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 work with couples, individuals, and families who want to live a life in line with what they value. Too often we feel down, depressed, or anxious because how we are currently living does not line up with what we value. I help guide clients to a values aligned life.
It can be draining to continuously put your energy into momentarily being “okay” until the next crisis comes along. Acknowledging and accepting who you are while desiring and striving for self-improvement is possible. The journey to self-compassion and self-love looks different for everyone. For some, we may not even know who it is we are loving in the first place.
Kori Hennessy specializes in relationship, trauma and sex therapy in MN. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist and Certified EMDR therapist. She offers both tele-health and in person options in Minneapolis, MN. She also offers EMDR consultation and Supervision for Marriage and Family Therapists. Please visit her website for more information.
Kristin Harper LMFT provides in-person and online therapy for individuals and couples in Vancouver WA and Portland OR. Kristin is a relationship and trauma therapist who helps people move from places of suffering and disconnection into places of well-being and belonging. Kristin has over 15 years experience and is trained in cognitive, emotional and somatic approaches including Internal Family ...
New Reflections Counseling, Inc was founded in 2012 by Lisa Abrotsky who is committed to providing a better tomorrow for all individuals and families. She and her team of knowledgeable therapist provide assistance to individuals suffering from a variety of relational issues, such as anxiety, depression, family issues, and marital distress. New Reflections Counseling has a combined experience of...
Idigo Forensic and Clinical Psychology, is a boutique private practice providing cutting edge psychological intervention. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or stress, or are looking to improve relationships, and for personal growth, our interventions are tailored to treat the whole person. We are trained in a variety of interventions, and design a treatment plan that is tai...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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…
