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
All of us face experiences in our lives where we can benefit from the support and connection that therapy provides. Scientific evidence demonstrates that a strong and consistent therapeutic relationship is restorative, healing and emotionally regulating. As a therapist, I believe in connecting with clients, human-to-human, and I regularly feel a deep sense of understanding for those with whom I...
Are you worried about the direction your relationship is going? Would you like to feel more connected and resolve conflicts better? Relationships can be rich and rewarding as well as disappointing and painful. Whether you have a solid relationship that you want to strengthen, problem areas that are difficult to resolve, or are in a relationship crisis and seriously considering splitting up, my...
Are you tired of the words 'coping skills' or 'let it go'? Would you rather talk to your dog (or perhaps a wall) than talk to a therapist? Then you may really like Jana Davis. She's not a traditional therapist. Jana is not interested in 'coping skills'. She's interested in what is holding you back, and taking care of that. The result is you feeling more like yourself, and that's a good place to...
Are you struggling emotionally from a divorce or other challenging life transitions? Are you feeling like life just isn’t working for you? Whether you are experiencing deep loss, sadness, or other intrusive feelings, please know that therapy can help. It is my passion to assist people in working through the difficult times in their lives. Prior to becoming a psychologist, I worked for 16 years ...
I can help you to figure out why you feel unsettled, are challenged with a relationship or maybe you're embarking upon a life transition and need some support and space to talk it through. My goal is to help you improve your life by developing a deeper understanding of yourself and increasing your capacity to have better relationships, a work-life balance, better health and an overall happier...
I have been practicing for over 15 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Additionally, I have expertise in treating anxiety disorders, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Bipolar Disorder. I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as in...
Overwhelmed? You are not alone. I will provide you with a safe space within which you can express yourself, feel heard and learn symptom management skills; to create the life you deserve. I specialize in trauma, ADHD, autism, and complex brain injury or disability cases, in children and adults. Our work together is a collaboration; I listen carefully, offer you choices, and then we make a plan...
I especially enjoy working with motivated clients wanting to develop a greater understanding of where they have come from and what their personal strengths are. Those struggling with worries, who feel discouraged and are in need of more tools to gain traction are a delight for me to walk along side. I have a strong passion for working with individuals that have endured difficult experiences in...
I have experience with individuals struggling with ADHD, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, ODD, OCD, domestic violence, learning disabilities, attachment issues, family struggles, low self esteem, stress, to name a few. There are many modes of therapy that I incorporate into my work. I believe my approach to helping people is unique. I enjoy a mindfulness-based approach to therapy to...
I offer a warm, compassionate, down-to-earth, non-judgmental style that lends itself to creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment for healing, growth and change. I work actively and collaboratively with you to develop an integrated approach to treatment that is tailored to suit your unique concerns and goals. We may explore historical and current emotions, thoughts and behavior patte...
I am straightforward in my approach, focusing on helping clients achieve behavioral change towards living in line with their values and priorities. I provide treatment that is founded on evidence based principles, meaning that I base treatment on knowledge gleaned from research and science while also allowing for flexibility to accommodate to the individual with whom I work. I have been trained...
Life is hard, and we often find ourselves unable to break away from unhelpful patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to ourselves, others, and to the world. These repetitive patterns keep us stuck and prevent us from living a rich and meaningful life. I can help you get "unstuck" from unhelpful patterns, alleviate emotional suffering, clarify goals and values, and remove obstacles to livi...
Life's stressors can be very overwhelming and the benefit of a safe and confidential environment to address personal stressors can enhance quality of life. It is an honor to be selected by a client to share their journey and desire for change. It is important to secure inner peace by learning skills to regulate emotions during times of distress that provide hope for the future. I am passionate...
I believe that my clients are the experts on their lives. With that philosophy, I work collaboratively with my clients to work toward their goals & help realize their full potential. My clinical style is generally Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) & psychodynamic, insight-oriented therapy; however, I adjust my style to fit my clients & their needs, integrating other styles such as mindfulness,...
My practice and process are centered around the idea that everyone has struggles, and no one's struggles are greater than anyone else's. I often work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, family dynamics, and PTSD. Thank you for considering me as a therapist with whom you may want to work. Starting therapy can be scary, but I have seen the benefits of it for countless...
