What is Emotionally Focused Therapy?

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Olivia Carelli

Stuart

Florida

My goal and life purpose is to provide individualized and compassionate care to adults, teenagers, and families in emotional crisis.
Thank you for taking this first step toward improving your mental and emotional well being. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been in private practice for over 15 years. I work hard at creating an office atmosphere that is relaxed and casual. I work from the assumption that you are the expert on your life. I want you to set and achieve goals, enhance coping skills, manage...

Lauren Wynn

Colorado Springs

Colorado

Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and Level 1 trained Gottman Couples Therapist. She specializes in couple/marital and premarital counseling (with experience and specialized training in working with LGBTQIA+ couples and non-traditional relationship structures), anxiety and stress management, depression, and cha...
Your story matters. We all weave a narrative unique to ourselves and as a result, there is no “one size fits all” modality of counseling. Here at A. King Counseling and Consultation, your narrative is our focus. We strive to understand what drives you and what causes you to get stuck; to understand your individual highs and lows in order to make the most impactful change possible in your life.