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
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Life can throw you in different directions but you don't have to do it alone. I am a warm and dedicated therapist interested in your holistic well-being. I specialize in anxiety, life-transitions, depression, relationship issues, job performance, and low self-esteem. We will work together in digging through the rubbles of life's complexities and lead a journey of finding peace within. As a...
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Pamella Terry is a certified school psychologist and a pre-certified Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY. She is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each and every client by developing a healthy relationship together and actively listening to each client’s unique story. Her therapeutic approach and use of cognitive behavioral therapy is anchored in understanding how your past...
I help young adults from ages 18-40 years old and couples. Young adults struggle with their social life, dating, family problems, career decisions, and insecurities. You may be dating and want to improve the relationship you are in or may need guidance as to whether to end the relationship or not. You feel lonely and you want to improve your social life so you can gain healthy friendships. If y...
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Accepting new clients! Currently providing services via Telehealth only. I am passionate about working with individuals, couples and families experiencing challenges with addiction, communication, transition, feeling stuck, the impact body image and relationship, or simply having to balance the day to day of life and relationships. I believe that our thoughts, feelings and actions are interwove...
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My primary goal is to make you feel heard, seen, and understood. I help my clients tap into the resources and resiliency they already have to figure out how they can support themselves and ask for support from others. I work in a collaborative way with you to determine how you want to dig in with therapy and what works for you. You will learn to harness your existing strengths towards achieving...
Libby is an Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She holds a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an additional masters in Addiction Counseling. Libby sees children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly....
