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 offer client focused counseling for late adolescence, teens, adults and mature adults 65 and over. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, Life change, relationships and family. With specific experience and expertise with individuals of all ages seeking a change in life. Things like finding your passion and life path, navigating through life, depression, emotional stress, anxiety...
***Accepting New Clients *** I know that sometimes life presents challenges that can be difficult to manage, but with the use of different therapeutic approaches, and the knowledge of human relationships and behavior, I can offer the professional support you need. We can overcome these obstacles together! I have experience in assisting families who are going through divorce or separation, paren...
I offer a compassionate and understanding approach to therapy and believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to moving forward with change and progress. A client needs to feel safe and supported so they can tell their story, untangle their emotions and find a new direction to move forward. This approach is effective to help a client with whatever their issues may be. It is based on positi...
Something seems–off. Your energy is low, or you’re staying in bed just a little bit longer. It’s easier for you to listen to your inner critic than to accept compassion and empathy. You can’t remember the last time you felt relaxed or content with yourself. It’s harder to find the words to express your emotions and experience. You don’t ask for help since you are the one that no one has to worr...
“I’m here to encourage people in their moments of hurt, confusion, and disorder. I work to enlighten them on how to use tools to begin healing and growing. I focus on empowering them as they embark on these journeys with me, so they are equipped to thrive when they are ready to navigate without me.” Clinical interests include but aren't limited to, community mental health, client...
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Do you have a sense that you have no control in your life, your thoughts, your feelings, causing you NOT to be an active participant in your own life? Do these feeling cause you to feel that you are drifting through life, becoming depressed and anxious? My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space, to walk with you on your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you...
I feel privileged that you are reading this to potentially help you, a loved one, or someone you know. I would love to join you on your journey of nurturing your emotional health. Are you the one that has been considering counseling, but keep talking yourself out of it because you have lived with many of these symptoms for so long, and think you can just keep going on with them. I am here to he...
Do you feel the weight of emotional burdens? Are you going through a major life event? Are you in a relationship that needs help? These burdens can get to the point that it feels unbearable or too difficult to manage on your own. Taking the first step toward going to counseling can be hard. My goal is to meet you wherever you are and however heavy your burdens are. I want to join you in this wo...
Depression, anxiety, panic and poor self-esteem can have a profound effect on our day to day lives. Reaching out to someone new can be difficult even when we feel our best. The courage you present by making such an important phone call is tremendous. I am honored to be able to help when you call. I currently work with Pathways Center for Learning and Behavioral Health in the Guilford and East...
Therapy is a time to appreciate and develop patterns that are healthy and fulfilling, instead of just focusing on what's going wrong. I work towards establishing a trusting relationship where together we can collaboratively create goals that address your needs. I work both with individuals and families to address symptoms in a way that sustains long term change. I always integrate tailored...
I have experience working in many different settings including city social services, in education, an outpatient clinic and within a homeless shelter. I am trained to work with children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples, and families on various issues that hinder growth and happiness. I specialize in the trauma therapy (EMDR), ABA for working with individuals on the spectrum, mindfuln...
Are you are looking to heal from past trauma, intimacy issues, or maladaptive coping skills? True recovery IS possible. It is my passion to help clients get to the roots of their concerns for lasting change. My belief is that trauma is at the core of most issues with anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders, or difficulties with sex and intimacy. Together, we can work through it. I am ...
I have found through years of professional practice and personal life experiences, the importance of connection to self,others and sustaining healthy relationships. I work best with adults, individuals and couples, who are motivated to look at their challenges and are engaged in the therapeutic process. My focus is to help people accept themselves without judgement and make desired changes to l...
I have rich experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am person-centered and focus on my client’s ability to adapt and develop as a person. I provide a safe environment for them to discover themselves and experiment with new ways of being and work through obstacles to lead fuller, more meaningful lives outside the therapy office....
I see counseling as a process in which the client and the counselor work together in achieving a safe environment of understanding, mutual respect, and trust. We work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I work with clients in a variety of formats including individual...
