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
As a therapist, my role is to promote your ability to identify the roadblocks- both external and internal- that interfere with your full satisfaction in life, and to propose alternative strategies to overcome those obstacles. Using integrated modalities from a variety of theoretical perspectives, the most effective way to begin work is to partner with clients to create a path toward their goals...
I understand that deciding to enter therapy is often a difficult decision. Facing a challenging issue takes courage, as does reaching out for help. Whether we are healing old wounds, addressing current struggles, or pursuing increased life satisfaction, therapy can be a useful tool in reaching our goals. I utilize a variety of complementary therapeutic approaches in order to meet the unique nee...
Are you looking to make a shift? I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I believe therapy can be seen as a process of unpacking. Things often go unsaid, which can manifest into various effects on the body, such as anxiety. Although staying with your emotions can be difficult, it can often be the pathway to healing. My clinical...
I am available Sundays between 7am and 12pm with some limited availability Tuesday/Wednesday evening. During covid, I offer both telehealth and in person sessions. I believe that our time is short and life is best lived enjoying loved ones, family, and friends. If you have encountered an impasse in your life, whether it be family/relationship issues or mental health related symptoms that impede...
******Accepting New Clients*******Practicing since 2005, I work with children and teens, families and individuals and specialize in trauma, attachment, behavioral issues, children's mental health, relationship issues and transitions with the family life cycle. I assess clients and their presenting concerns with a welcoming, non-judgmental , solution-focused approach. My client-centered manner...
Anastasis is the Greek word for which we derive the word "resurrection" meaning "raising up or rising up." Finding the ability to rise above life's challenges can leave you feeling hopeless and the journey to reconnect with life can often be a difficult one, especially when your journey includes recovery from traumatic events or struggles with substance addiction. I am here to walk along side y...
I have 10 years of experience working in the community with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, OCD, and other disorders as well. I’ve worked with adults and adolescents and children in varied settings. in inpatient hospital settings, and partial hospital settings as well as at my Private practice. I use varied therapeutic modalities that are...
I have experience working with adults and couples from various diverse backgrounds. Using a collaborative, relational approach I help you with your struggles with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, multicultural identity concerns, and life transitions. The foundation of my approach focuses on developing a shared understanding of your current struggles and how persona...
Seeking support through counseling is a way to move toward health and wellness. Heather provides a supportive, accepting space to explore and develop strategies to let go of what is no longer serving you and to build on what does. Through creative exploration and problem solving we develop an engaging and collaborative relationship finding relief as well as strategies to improve the quality and...
Life can be difficult at times and often we struggle to navigate those challenging times. Marriage and trauma difficulties, in particular, can be very personal and often leave us feeling extremely confused and lonely. As a therapist I use the Gottman Method Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy to assist couples. I work with my clients to identify a specific cycle of conflict, identify and expres...
Making the decision on which therapist to work with is based on many factors. Perhaps the most important factor is finding someone you are comfortable with so they can be of help. My goal in working with clients is to start by establishing a nonjudgmental, yet honest, relationship that is supportive enough to explore topics and gain insight into issues most relevant to them. I have experience...
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, life's challenges can leave your child, your family, or yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and/or uncertain. We all experience times when extra support is needed. Finding the right counselor is an important step on the journey to emotional wellness and personal growth. I believe my role is to help your family find strength and solutions by...
I provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals and couples struggling with anxiety and depression; substance use, abuse, and addiction; relationship difficulties; past trauma; and the effects of dysfunctional family relationships. If you are struggling in your personal or work relationships, if you are finding it hard to adjust to loss or trauma, or if you are finding it difficult to co...
Do you owe yourself a better quality of life? Are you feeling stuck? I can help you gain insight in your relationships, conflicts, or reconcile with your troubled past to improve your life. I specialize in individual, couple, family/group therapy. I'm here to help you improve communication, self-esteem, coping skills, and overall wellness. I also provide psychological testing to clarify functio...
I work from a strengths-based perspective; helping you to recognize and utilize your strengths to create change and healing within yourself and your environment. I am passionate about working with teenagers and young adults, assisting them on their journey of self-discovery, self-worth and self-esteem. I’m experienced in treating substance abuse disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating...
