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
Due to her well-rounded experiences, one of her areas of expertise has become helping individuals whom are apprehensive to enter therapy. Elizabeth helps create a safe environment that develops the motivation to change and enrich one's life through an enjoyable therapeutic experience. Elizabeth often utilizes a combination of Person Centered Therapy, CBT, and DBT. Elizabeth has extensive...
Hi my name is Sarah Fredrich, I live in Watertown, WI. Married and have 3 grown children and eight grandbabies. I have two step kids. I have been in the Medical field for decades- I have experienced all types of obstables in my life- or shall we say road blocks. I would like to offer my services to whom ever may need it. I come from a big family and lots of uncles and aunts. I have a AS degree ...
Do you find yourself stuck, dealing with the same issues day after day? Are you tired of the same anxious thoughts that haunt you day after day? Do you feel like you are alone and no one understands what you are dealing with? You may not believe this right now but things can be better. You need someone who can help you see through the fog and help you envision your best self. If you want to mak...
My name is Jenna Waterbury. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Michigan. I’ve been helping people professionally for over fifteen years. There are times in our lives that we all turn to unhealthy coping skills. Whether we are suffering emotionally from unresolved childhood trauma; current life transitions; or are dealing with the struggles of anxiety, depression, mood disorde...
I believe mental health is just as important as physical health both are equally deserving of authentic care from a professional throughout one’s life. Delaying or denying treatment will only cause more harm to the individual, their children, & families in a negative way; also, it can alter the mental state of mind & have an undesirable emotional impact on one’s physical health. My professional...
Thank you for considering me as a safe and trusted person to walk alongside you in your journey. I am here for you, to create a judgment free space for personal exploration and growth. Working together we can build strength to face painful truths that are hurting you and your relationship. We can work to give you freedom to see yourself and find the happiness you deserve. I offer individual and...
Are you a woman (Cisgender or Transgender+)/Do you identify as a woman? Are you a veteran struggling with issues in civilian life? Are you experiencing challenges as you come-out and attempt to live authentically as LGBTQI+? Are you dealing with acculturation or inclusiveness issues as a member of the Hispanic/Latino (Latinx) community? Are you a caregiver who provides care for a loved one with...
My goal is to help my clients find balance, peace, and happiness. I have extensive training to treat depression (including self-harm, suicide ideation, thoughts, and attempts), anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and behavior issues. I also have studied attachment disorders, Love and Logic Parenting, and bullying in children and adolescents, though I do not have any additional...
Are you in a relationship that feels like it's falling apart? Maybe you have always struggled with relationships? Do you feel disheartened because no matter what you seem to do, you just don’t feel truly heard? Is your relationship in crisis? Maybe things have been rough for a long time? Have you've experienced infidelity? Are you are experiencing intimacy issues? Do you avoid intimacy? Do you...
*CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*. Are you struggling to cope with current life stressors? Feeling more anxious or down than you would like? Maybe you're experiencing conflict in your marriage or family relationships? I am passionate about helping adults and teens who are struggling in their relationships, coping with emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult life...
I specialize in helping people reduce their suffering though quality and efficient therapy treatment. I have successfully helped hundreds of clients heal the conditions that perpetuate their suffering. This includes experiences of depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, mania and other causes of psychological pain. The rationale for accurate and timely assessment and application of treatment, is ...
You are your most important personal investment. Have you taken time to check in with yourself? Our emotional and behavioral well-being affects every aspect of our lives but sometimes taking those initial steps to talk to somebody may feel overwhelming. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space for my clients to process their feelings that allows them to grow and make the changes they w...
Each person has inherent worth and the capacity to grow toward personal fulfillment. There comes a time when help is needed from a certified professional to cope with many of life's challenges. I recognize the unique challenges of each individual and systems that may exist, and seek to integrate emotions, thoughts, and actions to enable fuller, happier lives. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family...
Modern life presents a number of challenges for adults and families. It can be difficult to balance all of the conflicting demands, especially if we are also trying to care for others or carrying the weight of past traumas or other unresolved issues. This can lead to increasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, and can interfere with the relationships we value and need. None of us are...
Allison Leonard is a Licensed Social Worker from Atlanta, Georgia who graduated from Loyola’s Master of Social Work program with a Mental Health Specialization. In both her graduate & undergraduate work, she studied abroad in Italy & Ireland to study mental health social policy & the psychology of terrorism. She chose this field because of the healing relationships it allows her to build with...
