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 love helping people! I love witnessing the transformation and seeing the sparkle in their eyes return or intensify. Life is an experience that is full of unplanned, unexpected events that can be difficult to deal with- but it is all surmountable! I truly believe that once we are able to clear away some of the ego, our inner voice/higher self can be heard and that is when incredible shifts in...
N. Nicole Goods-Guidry
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Texas
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Adrienne Patridge
Boise
Idaho
Great struggle in our most meaningful relationships can quickly become the new normal when we experience adversity. No one is immune to this reality. Relationships are healthy when we as individuals are healthy, and this is why I will work with you to achieve a healthy way of being. Clear communication is challenging, and I help couple's create a stronger bond with one another as they begin to...
Monica Denais
Dallas
Texas
Overwhelmed, confused, indecisive, worried? Yes! Has anyone told you you're an overachiever/perfectionist? It often feels like a strength, a way to accomplish, be rewarded, and avoid criticism. But it also creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Am I right? You feel stressed and don’t even know where to begin to juggle everything in your life. You find yourself feeling like it is never enough. ...
When we need a little extra help in life and want someone to talk to, that's when we seek help from professionals in the field of counseling. At Reynolds Counseling Services, we are here to help you work through your most pressing issues. Our team of expert counselors will provide you with quality counseling using proven methods. We provide individual, Family, and Group counseling. Contact...
Gershon Sonnenschein
Baltimore
Maryland
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Click on my website if you'd like to watch a video explainer of my therapy approach. I help people create pathways to full recovery from psychoemotional problems - and to greater joy and fulfillment in their lives. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, psychosis and addiction - and specialize in couples and family therapy as well. My approach is different than most therapy and psychiatr...
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...
Ellie Becker
New York
New York
I specialize in working with young children and their caregivers who are experiencing a variety of behavioral and developmental challenges resulting from trauma, autism spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety and other social-emotional concerns. I work closely with caregivers to help understand the underlying problems in order to find strategies to address the challenges they are facing. My...
One of the best ways to support someone who is hurting is by listening. I am a counselor who truly listens. I am here to help you manage your problems more effectively with a collaborative approach on your therapeutic journey and healing process. In the end, my goal is to help you become the person you desire to be. Growing up in a pastoral household, I have witnessed the positive effects of...
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...
Change is unsettling.Whether it is losing a loved one unexpectedly, ending a relationship, moving to another city/state/country, or finally coming out as who you truly are:It turns your life upside down.My focus is to help individuals and couples to manage the depression and anxiety that comes with adjusting to new realities and to help make sense of the unresolved trauma that often fuels it.My...
Shallon Dusebout
Boulder
Colorado
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...