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
On the outside, everything’s fine. You’re known for being courageous and unshakeable; the kind of person others want around in a crisis. But on the inside? On the inside there’s a part of your life that feels inauthentic, unmanageable – maybe even downright unbearable. Maybe your work life and home life are pulling you in a million different directions, and you’re ready to quit one or the other...
I am a queer artist, activist and therapist. I believe deeply in healing, and my practice as a therapist is one way I use my own healing journey to inform and create space for others to explore theirs. I seek to center my work on empowering and supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ community navigating all the emotional work it takes to exist in an oppressive culture - anxiety, depression,...
I believe that people come to therapy for many reasons but their overall goal is to improve upon their lives and themselves. There is nothing more satisfying to me than helping my clients foster a better understanding of themselves and their relationships in order to achieve a happier, more successful and productive life. I integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and...
I have found that everyone can hit a bump in the road. The hardest part of this experience is to walk in the door and ask for help. I value the therapeutic process between my clients and myself, and enjoy as well am honored in getting you into a healthier place. Everyone comes with a different story and event, and I can help you with this. Together we will forge through whatever it is you are...
I specialize in providing services to children, adolescents, and their families for a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, anger, depression, anxiety, adjustment/life-transition, grief/loss, trauma, inattention, impulse control, parent-child relational issues, peer relationship issues, and other issues interfering with functioning at home, at school, and in the community. I strive to...
I believe in creating a warm and safe place where people can feel comfortable working through their difficulties and emerge with new strength. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families on a wide range of personal and interpersonal issues. Some people have a clear idea of the problem they want to address, and others are simply experiencing too much difficulty and only know that...
Struggling with challenging emotions? Having difficulty in important relationships? You've found your way here because you dare to believe things can be different...better even. I have confidence that you have it within you to create a new and fulfilling way of living relating to others in the healthiest and most authentic way possible. Courageously examine your concerns and issues (e.g.,...
We are all works in progress. People seek therapy for many reasons. For instance, you may be looking for a place to process stressful events or address relationship problems. You may be yearning to interrupt your unhelpful patterns and ways of getting stuck, in order to find a life forward direction. Therapy is your time to focus on yourself and it is my goal to accompany you on your journey in...
Practice at Quail Lakes Community Counseling. Dealing with life and stressful situations on a daily basis can interfere with living a fulfilling and happy life. Don't know how to deal with many struggles you are experiencing? Be open and mindful to know there is help to overcome the symptoms that you are experiencing. I would like to help you with finding solutions and interventions to help you...
*Not currently accepting new clients.* As a counselor, I collaboratively facilitate growth and change in the persons with whom I work. I am passionate about working with persons who have experienced trauma, with a specific focus on healing from sexual or gender-based trauma, as well as systemic or intergenerational traumas and identity-based marginalization. I also care deeply about working wit...
( English | español ) My ideal client would be an individual struggling to adapt to new circumstances with old coping skills. A client that wonders why life seems harder now than it had before and they're looking to find someone who can help them understand what they are missing. The client would need someone to show them to help them adopt new skills, gain new insights, and possibly resolve pa...
Don’t Just Survive, Learn To Thrive. If you are experiencing worry, anxiety, sadness, or trouble with relationships, I can help you overcome and deal with these issues. I have been helping clients with similar issues since 1995. My name is Kay Byerly, and I am a Christian. However, I honor all faiths or lack of faiths. In my 24+ years of experiences, I have found most people talk about their fa...
In my practice, I rely on the wisdom of both Eastern and Western healing modalities to promote holistic wellness for individuals, teens and couples in Santa Barbara, and throughout California via video sessions. My goal is to support clients as they seek to heal past hurts, create meaning around their experiences and grow into an authentic expression of who they truly are meant to be. Together,...
Empowerment and self awareness are key in overcoming life's challenges. As a counselor with over 12 years of experience, my focus is in helping you discover the strengths within yourself to navigate and manage personal difficulties. I believe in a holistic and person centered approach, focused on mindfulness, emotional understanding and self motivation. I am dedicated to providing a nonjudgment...
