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
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck in life, or simply needing support? Maybe you have been struggling for a while? I approach therapy as an opportunity to listen, provide support, and assist you in developing clarity as well as new tools for addressing your concerns. I offer compassion, empowerment, and encouragement in a warm, non-judgmental environment conducive to growth and change. Therapy ...
I believe that the foundation upon which an individual's emotional, psychological, and physical health may thrive is determined by the strength of that individual's relationship with "self". My treatment style is holistic and integrated, its core components being that of empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. My areas of practice include relational issues experienced throughout the lifespan,...
Life is a road of many experiences. Life's road is hopefully smooth riding, however sometimes it can be bumpy and you feel you are losing control. As a therapist, I will help you navigate the rough spots on life's road to find a more comfortable, empowering pathway for the future. In addition to office based therapy sessions, consulting or enrichment services via email or online are available. ...
I work with individuals and couples who are experiencing difficulties in areas of relationships, dating, trauma, anxiety, depression, loss and grief. We will uncover primary motivators for seeking therapy and options for healing that are tailored to your unique needs. In our work together we will strengthen your relationship with yourself and others and increase your overall quality of life. In...
I am a personal and professional life coach with more than 30 years of experience working with a wide variety of people, issues and circumstances. I am solution focused and enjoy helping clients discover their truest potential and highest quality of life. I help clients understand their past and accept responsibility for their future. Together we identify your goals and then design a plan and...
To some degree, most of us think we are not good enough or worthy enough, or lovable, etc. These negative messages were received when we were young, and even though not true, they are with us today. They are painful, we tend to run from them. We wear masks to hide them from others. It's emotional trauma and no-one gets by unscathed. Those emotions affect how we feel about ourself and our life, ...
I applaud you on your desire to seek counseling for growth and personal development. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, offering face-to-face and online counseling to individuals, families and groups in the Houston, Texas area. I integrate a range of techniques to help my clients address childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social skills, self esteem and more. My aim is...
Our clinical team offers unique approaches to treatment. Together we will determine what approaches will best serve your needs. You may want to combine services and some days you may want to engage in a different way than our previous session. The Strength in Motion clinical team specializes in working with tweens, teens and young adults. While our clinicians have different areas of expertise, ...
I am committed to work with people in addiction recovery and with their family members. I also work with those whose lives and, perhaps, childhoods have been effected by addicts or the mentally ill. I also thoroughly enjoy relationship therapy with any couples. I'm semi-retired, but I'm grateful for this work after 43 years of experience! I have created and directed treatment programs and I'm...
My clients often come to me because they feel discouraged about resolving the challenges they are facing. Though troubling, depression, anxiety, conflict are often an invitation for us to take the time to focus inward, understand core issues underlying the symptoms, and learn more about our true needs. With this new awareness we may consciously choose new actions that help us develop a more...
Therapy is a partnership. I believe it is important to build a relationship with my client. It is my intent to provide a safe space to work together. I believe it is helpful to assist clients with acknowledging feelings and noticing thoughts with a commitment to actions that align with what is important to the client. I believe in the client's own healing capacity with work on core beliefs abou...
I specialize in working with individuals with Autism Spectrum, including Aspergers, throughout lifespan and all levels of impactment. When working with these individuals I tailor therapy to meet their needs and assist them in finding ways to make interacting with their world easier and manageable. I also aim to empower these individuals and help them realize that they are amazing and capable. I...
Not Able To Take New Clients At This Time. I strongly believe, and research supports, that there must be a good "fit" in a therapist-client relationship. I aim to create a safe environment with empathy, unconditional positive regard, and nonjudgment. I believe we all inherently have the capacity for growth, and my job is to provide the healthy environment needed to gain insight, challenge...
Reaching out for help is not a weakness or proof that something is broken. Instead, it takes courage and is rooted in hope. My passion is to tap into and foster the very hope and courage that brings people into therapy. From a family systems perspective, I work within the context of relationships such as couples, parent/child, siblings or other interpersonal relationships. I believe a safe and...
**My practice is currently full, so I am not taking any new clients at this time.**I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. I support adolescents, adults, families and couples in creating profound and lasting changes in their lives. I provide addiction counseling, therapy for adolescents with behavioral and mental health challenges, attachment based family...
