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
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing psychotherapy in Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia. I work with individual adults, and provide growth groups. I welcome clients with diverse racial, cultural, religious and sexual identities. People come to me for help with various mental health, medical, relationship and existential concerns. If you decide to begin therapy with me, we will wo...
Hello and welcome! I'm Beth Elliott and my goal is to provide clients with competent therapeutic services in a relaxed setting where you are treated with respect and dignity. You can expect a safe place to talk, to be heard objectively, to be supported, and to be given guidance and direction to facilitate the therapeutic process. There are many challenges in life and relationships that can leav...
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My approach is collaborative and compassionate in nature. I will work with you step by step to create and accomplish realistic and attainable goals that match the vision you have for your life. I want to understand where each of my clients are coming from so that I can work to provide well-informed, culturally sensitive care, unique to each client's individual needs. I am experienced in working...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and native Floridian. I received my Masters in Social Work at New York University, focusing on clinical practice. I connected with my true passion of working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities during my undergrad at the University of Florida. This passion led me to New York and after six years of studying and working in NYC I...
There are times in our lives when we need help. Life experiences require us to make the decision to seek guidance from outside our immediate family and friends. Counseling can provide much needed support and intervention in times of crises or with chronic issues that last a lifetime. Don't consider it a weakness but a strength to take that step to be the best possible individual or family you c...
