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 am a licensed psychologist with Clinical and Forensic Specialties. I provide comprehensive psychological testing to clients with a variety of mental heath concerns (social/emotional, behavioral, personality, trauma, depression, anxiety, etc), assessment for emotional support animals, and diagnostic assessment to include IQ and academic testing to assist with IEP/504 management. I also special...
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I am a psychotherapist with clinical training influenced by relational and systems theories. I hold a stance of preemptive radical inclusion to create experiences that involve all clients’ identities in the room. I enjoy working with individuals, partners, and families to develop meaningful connections in their relationships, improve self-advocacy, and explore identity. My background includes...
My name is Deb Viola and I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker. We are a group of compassionate, caring and professional therapists. We have been assisting individuals and couples in creating a healthier and happier life. We have had success in empowering clients to implement positive change in their lives. Through thoughtful understanding and compassion, we can help you make your...
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Shallon utilizes Equine Assisted Therapy to offer a unique opportunity for children and teens to explore interpersonal issues, increase self-esteem and confidence, and grow in hope and self-efficacy. Shallon believes that relationships with horses reveal underlying strengths and challenges while also empowering individuals to succeed and build healthy relationships. As your therapist, Shallon w...
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I believe the pathway to healing looks a little different for each of us even though the human experience is similar in many ways. While we are all connected, we are also uniquely individual with a “fingerprint” of experiences, thoughts, and beliefs. Sometimes the most difficult challenges we face have a profound impact on the way we view the world, ourselves and how we approach life and...
I provide a safe and supportive place to explore and heal the roots of my clients' struggles. I view counseling as a transformational process that enables clients to heal from past wounds and experiences in order to better connect with themselves, others, and God. Working from an attachment perspective, I enjoy helping my clients work through challenging personal and spiritual issues, life...
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who enjoys working with children, teens, families, and adult individuals. Life is hard, and we all experience stressors that cause us to fall out of sync with one another or ourselves. My goal is to help you, your child, or your family feel better equipped and empowered to cope with those stressors. I also provide clinical supervision for associates...
Are you ready to go beyond self help books? Accepting changes and making changes are essential to improving relationships and improving career goals. Therapy is support for making positive changes. Coping with challenges in your life does not have to be done alone. We will work together to cultivate your own insights and build confidence from life’s challenges. Talk therapy is offered through...
***Practice is full, please email to reserve spot on the waitlist*** I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. I work with a wide range of clients from many different backgrounds and serve children, adolescents, adults, and families. I enjoy working with people from a person-centered and solution-focused approach, working to first develop ...
Breakthrough Psychological Solutions, PLLC is your partner in human empowerment and leadership development. We are experienced, highly qualified, and discreet professionals, who value the confidentiality and unique individual needs of our clients. Breakthrough Psychological Solutions provides services to include: Corporate stress assessment and crisis intervention; Leadership and influence...
We warmly welcome you to our psychological private practice located in Westlake! We appreciate how difficult it is to take the first step in this journey. Our mission is to provide a safe space that is warm and inviting, where healing can occur. Some of our providers offer evening, weekend and telemental (online video platform) appointments. We do our best to schedule initial appointments as so...
