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
Congratulations for your strength in taking this big first step and seeking help. That decision suggests that you are motivated and ready to take the action necessary to move forward and address the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are holding you back. My counseling style is collaborative and personalized. This non-judgmental and safe relationship is the foundation which allows for hones...
*Our counseling practice is accepting new clients with Blue Cross, United, Neighborhood, and Cigna! Our therapists all take an integrative approach* Are you looking to make positive life changes, heal past traumas, and improve relationships? Are you going through major life changes such as becoming a parent, changing careers, or dealing with chronic health issues? Therapy can be a safe place to...
With her many years of experience in working with people in the midst of struggles with past or present trauma, Billie strives to offer hope and healing in the darkest of moments. She has worked extensively with men and women who have suffered abuse in all its various forms, as well as couples and families just trying to navigate the very real stressors of day to day life in community. She is a...
Feeling emotional distress, such as, worry, fear, sadness, despair, or a conglomeration of feelings difficult to describe? Is another person's behavior distressing you? Are you simply not satisfied with where you are in life or repeating distressing habits you just can't seem to stop? Are you dealing with an illness that is life interrupting? Would you like to use hypnotherapy for labor and...
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who comes to Kindred Counseling with extensive experience working with children, adolescents and adults of all ages. I have received rave reviews from parents regarding my ability to connect with their children, incorporate and consult with parents during the therapy process, and help their children work through the issues they are facing. I have...
What do you most want? Most people want peace and contentment, but finding that in today's world can be difficult to do. I have received specialized post-graduate training in improving emotional connections. Let me help you find the enjoyment of life you are seeking. My approach to working with individuals and couples focuses on increasing self-awareness and developing the skills needed for...
Most of my clients come to me in the midst of some sort of transition--a difficult relationship, a new job, divorce, retirement, a move, etc.--that they are unable to navigate alone. I also see many persons confronting cancer, chronic pain or a crisis of faith. When we first meet, we will explore what brings you into therapy at this time. We will create a plan together to achieve the outcome yo...
**I have daytime availability Monday-Friday and morning availability on Fridays.** I practice in an integrative fashion, combining aspects of psychodynamic, relational, cognitive-behavioral and existential perspectives. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work with my clients to help create and maintain a safe space to explore and interact with one's thoughts and feelings. I seek to h...
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor that has been helping individuals and families in need since 2006. I have worked with adults and adolescents from various age groups and cultures. I use a strengths based cognitive-behavioral approach to empower my clients and to help them overcome negative thoughts. My goals are to help people...
I help married couples in distress re-discover their passion for one another, bring peace to their home and reach a new level of relating and enjoying life together. Martin Luther King Jr is attributed as saying "Faith is taking the first step when you can't see the whole staircase." Sometimes taking that first step, like calling or emailing a therapist you've never met, is a bit daunting. But...
Therapy is about allowing ourselves space to process and to heal. I specialize in working with couples and individuals who struggle with past and present trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and relationship issues. I offer a warm, nonjudgemental space to process your emotions and experiences and gain awareness into patterns and blind spots that you would like to change. Through this awareness, you...
When you have tried to resolve issues on your own, and things just aren't changing, it is time to seek professional help. Perhaps your or your significant other's past and unresolved issues are what is creating the distress; an inability to trust, to feel joy and happiness, to pursue dreams. It is important to seek help early on so that things do not worsen. Whether you are seeking marriage...
I work with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I quickly get to know my clients so that we can co-create a plan that is right for them. Some people come with specific issues they would like to address. Others, are not sure why they are unhappy, feel nervous, are dissatisfied, and are not enjoying life. Together we investigate where this may come from, look for the root cause(s) and...
Hello! I am Analeise, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in the NW side of Chicago where I offer individual and family therapy. I chiefly use Strengths Based, Client-Driven, and Person-Centered therapy. We are the experts on ourselves, even when thinking that conditions inside or outside of us are running the show. We have an innate drive to heal and grow. Therapy is designed to connect ...
I am a thoughtful and compassionate psychotherapist and clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience practicing in San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles. I work primarily from a psychodynamic and interpersonal perspective as research supports my experience that therapy is more successful as a creative partnership, and a collaborative insight-oriented process leads to dee...
