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
If you are stressed, anxious, depressed or having difficulties with relationships, then please reach out to me. I am a caring and supportive therapist with a strong belief that we all deserve to live happier and less stressed lives. I offer comfort, support, and validation in a safe and supportive environment. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 22 years. During this time, I...
I specialize in helping adults and elders work their way through difficult life adjustments. It can be very difficult to see your parents age, and it can be hard to be the parent that is aging. There are always many complex decisions to be made. Divorce, retirement, moving, isolation, and grief are some of the more difficult transitions. Whether suffering from loneliness, depression, anxiety,...
Please come see me even if you have tried therapy many times but still haven't given up on healing! My goal as a therapist is to have a large bag of tools for you so that we can find a technique that you respond to best. I love working with creative people, people who are suffering from anxiety, depression, conflict, people who have chronic pain despite medication adherence and people who are j...
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Kathleen South is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 27 years of social work experience. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Kathleen has extensive experience in providing behavioral health services to individuals, families, schools in the following clinical areas: Adjustment disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Sexual Trauma, Anger issues, Po...
When we sit down together, I won't tell you your problems or exactly how to fix them. My mission is to enable and empower you with the tools you need to live a life without regrets. You are not your problems, your past, your situation, or what you've heard about yourself. I am here to help you move beyond whatever is holding you back, and support you in a life you are proud of. I've worked with...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with children 5+, teens, adults, couples and families. In addition to my education I've gained life experience having grown up in a military family and traveling all over the United States as well as throughout Europe, South Africa, and Mexico. I thoroughly enjoy helping people and have a broad base of therapy...
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I work with individuals and couples on a wide range of personal, developmental, and mental health concerns. Many of my adult clients reflect on personal values, family-of-origin issues, and insights on self-esteem. My specialty areas include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and those in the military community learn to live a...
Hello! I am Jenny, a licensed professional counselor that thoroughly enjoys working with people that have a desire to grow and work toward their goals. Using a compassion and client-focused approach, I work with clients in all walks of life, going through a variety of challenges. Therapy is a relationship that involves effort from both client and therapist, and I work with my clients every step...
Often we strive to lead more fulfilling lives and yet find we are using the same "tools" that created unsatisfying relationships, stress, anxiety and self-esteem challenges. Let me support you in uncovering the "roots" of these patterns by applying evidence-based tools to develop a greater sense of self-esteem, satisfaction in relationships and a fulfilling work-life balance. As a private pract...
I understand that problems don't just happen from 9am to 5pm. For that reason I am available Monday-Friday in the evenings up until 9pm!!! I am also available on the weekends from 9-5pm. My goal is to establish a collaborative working relationship with you to determine your needs and the best approach to reaching treatment established goals. I start where you are and offer individualized...
New couples are often reluctant to seek help. Be it stigma surrounding couple's therapy or feeling like they are "not old enough," couples often wait until resentment and unhappiness have grown to distressing levels before reaching out. This has only become more true as more folx are spending time at home due to the COVID pandemic. According to relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, couples ofte...
Therapy offers a new way of being in one’s own skin. There is no other experience quite like it—two people in deep inquiry into how you can move through the world in the way you most want. I’ll companion you in thinking and feeling our way through the inner thickets of what most confounds you. We’ll clarify what’s most important to you in this life, understand exactly how you get stuck, and loc...
I am unapologetically Christian! Yet, I am open to counsel any of God’s creation Christian or not. I am able to separate my personal beliefs from my professional ethics. My desire is to use my education and life experiences to bring health and healing to the masses, while honoring our Heavenly Father through my faith and works (James 2:26). I firmly believe that God will use our trials & tests ...
