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
*Thank you for checking in, unfortunately I am not accepting new clients at this time.* I specialize in maternal mental health and women's issues. Some areas of focus include parenting and co-parenting, enhancing the parent-child dynamic, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, identity and self esteem. I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents and families in a...
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Therapy With Heart. I know that making the decision to seek therapy takes courage, and feeling safe and comfortable are the first steps in creating personal change. With this as a backdrop, I structure our sessions around mindfulness and emphasizing your strengths while collaborating together to find the answers that work for YOU. I also strive t...
Does it sometimes feel like your partner doesn't understand you? Have you experienced an affair or some other kind of infidelity? Connecting to our partner begins with understanding our own wants and desires and learning to communicate with one another in the most effective way possible. Relationships can give us a lot of comfort, but to be their best, they require hard work - and some guidance...
I am currently not taking new clients. Give me a call if you would like me to put you on my waiting list. I want to help you heal from traumatic events you have experienced in your life. I am trained in EMDR treatment. I have helped many clients through EMDR to reduce the cause of stress brought on by trauma. My expertise is in working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I also...
Clinicians have ties to the military and surrounding areas for: Cumberland, Moore, Harnett, Robinson, New Hanover and Lee, NC counties. Our contracted clinicians provide a wide range of services and specialties. We appreciate the opportunity to be of help and look forward to all of us working together. Bobette Donaldson, LCSW, owner, military connected and Fayettevillian. Experience with: Servi...
I have found that most men would like to be fully present for their lives. They hope to build healthy, satisfying relationships. They desire to freely pursue their passions. I work with men who feel that something is getting in the way of fulfilling these desires. These obstacles most commonly look like depression, anxiety, addiction, or relationship conflict. My goal is to help you feel free...
Hi I am Caitlyn, I have worked in the mental health field since 2014. I have experience working with trauma and children as well as my specialty of working with adults with anxiety and depression. Over my years within this field I have realized that each individual needs therapy specifically tailored to them. I want to be able to bring my passion and love of helping others into the comfort of y...
************Accepting Video Counseling clients (only) ************* Hello, Balancing family life and healthy family functioning may be difficult at times. If you are seeking individual, couple, or family therapy my empathetic stance and sound therapeutic interventions assist in the process of change. You decide what will work for you and your family. Welcome! I utilized evidence-based...
I don't believe that therapy has to look or feel like therapy as it is often represented. Together we can approach life's challenges in an intentional, action oriented, person centered and thoughtful way, in order to help break and change the patterns that have too often rendered you "stuck." To assist in making these changes, I provide the direct and honest guidance and feedback that is...
**OFFERING TELETHERAPY SESSIONS** (Also offering weekend sessions and last minute crisis sessions Saturday and Sunday- those particular sessions are out of pocket only)** Suffering is a common part of life, and as painful as it can be, it can also be a great source of change and growth. I believe a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental space is essential in order for you to feel supported in shar...
Do you feel stuck? Feeling down about life transitions? During times in our life, we all have stress, depression and anxiety. My focus in therapy, is building a therapeutic alliance based on trust. I am caring and compassionate, with a basic belief in the ability of people to grow. I help people improve their life skills and get through difficult times with support. With more than 20 years of...
Do you find yourself feeling anxious and depressed dealing with all of the pressures of daily life? Do you struggle in your relationships, feel angry or disappointed much of the time?After 24 years working as a psychologist, I have a tremendous amount of compassion and understanding for the struggles and challenges we face to become contributing members of society today. I work with individuals...
An essential component of therapeutic success is forming a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. I engage with my clients through active listening, conversations, and with a sense of humor, providing a comfortable and collaborative space for them to work towards implementing change. In order to assist my clients in meeting their goals, I am both compassionate and straightforward in order ...
Jeffrey is a licensed marriage and family therapist committed to treating individuals, couples, and families. Jeffrey’s experiences include working with those affected by depression, day-to-day stressors, and establishing meaning in their lives. He holds extensive experience treating a variety of couples’ issues such as infidelity, strenuous transitions, and communication problems in...
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: Are you overwhelmed, hurting, or just feel like you're "losing your mind"? I understand... I think we've all been there. I would love to assist you in walking this journey called life. With extensive experience in community mental health, grief, loss, bereavement, chronic pain, and rural social work, I know that I can help! I provide therapy services to teens, adults, an...
