ear for others, and being there to assist my clients in achieving their goals. I strive to build a working and therapeutic relationship with each client who comes through my doors. Together, we’ll develop a personal treatment plan for how we can best utilize our time together and reach those goals. My office is a safe and secure place where clients can...
* EMAILS ARE RESPONDED FASTER* Purpose Driven Behavioral Health is a full service behavioral health agency licensed by the State of Nevada and certified by Medicare, Medicaid. Our staff is dedicated to helping people in a discreet and confidential manner. We provide the utmost quality of services in a comfortable and timely manner. The entire team at Purpose Driven Behavioral Health sincerely...
I have been practicing for the last 15 yrs, & help individuals cope better, specializing in providing effective support & intervention to individuals experiencing anxiety & depression. I also work with families coping with trauma & help families cope with difficult circumstances & develop more effective communication. I help individuals identify their triggers & develop effective coping strateg...

Jessica Beu

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

As a psychotherapist and yoga therapist, I help clients identify and reach their personal goals utilizing an integrative approach that includes focusing on strengths, trauma informed care, and Polyvagal Theory. Clients dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain and illness can expect a compassionate and collaborative environment to work on overcoming these challenges. Those who are...
I am a Clinical psychologist practicing in Delray Beach, Florida. I obtained my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 2016. I have experience providing psychotherapy with elder adults, adults, adolescents, children, families and groups. I have experience with a wide variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, anger management, family conflict, children's...