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 believe that we are all worthy of dignity, respect and love. This does not mean we have not suffered or experienced shame, guilt and loss-for things we have done and things that have been done to us. With you as the guide and me in a support role, I hope we can explore these issues so that healing and peace will occur. On this sometimes difficult and challenging journey, I hope we can get to...
I'm a licensed psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and relationship coach. I have been practicing since 2007. My passion is helping women to find and create healthy, loving relationships. Whether you're dating, breaking-up, or struggling with doubt, your relationship difficulties can be catalysts for deep and lasting transformation, given the right support. I also enjoy working with couples, and h...
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I believe in the importance of building a trusting clinical relationship from the very beginning. I enjoy working on the topic of relationships of all types. I am polyamory informed: I understand your lifestyle and will not recommend divorce. I find it rewarding to help most any type of client who is motivated to feel better. As a therapist, I’m a real person...think tattoos, real talk, and a...
My life's work is to accompany people through some of their most difficult times. I help people rediscover their inner strength and develop new skills and strategies to address the challenges they face. I offer a personalized approach, combining traditional talk therapy with holistic approaches that integrate mind and body. My specialities include anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions and...
I work with adults who would like to improve the quality of their life. I serve those who seek assistance with personal growth, life transitions, or other challenges in their lives. I also enjoy working with college students. I have experience in treating conditions like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. I focus on teaching you the connection between your thoughts, behaviors, and emotio...
As a licensed marriage and family therapist associate and art therapist, I treat children, adolescents, couples and families in a collaborative process to explore concerns and challenges that have arisen in their lives. I work from a strength-based, family oriented perspective. I utilize opportunities to reframe negative family dynamics and emphasize positive strengths to find the possibility o...
Is your family navigating significant changes, transitions, or a recent diagnosis or identified learning difference? Is your child struggling with self-esteem, behavior challenges, or anxiety and depression? Do you want to break a cycle of blame and resentment in your intimate relationship, or need a couples tune-up? Are you searching for more fulfillment and less stress in your busy life? Thes...
My clientele includes young adults working in the technology industry with social anxiety, depression and general anxiety. I am also a trained yoga practitioner and dancer and have created an excellent system teaching self love, relaxation skills and confidence. I have worked for nearly ten years with a wide variety of clients in multiple settings-- from hospitals where I have sat on national...
I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with stressful life transitions, anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, emotional connection, intimacy and sexual issues. I help clients identify and change the unhealthy cycles that may be creating feelings of being stuck. With respect, sensitivity, and expertise I will help you improve your relationships, create more meaningful connections and...
As a clinician my background and experience are anchored and reflected in the lives of those I've had the privilege to serve in areas that include but are not limited to: Community -Based Mental Health Services for Children and Families, Foster Care, NYS Department of Corrections (female and male facilities), Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Relational Discord. As a United States Marine...
Are you or a family member struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, hurt, angry or depressed? Is this affecting you in one or more areas of your life? We all face challenges at times; having a supportive and caring person to help you through that journey can make all the difference. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as w...
No one teaches us how to handle the setbacks of life. Whether they be personal, family, career, or interpersonal. Sometimes problems can feel like a tremendous burden. In fact, obstacles are often pathways to reach a higher understanding of ourselves and how we fit into the larger scheme of things. Freedom from fear, worry, anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights arrives with the acceptance o...
You are the expert of your own life and I will work alongside you to tailor a treatment plan and interventions to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I have experience working with but not limited to abuse, trauma, foster care system/families, juvenile offenders, ADHD, Adjustment Disorder, PTSD, anger management, Anxiety, Depression, sexual orientation and gender issues, grief and loss, an...
Let's be honest. When it comes to overcoming your compulsive use of porn and/or sex you feel defeated. You're tired of hearing that more effort and more accountability is the answer. What you're doing isn't working. Right? I get it. For over twenty years I was held captive by a secret porn and sex addiction. I understand the crushing shame and guilt. I understand that feeling that "things will...
