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 IN-PERSON AND TELEHEALTH SESSIONS! Whether you feel like you’re struggling with handling your emotions, experiencing contention, have feelings of being stuck, or if you just want to see change in your life, a fulfilling path is possible for you. My goal is to make therapy a safe place where closeness, trust, joy, fulfillment, and authenticity can be built in the way you need it. I work...
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Hi, I'm Jeffrey Spike, AKA Spike the Psych. I have been a licensed educational psychologist since 2012, while working full time for LAUSD. I was the recipient of the Los Angeles Association of School Psychologists (LAASP) Outstanding Psychologist of the Year award. With 14 years of experience as a psycho-educational assessor, Spike the Psych has successfully identified the primary strengths and...
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I have been in private practice since 2005. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution therapy, mood disorders, behavior modification, anxiety, personality disorders, grief & loss, addiction, postpartum issues, divorce/blended families, & also have a therapy dog for those that may be fearful of starting therapy or have difficulty engaging in sessions....
I believe that we as individuals inherently hold the wisdom of who we are and what we need. As life happens we can forget the powerful beings we innately are and lose our sense of self. Sometimes we may fragment parts of ourselves due to relationships, insecurities, societal expectations, trauma and more. My goal is to create a warm and trusting environment to help you gain insight into why you...
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