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
Testimonial from a former client: "Susan's approach to therapy is grounded in real neurological and behavioral science. With some past counselors, I've often been put off by vaguely new age "feel good" sessions that never sought to address the actual underlying illness. Susan has helped me to identify why I reacted or interpreted something in a certain way, and how to catch myself from repeatin...
As a substance abuse counselor, who specializes in treatment services for adolescents and adults, it is my goal to address the individual's addiction, identify their needs, and goals for long-term success. As a clinician, it is important to understand the full spectrum of the individual's substance use, the impact their use has had on their family members, and identify goals to ensure their...
I help clients build insight about the barriers keeping them from the life and connection they desire while also developing the tools necessary to make empowered and lasting change. My supportive yet direct style is authentic and compassionate while also being appropriately challenging — creating space for the self-exploration that allows clients to build positive internal & external relationsh...
Tulip Tree Therapy, LLC primarily focuses on child and family therapy in elementary aged children and their families, adolescents, and teens. I am able to provide support to parents who may have a child who is struggling with behavior issues. I will lead parents through play-based interactions to broaden relationships and create continued growth in a child or teen's emotional response to others...
These seem like such trying times, and you want support to feel better and solve what may feel like impossible challenges. You’re tired of trying on your own, or just want to feel more hopeful, to find lasting solutions and peace. I can help with stressful adjustments and life problems, family conflict or parenting struggles, and healing difficult past experiences that still get in the way. I...
Relationships can be our greatest source of joy, connection, and support and also our greatest source of pain and struggle. We all long to be known and seen by a loving, caring other. And we all long for the safety in our relationships to be able to express ourselves with vulnerability and authenticity. Whether you're an individual struggling in a relationship or a couple looking to deepen and...
I have been blessed to enjoy a wonderful family, with four boys and their spouses, and soon to be 8 grandchildren. I have worked almost 30 years at Brigham Young University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). My work has been mainly with young adults, adults, and couples. I have specialized in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have also worked with man...
Although life is not complete without sharing it with others, relational distress is a painful part of living. From an early age relationships mold us, and the throws of life can trigger something deep within our being that can make communication difficult. Emotionally laden issues take on a life of their own and seemingly without end. As a marriage and family therapist trained in systemics I...
My goal is to empower you to achieve the life you want. My practice provides a welcome and safe environment; free of judgement, where you can feel accepted for who you are. I address issues from a client-centered perspective. Services are provided with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and couples. Sessions are tailored to the client needs and goals. I have a wide range of specialties...
( English | español ) Peregrine Counseling and Wellness began on the vision of providing mental health services to under privileged youth and adults who struggle with significant trauma and trauma related disorders. Our team of clinicians have over a decade or more of experience working with victims of trauma/complex trauma including, but not limited to physical, sexual and verbal abuse and...
( English | español ) Minds Together, LCSW.PC. provides a safe and unique setting dedicated in improving one's mental and emotional health through our professional and compassionate staff. Our mission is to improve our community one individual at a time through our culturally diverse and motivated clinicians with the hope that every person seeking treatment with us feels safe, empowered and mos...
Call me today for a free consultation. If you are struggling with relationship difficulties including infidelity, addiction, conflict, or barriers with communication, I want to support you. My passion is working with clients to learn how to experience emotional health, and an authentic life. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental environment that helps foster interpersonal growth. I work with couples to...
Do you feel perpetually stuck in any aspect of your life? Do you feel overburdened and stressed over past consequences? Are you struggling to find your true self? One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go. Psychotherapy can help guide you along the path towards self-fulfillment and discovery. My goal is to...
Life and relationship stressors? I want to help you on your journey to restoring peace. I am dedicated to assisting you to get through whatever struggles have brought you or your loved one to look on this page. My passion is to come along side individuals who are struggling to manage their life and return hope and direction to uncertainty. Working in this field has allowed me the opportunity to...