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'm glad you are considering improving your life by starting psychotherapy. I am an experienced clinical psychologist who listens carefully and compassionately, gives you my best assessment of your situation, and works with you to set goals based on what you most want from therapy. I combine years of research-based knowledge with warmth and acceptance in our work together. Some of my specialty...
I've been in Private Practice in Massapequa for the past 24 years, and am the owner of Counseling Services of Long Island, LCSW PC. I am also an Adjunct Professor at a local University. At CSLI, we accept many insurance plans, and provide individual, family, group and specialized counseling for couples. In addition to general practice issues, our specialties include CBT for anxiety, Mindfulness...
Are you feeling stuck and confused about how to manage stress in your life? Do you have a problem(s)/decision(s) that you are not sure how to resolve? Sometimes the thought of seeking a therapist can be scary and intimidating. You may discover, it can ease the struggles that often appear in one's life. I have been a clinician for over 20 yrs with experience from a variety of settings, such as,...
Built on trust and honesty, a strong therapeutic alliance allows appropriate insight into another's life and situation. Tamara enjoys working with both teens and adults. Her treatment scope includes stress management, coping with anxiety, combating depression, and alleviating helplessness and hopelessness....
We are a mental health agency proudly serving MaineCare clients. Our therapists help individuals and families to lead lives they feel good about. Couples, families, adults, and children have all benefited from the work we do. We look forward to working with all MaineCare clients. We have offices in Biddeford and Portland to serve the local community, and offer Telehealth sessions as well. To fi...
I love working with people who are looking for change in their lives. Going to therapy is energizing and can begin a whole new life for you. Therapy is not for what is wrong with you, it is when there is something right with you, allowing you to look inward and find those things you would like to change. This produces results in your life and in your relationships you might not have ever though...
I strive to create a therapeutic environment to help others heal and explore different challenges life may bring. My goal is to provide a warm, understanding, and safe environment where my clients can process their feelings and increase self-awareness, confidence, and learn new coping skills to manage stressors. This may include current problems or long lasting patterns. I understand that life ...
As a licensed mental health counselor, I am here to help foster a trusting and collaborative relationship in which clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and life struggles. I believe in empowering my clients to develop the coping skills, self esteem, and self awareness necessary to create positive change. Whether it is depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties,...
I provide psychotherapy and counseling for anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse/addiction, and a wide range of other personal and/or family problems. I have advanced training and education in transgender issues and substance abuse. Therapy can help us refine and understand what we as individuals are feeling, and what actions we want to follow. My main focuses are depression,...
I have over 10 years of experience treating clients working through depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, stress and other life transitions. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, to assist clients. I believe in providing a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where clients can work on the...
Shana works with college students, youth and adults. She specializes in college/career adjustments, women’s issues, identity development, perinatal mood disorders, parent adjustment, depression, anxiety, shame, perfectionism, general life adjustments, and childhood/ complex trauma....
Becoming aware of our beliefs and behaviors can support our overall mental and physical wellbeing. We all face transitions at various life stages. I also recognize the quality care and support that is beckoning within the aging community, which includes aging with unconditional acceptance, support and guidance for aging families and promoting self-care for caregivers. Some areas where I can hel...
Are you ready to find the best version of yourself? I specialize in working with clients to overcome trauma, anxiety and depression by creating a safe, nurturing environment. My goal is to help you explore experiences and move into your power. By using a variety of treatment modalities, ranging from traditional talk therapy to more expressive forms of therapy, you will overcome obstacles in a w...
Our licensed therapists can help you in processing traumas, depression, anxiety, grief, family stressors, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and more! Insight Counseling and Wellness provides psychotherapy and nutritional services to individuals, couples, and families in all phases of life. We work with all ages in a variety of modalities. Our mission at Insight Counseling and Wellness is to hel...
Thank you for making it this far, you are stronger than you think. I specialize in working with individuals, teen, couples and family therapy. My specialities include treating depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, parent/teen treatment, mother-daughter relational dynamics, mood disorders, sleep disorders, trauma, oppositional defiance/behavioral issues, sexual identity, bi-racial struggles an...
