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 work with adult individuals, couples & non-monogamous relationships and treat relational & sexual health concerns: conflict & miscommunication, sexual functioning issues, sexual pain disorders, sexual dissatisfaction & desire discrepancy, anxiety & depressive disorders. Many patients I work with are LGBTQIA+ folks, those engaging in unconventional sexual behaviors (BDSM, kink, fetish, etc.) o...
( English | español ) I have a passion for working with families, couples, and individuals. I have felt the hardships of relationships, the struggles of marriage, and know the building and maintaining of a family can be overwhelming at times. I provide a safe space to explore and process those feelings. Being a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFTC), I have the skills and training to...
(Not currently accepting new clients.) Do you find yourself having the same fight over and over again? Have you tried everything and nothing seems to work? Have you given up hope that things could be different in your relationship? Regardless of the outcome, you take yourself with you to whatever is ahead on your journey and are worth taking the time to find wholeness and healing even amid the...
Life’s journey is influenced by your experiences. Some experiences are difficult and leave you feeling unbalanced and disconnected. Injuries sustained from relationships and events can create feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness and rejection. Seeking help is the first step toward finding your sense of balance and connection. Every individual has the ability within themselves to...
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Talk to me, I want to help you help yourself. I believe it is possible to obtain clarity and grow with purpose. My goal is to help you where you are at and work together to explore alternative ways to manage "Life on Life's Terms". My specialties include working with individuals who face challenges with anger, depression, anxiety and psychosis. I...
I have been working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples for both mental health and substance abuse counseling for over 20 years. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families using a client driven, strengths based approach. I utilize a variety of techniques including psychodynamic, CBT, DBT and others. My specialties include working with depression, anxiety, substa...
Cura Couples and Family Therapy Center of Atlanta serves a broad range of clients including those who are feeling less connected in romantic and sexual relationships, families going through tough transitions; individuals suffering in the grips of what past addictions have done in his/her lives; as well as those struggling with depression and/or anxiety coupled with day to day stress. Each Cura...
Is your child struggling with overwhelming emotions of anxiety or sadness? Are you concerned about your child’s increased explosive behavior or aggression? Do you worry about their family/peer relationships? You are not alone! My passion is helping children discover and build upon their unique set of gifts and abilities so they are able to develop the problem solving and coping skills needed fo...
You know that when there are problems at home and stress, it makes it difficult for each member of your family to thrive. This worries you and makes you wish you could somehow make a change for the better. With years of experience helping individuals & families thrive, you can trust me as a specialist with your family. To get started, Leave a message with: First and Last Name, Phone #. I'll cal...
Ph/Text: 231-206-0480 Dr. McMillian has 35+ years of experience providing psychological services for those experiencing cognitive and emotional difficulties. The beginnings of 2020 have brought uncertainty, fear, doubt, rapid change to so many people—nothing Is more stressful than the unknown or what the future holds. My main message would be to try and live in today. Don’t get too far out in t...
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Are you feeling lost? Struggling to make changes in your life? Do you need encouragement and help? In 2014 I began Solid Foundations Counseling Center to bring hope and change to the lives of individuals, families and communities. I believe in treating people with dignity and respect regardless of background or struggle. You matter. I provide individual, couple, family and group counseling to...
People often describe me as "down to earth" and "easy to talk to" which helps clients open up and work through issues more deeply. Using evidence-based approaches, I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and humanistic psychology to help clients move forward in meaningful ways. I tailor therapy to each individual and addresses many dimensions of a person's life, including fami...
I lived in New York City for many years as a performing artist and body worker. My background as an actor and performer gives me a certain knack for working with those who have a creative bent. I have personal experience with the longings that come with artistic striving, but the reality is that my clients have a wide variety of careers, interests, and life stressors. I work with depression,...
