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 have 15 years experience helping individuals and couples find deeper meaning, satisfaction and inspiration in their unique experience of life. Individuals are often led to therapy by symptoms - anxiety, depression, panic attacks, failed relationships, compulsions and addictions, phobias, post-traumatic reactions and self-destructive behavior. Although symptoms can seem random and be destructi...
Hi, my name is Brandi. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Communication Skills for generalized anxiety and substance abuse. In addition, I work with couples and families affected by mood disorders or the use of substances by one or multiple family members. My approach to therapy integrates several empirically supported treatment models in an effort to help clients meet their goals...
I want to help clients improve their lives by developing coping skills relating to anxiety, trauma, depression, self esteem, communication and relationship skills, utilizing cognitive behavioral and EMDR treatments. The coronavirus (COVID-19) disease outbreak is likely to create stress for many of us. Fears and anxiety can be overwhelming. Symptoms may include fear and worry about health and...
Making the choice to seek help is incredibly brave, and finding a counselor can be overwhelming. I aim to make the process as safe and effortless as possible, providing individual, family, and couples counseling. We all have a right to belong, be respected, and feel heard and understood. If you experience anxiety, depression, shame, grief and loss, have had traumatic experiences, or relationshi...
Worried about your relationship? Feeling lost, anxious, down or stuck? Struggling with traumatic experiences? We need lots of self-compassion so we can heal and find a better approach to our lives and relationships. I offer a non-judgmental space to be open about your struggles. It is through our common humanity that I relate to my clients. I believe the struggles we face also occur in the syst...
Are you struggling in your relationship with yourself or others? Are you going through a transition or significant event that has left you feeling overwhelmed or disconnected? In each of our lives, there are times when we need support to navigate challenges; it takes great strength to reach out for support and be open to learning the tools to be our healthiest selves. I strive to provide each o...
(Reduced private pay fees available due to the impact of COVID-19). Therapy is different for everyone because no two people are the same. I operate from a framework that assumes our families, relationships, and how we construct our thoughts fundamentally shape how we feel and act. I use a flexible and integrative model of treatment that draws from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, family-system...
*CURRENTLY FULL & NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME* Are you seeking balance or change in your life? Has placing yourself first suddenly stopped being a priority? Are you struggling and unsure where to begin? You've come to the right place. I've worked closely helping many individuals over the past 10 years with these same thoughts, questions and feelings. Let me help you too. Let's work...
Welcome! I am glad that you made the choice to seek therapy. It is very important to me that you get the results you are looking for in your therapy and that your experience is a very positive one. The most important aspect of my work with you will be to build a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship in which we can together work through whatever difficulties you may be facing. I am a...
As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Couples Counselor, I support both couples and individuals—my work is to help you move through pain, miscommunication, or dissatisfaction in your sex life and relationships to find closeness and fulfillment. If sex feels "off": it's boring, or painful, or makes you anxious, OR if you dread coming home from work to avoid another fight OR if you feel alone ...
Working from a holistic model of treatment, integrating behavioral healthcare with medical care, art, yoga, animals and the natural world is my specialty. The client that is tired of being tired and unfulfilled or tired of being sick and tired and wants a real relationship that goes beyond "tell me how you feel today" is the person who will enjoy working with me. I utilize evidence-based treatm...
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in Marriage Therapy, Sex Therapy and Women's Issues. Young Adults (19+) are also some of my favorite people to work with. In addition to relationship and sex issues, many clients come to see me for help with Anxiety and Depression. We work on identifying why these alarm systems are going off and begin to build a more balanced...
***Not accepting new clients *** Leading Racial trauma expert. Have you been in a funk that you just can't get out of? Have you experienced a recent loss? Or are you just looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation? If so you have found the right place. Perhaps old coping mechanisms aren't as effective and/or you seek a different unbiased perspective. Whatever the rea...
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, cherished, nurtured, witnessed, engaged, and comforted. People crave connection with one another, relationships fall short, hearts get broken, and our most genuine selves are buried beneath layers meant to defend against further wounding. My passion is helping people find healing and joy after surviving significant disappointment and trauma. I off...
It is very common that we find ourselves feeling alone or challenged in our most intimate relationships, even when there's love. Working collaboratively we will focus on understanding what's happening within you, strengthening connection in relationships, improving communication, and facilitating an experience of a felt sense that you are important, heard, seen and loved. My clinical style is...
