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
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Helping others achieve long lasting emotional stability is my main goal as a therapist. If your past experiences in psychotherapy have primarily been handled with just compassionate listening and support, you will most likely experience a re-occurring event that will have you forever returning to counseling. Weather your issues are related to life transitions, life stressors or emotional distre...
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Angela is the Co-Founder of Noyau Wellness Center and has been practicing for almost 20 years as a Counselor, Life Coach, and Business/Executive Coach. She has expertise in Couples Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, and Grief Counseling among other mental health areas.
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I am a virtual teletherapy business providing counseling services throughout the state of Iowa and nature-based therapy (walk and talk therapy) in the Dubuque, IA area.
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Breanna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys supporting those through an attachment and trauma-informed lens. Providing support and creating safety for individuals in their healing journey, and support and knowledge for parents in navigating the demands of care.
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I am a long time resident of Gillette with many ties to the community. I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2007 for Kaplan University and worked in the field for several years. In 2009, I returned to school to pursue my masters in counseling. In May of 2013 I graduated for Walden University with my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a licensed professional…
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I am a long time resident of Gillette with many ties to the community. I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2007 for Kaplan University and worked in the field for several years. In 2009, I returned to school to pursue my masters in counseling. In May of 2013 I graduated for Walden University with my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I am currently a licensed professional…
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At Amayesing Skillz LLC we acknowledge the tremendous pressures of life and look forward to helping you find God’s answers to the challenges you or your child my be facing. God’s Word states, “He has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him…” 2 Peter 1:3-4. We recognize His Word as living and life sustaining as well as practical for instruction in dealing…
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My name is Barek Sharif. And it is an absolute pleasure to meet you! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I have worked with individuals, couples, and families to develop healthy and lasting relationships. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, communication, unconventional life circumstances, or what words cannot describe – I am here to support you. Our sessions are about ...
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My goal and life purpose is to provide individualized and compassionate care to adults, teenagers, and families in emotional crisis.
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Thank you for taking this first step toward improving your mental and emotional well being. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been in private practice for over 15 years. I work hard at creating an office atmosphere that is relaxed and casual. I work from the assumption that you are the expert on your life. I want you to set and achieve goals, enhance coping skills, manage...
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I believe everyone has a right to be heard. I don’t believe people are “broken” or need to be “fixed.” Marriage and Family Therapists view “the problem” as the way individuals interact or communicate. I see each client as a unique individual embarking on a journey to explore alternatives to their current life. Negative life events lead to unexpected plot twists, but every human struggle makes y...
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I am passionate about working with teens and young adults as they explore and become the adults they want to be, assisting them in setting good boundaries and finding ways to safely express themselves while being and growing into productive members of society.