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 help people connect and grow in relationships. I help couples and families find their way through the difficulties of being in relationship when the uncertain, the unexpected, and the uninvited threaten to unravel the very fabric that would otherwise get them through it. Things like dealing with past trauma or family issues, coming out, getting married, having a child, addiction, a diagnosis,...
My approach to therapy is to promote proper care of our bodies for optimal health and functioning. I work with individuals, couples, and families to encourage this balance in pursuit of physical and mental health. I work with clients who want a personalized approach to living life in a way that allows them to be the best kind of person they can be through all dimensions of wellness. I believe t...
My focus is helping teens & young adults work on anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship problems, stress & overwhelm, conflict and anger management. I help my clients gain strength through encouraging, uplifting and empowering sessions while offering concrete clinical tools. I enjoy building connection through nonjudgmental active listening. My focus is helping clients gain clarity so t...
Peace is not something we are born with, but rather something we need to work at to achieve. To some extent, I believe we all want some form of peace in our lives in order to have clarity and make sense of things. So allow me help you. I'm not claiming to know everything, but I will offer you a different perspective and not just tell you things you want to hear. When you visit me, we will work...
My goal is to provide a warm, welcoming environment that allows clients of all backgrounds to feel comfortable so that they can change from the inside out. We can do this together by focusing on the impact of honesty, the difficulty of being vulnerable, and the tendency to focus on our failures instead of small victories. As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, I'm eager to encourage posit...
Megan Komatsu, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her master's in social work from San Diego State University. She is trained in several treatment modalities and specializes in the treatment of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues,...
I understand that change is not easy. We all face challenges in life, and I believe that we are more capable of overcoming those challenges with support. Whether you, or your child, or your family are facing relationship conflicts, depression, anxiety, or a significant life event, my goal is to guide my clients toward positive change. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young...
My focus is to build a space that brings trust, understanding and compassion into the counselor/client relationship. I utilize a variety of counseling approaches. I have experience working with clients of all ages and in all seasons of life. I believe that growth and healing are possible for anyone who is willing to pursue change....
You may be looking for a safe space to process trauma, explore your identity, cope with relationship difficulties, and/or reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms. No matter what has brought you to my office, my fundamental values do not waver: You are a complex individual who does not fit into a box. You are a whole person, and I will meet you where you are at in your process. My...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families in both community mental health centers and school settings. I take on a holistic and relational treatment approach in my practice, utilizing evidenced-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Strength Based, Family...
As a counselor, I find value in first identifying and connecting with clients as a means of building a foundation of trust and respect. I believe in meeting clients where they are on an emotional level. Clients are the experts of their own lives, and there are moments in life when we all face challenges. Change can be difficult, but I believe it's attainable with the proper guidance, support an...
Currently seeing clients with challenges in couples counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy Dynamic practice, which assists in illuminating the shadows of self while finding a new and authentic purpose driven life that reflects Your version of peace, success, happiness (cannot promise love but will help you discover ways to care for yourself more). We can and will help... ...
The emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic of a nature unprecedented in our lifetime, presents unique psychological and existential challenges including: (1) The Reality of Impermanence; (2) The Importance of Human Connection; (3) Humility; (4) The Frailty of Societal and Governmental Infrastructure; and (5) The Reexamination of Central Values. Opportunity arises out of crisis. I believe that th...
We are currently accepting individuals for telehealth. MENTOR's outpatient clinic is an expansion of our community-based, trauma-informed services and is designed to serve individuals and families at all levels of need. Our experienced clinicians use evidence-based therapies to support children and families by providing individual, couples and family therapies. We meet individuals where they ar...
In my work with you I will offer a safe, nonjudgmental space as we explore and identify what you would like to work towards. I enjoy working with individual adults and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, lack of fulfillment in life, and difficulty with transitions or making important decisions. I believe people can make positive changes in their life. Through developing a safe,...
