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
**Limited Availability for Telehealth Only** Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. You may feel lost, searching for meaning, or struggling with difficult emotions. Therapy is a unique opportunity for self-discovery and can help you to better cope with life's challenges. If you are dealing with a specific hardship in your life, grappling with general feelings of worry and unhappiness, or finding...
You want to feel good about your life. You have hope that your pain, frustrations, and fears can be alleviated. Hope that life does not have to be a constant struggle. Hope that your choices lead to comfort within your self and peace within your relationships. Even in the depths of what feels like hopelessness, part of you imagines “This could be better.” Now you’ve taken the first step on a...
Therapy is all about healing. Healing from the past, old wounds, thoughts or feelings that aren't serving you anymore. So often, we have learned various ways of living to get through the days, to cope, but it's surviving and not truly living. For most, facing those things seems scary and that fear keeps them from living the life they want. I see my role as a therapist is to foster a space of...
If you are experiencing increased anxiety and depression in light of Covid-19 and need related support and counseling please call me. I have been a clinical social worker for over 20 years and I'm here to help. Insurance companies have approved telehealth counseling and I can provide phone/video support to you as needed. We all need extra support and attention to our mental health at this time....
I view therapy as a process of discovery that enables us to tap into our growth potential and develop insight into ourselves and our motivations. I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, helping people achieve their goals, heal from trauma and create richer and more authentic lives. I bring an empathic, supportive presence to our time together that enables you to...
At some point you may find yourself in a season of life that is overwhelming, confusing, or lonely. You may have coped with struggles in the past or 'just gotten by' and now you are reaching out for help. Maybe you are feeling stuck and unsure what to do next. I know that your story did not start today, but through the exploration of your past and present, you can begin to create your next...
I am passionate about integrating traditional and holistic approaches to support people toward better health to live a balanced, joyful life. I use an integrative approach when helping with anxiety, stress, ADHD, PTSD, weight loss, depression, chronic illness etc. When appropriate, I use art therapy and EMDR. I believe education and empowerment is key working with a client. I also use the...
I'm ready, are you to make time for you & your wellbeing? I find that individuals who seek me out, often experience anxiety, panic attacks, depression, substance use & some are working on life transitions. While causes can seem unknown or sudden, exploring acute or chronic stressful events can provide insight, self-awareness & change. If this sounds like you, I look forward to hearing from you!...
Most of us have something we would like to improve in our lives. Speaking with family and friends you are often given their advice and expected to follow through with it. Seeking counseling is an empowering move in your life. I facilitate a safe and inviting environment for clients to share and feel confident in themselves. I aim to uplift and empower clients to believe in their own ability and...
I have worked with all age groups ranging from 3 years old up to 70 years of age. I have worked in a variety of settings such as schools, daycare, homes, group homes, inpatient, and outpatient facilities. My goal is to help the client identify problematic behavior patterns and reflect on how experiences influence behaviors. I provide clients with a safe environment to open up about their proble...
I provide a safe, compassionate and collaborative environment to help you reach your potential. Using a client-centered approach to treatment, I'll tailor our work to your needs. Together we'll identify what may be holding you back, while you receive the support and guidance needed to achieve your goals. My areas of treatment specialization include Major Life Transitions, Substance Abuse,...
Whether you are living with chronic mental health issues or experiencing change, loss, or transition it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, less than powerful, and unsure of what comes next. Feeling anxiety, depression, helplessness, anger, fear, or low self-worth is not unusual when you face issues that decrease your well-being, your ability to function, or leave you feeling disempowered. As a...
Since 2007, I have supported families in crisis through a strength-based approach and focus on problem-solving goal setting. I work with individuals, family and facilitate social skill groups for children ages 3-10 years of age....
Hello, I'm Brittany Hicks. If you are looking here, you may be feeling Anxiety? Depression? Perhaps you've experienced a loss and there is grief or anger in your life. Maybe it's a relationship that you want help with? I work with people experiencing all sorts of things that life throws at them. First and foremost, I build a trusting relationship. You'll find that empathy and non-judgment are...
With over 30 years of personal recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, I specialize in recovery from substance use disorders, pornography addiction, sexual/intimacy issues, self-image/gender, anxiety, and depression. Individual or relationship counseling available. With compassion, understanding, and personal experience, I can assist you in building your self worth, confidence, and self-estee...
