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
Ready to take the first step towards creating the life you want? It takes courage and awareness. Make the changes within yourself to improve life's journey. I am here to help you realize your inherent strength, wisdom, and access to your own inner healer... all the while providing encouragement and support along the way. Licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Addictions...
Taking the first step into therapy can be intimidating. Being vulnerable with a complete stranger isn't the most comforting thought. It is my goal to provide an environment that allows you to feel safe to show up and be authentic without fear of judgement. We are all human beings and need help from time to time. My approach to counseling is a collaborative effort aimed at increasing self-awaren...
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I started in the addiction field early on and treated substance abuse, pornography addiction and eating disorders. I have 14 years experience and have worked with many individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I can help you with anything from marital issues, to individual depression and anxiety, or improving your relationship with your teen. I have a...
Counseling is a team effort. As the client, you are the expert on your life and history. We work with you to understand what you want and need in order to help you overcome life's roadblocks-large and small-that inhibit feelings of well-being, confidence and success. We provide a supportive environment where you can feel safe to discuss life's issues without judgment. Each person's situation is...
Laura Houd is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Denver, Colorado. She works with young adults, especially women, who are in college, recently graduated, or navigating the professional world. Laura is seasoned in supporting the many challenges that arise during quarter life, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance use and relationship issues. She is particularly passionate in...
Do Holistic and Integrative approaches to therapy appeal to you? Clients connect to my services because they want to work through their struggles from a body/soul/mind/emotion perspective. I support individuals and couples in their quest to transform life's challenges into a tapestry of wisdom. I passionately embrace the depth of each person's journey to heal their past traumatic wounding and...
Life is a journey full of unexpected twists and turns that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, confused, stressed, anxious, angry and hurt. It happens. Sometimes when we are faced with an unexpected event or tragedy or we just feel like we "aren't ourselves "and we just aren't sure who to talk to or what to do, therapy can help. I would like to be there to help you through the twists and turns. I...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NOW OFFERING VIRTUAL VISITS TO CURRENT CLIENTS. Welcome! Counseling, like life, asks a lot of you & your therapist. You can expect from me faithful attention to your needs, spoken & unspoken, to your best self, your dreams & what might be getting in the way. I became a counselor to help others BE FREE. Free from past trauma & hurts, unmet needs, loss & barriers getting ...
You deserve a lot of credit for taking this first step toward making your life what you would like it to be. By searching for a therapist, you are affirming to yourself that things can be better in your life. And, you are right. I provide supportive psychotherapy to women ages 18 to 80. And, I would be honored to work with you. In a warm, non-judgmental environment, we will explore your concern...
Asking for help is vulnerable, but it is also an act of courage. Dedicating time to prioritize self-exploration and growth is an incredible gift to yourself. I believe in a shame-free, co-created space where warmth, empathy and humor are encouraged. We will use authenticity & curiosity to examine the parts of your life that don't align with your vision for yourself. By connecting with yourself ...
Effective psychotherapy includes building rapport, trust, and achieving awareness through a collaborative process where patient and therapist work together to achieve stated goals. It includes evidence-based methods, learning about the issue or disorder, applying solutions and developing skills and strategies to manage emotions and realize your incredible strength and ability to persevere in th...
Everyone thinks you "have it all together" and your life may seem great to everyone around you, but inside you fight with anxiety, self-doubt, and depression. You can sometimes smile on the outside, but you feel anxious, overwhelmed, and alone. Self-doubt and fear do not have to rob you of the life you want to live. Therapy is a process that makes change possible. It is an investment in YOU - a...
I will be away until mid-March, 2021. Please contact [email protected] for coaching sessions. His approach is similar, and he is filling in for me while away. My approach is trauma-informed and heart-centered. I work with people undergoing life transitions such as career or relationship change, and additionally specialize in pregnancy/postpartum/parenting, trauma (TBI and head injury, PTSD...
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and I am certified by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. In therapy, I take a holistic approach to treatment and offer a supportive and collaborative environment in which to build a therapeutic alliance, explore difficulties, and assist clients in learning new ways of coping in order to facilitate change and experience optimal symptom...
I am highly interactive and collaborative and depend on a strong relationship with clients that builds trust and encourages individuality and personal development. I believe in the power of change and also the strength within each of us to make those changes. I want people to feel empowered to live life to its fullest and to find happiness through purpose and connection. I hold hope while you f...
