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
Are you feeling alone and lost, possibly overwhelmed by life's many challenges, or stuck in those old habits that you can't seem to change? Life can be really hard at times and seeking support during these difficulties demonstrates a choice of strength. In therapy a genuine relationship develops between you and I so that we can collaboratively work together to overcome the obstacles that are...
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It is time for you to begin showing up for yourself. I help individuals who have spent their entire life taking care of everyone but themselves. The people who find their value by pleasing others. Unlike all the people in your life, I recognize what is really going on. I can see behind the curtain and know the nightmare you continue to live of never being enough. The story usually ends the same...
Attempting to cope with a mental health concern is often a lonely and exhausting process. Additionally, pursuing counseling can often be a difficult decision to make, but one that I believe is worthwhile. As a counselor, my role is to help support you through your healing journey and empower you to rediscover your own unique strengths and resources as a means to promote such healing. I strive t...
Experiencing sadness, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, negative self-talk, attachment or relationship issues? I offer compassion and a safe, non-judgmental space and specialize in treating diverse and multicultural individuals and those that have experienced trauma. I care about people in this community and am devoted to working together with you to increase your sense of well-being. I wo...
Dr. McBride Klein is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Certified Trauma Practioner with experience providing therapy to adults, young adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. Her priorities in therapy are placed firmly on the needs and goals of her clients, delivered through collaboration, transparency and connection. Dr. McBride Klein's therapeutic style is integrated...
Marie Kearns is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nutritionist and Reiki Practitioner who utilizes a holistic approach to support and empower clients to reach their full potential in body-mind and spirit. Marie works with pre-adolescents, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples and families helping them to successfully navigate both everyday challenges and/or significant life events. Worki...
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with adults in the Bay Area. I utilize evidence based practices stemming from an integrative approach to encourage and provide support, comfort, and productivity within the therapeutic process. I work with each client to develop healthy goals to support positive change. My expertise includes depression, anxiety, adjustment difficultie...
As a counselor, I strive to incorporate solution-focused techniques while holding space for clients to process complex emotions. I work from a narrative approach in my practice, meaning I support clients in sharing their current and past experiences as they have lived them. This approach acknowledges the many elements of an individual. I integrate body-centered approaches such as Sensorimotor...
ACCEPTING CLIENTS TO START AFTER SEPTEMBER 1st! I believe therapy is a place where individuals can go to reflect on themselves, their experiences and their struggles. I strive to create a space for clients of all ages to work through their journey of self-discovery while offering support and guidance. By working to understand the issues in front of us, I believe we are able to collaboratively...
I have been working in the field of Social Work for about 16 years. I am extremely passionate about the work I do and have always aimed to provide quality mental health services. I offer a strength-based systems approach. This includes looking at how people's environments are impacting their emotional health and also focusing on empowerment, self-advocacy, and self-care. I practice mindfulness ...
Timing is everything. At certain times in our lives, challenges arise that are difficult to cope with on our own. These challenges may be related to daily life stressors, transitions, loss or factors in our experiences that we cannot quite put our finger on. We just know that a change needs to/must happen. I offer a warm, safe and nurturing environment to discuss any issues that you may have an...
I create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are struggling with a variety of life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, marital and relationship issues, life transitions, interpersonal and communication issues, gender and sexual identity development, and problems related to school or work. My practice focuses on teens, young adults, and adults. In my work...
We are experiencing shifts in the world right now, and that can bring up many questions along with anxiety that feels out of control and can cause strain on our lives and relationships. As a trained Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist, I am passionate about working with couples to establish ways to deepen their bond and strengthen the connection they long for. Also an Eye Movement...
