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
Tiffany believes therapy is not a one size fits all and that different approaches or modalities may work for a client or situation and not another. Her therapeutic interests include trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, personality disorders, relationships, Narcissistic Personality Abuse Awareness. She has a passion for helping others discover issues related to self worth,...
I am a client-centered, strengths-based therapist who brings sincerity and compassion to the process. My professional background includes working with children, adolescents and families from different cultures, races, and socioeconomic. I gained clinical experience working in Spokane Public Schools, where I developed my passion for working with children and adolescents. I've discovered working...
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As a Social worker, Katie has over 15 years of experience in addictions, trauma, homelessness, mentoring and other mental health concerns. Katie is a survivor and has a passion working with individuals of all gender and sexual identities who are current and former sex industry workers, including victims and survivors of human trafficking. Her specialty is working with teens and adults with...
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I believe all of us go through challenges and emotional pain throughout our lives that require non-judgmental insights to guide us through the healing process. We begin to manage our challenges and emotional pain in a healthier way by approaching them with curiosity and compassion rather than judgement and criticism. As a therapist, I am passionate about facilitating change with my clients by...
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Accepting new patients into my growing practice. I believe everyone has a best self and that sometimes this best self gets lost or forgotten about. My practice is about helping individuals, couples, and families become their best selves. This may mean working through compulsive behaviors (drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, shopping, etc.), addressing depression or anxiety, working to repair...
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