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 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...
Do you find yourself struggling with loss or life changes and find it difficult to cope? Are you having symptoms of anxiety, depression, addictive or unhealthy behaviors? When many think of loss and grief, one may assume they have lost a loved one. At times this is the case, but there are so many kinds of losses we are faced with in our lives; loss of self, loss of roles in life, loss of...
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...
Life in the 21st century has forced many people to live with many hats and obligations. At times these hats heavy the head making life a little cluttered with stress, anxiety, shame, anger, self-doubt, feelings of being overwhelmed, and potentially depression. These feelings may negatively impact familial relationships, sexual relationships, work functionality, and social life. Everyone has the...
The decision to pursue therapy is a great first step in taking ownership of your life and learning new skills. I tailor my interventions to the needs of my clients and do not employ a one-size-fits-all-approach. Some children need a gentle approach where they feel empowered and free to guide the conversation and advocate for their needs. Teens, however, may need a more direct approach while sti...
Michael works with adolescents, adults, and couples to address a wide range of needs including: anxiety, depression, life adjustment, suicidal thoughts, spiritual development, sexual identity, relationship communication, conflict resolution, pre-marital education, and family systems under duress. He seeks to create a safe and collaborative space for clients to move towards hope and healing....
We are created for connection. When our relationships break down or love doesn't work, it is written into our brains and our bodies to feel pain and distress. If you add depression, anxiety, or trauma on top of that, life can become overwhelming. At Sacred Ground Psychotherapy we believe that all emotions and behavior makes sense when we are curious and look at it through the lens of your...
Relationships can be challenging, especially now. At the Center for Family & Relational Health, our marriage and family therapists specialize in healing hurting relationships. Rather than treating individual clients, we take a different therapy approach. We treat any combination of two or more people who want to move from feeling stuck to experiencing meaningful connection in their relationship...
Welcome and congratulations on choosing to embark on a different journey!! I have spent 25 yrs getting to know people of all ages: 6 - 80 years young. I find my passion lies with ages 17 and older. There seems to be a common struggle with finding a sense of meaning and purpose, or the loss of such, while juggling the demands of school, career, relationships and society. The more we lose ourselv...
Are you considering reaching out to talk to someone about the challenges that you, your children, or your family may be facing? I would be happy to be that person. We will collaborate and develop goals together and I will help you reach those goals. We will focus on your strengths. Even if you seem to have forgotten what those strengths are, I know they are there and together we will find them...
I have worked primarily with children and adolescents throughout my career in community and school based mental health services. I love working with families trying to find better solutions to challenges that support healthy growth, development and relationships. I have also worked with adult clients of both genders and a variety of backgrounds who are working to manage symptoms of depression,...
I am a Resident in Counseling under the supervision of Sharon Watson. I am passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds to experience growth in their lives and achieve their highest potential. I believe in the value that an individual's culture, religion and family history brings to their lives. Empowering and guiding people to take hold of their personal growth is a large focu...
I have fifteen years of experience as a psychotherapist, partnering with men and women to address a wide range of concerns. I collaborate with clients to explore patterns, often contributing to emotional pain, while helping to make meaning of their feelings and experiences, resulting in self-awareness and healing. The counseling process allows one to identify core issues and develop more effect...
