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
[Current waitlist approx 4 weeks.] I am committed to providing inclusive, compassionate, respectful treatment for all persons. Every human being takes a unique path, and I commit to helping you find your most authentic self on that path. I work with individuals, families, teens, and couples on a variety of concerns including and not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, fami...
I have served with my husband for the past 17 years in various pastoral roles and am heavily involved with the San Antonio community. I have a passion for coming alongside individuals, couples and families to facilitate healing and provide a safe place for processing through relational challenges, life transitions, self-image, family conflict, trauma, behavioral issues, spirituality, anxiety,...
*Call about my EMDR special pricing of $60!* I specialize in grief and trauma, lgbtq+ struggles with individuals and families, body image and eating disorders. I affirm seeking truth and working through the struggle to communicate. I will help you connect to yourself, and to people around you. I help to usher joy and stability back into your life on a regular basis through counseling. Therapy...
I aspire to create a safe, trusting, and non-judgmental environment that will allow you to explore and gain greater knowledge of yourself and your relationships. Through our therapeutic relationship we will identify the positive and negative patterns in your life, empowering you to make the necessary changes to meet your goals, both short and long term. I assist you in gaining insight and...
My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe w...
I approach each client with a genuine investment in uncovering his or her unique qualities, strengths, and passions in order to strengthen their sense of autonomy and feelings of positive self-worth. I believe strongly in the tenets of equality, non-judgment, flexibility, and safety within the therapeutic relationship, and my primary aim is to provide an environment in which self-acceptance can...
Have you been struggling with anxious feelings or a depressed mood that don't seem to get better? Are painful memories or regrets weighing you down? Have you experienced a change or a loss that's difficult to handle? Have your ways of coping stopped working or are making things worse? We can work together to help you deal with distressing feelings, challenging events, and the weariness that com...
I am very passionate about helping individuals and families who struggle with a variety of mental health disorders reach a fulfilled, healthy, happy, and functional lifestyle. I have extensive experience in providing psychotherapy for children, adults, and families. Advocacy for mental health awareness and empowering individuals to overcome personal challenges are a large part of the work I do ...
I am open to working with clients from a variety of diverse backgrounds. No matter the issue, providing a safe environment will help us all reach our unlimited potential. I believe we have the answers for any of the struggles we are going through in life and we have never been put in a comfortable enough environment to determine those answers. I trust in all of my clients to have the ability to...
As someone who has worked helping others in various capacities for over 24 years, I bring a great deal of experience to my work as a mental health counselor. In this time I have obtained great insight into the struggles inherent to both individuals and families. In my work as a counselor I utilize these skills and insight to help people of all ages, identities, and walks of life. My approach to...
I specialize in trauma & PTSD, survivors of sexual trauma & domestic violence as well as anxiety. I believe that clients are capable of overcoming their struggles when given the opportunity in a safe, supportive space. I facilitate this process using DBT therapy as well as solution focused, person centered and strength based approaches. I partner with horses who serve as catalysts for change an...
I am an OEF/OIF Air Force Veteran. My therapy model emphasizes positive and supportive integration of evidence-based, solution-focused and holistic techniques. The solution-focused approach identifies irrational thoughts and attitudes. Emphasis on the mutual development of goals for therapy and provisions ongoing support in a therapeutic environment. An eclectic therapeutic approach, blending...
You are the expert on your own life. But, when life does not follow your best laid plans, you sometimes need help to work through the changes to become stronger than before. In the space we create together, you can examine your life journey and find ways to use your strengths to make a better life. In my practice, I use a strengths-based approach for individual therapy that is appropriate for...
Feeling isolated, unworthy, stressed out or overwhelmed? You don't have to let negative emotions dictate your life decisions. Did you know that having negative self-esteem can lead you to feeling like you need to please everyone? This can make you feel inadequate and overwhelmed with even simple or daily tasks. Feeling like you are not worthy of self-care or boundaries can lead to poor decision...
Change seems to be a constant for many right now. Transition and change can create struggles and we can navigate those together. I work with adolescents and adults facing issues ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, social and relationship struggles, gender identity exploration, life transitions, and more all while maintaining a strengths-based lens. Some clients relish is using...
