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
Whether you are seeking therapy to heal past wounds or address current issues, we will work together to identify your goals and begin healing. My experience includes working with children, adolescents and families to solve problems associated with; grief and loss, abandonment, anxiety, self esteem, eating disorders, adjustment issues and lgbtq+ youth. I believe that everyone has the power to...
Jason believes that entering into counseling is one of the most courageous actions that any person, couple or family can take. He views therapy as a sacred process that requires honesty, presence, and vulnerability. He provides a warm, caring and relational style of counseling where you are free to be who you truly are, wholly accepted and genuinely cared for. He draws on attachment theory as t...
Do you find yourself struggling with relationships, codependency, identity issues, anxiety, anger, depression, or addiction? We all have struggles that hold us back, keeping us from reaching our potential. I am passionate about helping you understand and change the ingrained patterns that keep you from reaching your potential. I work using a client led, integrative, and depth oriented approach ...
Mental health plays a vital role in our quality of life and addressing our emotional well being often takes a back seat to the many demands of life. Therapy can be transformative; a vital tool. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to address anxiety, depression, adjustment issues and various forms of grief. My background is largely in healthcare with emphasis on mental health and navigating...
I am a Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider. Do you struggle with anxiety, worry, depression, obsessive thoughts, or identity issues? Do you find it difficult to communicate with your spouse, child, or parent? Have you experienced abuse or a traumatic event, or are you dealing with grief and loss? You are not alone. Taking the first step of calling a therapist to set up an appointment can feel scary...
Hi Y'all, I am a licensed clinical social worker who practices a direct-nonjudgmental approach and looks to create safe environments with all my clients. I believe in empowering clients through teaching them coping skills rooted in somatics, encouraging mastery and openness, and helping them identify personal strengths to take successful steps towards their goals. I specialize in the treatment ...
I have over 33 years’ experience in mental health, substance abuse field and a private provider for all age group, family, children, youth, adult and older adults; completed residency @ Walter Reed Hospital, received 2 public awards, was JAC Clinical Director, 15 yr FSW Adjunct Professor, overseen the 211 operation & expert in diagnostics. I teach individuals to recognize, become self-aware, wo...
Walking into a counselor's office can be a difficult first step to problem resolution. I begin by having the client describe the immediate issue and some background. Then, we set goals and methods-some of which are concrete, e.g., developing a habit of exercise and modes of coping. Addressing relationship issues is often simply a matter of helping an individual ask him or herself, "What do I ne...
"Adversity introduces you to yourself." - Dr. Dan Allender. Therapy, at its best, facilitates this introduction. My great privilege as a therapist is to participate in offering the possibility for hope, healing and flourishing. Whether you have hit a crisis, or desire to dig deeper into long established patterns, entering therapy is a courageous and exciting first step. Please visit my website ...
Individuals seek therapy to make life changes, try new behaviors, and learn to heal/grow. Often, this is precipitated by a crisis demanding such growth. I encourage clients to gather and bolster personal resources in order to address problems they are struggling with and create new ways of thinking/believing. Our work will focus on the presenting issue, previous coping attempts, related emotion...
1) There is nothing stronger than a person who has remade themselves. 2) Real strength is acquired resiliency. 3) Enjoy and stay in the present moment. These are 3 ideas (from Hannah Gadsby and others who are very smart) that inspire both my life and my therapeutic approach. I have a strong strength based and mental health recovery based approach. This provides me with the flexibility to work w...
Every child needs a nurturing environment that allows them to grow into productive adults; however, from childhood into adulthood there are times that adversity presents itself. The road can become rocky and sometimes stop with no apparent direction in which to travel. When the road is too bumpy and travel is difficult, a therapist can help by serving as guide and aid and walk with you until th...
I see myself as a holistic practitioner. Therapy with me involves working with the body as much as the mind. This can be challenging for some, but leads to long-term resolution and healing in a more complete, organic nature. Through Somatic Experiencing (SE), I have been trained to work specifically with trauma and the way in which our survival energy becomes trapped in our bodies. We embody ou...
Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues for 10 years. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives. I have two area...
**Currently Only Accepting New Clients for Perinatal Related Mental Health Concerns, Telehealth Only** My passion for psychotherapy comes from a belief that all humans need to feel connected and supported. I believe in meeting clients where they are, recognizing the individual needs and establishing a supportive relationship that encourages positive growth and change while helping clients navig...
