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
You are the only expert in *your* life. As Carl Rogers did, I believe that all people have the ability to bring about meaningful change in their lives, and a my role is to guide you to a greater understanding of that power, while gaining new, positive skills. Level UP! I continually strive to demonstrate empathy and unconditional positive regard. Life is hard enough as it is - getting help...
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My specialization includes assisting adults experiencing challenges of all types: be that physical, mental, psychiatric, developmental, cognitive, intellectual, chronic illness, etc. This may be a personal or indirect experience currently affecting you. We will work together to reflect on and overcome barriers in an empathetic and nurturing environment. We will take the time to grieve any loss,...
Michelle Weathers has worked as an independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for nearly 10 years. Michelle provides clinical services for those dealing with a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, Michelle is devoted to helping others and is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health issues and the need fo...
I provide an open and accepting environment that empowers clients to share their concerns without judgment. From a systemic perspective, I focus on helping individuals, couples and families develop a greater sense of self within their relationships, leading clients to develop and maintain healthy and sustainable relationships beyond therapy. I work with a broad range of clients including...
I believe counseling is useful to help people achieve their life goals, regardless of their age or situation. Everyone has a unique purpose in life and it's a privilege to work alongside people in their journey's. I specialize in treating victims of sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse, trauma related disorders, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders (ADHD and ODD), family...
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I work with adults, both in individual, couples, and group therapy, and have three years of experience working specifically with undergraduate and graduate students. I am particularly interested in working with individuals who want to focus on relationship concerns, identity development, issues related to family-of-origin, and phase of life issues. I have specific training and interest in worki...
I have worked with individuals in a variety of settings since 2010. I also have worked with families in diverse cultural backgrounds such as military families, minority groups, immigrants and refugees. Most of my work focuses on helping clients find their strengths and use them to manage life stressors, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, trauma, and acculturation. I use strengths-based...
*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Welcome! Are you ready to take the next step? I applaud you as I know how hard that can be! Everyone deserves to feel safe, understood, and heard. I’ve created a space where those elements serve as a foundation for our therapeutic work and offer a comfortable place to share your story. I am a clinical psychologist and I work from a relational perspective. My style is war...
