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 enjoy working with both adults and adolescents in a way that assists them in gaining greater self-understanding and compassion. Ultimately, I hope to help each client find a path to a more genuine and integrated way of being with others. I bring curiosity and a fresh look to each client, addressing them where they are in the moment. I see psychotherapy as a collaborative effort between therap...
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I believe that it is necessary to interact with clients as feeling, thinking, and embodied beings; therapy must address each person holistically and relationally in all aspects: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. Therapy can help us make sense of our selves, our world, our relationships, our personal stories and the paths we take - other words, how to live life as our best, fulfilling selves...
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Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to join you on your journey towards healing. I am a New York City native and practicing licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board of Behavioral Sciences Approved Clinical Supervisor, an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapist approved Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Fellow. I have over 10 years of clinical experience as an outpatient...
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**Inpatient detox services & Hybrid Intensive Outpatient Program available (In person or virtual) ** “Your present and your future can be brighter than your past. And I want to help you make that your reality!” Through a therapeutic and collaborative approach, I work with a variety of clients, including both individuals and families. Using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy,...
My goal is to provide you a safe, confidential space where you genuinely feel supported and heard as you to navigate through challenges you are currently experiencing. I hold the belief that you are the expert of your life and as a therapist it is my role to support you as you identify problems/goals that you would like to work on in therapy. Since 2005 I have worked with clients struggling wit...
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Clearwater Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, was founded by Elizabeth Kovacs, LCSW, in 2019 as a place of support for adults coping with the stress of caregiving, parenting, chronic illness, and family tension. Located on the shores of Lake Norman, Clearwater Counseling seeks to be a place of comfort and affirmation where teenagers, adults, and senior citizens can find solutions and healthy copi...
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I use an integrative approach to therapy, which means I don't practice just one specific type of therapy; instead, I choose the approach that I think best fits your needs, utilizing research-based tools. I pride myself on being direct and genuine, warm and non-judgmental. I focus on a wide variety of issues, including, but not limited to, stress, dating, relationship and family issues, sex, and...
My name is Tina Stewart. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist having received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Simpson University, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University. I have been licensed with the State of California since 2015. I have extensive experience working with children of all ages and their families. I also have experience working with...
