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 struggling with anxiety, disordered eating, depression, trauma, loss, or a life transition? Is your child struggling to adjust to new life circumstances that have brought on behavioral concerns? Life brings challenges and with those challenges comes opportunity for growth. If you are ready to embark on a new path towards self-discovery, I am here to offer guidance and the skills for...
Rebecca comes to Fourth Dimension Counseling with years of experience working with individuals and families impacted by addiction. Her clinical training includes specialties in chemical dependency, trauma and sex addiction. Rebecca has been in recovery herself for over 15 years and understands firsthand the pathway to long-term recovery. The combination of her clinical training and her personal...
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Aloha! Thank you for considering me to work alongside with you in your journey towards self-discovery and positive well-being. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii and in California. I received a Master of Arts degree in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis) from Pepperdine University and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Hawaii School of Professional Psychology. My...
******UPDATE-Meet Beau my new addition to my practice. He is 11 weeks and is currently in training to become a part of the therapeutic experience. Thoughout my career, I have enjoyed and excelled at empowering my clients to live better and more meaningful lives. I guide my clients to focus on their inner growth and self development, which in turn creates more purpose and balance in their lives....
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Hello and welcome! I am a strengths-based therapist who works collaboratively with children and their families to recognize their strengths and build upon them. I have experience working in residential treatment facilities working with youth in foster care. During those years I developed a deep passion for helping children work through their struggles, as well as provide an additional positive...
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Congratulations on taking this step! Knowles Consulting and Psychological Services was founded by Licensed Psychologist, Dr Odessia Knowles. It is our belief that life has a way of challenging us to grow. We believe in providing support and guidance as people navigate through those spaces of growth. Services provided include therapy, consultation, trainings, speaking engagements, supervision, a...
I have a genuine love for helping my client discover and make the changes they would like or need to make. As a therapist I am open and honest with my clients and work with humility to establish trust. I feel confident helping my clients work through various issues that come up. Individuals, relationships, as a parent or work related, I have worked with teens and adults. Currently I specialize ...
Life is full of joy and pain. And now may be a time in your life when pain is felt more strongly; the pain from worry, hurt, loss, failure, disconnection, or unfulfillment. We all have a deep yearning to understand ourselves and be understood, especially during those time. I would love to walk alongside you in this journey as you make sense of your pain and regain your joy. I use a variety of...
