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
You cannot recover from anxiety by just remaining calm, or depression by just being positive. Recovery from the battles of life takes time, patience, and releasing old habits. Whether you’re facing mental illness, parenting, relationships, or life transitions; change must occur in order for peace to resurface. It's okay to feel unstable, it's ok for things to not be ok, and it's okay to ask for...
I work best with individuals, couples and families on these issues: Couple/Relationship conflict, Parenting/Family issues, Grief and loss, Life Transitions, Anger Management, Self-Esteem, Identity formation, LGBTQI/ Gender Identity, Spirituality, and Meaning Making. I am a humanistic therapist who uses a holistic and client-centered approach in order to cultivate growth and inspire change in my...
I work with couples struggling with disconnection and individuals seeking solace from trauma, life transitions and low self worth. My goal is to work with my clients where they are in their unique process and attend to their needs and goals in order to ultimately feel better in their lives and relationships I have basic training in Emotionally Focused Therapy which helps partners identify the...
Taking the first step to reach out for help can be a daunting one. I get that! If you find yourself struggling to manage life's challenges, the past keeps intruding into the present, or you feel yourself trying to manage your symptoms but it isn't working - therapy can help! Together, we will collaborate on a plan to incorporate a variety of therapies using a strength-based approach in order to...
Welcome! Chances are, if you're coming to this page you're struggling with something. Making that first step to see a therapist takes a lot of courage and shows a ton of strength. It is my belief that we all need support and a safe place to process and grow. Creating that space and working with you to understand and grow through this time, is an honor for me. I love working with families, coupl...
Accepting new Clients Telehealth Available, email for fast response! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with individuals of all ages. I have provided therapy for a wide range of issues including treating Depression, Anxiety, family and parenting difficulties, stress management, trauma, drug and alcohol issues, and addressing life changes. I graduate...
If you're a young adult feeling stuck, hurt, or overwhelmed -- especially in this season of COVID-19 -- I'm here to help. I specialize in working with people ages 18-35 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life changes, or grief/bereavement. If you're ready to put in the work to understand yourself and make changes to create a better life, I'm ready to provide you with guidance,...
My name is Dr. Tonia J. Bagby, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a small private practice in Richmond, VA. My goal is to provide affordable psychotherapy services to individuals who would like to work on life issues such as: depression, anxiety, grief & loss, active duty or Veteran related concerns, PTSD, trauma (i.e. sexual assault, domestic violence) and LGBTQ related issues. I h...
My name is Janette Yoo and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is bilingual in English and Spanish. I have experience working with children, teens and adults. I enjoy working through anxiety, ADHD, behavior modification, depression, grief and loss, life transition phases and trauma. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership that can be used as a tool for...
"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way, things I had no words for." - Georgia O'Keefe. Are you looking for a way to express & process your past experiences or current life circumstances? As a survivor of childhood sexual assault & trauma, I began my own healing journey more than 18 years ago. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I discovered...
My ideal client is someone who has difficulty making sense of their emotions but has a willingness to learn about them. I love working with people during the "transitional" phases (ie. going to high school, college, getting married, losing a loved one, having a baby, etc.). I fancy helping others "make meaning" of their lives in transition. I also enjoy working with people who have experienced...
I feel honored to work with individuals, couples and families and believe we all have the ability to heal and feel abundant joy in our lives. In our work together, we will co-create a safe space to look at what your most pressing concerns are, while identifying ways that you can feel most empowered to resolve them. My style of treatment creates an empathic and welcoming space for each client. I...
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapy who enjoys working clients 15 and older. My passion is working with both individuals and couples and helping them navigate life graciously and with self compassion. I view the therapeutic relationship to be compassion filled and client-centered, meeting the client where they are at. I believe in utilizing a strength-based, holistic approach in working...
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and you do not know where to turn for support. Sometimes life has provided challenges that leave you feeling sad, confused, and not like yourself. You are not alone in feeling stuck in the transitions of life. As a trauma focused clinician, I am passionate about supporting you through your struggles and transformations in your life. You do not need to feel...
Christine completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and then her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. She has 12 years of community services and counseling experience across a variety of treatment settings to include; dual diagnosis, mental health, substance use and forensic residential treatment, detoxificatio...
