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
I am passionate about providing inclusive and affirming care to those who are seeking growth, self-exploration, and healing. I am skilled in working with families, children, and individuals who are experiencing a variety of mental health concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, gender and sexual identity exploration, and behavioral dysregulation. In addition, I am skilled in working with...
Do you ever feel like you're not "good enough"? Or, are you overcome by stress? Is anxiety ruling your life and stopping you from succeeding? If so, has family or friends been able to understand what you are going through or have you felt all alone? Sometimes you need someone more qualified to actively listen to your problems and assist you in overcoming these challenges and transitions. I am a...
Our culture can place extreme and undue pressure on us to perform at extremely high levels, whether in our jobs, our relationships, or our families. Many times these expectations require us to ignore the limitations of being human, and as a result, we live with a persistent fear of not being enough. Relearning how to work with our limitations, rather than ignoring them, is the path to finding o...
Struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions can be incredibly overwhelming. Often times it can feel like we are controlled by painful thoughts and feelings or repeating harmful patterns that alienate us from our authentic selves. I have expertise in treating difficulties including anxiety and over-analyzing, feelings of insecurity or anger toward yourself, and...
Do you wonder if you’re an addict, maybe not? I provide assessments and interventions for addiction. I’ve worked with famous actors, directors, major league athletes, scholars, scientists, studio executives, engineers, Hip Hop moguls and successful individuals. I specialize in trauma and addiction. I deal with issues such as controlled drinking, sobriety, relationship, couple's or family issues...
Sometimes life can be very stressful due to a variety of barriers. Things like anxiety, depression or grief can interrupt our lives and lead to despair. Oftentimes as humans, we have this feeling that we are alone in this despair and that nobody can help us. Negative thoughts and feelings about ourselves can lead to poor self-esteem and isolation from those we love, as well as difficulties in o...
I am a highly trained and skilled licensed psychologist that specializes in providing individual and couples psychotherapy. While working with clients, I use therapy approaches that allow us to work together as we assess factors that may impact your emotional wellbeing and relationships with others. My psychological services are focused on treating individuals holistically. As your therapist, I...
Greetings! Whether continuing therapy or trying it for the first time, I work to create a judgement-free, open, and safe environment for you to be authentic and to explore the struggles that bring you in. I believe no issue is insignificant and through the use of empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, we will journey through growth and healing together. I provide support by actively listening...
Comfortable, professional: your space to heal. I started Pro-Active Counseling to help people like you who experience Anxiety, Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and other mental/emotional health challenges to find healing and healthier living. As you face day-to-day stressors, worries, or fears, or you encounter struggle, trauma, or trouble, our weekly appointments can help you process w...
Our natural state is one of balance and harmony. Many life conditions can throw us off kilter from time to time or even for years. Sometimes, life can be darkened by depression, agitated by anxiety, or even rageful with anger. Our nervous system could be highly dysregulated from immense or even small traumas in life. When we experience these states or life conditions, they can become obstacles ...
"Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference." I am a Marriage Family Associate that specializes in relationship and intimacy issues, sex therapy, infidelity and sex and porn addiction . As a therapist I work collaboratively with my clients to facilitate recognition of their strengths so they can actualize self-growth, meet therap...
How are you functioning in your life? In your relationships? Are you joyful, confident, optimistic? Or are you feeling stuck, sad, frustrated, or lonely? Relationships are the primary force in our lives; without healthy relationships our lives suffer. Because relationships are so important, the way we attach to others is within those relationships, and how we create healthy attachments is...
Welcome! I am so glad to be a part of your journey. I offer a therapeutic relationship and approach that encourages reflection, growth, and healing during each session. I strive to provide you with the freedom to talk openly in an atmosphere of emotional acceptance and empathy. I believe clients who are empowered to develop coping skills can build on their emotional strengths and resilience...
Although it may be scary, seeking help is the first courageous step towards making positive changes in your life. I am passionate about working with diverse populations in order to help people make significant changes towards improving their overall well-being. I aspire to gain a personal understanding of people's lives, so that together, we can develop a plan that will help lead to a more heal...
Difficult Roads Lead to Beautiful Destinations...….Reaching out for therapy is a big step, especially when you’re feeling stuck or frustrated, overcome by stress, worry and sadness. Often times we know what isn't working, but struggle to find solutions and heal past hurts. Dr. Diana is honored to help walk with you on your journey to provide support and build coping skills that can help you fin...
