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
Brenda Morris-Huntoon
Louisville
Kentucky
Brenda Morris-Huntoon
Louisville
Kentucky
As a psychotherapist, Brenda forms a collaborative relationship with clients empowering them to make their own choices. She views her role as one of support and guidance to facilitate client self-exploration, recognition of values, and goal-setting. Brenda has a special interest in supporting individuals who are questioning their gender or who are transitioning their presentation to reflect the...
I believe every client works in their own way and own pace. It is important to respect that individual style and develop a working relationship that honors it. I work with individuals where they are in motivation and understanding. Some therapy is education. By telling me your experiences and helping me to understand, you create a greater self understanding, leading to the ability to identify...
I provide psychological therapy which focuses on the way that people think and behave. My practice specializes in working with children/adolescents and college/post-college adults who have problems adapting to their current life circumstances. Each person brings into treatment all their experiences, both joyous and problematic, which provides a base for the development of individualized goals a...
Gary W Lee
Cincinnati
Ohio
Gary W Lee
Cincinnati
Ohio
Are you ready to break free from the bondage of anxiety, deep emotional pain, personal suffering, betrayal, or depression? Do you want to feel that you finally have control over your life and that there is a better, more fulfilling future awaiting you? I can help. As an experienced therapist, I have helped countless individuals and couples find their way back from the depths of despair, helping...
Miriah King
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Miriah King
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Helping others is both a personal and professional passion. I believe in the commitment and power of personal growth and healing through beneficial and accessible mental health services. Client centered care and individualized treatment is a key factor in helping individuals navigate their healing journey around a variety of personal goals. I believe in developing a strong rapport with my clien...
Tamara Irons
Las Vegas
Nevada
Tamara Irons
Las Vegas
Nevada
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!! I have been a licensed therapist for almost 20 years. If you want to make changes in your life or yourself and are willing to do the work, I am thrilled to help you. I believe in individualized therapy and enjoy helping people to heal, strengthen and manifest their desires. In addition to traditional therapy, I enjoy the ability to provide several modalities of thera...
Katie Anderson
Spokane
Washington
Katie Anderson
Spokane
Washington
I believe that we are hardwired for connection, resilience and growth. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I will come alongside you in your journey. For ten years I have served individuals and families impacted by trauma, loss, and the natural transitions of life. I bring a combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and humor to each individual that I serve. Whether you are a young pers...
Becoming a parent is often more difficult than we expected it to be. Depression, anxiety, loss of identity, and an overall feeling of imbalance can happen when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and during the postpartum period. I work with clients during this overwhelming time in life to cope with the ups and downs and to heal from depression, loss, and trauma. Perinatal mood and anxiety...
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Gail Lawson
Las Vegas
Nevada
Gail Lawson
Las Vegas
Nevada
You do not have to face life's challenges alone. We all need some support in order to navigate life and find solutions to these challenges. Let's figure out together what is keeping you from living your best life. I would like to assist with letting go of people pleasing behaviors that can take away from your self respect, self worth and self esteem. I can help with communicating your needs and...
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I believe people need a therapist they can trust and who has the ability to understand their experience. My focus is to help bring awareness to a client through the understanding of influences of the past and their affect on present behavior. My strengths lie in the ability to connect and create a safe and trusting environment in order to work on and through difficult issues to provide a more...
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