What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Emily Bird Cohen

Saint Louis

Missouri

*I am not currently accepting new clients.* In my practice, I welcome people from all walks of life and have had the privilege of working with a diverse clientele. I offer a compassionate demeanor, nonjudgmental attitude, and a safe environment for processing. Sometimes we need to take a “deep dive” into our history to figure out why things are the way they are. Other times, we need to learn...
I specialize in supporting clients who struggle with feeling connected to themselves and their loved ones, who feel lost, overwhelmed, or stuck. Low self-worth/esteem, unresolved pain or relationship issues, guilt, shame, and beliefs that keep you small, can be hard to change on your own. They often lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, over-functioning/perfectionism, or shutting down...
Clients use our time together to gain clarity, direction, and momentum. Through combining the best of contemporary philosophies with evidence based therapies, clients can address life satisfaction, modern relationships, gender identity, sexuality, infidelity, spirituality and more. My experience as a member of the LGBTQ community informs how I help clients learn to live unapologetically and wit...

Calli Cox

Murfreesboro

Tennessee

Feeling like you can no longer handle what life is throwing at you is one lo the loneliest and most isolating feelings. Feeling like you need help to do something about those feelings is terrifying. But, reaching out is one of the bravest and most courageous things you can do. I am here to reach back and help you along your journey of living a full life. I approach therapy with the understandin...
[ 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,...

Axis Mundi

Atlanta

Georgia

Please note I am NOT a therapist. I'm a Clinical Hypnotherapist as well as a spiritual guide. Most of my clients come to me when they feel stuck in their lives. Some come to me when they are searching for more meaning. And a few come to me when they feel like something is being activated for them, some great change, and they need help navigating that. My business is called Axis Mundi for that...
You're a badass go-getter, motivated by working towards your life's goals, but something feels stuck or slows your progress. Your life is mostly together, but you're dealing with anxiety, low-self esteem, or negative self-talk pretty regularly. Maybe you feel like it's hard to form relationships with others around you. There's a chance social media makes you feel you're not good enough. Maybe y...
Do you feel constantly overwhelmed by the stress and heartbreak of everyday life (especially during COVID)? Does the pain you see at work, at school, or in your personal relationships threaten to steal your capacity for joy and peace? Have you experienced profound loss or trauma that makes it difficult to believe in any good in the world? Mark Epstein writes, "When we stop distancing ourselves...

Marissa Miller

Salt Lake City

Utah

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,...
As a parent, you are constantly facing new challenges - welcoming new children into the world, helping them be the best they can be, and trying to manage your life on top of all of that. Your relationship has fallen by the wayside. You're stressed to the max. You feel like all you're doing is yelling but no one is listening. Listen: it does not have to be this way if you don't want it to be. Yo...
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...
Thank you for the opportunity to partner together on your personal growth, relationship, family, or overall mental health goals. I work with individuals, adolescents, and couples to help provide new perspectives, realistic goal setting, resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts, and restore a more balanced way of managing stress. I am committed to providing a positive, accepting environment...

Russell Johnson

Tucson

Arizona

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...