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
( English | español ) **Currently not accepting new clients** Are you looking to heal from the burnout you experience? Are you afraid it will transform into numbness, helplessness, irritability or depression? You may be feeling overwhelmed because you are the caregiver of a loved one, because you are working in the healthcare system, because you are at the mercy of unrealistic expectations from...
I am a counselor who enjoys helping others to see their potential, work through their struggles, bond families together again, and help individuals reach their personal goals! There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see someone take the courageous step to work through a difficult situation and grow in their self-esteem, self-worth, and identity. I am certified in trauma care and family...
I work with all types of couples to resolve conflict and increase emotional and physical intimacy in relationships. Clients who contact my practice are usually seeking counseling because they are struggling with a disconnected relationship, working toward healing after betrayal, having sexual difficulties, or contemplating separation. Through the use of research-supported approaches to couple...
**Accepting New Clients and seeing people via teletherapy** My job and my focus, is to help you navigate your way through any issue you are experiencing. I have been working as a therapist since I received my Master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2013. I have gained valuable experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing various issues such as; anxiety, depressio...
As, human beings, it is no surprise that we are faced with moments of happiness, sadness, challenges and even changes. As a therapist, I would like to assist you in being able to process these things, to act as a tool that you are able to utilize in order to navigate on whatever journey you have previously or currently are traveling on. I take great pleasure in assisting others find themselves ...
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to review my profile as your potential therapist/partner in creating healing and happiness in your life. My approach is rooted in the belief that we all deserve to be heard and all deserve to live our best lives. I believe that we are able to improve our emotional and mental well-being by exploring our past while focusing on our present and future. When we are...
We are all on a journey of growth and change. Are you feeling as though you need to change to create balance in your life? Reaching out for help takes courage and resilience. In my practice I strive to create a genuine, safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship with clients based in trust, empowerment, and compassion. My approach is holistic, incorporating mind and body to gain the tools to...
Hi, my name is Candice Smith and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor serving individuals in East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach to understanding who you are and what you would like to achieve. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is the trust, respect, and alliance that is created between client and...
When daily life becomes overwhelming, we often disconnect from ourselves and others. As a therapist, I believe self-discovery and insight into one’s own process is not only necessary for growth, but the purest form of self compassion. With genuine compassion and support, I aim to provide a space, absent of judgments or assumptions, in which you can tune into your true self. I primarily offer...
“There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story. ” ― Mary Lou Kownacki. We usually have good reasons for feeling the way we do. With curiosity and compassion, and without judgement, I want to see the world from your eyes. Once I meet you where you are, I can help you take steps toward living a rich, full, and meaningful life. Life brings us all kinds of challenges that can...
I am passionate about helping people discover their strengths through exploring past successes and failures. Empowering them to discover hope, and learn to recognize their strengths by exploring the source of their emotional turmoil,and then to create healthier coping skills. When we understand ourselves and why we react the way we do then we can begin to change. Change involves thinking about ...
( English | español ) In recent years there has been an increase in mental health referrals for young children (3-6 years of age). They are having difficulty in developing emotional and social skills which they need to succeed at home, day care and pre-kinder school. Parents' main complaints are that their child is having frequent "emotional meltdowns", "temper tantrums", "verbal and physical...
Counseling can assist the client in learning to communicate better in relationships, feeling more connected to the important people in his or her life, and instill a sense of hope and direction. It helps to relieve feelings of frustration, depression, or anxiety. It can also help clients gain access to the tools to change thinking, behavior and feelings to create positive outcomes. The counseli...
For over 20 years, I have worked with a diverse population of adults including those who are HIV+ and with the LGBTQ community. My style is highly empathic and non-judgmental and my approach combines elements from Humanistic and Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing and EFT. I have experience treating individuals with depression, anxiety, OCD, chronic illness, eating disorders and thos...
I am an Art Therapist (Registered - Board Certified), and Licensed Professional Counselor. I work toward internal and external hope, while also acknowledging the difficult realities and stressors that uniquely affect individuals and relationships. I use art therapy, mindfulness, client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and trauma-informed approaches to therapy. I recognize that healing and wholen...
