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
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...
YOU MADE IT! Let's change your LIFE! YOU ARE a badass in your 20s or 30s and you *mostly* have your life together, but something is holding you back. You work hard on your life goals, but have also been dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, and some negative self-talk. Maybe you look at social media and immediately feel you're not doing enough with your life (been there) - or maybe your...
Whether you are seeking healthier and more fulfilling relationships, clarity on why you may be struggling, or space to explore how you got where you are, therapy offers a unique opportunity for growth and self-reflection. I work with individuals, families, and couples who are seeking to honor their past as it influences the present and who want to find a way forward together. My approach to...
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected lately? You've been trying to keep up but suddenly realized you’re not happy with yourself or your relationships. You know something needs to change but don’t know where to begin. I have several years of experience treating adults with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem at university counseling centers, behavioral health hospitals, a...
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...
Life is sending messages from every angle that you need to be more. The more you hear it, the more your belief that you can do better fades. Each day you wake up with dreams that life will change and yet it seems each day is served up the same as yesterday. You wonder if it will ever change. It may be your marriage, your relationship with your parents, addictions that shame you, or anxiety or...
As a marriage and family therapist, I consider people’s contexts, or systems, from a smaller scale, such as family, friends, and intimate relationships, to a larger scale (sociocultural aspects) and how these factors intersect and influence your life. Even though I am specially trained in relational work (couple and family therapy), I also see clients individually. I work with various issues,...
Greetings! My name is Rob Morrison and I am a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of professional experience and training. I graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Delaware in 1984, and from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology in 1996 with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am also the director of services for Blue Skies Psychological Services, P.C.; a group...
Trauma and stress are not distributed fairly among us, but they are a part of life we all have to learn to navigate. While I can't say treatment of trauma - or any successful therapy - is fun, easy, or quick, if you are looking at Psychology Today profiles you are likely considering getting support and making some changes. That is an excellent first step! If you are experiencing difficulties in...
I believe that counseling should be tailored to the individual so I strive to create a unique, safe environment for every person who comes in for help. I work with my clients to help them overcome the issues that are keeping them from moving forward in their life. I have over 10 years experience with treating clients of all ages with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, and Panic Disord...
