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
Belkys Elkin, PsyD, ABPP, is a Licensed Neuropsychologist. She specializes in neuropsychological testing and therapy and has an additional licensure in mental health counseling. Dr. Elkin completed her undergraduate studies at Loyola University in New Orleans and completed a doctorate in neuropsychology from Carlos Albizu University in Miami. She speaks several languages and is trained in a...
The Telos Project is a non profit public benefit corporation whose ongoing aim is removing barriers to therapeutic, mental health and community services in the state of Texas. Our ultimate objective is to reduce individual psychological turmoil and empower the communities we serve. We serve clients of any age, gender, or orientation on all aspects of daily life and functioning. Our vision is to...
SOMETIMES WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE WANT IN LIFE, WE JUST KNOW WE WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Are there parts of your life that have become unmanageable or difficult and want some professional feedback? Have you thought your life would be different than what it is? To meet the changing demands of our lives we must find ways to grow and change because life is a series of transitions. It turns out we c...
Currently I am in private practice and enjoy working with client's who have or currently experiencing depression, anxiety, past or current trauma, mood instability, substance abuse/dependency, identity issues, relationship/martial problems, anger issues, crisis intervention, and couples counseling. "Let's work together to turn problems into challenges" I have worked in many setting working with...
Do you need support navigating through the many stages, changes and challenges of your child's development? I am passionate about supporting children, teens and families navigate through the challenges of their social/emotional development. My background in mental health and early childhood education allows me to help children and teens who struggle with anxiety, self-regulation, anger,...
Could you believe there may be another way to look at your experiences and ideas about yourself and your life? Maybe you're new to therapy and ready to try a different approach. Or maybe therapy has been helpful in the past and you're looking for a tune up. As uncertain that first step may seem, with the right fit it may open up possibilities for you and set you on a new path. I work with adult...
There are times in our lives when we need help restoring our relationships. As a therapist with 26 years of marriage experience, and significant clinical training, I believe working together I can help you reach your goals. As a therapist I have seen that two things seem to be necessary to start the healing process, mercy and empathy. When a person experiences mercy, it opens them up to...
My clinical experience over the last 29 years has enabled me to develop effective treatments tailored to the unique needs of each of my clients. I am deeply interested in the individuals who place their trust in me and committed to finding the kind of practical and enduring solutions that truly enhance the quality of their lives. If you are struggling and feel ready to move forward to a more...
The services I currently provide include: management of depression and/or problems with mood and pervasive unhappiness; chemical dependency (alcohol and other drugs) and other kinds of addiction (including gambling and sexual addiction); debilitating anxiety and fears, including social phobia; issues and concerns specific to the LGBT community; Behavioral Medicine, including pain management as...
"When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending." -Brene Brown. Believing these words, I do my best to create a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate space for adult individuals, couples and families to own and process their stories, while finding meaning, healing and growth. We are dynamic people, capable of change and restoration, and it is an...
My focus is on working with you to address current challenges, process past difficulties, and develop tools to navigate hurdles in relationships and daily life. I regularly work with individuals and couples going through life changes, individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and couples experiencing communication and conflict concerns. In addition, I work with adult children of...
A good fit between you and your therapist is crucial; you must feel comfortable and understood. I strive to provide a warm and nonjudgmental environment. I work to understand your perspective, to support you, and to help you clarify what you want for yourself (in therapy and in your life). Together we will determine the best way to help you cope, heal, and grow. People who find me most helpful ...
It takes tremendous strength to ask for help. Are you feeling like things are just not working out in some area's of your life? Does it make you feel helpless, like it doesn't help to talk about it because it doesn't feel like anything will work? With everything there is a process and I am here to aid in that process. You are not alone. With my therapeutic assistance and your working through th...
In this time of isolation, I am offering telehealth, specifically video sessions. Karen is a licensed marriage and family therapist who utilizes empathy, kindness, active listening, respect and systemic approach with her clients to build a trusting relationship. Within this relationship is where clients are able to challenge themselves, work on and achieve their goals, and find a sense of balan...
CURRENTLY FULL, ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS TO WAIT LIST. My wait list is for couples wanting help to strengthen communication, manage conflicts and better regulate mental health concerns. I'm also accepting individual client's who want to use EMDR to overcome negative experiences and tap into new possibilities and outcomes for improved functioning. I also help parents and kids. If you are highly...
