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
TELETHERAPY APPOINTMENTS, I have a profound passion to help clients with life events, transitions, challenges, and their personal growth. I provide a safe environment, positive support, and guidance to help you reach your goals. My practice style is an integrative mix of person-centered, solution focused, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior, and attachment based therapy. The developme...
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Neurosculpting Institute
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Colorado
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Shannon G Barousse
Mesa
Arizona
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Invest in yourself and your loved ones; therapy is not just a mental health treatment sought when we are suffering from mental distress, or unable to conduct life as wanted. Therapy is also a self discovery process to get a greater and deeper knowledge about ourselves, which will allow to make better choices and become the person that we have wished. Having someone to accompany you in this path...
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Rebecca L. Waterston
Seattle
Washington
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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Bernadette Heid
San Diego
California
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....