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
Before I became a psychotherapist, I had a career as a professional diplomat, and I served in different countries. Having been exposed to diverse cultures in the course of my life, I am particularly attuned to the varieties of narratives that shape people’s identities and relationships with self and others. In my work with each client, I aim to bring my unique personal and professional...
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Feeling connected to ourselves and others, and developing a healthy relationship to our own emotions, has a strong effect on our happiness and well-being. With a background in Emotionally Focused therapy and AEDP, I specialize in working with complicated, painful or confusing emotions that keep couples and individuals feeling stuck, disconnected and alone. My specialities include: couples drift...
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The process of healing in therapy is a journey - one that opens doors to see ourselves differently and accept ourselves more fully. It allows for there to be space to sit with our innermost thoughts and feelings as we bear witness to the courageous process towards renewal and growth. Through a safe, genuine, and empathetic therapeutic experience, my goal as a psychotherapist is to provide an...
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With over four decades of experience as a Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Lentchner brings a broad and varied experience to the therapeutic relationship. Although he has studied and utilized many theoretical outlooks and techniques, he believes strongly in shaping his methodology around the needs of his clients rather than attempting to mold the clients into his theoretical formulations. Throughout ...
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I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in addiction treatment. Therapy provides a safe place to discuss issues and collaborate on ways to work towards your goals. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I am dually licensed as an MFT and Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Feel free to contact me by email or phone with any questions you may have. Offering...
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I am dedicated to compassionately alleviating suffering so that you can recover your most grounded, confident, and healthy self. Feeling greater ease in life, career, and relationships is attainable. Chronic stress, difficult relationships, loss, systemic oppression, trauma, and abuse can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Therapy heals by reducing self-doubt, enhancing insight, and...
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Chicago Pride Center is committed to providing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and gender expansive folx and their allies a road to recovery in a safe, affirming environment through evidence-based substance use, sexual health, and mental health treatment. Our highly trained, skilled and culturally sensitive staff understands the complexities of experience and identity in the LGBTQ/GE...
