What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) » Page 37

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 and have been practicing in the mental health field for 5 years. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults and will work closely with you to achieve your therapeutic goals. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma, OCD, grief, and stressor...
Sometimes people come to a point in their life when they feel stuck. After trying to solve their challenges on their own, they come to realize they could use some help. You may have arrived at a place in your life where additional support overcoming an obstacle would be helpful. You may sense the need for a safe place to heal or grow. Counseling is a place where you can be authentic, acknowledg...
I specialize in walking with individual's who are struggling with pornography addiction or other forms of unwanted sexual behavior. I also walk with individuals who have experienced the horrors of sexual, physical, emotional or spiritual abuse and the stress that often follows. And I have a heart for journeying with individual's who are grieving and those who are struggling with questions of...
Do you have difficult relationships? Do you put everyone's needs before your own? Do you wonder why do don't get as good as you give? Do you suffer from overwhelm? Do you experience a lack of motivation? Do you ruminate over the little things? Do you have trouble sleeping because you can't stop your thoughts? Do you feel frequently tired? If you have answered "yes" to any or all of these...
When we think and act in ways that don’t align with the person we know we are, it can cause us to treat ourselves or others badly. In other words: who you are is not who you’re being. It can feel directionless when we want to feel like ourselves again, but don't know where to start. I have felt this way myself and know how defeating it can feel -this is why I want to help. If you have been feel...
You've been caught up in relationship patterns that leave you feeling drained, confused, and stuck. You're starting to believe there may be something wrong with you, that you're with the wrong person, or that relationships are too painful and difficult. You feel anxious, worried, confused, and sometimes downright trapped. To make matters worse, the world feels so chaotic and unsafe at the momen...

Lindsay D. Guichard

San Jose

California

If you are in California and are struggling with social anxiety, anxiety, are battling feelings of insignificance and isolation, or are in a 12-Step recovery support group and need extra support, I am offering weekly 50-minute online video chat therapy sessions. We meet the same time and the same place at your home or work. I meet you right where you are at and we connect through a safe and sec...

Misty Warren

Omaha

Nebraska

"Life’s difficulties can be overwhelming and at times feel unmanageable. Utilizing aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques, I can assist you in learning skills to manage life’s stressors and decrease that overwhelming feeling. Together, we can navigate through the therapeutic process and find what is comfortable for you. I assist individuals...

Ivan Junge

Boulder

Colorado

My approach is humanistic. I work individuals and executives who want to take their team to the next level. I think everyone does the best with the tools they have. I think everyone is able to create peace and joy in their lives. And people get stuck. We are humans, after all. My aim with my clients is to be a compassionate mirror for the exploration of life and its intricacies. We see ourselve...

Maria Sobol

San Francisco

California

For over 20 years, my work with individuals, couples, children, and families has been based on the belief that change is possible and most likely to occur when people feel comfortable and safe in relationship, both with themselves and others. My relational, warm, collaborative and accepting approach is strengths-based and fosters connection with each person to promote progress and success in...
I believe we all have a unique puzzle. This puzzle of life experiences, family of origin, our personality, and genetics come together to form who we are. Sometimes we need guidance and support to see and understand that puzzle. I can offer insights, tools, and skills to help my clients adapt those pieces to give them every opportunity to meet and maintain their goals. It is my greatest privileg...
Stonebriar Counseling Associates is a diverse group of private mental health therapists who provide counseling services for children, teens, adults, families, and all forms of relationship counseling such as marriage, divorce, couples, and premarital. We offer a comforting, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to work on difficult issues and mental health symptoms. Our focus is to...
Our practice can help with various mental health issues, emotional challenges, and psychiatric disorders. We aim to enable clients to understand their feelings. What makes you feel positive? Anxious? Or depressed? The reality is that the truth can at times, be painful. However;  if you decide to engage in psychotherapy, you will ultimately find more personal happiness and healthier relationship...
You may be struggling with relationship issues, sex/porn addiction, a break up, being the partner of a sex addict, emotional distress, low self esteem, anxiety, depression & other feelings that are effecting your life. You may not even know what really brings you to find a therapist, just a feeling of being stuck or that life is missing meaning or purpose. I provide a space to explore your...

Samuel Marque Smith

Seattle

Washington

I believe therapy is a place where each person involved can be real and share honestly about their unique human experience. It is as if we are each travelers, encountering each other’s world for a time. We decide what path to take based on your needs, desires, and abilities; we work collaboratively and check in with one another frequently to ensure your needs are being met. We do not take one s...

 

We are thrilled to share the news that TPN.Health has acquired All Counseling.

If you're a provider on All Counseling please claim your Free TPN.Health account today!