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
"What's happened to my relationship? We used to be close but I can hardly remember those feelings". You may feel that your relationship is more like a chore than a reward. Whatever your struggles, sometimes it takes an outside person to help you get a fresh perspective, learn new skills, or to help you get through tough times. Learning to be more vulnerable with your partner and stopping negati...
I enjoy treating individuals who feel "stuck" in their lives. There are many obstacles in life that create dismay and life dissatisfaction including phase of life issues, grief and loss, issues with intimacy and attachment, career dissatisfaction, unresolved family of origin issues and impulsive/compulsive coping behaviors to name a few. I enjoy helping people getting back to thriving and feeli...
I believe it requires a great deal of courage to seek change through therapy, and am honored to be a part of this journey with my clients. I evaluate each client and their specific situation from a holistic perspective, and consider my approach to therapy to be patient-centered, trauma-informed, and relationally-oriented. I have particular interest in treating those with eating disorders, eatin...
In my practice, you will find a welcoming atmosphere and a nonjudgmental therapist experienced in providing support for clients encountering challenges in their lives. I specialize in treating adolescents and adults of all ages who have experienced trauma and loss, domestic abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Therapy is a highly individualize...
I specialize in working with you in times of change whether wanted or unwanted; un-coupling or committing; wits-end or letting go or starting again. By looking at habits, patterns, defense structures, and super powers, we build awareness of their purpose and see how we can repurpose them, let them go or build new ones through deepening and allowing, owning disavowed parts, crafting new narrativ...
I have collected compasses all my life. Being able to orient ourselves in this world is essential and ongoing work. The therapeutic process is one way to find True North again after a trauma, or in the regular course of life. I have been in clinical practice for over 25 years and I am equipped with many tools and approaches to tailor the therapeutic experience to meet your needs. I see children...
I have over ten years experience working with adolescent and adults with a wide range of mental health and substance abuse disorders. I use an empathic, strengths based approach to address issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and relationship and career changes. I have worked with a variety of clients with co-occuring mental health and substance abuse disorders. I tend to utiliz...
Time has seasoned me as a therapist. In the 30 years since I began doing the work of therapy, I have learned that theories matter but the professional relationship that develops and unfolds between me and my client/clients, matters the very most. Within a safe and trusted relationship, change and growth can happen. I always appreciate the courage it takes to make that first appointment. Change ...
Welcome to Middle Way Health, a center for healing, creativity and growth. We are a group practice offering holistic wellness programs for businesses and individuals. Unlike traditional EAP/wellness programs, we offer a variety of healing modalities and work with you to create a program customized to your needs and preferences. Our primary provider group includes center Director, Stephen Bryant...
Finding the right counselor is not always easy. I am a very positive person and I am solution focused. I care a lot about my clients and their success. I have a lot of training in relationship dynamics, foundational issues, and mood regulation. I work towards helping my clients thrive in their personal life and develop realistic steps that work for them. Evening appointments are available. I al...
Feeling alone, confused or overwhelmed? Anxious or depressed? Struggling with an emotionally unhealthy relationship or having trouble establishing a fulfilling, intimate one? Not realizing your personal or professional goals or reaching your potential? Psychotherapy with a highly trained, experienced professional can provide a safe space to deal with these and many other issues and facilitate...
My general philosophy is that I believe in people. I believe that everyone has a unique story that should be honored and celebrated. I believe everyone has the key to their own joy but sometimes cannot find it. Everyone has their own journey and I view myself as a guide to assist individuals in navigating their journey in a way that fits and inspires them. I work together with my clients in...
Worried about your Child? Experiencing Dysfunction or Upheaval in your Family? Struggling with Anxiety, Depression, or the effects of Trauma, Family Violence, or Addiction? I specialize in treating trauma experienced by children/teens, utilizing evidence-based therapies including EMDR & Sandtray for Trauma Processing, PVT & DBT for Improved Coping, as well as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) &...
I love to help women and adolescents clear a path through the mire and muck of everyday living and the pitfalls associated with previous or current struggles. Whether it is relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, or previous traumas, I work to help put words and order to what is being experienced. My approach to life and counseling comes from a Christian faith and perspective. Healing and...
( English | español ) I am originally from Miami, FL & obtained my Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from NOVA. I have had the privilege of treating clientele from diverse backgrounds in English & Spanish. While my theoretical orientation is eclectic, I lean toward Cognitive-Behavior Therapy & Rogerian approaches. I am proficient in treating several mental health issues, depression, anxiety,...
