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 believe everyone, if given a supportive and secure space, can discover their inner-self and learn to appreciate who they genuinely are, which leads to improved relationships. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Taiwan with over 10 years of practice experience. I have helped diverse populations with a wide range of issues in a variety of settings, including a community ment...
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I'm providing telehealth services for parental guidance and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma in teens and adults. Don't be alone during the pandemic. I have post-doctoral training in attachment, infancy and early childhood, trauma, and psycho-dynamic psychotherapy. I've been able to help people who have concerns about their relationships, work, health, a history of trauma, or...
***Currently only taking daytime appts. ***Many times in our life, we all need support. We all deserve to have someone in our life who can help us from a non judgmental, human approach. If you need support and are serious about changing your life, I am here to work with you. I have extensive experience in the Counseling Social Work Field. I work with clients ages 18-65. I use a Holistic and...
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What would it be like if you woke up tomorrow and realized that you can accomplish your goals? As a therapist, I love to help people imagine that answer. It is my belief that we are all capable of growing, achieving, and realizing our potential. I specialize in using talk therapy to identify and remove obstacles (such as anxiety, stress, anger, and depression) that can prevent you from...
My name is Kirsten Davis and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am very passionate about helping you and your family THRIVE and FLOURISH. I am qualified and experienced in providing mental health services to adults, adolescents, children and families. I work from a client centered perspective using evidence based practices, primarily cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. I...
As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFTA) I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I have experience working with Anxiety, Depression, trauma, grief, marital and pre-marital to name a few. In my practice I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR....
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My focus during the COVID-19 pandemic is to support those through a stressful and uncertain time. I have worked with anxiety, panic and stress for most of my career in the capacity as an individual therapist, a group facilitator for Kaiser Permanente, an educator for the county of Riverside, and working with marginalized communities in Northern CA. Although I can work with most, I am a great ma...
St. Charles Counseling Associates are a group of licensed therapists who operate their practices with their shared mission: creating change for a healthy life and walking with you on your path to wellness. With different specialty areas treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, the therapists at St. Charles Counseling Associates look forward to assisting you access your...
Are you feeling consumed by the burden of managing anxiety, depressed mood, or feeling disconnected struggling with interpersonal relationships and have a few destructive behaviors that you would like to let go of but unable to do so on your own? If so, I could help. I have over ten years of experience working in direct practice and leadership roles in the outpatient, inpatient, forensic, and...
