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 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 ...
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Hello! I am Kari Draeger MS, LPC, NCC. I love to work with children and teens in helping them to become more successful, and gain confidence. I believe it is important to help children and teens to be able to talk about tough emotions and feelings in a safe, empowering environment. I work with children 10 years old and older. I have over 14 years of experience working with children and parents....
Dr. Sara Lewis is Associate Professor and co-chair of Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology at Naropa University. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families in my private practice, Spacious Minds Psychotherapy, located at the Boulder Healing Hub. As a contemplative psychotherapist I see the inherent goodness and wakefulness in every aspect of being alive. I help my clients...
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Samantha is an action-oriented, experientially focused supportive psychotherapist. She has trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Internal Family Systems, Non-Violent Communication and incorporates various mind-body practices into her clinical work. Samantha is also a health coach and chef, and has training in Nutritional Psychiatry (how food impacts...
I approach clients with a collaborative, strengths-based focus and direct style informed by my training and experience working with individuals and families in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I help people identify stuck patterns and appreciate areas of personal resilience. We will work together to find insight, new learning and successful strategies to help you move in your desir...
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