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
Life can be challenging at times, providing clients with the understanding that change is part of life and together we will work together to get through their struggles. Aiding clients with the understanding of living by Faith, to be Known by Love, and to be a Voice of Hope! My counseling practice began as a ministry to fulfill a great need of Christian counseling. Providing clients with the...
Kim Friedman
Seattle
Washington
I work with adults who are struggling with challenging moments in their life and may be experiencing depression, anxiety or general unease. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can provide support to a person, and the therapeutic work can lead to healing traumas from the past. I believe in building resilence and strengths in the present by working with the body, the emotions and thought...
I see therapy as a place to practice courage and honesty, with the goal of creating more joy, humor, flexibility, and play in one's life, relationships, and work. I often see individuals dealing with complex issues such as depression, grief/loss, anxiety, recovery from trauma/abuse or neglect, postpartum or parenting issues, child emotional or behavioral concerns, relationship conflicts, or...
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As a licensed master social worker, I offer therapy in a non-judgmental, safe and confidential environment. I provide a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns so that we can work together to gain insight into life's stresses and struggles. I collaborate with clients to develop effective coping mechanisms, process through life experiences, and accomplish personal goals. ...
In my work, I am privileged to help people find themselves and rediscover a full, connected, meaningful life. I get to listen, empathize, challenge, and empower my clients to overcome their difficulties. Most of my clients are adults experiencing some combination of depression, shame, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, bipolar disorder, and/or trauma. Alongside individual therapy, I enjoy grou...
Loni Cervone
West Palm Beach
Florida
Loni Cervone, LMHC, CAP, QS received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. As a clinician, Clinical Director and Qualified Supervisor, with 20 years experience; Loni has found it rewarding to serve a diverse population while working in different settings-including in New York, California and Florida. Loni can honestly say that she has found fulfillmen...
Sasha Bellucci
Fort Collins
Colorado
As a holistic healer, I blend the best of transpersonal psychology, spiritual wisdom, and emotional intelligence with the leading psychological sciences. With over 11 years experience as a mental health counselor, I utilize a blend of therapeutic modalities along with my unique, intuitive capacities to guide you to discover the core beliefs, habits, and patterns not in alignment with your life’...
Landrie H. Ethredge Professional Counseling, LLC
Charleston
South Carolina
***NOW IN PERSON*** You are an adult with a lot going for you. You are doing all the things, but you still feel STUCK. Maybe you are struggling with feeling down, stressed out, or overwhelmed. I work with adults, just like you! I use an approach that goes deep to look at core beliefs, patterns, and emotion responses, not just the surface issue. Understanding that each person and situation is...
I am an independent contractor working with Neuro Harmony, LLC. I most enjoy working with folks struggling with trauma, ADD, BPD, NDE's, and who consider themselves "quirky" or "misfits." Often they are simply seeking validation - reassurance that they are not actually "crazy" - and have the curiosity, sense of humor and resilience needed to undertake existential adventures. Like most of us, wh...
The relationship between therapist and client is the most important aspect of the therapeutic environment. My aim as a therapist is to help you feel valued, understood, and respected. Throughout our work together, I will provide you with a space of compassion, patience, and safety. Together we can explore your goals and emotional difficulties which are associated with stress. I have experience...
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I believe that for every story there is a unique and personal experience that demonstrates the human capacity for strength and authenticity. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to tell your story. Together we can explore your strengths to find healing from adversity and pain. I believe in the importance of building trust and advocacy within a therapeutic...
My ideal clients want to achieve stabilization in thoughts, mood, and behavior. They are at a point where they are aware of a change in their “norm” and want to process through symptoms that have surfaced as a result of that change. They are looking for coping skills and techniques to assist initially in stabilization and possibly continued work to process through past events that might possibl...