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 passionate about empowering people to express themselves in an open and honest manner. One main theme that drives what I do is the ongoing search for personal meaning and self-worth, something each of us has a natural right to seek out. I specialize in Play Therapy with children ages 3-11, particularly involving emotional regulation, anger management, behavioral issues, anxiety, and...
Are you feeling alone, overwhelmed & lacking hope in your life? Are you just making it through the day....staying in your marriage, tolerating your teens or hiding in your work and wondering "How did I get here?" Therapy2Thrive® Ruby Hill Counseling Center, Inc. is here to help. We provide clients with a therapeutic relationship that provides thoughtful, caring counseling building trust and hop...
Welcome! I am honored that you stopped by to Embrace Counseling where Grace, Love and Hope greet you at the door. The decision to seek counseling is the first step to self care. I will help you develop awareness and connection between emotional, spiritual, past hurt and trauma(s) that influence your current well-being. I do not view therapy as being one size fit all. Instead, I collaborate with...
Do you suffer from physical symptoms such as chronic pain, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome (e.g., nausea, diarrhea), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, weakness, or dizziness? Have medical tests and treatments failed to explain or treat your symptoms? You may have Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms, which can be caused or worsened by emotional factors, and can be treated with therapy. At...
Hello; thanks for viewing my profile. Everyone has an interesting story to tell of how they got to where they are now. Therapy can help change the plot and perhaps develop new chapters. I have been a psychologist for over 25 years- initially in a medical setting and then in private practice. I have expertise working with people with medical conditions as well as with depression and anxiety. I...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for working with adolescents, experiences of trauma and addressing family concerns. I view therapy as a collaborative and exploratory process to find a deeper meaning of self, develop awareness, and enhance strengths. I obtained my BSW at James Madison University in 2008 and my MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2009. I have been...
Are you suffering with anxiety and depression every day? Do you experience current triggers associated with past childhood or recent trauma? Most importantly, are these symptoms interfering with your daily life - are they making it difficult to impossible for you to experience joy and happiness? If you're reading this, then you are driven to recovery, which is the first and most important step ...
Do you find yourself wishing your relationships with others were deeper? Do you crave intimacy, to feel known, listened to, and valued? In our world today, this deep sense of connection can be difficult to attain. As a therapist, I prioritize relationship, offer therapeutic connection, and facilitate intrapersonal and relational growth. I work with individuals to explore identity, sexuality, an...
I love working with a variety of concerns and people. I have worked with adult individuals, couples, and led groups at times. I also enjoy working with teens. I have a laid back and open minded approach. I work hard during session to help people feel safe and accepted for who they are, while also giving them feedback and support. Most often, I work with individuals struggling to get along with...
Are you seeking inner peace and looking to make the first step towards feeling better? I work with adults of all backgrounds and seek to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space for each client. Together, we will work to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors that hinder you from creating a fulfilling and satisfying life. I meet you where you are and help you build the necessary...
Don't worry, this isn't a smile and nod type of therapy, I'm on this journey with you. I am a relationship and sex therapist who is dedicated to empowering you to live happier, healthier, and more authentic life both individually and in your romantic relationships. I explore what it would mean for you to live as authentically as possible and how to make sense of messages you have received about...
"People start to heal the moment they are heard." I am a licensed social worker in Denver, Colorado with training in working with divorcing families, co-parenting skills, damaging relationship patterns, sex therapy and LGBTQ+ issues. Approaches I use include: CBT, Narrative, Structural, Strategic, Solution- Focused, Emotionally Focused Therapy, PACT, multi generational. I also love to use...
Are you or your loved ones struggling? Whether it be day-to-day challenges, anxiety, depression, grief or if you are just not sure what you are struggling with, I can help sort your issues out. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment offering tools that allow my clients to manage and reduce stress that can be debilitating.I have extensive experience working with...
My clients are successful, highly-motivated professionals who find that certain areas of life are becoming unmanageable. Addiction, abuse and trauma are viewed as symptoms rather than defining characteristics. I seek an approach to recovery that embraces positive, proactive, sustainable change. I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) specializing in sex/porn addictions, partners of sex...
Hailing from Wooster, Ohio, Nathaniel has called Alaska home since 2004. He has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a heart for helping people connect to their partners, families, and other vital people in their lives. He has a decade of experience helping clients explore and improve their relational dynamics and personal struggles. Nathaniel is dedicated to tailoring his services to meet the...
