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
When people come to therapy, they are often feeling scared, confused or lost because their life is unraveling and they have exhausted all options. During these times, we can lose our sense of self and our relationships with friends and family suffer. I am skilled at providing a safe and comfortable space to engender trust and promote healing, helping clients gain greater insight to manage life'...
I most often hear that what is wanted from therapy is hope and relief. Relief from anxiety and sadness, hope for your relationship. Pain can cause us to use substances, people, sex, and even work to cope, but I believe you can achieve self-esteem and healing. I've seen it happen over and over again. Trusting this process is the first step. You don't have to do this alone. I can stand with you a...
Over the last 30 years, in my practice, in my work with the UAB Medical School, and through our long-running Huntsville Times psychological column, I have successfully helped thousands of people, from 4 to 90 years old, who suffer with depression, anxiety, ADHD, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, addictions of all kinds, eating disorders, marital, family, and work relationship issues. My ide...
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with areas of expertise involving testing, assessment, evaluation, and therapy with emphasis on Health Psychology. I strive to make sure individuals feel welcome and safe so they can take steps to gain understanding of the concerns that cause disruption in their lives and health. I can assist with school and college accommodations and intervention as well a...
Deciding to come in for therapy can be intimidating. I do my best to create an environment that is safe and comfortable. I also gently challenge my clients so they feel empowered to change what is in their control. I see individuals with mild to debilitating depression, anxiety, or other mood/behavior issues. Relational issues at work, home, or with peers can often begin or be perpetuated by...
Hi, thank you for viewing my profile. Are you avoiding life, or living life? I have 15+ years of experience working work with individual, families, couples who find it difficult to cope with daily life stressors, communicate, and manage feelings of anxiety/ depression. It can be a tough decision to acknowledge that change is needed in certain areas of our lives, the decision can be even tougher...
Licensed since 1993 and in private practice since 1999. Previous work-related experience includes working at a residential treatment center, youth shelter, juvenile detention center, chemical dependency unit, adolescent and adult in-patient hospital, Employee Assistance Program, crisis intervention, in-take assessments, and intensive out-patient programming. Over the past two decades, I have...
I work with foster/adopted children and their families, as well as individuals and couples seeking counseling. I help families work through difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, school adjustment, attachment, and family conflict. My passion for working with families dates back to my undergraduate training in psychology at UCLA. I have worked extensivley with children, adolescents,...
Sometimes when life feels completely out of control and your world has been turned upside down, having one hour a week you can count on can be life-changing. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, having a hard time connecting with the people in your life, going through a major life transition or loss, or simply trying to figure out how to feel like yourself again, I am here to...
Relationship issues? Trouble communicating? Anger? Depression? Anxiety? Low self-esteem? Sometimes we need help from a professional to cope with life's challenges. I don't use a "cookie-cutter" approach to psychotherapy. I tailor my approach to meet my client's needs. My goal is to help you develop life-changing habits to help you cope with life's obstacles. I will create a warm, supportive...
I have served clients in psychiatric care for over 13 years, facilitated psychosexual Trauma Systems Therapy for over 6 years, led couples and family therapy for over 5 years, and I have been actively working with HIV prevention and sexual health education of other sexually transmitted infections and diseases for over 5 years. I am a Ph.D. Candidate for Health Education and Promotion and I am...
Anxiety, depression, or interpersonal crises? I create a safe, trusting space to get to know you and your needs. I work hard to be trustworthy, authentic, and supportive. I want you to feel comfortable expressing your goals and feelings. Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem no longer need to ruin your life. I utilize a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused techniques...
I bring warmth, empathy, extensive experience, and deep passion to my work as a clinician. I am a seasoned therapist, with over 30 years of experience, who you can talk easily to and trust with your deepest concerns. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship to which I bring compassion and a capacity to be completely present as we work together to resolve the challenges you struggle with....
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and it becomes hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Learning to understand and weather through the stress and discomfort takes a skill that I can help you achieve. Find the clarity that you need, peace and satisfaction you are searching for. Whether it is finding a balance between work and family or relationship issues, I can help. I offer individua...
"How in the world am I going to walk into a complete stranger's office and spill my world to them?" The question that most ask themselves when deciding to embark on the adventure that is therapy. Well, if you are looking, I am guessing something is bothering you. My hope is to assist you in your own personal journey of healing, whatever you may need to be healed from. To help you find the stren...
