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 know the idea of therapy can seem overwhelming or frightening at first, but you should take pride in exploring your first step. I can help ease those fears and we can work together to address whatever may be getting in your way to living a happier, more fulfilled life. Everyone needs help at times, whether it requires addressing past issues or more current problems, and therapy enables you to...
Each individual client may have similar issues but they have different needs and goals to cope with these issues. Clients can be depressed, anxious, or have issues coping with daily life stress. They want to able to talk to a professional that they can trust and share their concerns with the therapist in an accepting and comfortable environment. Clients want to feel better because they have...
In a comfortable and supportive environment, Eileen offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each clients's individual needs to help problem solve, gain insight, awareness and attain personal growth. Over 30 years of experience, Eileen has studied and integrated different treatment modalities to help clients create an environment for change and to create a more fulfilling life. Eileen...
( English | español ) Hello,my name is Jeanette Rodriguez and I am an LCSW in Illinois. I have over 20 years of experience counseling individual, couples, and groups. I am bilingual and embrace Spanish as my native language. My degree is specialized in Psychology and I have been trained in a number of treatment modalities including CBT, MI, SFBT, and DBT. My training has allowed me the opportun...
Hello! My name is Heather LaRue. I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. I obtained her Master degree from Friends University. I have worked in a variety of settings and has had the opportunity to work with clients of all ages including couples, individuals and children. I approach therapy from a strengths based family system perspective. I help each individual or family build o...
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW and LCSW), Susan has worked with women and their families around issues of pregnancy, birth and parenting since 1987. Susan counsels individuals and couples on many issues. She has in-depth experience in the areas of women and children's health including pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting issues as well as pediatric health concerns -- illness,...
You deserve to live a life in which you feel happy about waking up in the morning. Do you find that in your life, you are dealing with difficult people? Have you been hurt by loved ones playing the victim, and still focusing their anger on you? Leaving you asking what you were doing to make them feel this way? Sometimes this is the case when in a narcissistic partnership. They use gas-lighting ...
I consider it an honor to work in a healing profession, and I seek to treat people as such. I offer counseling services for adults, seniors, families, and children. I provide detailed diagnostic and therapeutic services with patience, competence, and compassion. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and approved license supervisor in the state of New Mexico. My therapy services include treatme...
Together we will identify challenges, obstacles, and barriers that stop you from evolving into the best version of your self, your family, and your relationships. Together we will establish therapeutic goals that will minimize and alleviate such challenges. You do not have to feel alone in your journey to greatness, peace, family strength, identification and self-love of your authentic self. Yo...
As a psychotherapist in New York City for 25 years, I met a lot of people with issues that seemed beyond their ability to manage alone. We all have challenges as we move forward in life and sometimes we need help. Therapy works. Try it! After relocating to California, I was asked what "city life" was like. I explained that it may seem chaotic and noisy at first but as you get to know your way...
I welcome all clients who are interested in working on any issues which are interfering with their own happiness, including issues of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexuality, gender identity, and adoption/fertility related issues. I work with each client individually to create goals that are purposeful, meaningful, and attainable. I frequently revisit treatment goals, so that client...
If you are curious, contemplative, reflective, and interested in learning why you do what you do I'm your therapist. I'll be your catalyst to explore your inner most thoughts, feelings and desires. When you understand yourself you can make informed decisions and choices that will propel you towards your goals. We are complicated souls that live in a complex world. Let me help you streamline the...
I offer support to individuals in their process of cultivating insight, deepening self-awareness and making purposeful change. With openness and compassion, we will explore inner emotional experiences, thought processes and relational patterns. I strive to support my clients in living in accordance with their most wise, easeful and connected selves. Through a deep commitment to look within, I...
Are you tired of feeling disconnected from life and those around you? Do you wonder if there is more? Do you long for deeper connections, purpose, and joy? You are here for a reason -- trust in that voice that brought you here, trust that a vibrant full life is possible. I’m here to help in your process of releasing harmful beliefs, stories and patterns that are holding you back. The process of...
