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 consider it a joy to work with couples, families, and individuals. It is an honor when people allow me to walk beside them in their journey. I believe that each person has great worth and their stories are as unique as snowflakes. Sitting with people in their distress gives me an unparalleled vantage point from which to watch the healing power of secure attachment in the lives of my clients....
We are all involved in relationships, with others and ourselves. These relationships evolve and change over time. At times, we can feel frustrated, unappreciated, misunderstood, or just on different pages. I offer an open, warm, and engaging environment. Through a process of thoughtful discovery we will focus on strengths and build from there. Often, we already have what we need to find satisfy...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have had the opportunity to provide Individual, Family, and Group Psychotherapy for 13 years. I'm a private practitioner and have worked with several different populations and age groups. I have helped people who have experienced; depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, addiction, anger issues, trauma related issues, cognitive thinking error issues, an...
Couples want to feel better. Couples often find themselves caught in patterns of conflict that they would love to get out of. Most couples dream of living with better communication and less conflict. Fortunately, couples counseling was made for this. Whether you're looking for couples counseling to increasing the level of commitment in your relationship, wanting to deepen your connection, or...
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 40 years, I have worked with clients spanning across every major stage of the lifecycle. I began my career as a family therapist treating mainly children and adolescents. Now, I work mostly with adults and seniors, helping them to cope with the challenges of everyday life. Together, I will help you explore the difficulties you have experienced i...
My goal in my practice is to help people of all ages develop tools to feel better and have a healthy life, both mentally and physically. I want my clients/patients to enjoy good self esteem and coping skills for the situations that often cause stress, pain, and uncertainty. Life presents so many challenges with relationships, work, family and health-it can often become overwhelming. Children,...
People are motivated by fulfilling needs, including the deep rooted need for connection. We are all hardwired for connection and love. In each and every one of us lies strength and resilience. We all have moments where we get off track and might need guidance and help. As your counselor, it is my role to help you feel heard and accepted, able to share your story. My goal is to meet you where yo...
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and a mom. I love working with clients who are parents because there’s something unique about this period of life. You might find you’re sad, worried, or crabby to a point that it's impacting your relationships and self-esteem. Often, we find ourselves asking everyone around us, “why didn’t you tell me it was THIS HARD!?” Sometimes parenting can trigger a...
Areinia has extensive experience working with adults, children, and families providing therapy in homes, in communities and in outpatient agencies through community based services. She has experience conducting clinical assessments, group therapy treating anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, marital/family issues, schizophrenia, Borderline personality disorder, substance use, self-harm, and...
**NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** I strongly believe that there is true strength in vulnerability. Your openness to looking into therapy, a tool to help enhance your understanding of yourself and your experiences, is a sign of that strength. I am privileged to work with children, adolescents, and adults to address concerns related to mood, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, life...
Everybody struggles from time to time. We all deserve to find our voice and learn to manage life on our terms. This is the belief of everybody working at Allied to build our community into one that is resilient and strong. Allied Mental Health has been a leader in Mental health and wellness for over 20 years. We offer empowering, compassionate service for a full spectrum of mental health issues...
*NEW CLIENT Openings, NO WAITLIST. If life isn't how it should be, and what used to give you joy doesn't anymore, if it's exhausting always struggling, then therapy can be a powerful way to change things now that you're ready. It is an HONOR to listen & be present as you discover your truth, joy, satisfaction, peace & confidence! I treat individuals, couples, families, teens, older adults,...
MULTIPLE PROVIDERS WITH AVAILABILITY!! I have a passion for helping individuals become "unstuck", and identify healthy ways of living. I have extensive experience working with individuals with behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse issues. Are you struggling with relationships or emotional regulation? I can help! Are you struggling with substance abuse or other unhealthy ways of coping with...
I specialize in individual, couple (including non-monogamous couples) and family therapy. Having grown up with two cultures, and on the border between two countries, I know what it's like to struggle with multiple cultural identities. I have a gentle, yet firm approach to therapy, which can sometimes feel like deep work and sometimes like a conversation with a life-long friend. I integrate West...
Feeling stuck? Arguing about the same problems over and over again with no resolution in sight? It is frustrating to marry your best friend, and then find yourself years later wondering what happened. Puzzled about how you got to this place, and unsure there is a way out? Fighting, intimacy gone, mistrust, hidden cell phones, parenting disagreements...not talking about the things that matter,...
