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
We all have a story and each of our stories are unique and complex. Does your story have a chapter full of pain? Are you feeling discouraged, lonely or anxious? Facing a life transition or finding that your relationships are struggling? I am dedicated to assisting you in finding resolution to internal and external conflicts, building and maintaining healthy relationships, learning healthy copin...
Do you have questions about discipline strategies, supporting your child's social and emotional development, or just want to be sure you're doing the best you can for your family? Do you ever feel triggered by parenting, overwhelmed, constantly worried or depressed? I work with parents, children, and families to help families thrive. Whether you're looking for mental health counseling for...
In my practice I primarily work with couples. I have completed level three training in the Gottman Method. I also utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy. Whether you are having communication difficulties, are going through affair recovery, addiction, grief, blended family adjustment, or trauma, therapy can be a potential tool for relationship repair and enhancement. I also provide premarital thera...
I have over 20 years experience in the human service field. My passion is providing compassionate support for those struggling with life's challenges in a safe and non-judgmental environment; assisting individuals in addressing what is troubling them; whether it is marital conflict, depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, trauma, anger management, serious mental illness, etc.; helping them ...
Looking for a new therapist is often like searching for a new pair of shoes. Not every pair is going to be a "good fit". As a Licensed Psychologist, I am trained in a variety of styles focused on helping you. I aim to truly hear you and to walk alongside of you in working through whatever is causing you problems or distress. As your therapist, I strive to help you feel heard and valued and to w...
Life is a journey into the unknown and we all get lost and confused at times. I was trained in Emotion Focused Therapy and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Therapy. My approach is attachment based and process oriented. The emotional safety of my clients is paramount. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their unique attachment coping, learning how it developed and how it may thwart...
Dr. Simmons, also known as a Dr. Sh'nai, has a reputation as an outstanding clinician, trainer and administrator. Dr. Simmons has excelled as an innovative trouble-shooter with an ability to process complex situations promptly. She has a knack for empowering mental health professionals by motivating and equipping them to deliver services to very challenging populations with empathy. Clinically,...
Where the healing begins...takes personal courage. Often times, it is not easy to ask for help because our fears of being judged. No longer do you have to suffer alone or in silence from: trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, divorce or relationship difficulties. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience who will compassionately & effectively...
I have immediate daytime openings. "Life isn't always easy and sometimes we need help finding our way. I am passionate about helping people along their journey in life and believe that counseling is a safe platform where people can make positive changes. I have years of experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. " I am a Licensed Clinical...
Caring for your mental and emotional health is like making an investment that never stops giving back. By teaming up to work together in a warm non-judgmental environment, we can create the changes you would like to see in your life. As a Certified EMDR Therapist & Neurofeedback Practitioner, I use powerful brain-based therapies that truly can help people heal from past trauma and transform the...
Hello, I am Maylee Chang. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School. My personal and professional experience have provided me the experience necessary to effectively work with elementary age children, at-risk adolescents, families, and adults with varied needs from all ethnicities. Some of the areas I work with are as follows but not limi...
Life can lead us on a meandering and confusing journey—filled with triumphs and troubles. And yet, in the midst of life’s darkest, most heart-breaking moments, we can experience the resiliency of the human spirit and witness the hope of renewal and transformation return to a weary soul. These monumental moments of restoration are possible as we choose to be present in relationships where truth ...
**Evening appointments now available** You might be experiencing a wide array of difficulties that have led you to consider seeking psychotherapy. Whether it's a life transition, a traumatic experience, a significant amount of stress, or sadness and worry, my goal is to create safe, healing connections that will help you learn more about yourself. When we work together in relationship, people...
Hello from Nan. I am currently utilizing virtual sessions (CONFIDENTIAL and fully HIPAA compliant!) to stay connected! I will soon be offering in person meetings also. Moving forward, I will offer both telehealth and in person modalities. I'm a licensed professional counselor specializing in supporting individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, stressful season of life, and loss, as well ...
Everyone enters a committed relationship with the dream of spending a life time together. Unfortunately, many couples end up finding their relationship unsatisfying, even painful. Some desire to work it out but don't know how. Others reach the point of wanting to end their relationship. Still others are ambivalent, with one partner “leaning in” and the other “leaning out.” Whether you are looki...
