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
"It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried" (Rogers, 1961). Therapy is an important place to explore many different areas within a person’s life. As a trained trauma-informed therapist, I hope to foster a comfortable, open-minded, trusting, and understanding environment to explore and process those areas. I...
Being trapped in the throes of addiction, relational conflict, trauma, and crippling shame can seem so scary, lonely, and hopeless. It is heartbreaking to envision the person we wanted to become or the relationships we desired to have, but the messiness of life circumstances has made both of these things feel out of reach. We so desperately want to be known and seen for the beautiful, unique,...
For the past ten years I have been working with people with a wide range of mental and physical diagnoses, of various ages, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I focus on working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, life transitions, relationship patterns, and family dynamics in a safe and client directed way. I utilize evidence based practices and empathetic car...
I am a licensed art therapist and I am passionate about the healing qualities of the creative process. Not only does art help us express difficult or confusing emotions, it can act as an incredible tool for gaining personal insight. I offer both traditional talk therapy and art therapy techniques specific to achieving your goals. I have extensive experience working with individuals affected by...
Triad Child & Family Counseling, PLLC is a specialty practice dedicated to providing counseling and consultative services to children, adolescents and their families. We are focused on the family. Childhood and adolescence is time of tremendous growth and change, with a multitude of opportunities to learn. Often times during development, children and teens need support adapting and navigating...
Are you wishing for peace and deeper connection in your relationships? Are you noticing patterns in your life that need to shift? Or maybe you have a vague sense that something is just not as it should be? There's no need to feel defeated – change is possible. And you don’t need to endure these challenges on your own. I can help you explore the patterns that are creating barriers in your life, ...
I am passionate about working with women identified individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, stress, depression etc. I work best with individuals who are motivated to make positive changes in their lives but are feeling "stuck". Using a gentle and collaborative approach, we will find ways to move past these road blocks and get you back to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. My...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Big pat on the back; you have taken the first step to seek therapy for yourself or a loved one. I am here to provide a safe space where you can speak openly about what is making you feel stuck in your life. I will be here for you with a practice guided by humanism and respect. I utilize an eclectic approach to counseling, depending on what my client might need. Whether ...
I have experience working with a variety of populations who struggle with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress management, and relationship issues I am dedicated to providing clients a safe and collaborative space to navigate through obstacles they are facing. I use a client-centered therapy approach, along with psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques ...
Feeling stuck, helpless, or hopeless? I love to help people uncover and utilize their strengths to be able to tackle the emotional challenges they are facing. There is an absolute benefit of feeling heard and assessing what needs to be changed to get out of the discomfort one is experiencing. I have a solution-focused and holistic approach to the therapeutic process that incorporates physical,...
( English | Português | español ) Your relationship is not working. Infidelity and lack of trust are a threat and you lack clarity on what to do. Part of you wants to stay, part of you wants to walk out. Or maybe you struggle with a traumatic past that is bringing you so much anxiety and need help moving forward. On top of that, you are overwhelmed with so many commitments, family dysfunction, ...
Life can be incredibly painful, and at times we can find ourselves confused, lost, anxious, and seemingly alone. We cannot have a pain-free life, but there are ways of managing the issues in our lives that help us be more present, connected to our values, and fulfilled in that which we do. Whether it is anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or trauma, there are ways to respond to these so t...
I strive to provide a warm, safe environment in which you can feel safe to share and process current experiences and past experiences that may be causing difficulty to your system. I believe that positive experiences and relationships are central to trauma recovery and are important to general well-being. I believe that psychotherapy is a journey of self-discovery. I believe treatment is a...
My goal is to help you feel empowered to live a more authentic, connected, and joyful life. I am a licensed psychologist providing individual therapy for adults. I love helping people who are experiencing stressful life transitions, difficulties in relationships, problems with work-life balance, poor self-esteem, perfectionism, and loss (including death of a parent). I work with many people who...
Are you a busy young professional with competing priorities? You are responsible and don't want to let anybody down, yet, you are tired. Finding it increasingly hard to focus. Now to add to the feelings of anxiety and depression, the pandemic and wildfires/smoke are messing with your normal wellness routines. You want to get back on track, and feel better. To gain back more joy and peace. You a...
