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
Are you tired of struggling with your mental wellness on your own? We all have ups and downs in our lives. But wouldn't it be great to feel a reassuring undercurrent of serenity and resilience, no matter what is happening in your outer world? What you want is equanimity, and the way to get there is by turning your focus inward, and embodying the courageous leader of your own internal family of...
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You have it all together. At least, that’s how you present to others. Inside is a different story. You doubt yourself. You spiral into self-criticism and negative self-talk. You know certain behaviors and ways of thinking are problematic, yet you’ve brushed them off for years. Lately, you worry (and maybe even panic) that this is how it’s always going to be and that you won’t attain the things ...
In person and online appointments available. Online appointments go to our website and clink on the link for your provider to access your provider at you scheduled appointment time. I care about all my patients and want to help you any way I can. I have learned a variety of modalities to better help with all issues. Give me a call. I will work to ensure you become the individual you want to...
I enjoy working with individuals of all ages in individual, couples, or family therapy. I offer my services in person in offices in the Pill Hill area of Oakland and in Walnut Creek as well as via teletherapy on a secure platform. I have evening and weekend sessions available. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with training in a variety of therapeutic modalities. I prefer to adjust my style...
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Dr. Katherine Helm is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 24 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and groups in multiple clinical settings including college counseling, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, and private practice. She is the author of multiple books on working with couples and sex education for high school and college students and is also...
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I believe that each of us struggles to find meaning and connection. Although others tell us that the solution is simple, change is difficult. We often become discouraged that we do not have the power to create the life and relationships we long for. My job as your therapist is to instill confidence and equip you with skills to create a life where your problems no longer manage you. Life will ne...
I believe that therapy is a bridge that connects our psychological and emotional health and brings us back to the best version of ourselves or the person that we desire to be. If we are given the tools and the support to overcome stressful situations, relationships, and manage everyday tasks, we can grow and succeed in ways that we are unable to alone. As a therapist, it is my goal to equip my...
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Healthy relationships promote happiness, security, success, and even physical health! Moreover, healthy relationships lay the foundation for future relationships, so how you interact with your spouse and your child will impact your child's future relationships. I work with both families and couples on improving their relationships by building trust and open communication. Much of my work has be...
My approach is to empower clients through difficult times of their life, by teaching them the skills of self-compassion and vulnerability. I work with all individuals who feel overwhelmed by life and I am prepared to be there for them no matter what. I believe all people are deserving of unconditional support and compassion and I am prepared to give that unconditional support to all of my clien...
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I work with adults and children as young as six years old. I work primarily with anxiety, depression, trauma, and military issues however I have worked with various issues. I use variety of treatment methods including DBT, CBT, art therapy, and animal therapy to best serve the client and help them treating the source of the issue not just the symptoms. I try to help the client resolve whatever...
