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 am a licensed clinical social worker in the Treasure Valley area working with co-occurring disorders, mental health, and substance abuse. I enjoy working with women, men, and adolescents. I have experience with individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and couple's therapy treating a variety of issues. I have a very humanistic approach as I believe the relationship and rapport with e...
***Accepting consultations for my waitlist*** I'm here to support individuals with post-traumatic stress, interpersonal difficulties, life transitions, and more. I really appreciate the complexity of personality and identity formation. My ideal client was raised with a slightly "messed up" childhood, which they laugh about but say they are "over it". But, they may be having some concerns in the...
(Currently, I am not able to accept any new clients). I strive to create an inviting, calm, non-judgmental, supportive, and collaborative environment for you. My focus is working with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, poor self esteem, peer conflict, family issues, grief, past adverse experiences, life transitions, or general life stress and overwhelm. I ca...
As people, we all go through ups and downs in life. I am here to help you maximize your happiness and get through those challenges in life we all face. Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be negative and threatening. I will work with you to learn which coping skills are the most effective for you. In today’s busy world, many people become addicted to different things. I have extens...
Therapy can be a space to vocalize and think together about things you may not feel able to elsewhere. A space to reflect on areas where you feel stuck, difficult events you have experienced, or simply a space to deepen self understanding. This can be challenging work, but also relieving, surprising, and illuminating. As we explore and think through your experiences and feelings, and the storie...
I am an experienced therapist who has worked with hundreds of individuals and couples, I offer an empathetic, collaborative environment for your journey towards self-improvement and a more fulfilling life. With focus on couples, individuals and family therapy, I can assist you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, transition, divorce, blended family dynamics, women's issues and...
Sigma Counseling Services is a multicultural community mental health (MH) clinic. We offer affordable MH services related to substance abuse/dependence, mental retardation/pervasive development disorder, EAP, court ordered evaluation/treatments and counseling to individuals, couples, families and groups. Our services address a wide range of MH problems and are provided by dedicated and experien...
We often seek therapy when we're ready for change and part of our life has become unbalanced. A feeling of discontent, depression, or anxiety may have lasted a lifetime, or may have been initiated by a transitional change, such as loss of a relationship or career, or a yearning to grow beyond where we have been stuck. The crux of what I do is help you integrate the various parts that make up yo...
I think we all can have a time in our lives where we reach a problem or a series of problems and are faced with the question of "how do I get through this?" or "what should I do?" Regardless of what brought you to that crossroad, therapy is a useful means to help you figure out what to do next. Your time is important and your life is meant to be full of happiness. We all are transitioning from...
! Wouldn't it be nice if you had someone safe to unburden your heart with? Someone who is not only well-trained, but cares deeply and respects you and your journey? Someone who can help you sift through old stories and patterns, helping you re-write them and uncover the best version of yourself that you always knew was there?? I specialize in working with couples, adults, and older teens (17+)...
My belief is that the therapeutic process is a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist, and that clients are experts of their own lives. I am simply here to facilitate the process of overcoming challenges, helping clients reach their life goals in a safe, non judgmental, relaxed environment. Together we will work on building strong interpersonal relationships, increasing self...
No matter what life throws at us, we thrive when we feel connected to the sincerity, courage, and wisdom that resides in our hearts. Painful experiences we've been left alone with can block our access to this powerful internal resource and lead to many of the difficulties we face in life and relationships. With the help of a trusted companion, we can develop the kind of understanding and...
I am an experienced marriage and family therapist with extensive training in working with individuals, couples and families from a systemic perspective. I believe that our experiences are shaped by the interaction between physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual components in our lives. As a therapist, I believe that when you are struggling in one aspect of your life, all other areas a...
As a therapist, I believe it is important to create a positive, trusting client-therapist relationship in order to promote success and progress towards overcoming life's obstacles. I believe in meeting clients where they are and providing the best possible therapeutic techniques to help client's grow and thrive to their potential. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and hav...
I believe that one of the bravest things that you can do is learn about yourself and your story, and then work to change the narrative. I work with people who are struggling to find their balance at this time. It is difficult to try to find traction in life, and struggle in your journey. My specialty is working with individuals and couples living with chronic illness and/or pain, depression,...
