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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I believe that childhood interactions play a huge part in the development of psychological pain, wounds, and hurts. I am sensitive to the process of therapy and work hard to make it a safe and trusting space for you and myself to work together. The here and now interactions in the room are important and I intentionally use them to foster the healing process. Your strengths and goals are importa...
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I believe in the power of connection. Psychologist and researcher Brene Brown says, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We ge...
Kirsti Reese earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). She has specialized training as a Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), Certified EMDR...
I have been working with adolescents and young adults for 15 years. I am passionate about connecting teens and their families with resources to ensure they receive holistic care. I believe that even young teenagers can learn important skills that will support them in living healthy adult lives, and I consider the whole family unit as part of the treatment team. I am also passionate about provid...
