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 AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Please check back in the future as this may change. ] I treat adults and my specialties include mental health disorders, anxiety related disorders, relationship difficulties, codependency, grief/loss, trauma, gender issues and general life challenges. I offer a blended treatment style which includes but is not limited to strength based treatment,...
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My approach to the therapeutic relationship is one of compassion, openness, and focus on all facets of each individual or relationship. I believe the honoring of our most authentic and vulnerable selves is what brings us the most clarity, and frees us of our shame, fear, and doubt. We are able to show up more fully in our lives and relationships when we take a holistic approach to our healing, ...
Currently accepting clients. If seeking support, please complete the request initial intake form at https://healingrootsmh.com/request-initial-appointment. I specialize in working with anxiety disorders, adolescents with a range of challenges/explorations, as well as those who identify as LGBTQIA+. I has worked with clients with a large array of diagnoses including anxiety and depression,...
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I help you approach the pain and problems in your life and move forward with greater wholeness. Emotional healing and personal growth are hard work. My office is a safe, comfortable place to talk and learn about yourself. I am a careful listener with a trauma-informed, intelligent and compassionate approach to therapy. I work with individuals and couples who feel stuck and treat adult clients w...
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I like working with individuals with a wide array of problems including: depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, relationship problems, behavioral disorders, substance abuse, impulse control problems, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, family problems, life skills deficits, and problems with decision-making. I have an eclectic approach and I am skilled at cognitive-behavioral therapy, interperso...
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I am devoted to guiding those that are called to improve their lives, whether it is to become the first in their family to be a college graduate, to rise to the challenge of becoming a professional in their field of choice, or to overcome years of negative self esteem. My clients want to find positive connection with themselves, their partners, their families, and communities. My clients have...
Psychotherapy is most commonly sought in response to pain caused by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, compulsions, relationship troubles, low self-esteem, and dissociation. Many people are surprised to learn that symptoms point the way to emotional skills that are yet to be sufficiently developed. Developing these skills occurs as we shift our orientation to exploring experience rather than...
I believe a client innately possesses the strengths necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life. My goal is to foster those strengths and help clients develop individualized coping strategies to take on life’s challenges. I encourage children and adolescents to explore emotions, social skills, and strengths in a safe environment. Through a therapeutic relationship with the client and their...
