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 registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMF 115150), working under the supervision of Mindia Gabichvadze, PsyD, LMFT. I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. My clinical experience includes working with individuals focusing on challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, eating...
Supervised by Angel Landrum LPC-S, LCDC. I work with couples and individuals who want to live their life to the highest potential. I work with traditional and nontraditional relationship dynamics and family systems. This includes working with LGBTQ+, ethically non-monogamous, and those who are in monogamous relationships. I Assist people in building healthy relationships. I also work with those...
Do you feel like all the pieces are falling apart? Have life transitions caused you to feel completely unsteady? Are you experiencing an inner battle where who you are and who you wish to be, are in conflict? Do you carry shame, trauma, and secrets so deeply and feel unsafe exploring and healing these parts? Do you live an alternative lifestyle (LGBTQIA, Poly, Kink, BDSM) and do not know where ...
My philosophy for healing orients around the pursuit of self-love and acceptance. Are you interested in knowing some of the signs that you may not be operating from a place of self-value? Here are a few: You feel uncomfortable when given a compliment. You talk yourself out of asking for help. You are reluctant to assert your opinion.You struggle to confront someone who is taking advantage of yo...
Would you like to heal current or past hurts with those who mean the most to you? Do you want to feel a deeper connection with your loved ones but have no idea where to begin? We are hard wired as humans to connect, but sometimes our fear of being vulnerable keeps us stuck in patterns of communication that may not serve us well. I will provide a non-judgmental safe space with respect and...
I love working with anyone ready to figure out how to live his or her best version of themselves whether it is finding freedom from trauma, depression, anxiety, transition or other psychological disorders. I have extensive experience leading a wide range of groups for adults and adolescents. I lead Parent Coaching groups utilizing Gottman’s Emotion Coaching Parenting, and DBT adolescent and adu...
Are you having problems at your job or in your personal life? Are you having problems with your sex life? Do you feel anxious, confused, depressed, hopeless, or stressed? I am here to help you to thrive in your personal and professional lives. Let me counsel and coach you through some of your tough situations and past trauma. I come to the field of psychotherapy after many years as a teacher,...
Are you tired of feeling "stuck" in a repetitive pattern with your partner and it just won't stop no matter what you do? Do you have low sexual desire and you are concerned it won't come back? Have you been told you have a sex/porn addiction? Are you polyamorous and having a hard time with jealousy or fear? Mindful Sex and Relationship Therapy, LLC is a private practice specializing in sexual a...
Dr. Brown is a Licensed Psychologist in Omaha, Nebraska, focusing on couples/individual counseling and Military/Veteran/first responder therapy. He specializes in relationship issues (new, strained, separation, divorce, parenting), depression and anxiety-related concerns, adjustment disorders and life transitions, memory and aging, grief, loss, and bereavement, communication related concerns an...
Sometimes we get stuck in patterns. We may struggle with self-acceptance, find ourselves in a "You vs. Me" relationship dynamic, feel detached from our sexual self, or feel hopeless about our situation because we tried multiple solutions that just didn't seem to work. Deep down we want better for ourselves but we just don't know how to achieve it. This is where therapy can help. Think of therap...
As a Behavioral Specialist, with 15+ years experience, I have an extensive background in working with children, adolescents, and families facing a range of stressors from mild relationship conflict to more intense mental health symptom management. Children and adolescents are provided with a detailed assessment to determine the function of the behavior while parents are provided with positive...
My clients are often very high-functioning people who have held it together on the outside, while suffering internally for far too long. Many people believe that "trauma" has to be something extreme, and I often hear clients say, "My trauma isn't as bad as..." For the purposes of treatment, trauma is simply something that has happened to you that has changed the way you see the world. My clinic...
I am a psychotherapist specializing in individual, couple, and group therapy with adults. I work with people from all backgrounds including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals with diverse cultural and religious orientations. My approach is warm, collaborative, and integrative. I aim to create a supportive environment where you feel both understood and challenged, while providing practical too...
I consider it an honor to support individuals in their journey toward improved mood, confidence, sense of self, psychological sturdiness, & active self-nourishment. As a strengths-based therapist specializing in working with adults & older adolescents, I approach emotional health concerns from a holistic lens and with an understanding of the mind-body connection. *Please note that because I als...
*I am not accepting new clients at this time.* I believe healing starts with being kind to ourselves. Life has a tendency to throw curve balls that trigger old hurts and make us feel small and inadequate. It’s these very moments of vulnerability that provide opportunities to learn and step into a bigger version of ourselves - if we are ready. It is my honor to walk alongside you on your journey...
