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
There are times in life where people will seek counseling because they feel disconnected in their relationships, are struggling with difficult situations and emotions, or long to live a life that feels meaningful, satisfying and authentic. Counseling can help you navigate through this transformative time in your life. I am prepared to help you navigate through this transformation. My therapeuti...
Wild Sage Counseling, LLC
Denver
Colorado
Authenticity. Intention. Connection. Integrity. These are foundational principles that I cultivate in my therapy practice. Drawing from my background in Ecopsychology and Transpersonal Psychology, I believe in the interconnectedness of all things, and see the basic goodness in every being. I will join you in your exploration of expansion with an open and collaborative approach. I bring my passi...
Blackbird Counseling, LLC
Denver
Colorado
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor. For the past seven years, I have helped adult individuals and groups heal from mental/behavioral health issues and substance addiction utilizing a variety of evidence-based practices. My approach focuses on cultivating self-acceptance & self-love, learning how to heal through traumatic and difficult experiences to f...
Every child can benefit from extra support while coping with all the demands on their time and energies. Families by any definition are increasingly challenged to respond effectively when children and adolescents act out. Beginning with what is working, I help families build on their strengths and find ways to improve connections, communicate with purpose and regain a sense of belonging. Within...
We all have problems; how we manage them is what defines us. I work with you to help you navigate your life with as much grace as possible. Using a variety of techniques and tools, personalized for your needs and your personality, I can assist you with finding your strengths and building on what you already excel at. The roadblocks you face, the difficulties life throws at you, they can be turn...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive work with teenagers, individuals, families and couples counseling. I have been trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy. I feel that seeking therapy shows tremendous inner strength and character! I feel it is an honor to walk with people in part of their journey of life where they may need some extr...
Carmen Smith
Dallas
Texas
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I believe life is a process which is continually changing. My goal is to help clients get though these challenging times in life by providing effective counseling approaches. By aligning the client’s goals with the proper treatment plan we can work together to overcome some of life’s personal circumstances. Having open and honest communication between client and counsel...
BRINK OF BREAKUP OR DIVORCE; INFIDELITY; PARTNER BETRAYAL; DECEPTION, LIES, SECRECY; NARCISSIST TRAITS; CODEPENDENCY; TOXIC LOVE ATTACHMENT: Can you bounce back and heal from partner infidelity or betrayal? Can you feel better and rebuild trust again? Can your relationship or marriage become stronger and more connected after the devastating discovery of infidelity and betrayal? ABSOLUTELY!...
While the counseling process can be both scary and beautiful, I seek to provide compassionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated counseling services. I strive to create a non-judgmental, safe, and empathetic environment. My hope is this environment and our therapeutic alliance is conducive to one’s exploration of his or her own experience in which I will explore WITH you. Also, my therapy dog *in...
Are you looking for greater joy and satisfaction in your personal relationships and professional achievements? I am a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience. I am a graduate of The Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. I am a graduate of the Washington Square Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, The Group Therapy Training Program of the Post Graduate Center ...
Virginia Cox Evans
Louisville
Kentucky
For over 30 years I have been treating depression, anxiety & addictions with a specialty in eating disorders. I'm a founding fellow for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy and also integrate other strategies in helping my patients actualize their full potential. I provide individual, marital, family, and group therapy. From adolescence to later life years, I help clients improve their physical,...
Christine Mia Kerno
Minneapolis
Minnesota
I specialize in trauma focused EMDR, substance use issues, and the care and treatment of the LGBTQIA community including transgender folk. I have developed a practice serving this very vulnerable and under-served population including trans women of color. As a male to female transgender person and a mental health professional I provide culturally specific services to the LGBTQIA community. I am...
Do you feel alone in your struggle? Are the circumstances in your life triggering stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of overwhelm? Or, maybe the problems you are facing involve watching a loved one endure a hardship, and it has left you feeling stuck, frustrated, and helpless. Regardless of the circumstances you are facing, it is important to know that you are not alone. Seeking help take...
You feel stuck, repeating the same patterns no matter how hard you try. And you try - try hard to do better, forgive, heal, and move forward. However, too often you end up right back where you started. It's hard to trust people, and when you do you often end up hurt. During the day, you feel you are in a constant fog and find it difficult to make decisions or meaningful connections. At night, y...
Hello! I am Dr. Sonya Park and I am a licensed clinical psychologist who is deeply invested in the growth and healing of my clients. I understand the pains in life of feeling stuck, lost, unseen, or feeling alone despite much efforts for change, and partner with my clients to find clarity, understanding, and healing. Having had the opportunity to work with many different clients (children to th...