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
Are you struggling with sadness, fatigue, and/or negative messages running a loop in your head? Do you worry about anything and everything? Have you lost a loved one and struggle to find happiness? Are there addiction concerns? Know that you can learn to manage these issues. As a therapist, I work with anxiety, depression, bereavement, relational struggles, and trauma. During individual session...
At different points in our life, we all need support. No matter what you are going through, it is okay to seek that support. Therapy is a brave first step. Through my authenticity, empathy, and compassion, I provide a safe space for exploration and growth. I sincerely look forward to supporting and empowering you through this process. My training is in Integrative Systemic Therapy and I do not...
Life can be hard and full of challenges. I believe every person deserves the revelatory experience of therapy to make the journey a little easier. My passion is helping clients strengthen and nurture their most important relationship - the one with themselves. I want you to know and like yourself so that you may foster deeper and more meaningful relationships with those who are important to you...
In my work experience I have provided clinical support to a wide variety of individuals working through a number of concerns such as ADHD, Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Severe Panic Attacks, Trauma, Relationship concerns, Self-harm, Domestic violence and adjusting to new life circumstances. I have also worked in large part at a providing clinical services to teens suffering from severe...
I believe in the dignity and worth of the person. I aim to treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, being mindful of differences and ethnic diversity. I understand the importance of human relationships and seek to strengthen relationships to promote and restore well-being. I value integrity and am dedicated to functioning in a trustworthy manner, acting honestly and responsibly in ...
It's not easy asking for help. When walking through life's challenges finding a trained therapist you feel comfortable with is extremely important. My goal is to balance supportive connection with skilled intervention, helping clients create healthy and meaningful lives. I believe in a holistic, integrative approach to therapy that includes all dimensions of health. I perceive every person who...
Do you find yourself anxious and worried all the time, having rapid mood swings, panic attacks, or becoming easily frustrated? Are your relationships struggling and does it seem as though you are always stressed out or overwhelmed? Is it hard to make decisions or to remain focused and pay attention? Counseling may help you break free from what is holding you back so that you can live a more...
**Currently Taking New Clients-Telehealth Only**I believe in the power of connection and relationships. Many times in our lives, we come into places where we get stuck, feel disconnected, and wonder about our place in this life. This can look like depression, anxiety, disconnection, broken relationships, or more. My aim is to help you feel more settled within yourself, to develop more fulfillin...
Having communication and relationship issues? Experience thought and emotion disturbance? Stuck in the past, not live well in the present, or worry about future? Can't get work done at home/school/work and enjoy life alone or with family & friends? Feel like no one understands what you are experiencing? It's time to talk about the issues and I can help! I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy,...
As a board certified Music Therapist and Professional Counselor; I have learned how much I enjoy working with people to help them overcome obstacles, develop techniques for them to live within the range of their personal capabilities, as well as pursue activities to compliment and strengthen personal talents. I view the therapeutic alliance as one of the most complex and rewarding tools when...
It is in the experience of others and my own that at one time or another all of us have faced, is facing or will face some kind of adversity, distress, depression, anxiety, loss, abuse, neglect and trauma. During these seasons in life, fear, loneliness and/or being overwhelmed can feel like being stuck in quick sand. The more we fight to overcome, the more we sink, and hope can diminish. Other...
I am a therapist because I love to watch people evolve and become happier and healthier versions of themselves. My approach to therapy is both eclectic and collaborative. Each person has a unique set of circumstances and a story that is intricately woven together by experiences. My goal is to provide a safe place of connection, education and encouragement that will allow for an organic process ...
I am passionate about creative and strengths-based approaches to helping children, teens, adults, and families move towards healing and wellness. I aim to create a cooperative, supportive relationship where clients feel safe to explore and begin working through current life difficulties, which often include anxiety, depression, family conflict, chronic stress, school/work issues, life transitio...
I have assisted many clients in gaining insight into the issues that they are struggling with and healthier options that work for them. No client is the same as the next. We are all unique and take different paths in life and deserve a space to be heard. Clients struggle to connect with emotions, processing and regulating their emotions and struggle with finding positive solutions. Sometimes in...
You feel shut down, trapped by negative feelings and memories. Unhappiness and worry are familiar companions. Negative emotions and thoughts interrupt the ability to be your full self. Unsatisfying relationships with friends and family sap your energy. You’d like to change the patterns in your life that don't seem to be working, but can’t find a way to do so. You want a therapist who accepts,...
