What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) » Page 40

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 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...

Michael Carosone

New York

New York

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. Joshua M Brown

Omaha

Nebraska

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...

Akilah J. Pierre

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

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...

Tashia Millstein

New York

New York

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...

Kate Czar

Austin

Texas

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...
We all experience difficulties and crises in our lives. You may be having difficulty with a life transition, grief and loss, issues related to adverse childhood experiences, relationship issues, or anxiety and/or depression from a source you are unable to identify. You do not have to face these issues alone, and I believe that I can help guide you to the other side of whatever struggle or pain ...

Russell J Floyd

San Jose

California

I view the therapeutic process as a journey I travel with each of my clients. I aim to provide an open and nonjudgmental environment, which helps facilitate the development of insight into oneself and experiences with others. By providing a sense of acceptance and understanding, I aid each client in realizing their inner strength to enact the change desired in their lives. My approach is rooted...

Rehna Schuyler

Salt Lake City

Utah

My work with clients starts at the heart using a strength-based, person-centered approach. Navigating life's uncertainties and learning how to grow through difficult times can be challenging. Past events in our lives are part of our story, but they are not the entire story and they do not define our whole life. I embrace people and their stories with an open heart and innate sensitivity. Creati...
Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry provides therapeutic intervention and treatment for most mental health conditions including mood disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, addiction issues, grief and loss, and more. Our team consists of highly experienced psychiatrists and therapists to help you with a treatment plan that works for your specific needs and conditions. TMS...

Robyn Teresa Buschini

New York

New York

Does life have you feeling anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed? Do you want a way to work through these feelings but you're struggling to identify coping mechanisms to overcome them? If so, I can help you develop these skills, improve self esteem, and improve your outlook on life. I believe that therapy works best when the client directs the session. I graduated from Pace University in 2012 with my...