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
My mission is to stand in the gap for those who struggle with understanding themselves and the world around them; As well as to inspire them to be the best version of themselves. "Where there is no counsel the people perish" -Proverbs 29.18 I am a Masters Level Independently Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III. I have worked in the field of social work since...
I want to congratulate you for seeking an outlet for self care. It’s understandable that searching for help can be difficult and I can help make it easy. Allow me to give a little background information on myself. I have a high success rate with my clients and I know it’s because I have a fierce passion for helping people. I have worked with many individuals from all sorts of cultural backgroun...
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I have a long history of helping people who are struggling with various issues of life. My experience is extremely diversified and seasoned. My abilities come from lots of education and an abundance of my own life experience. I utilize various modalities of treatment and integrate whatever will work best for my patients. Therapy must start with you feeling safe, cared about, and valued. A good...
Richard S. Waguespack, B.TH., MSW, LCSW+ provides Christian counseling for all ages and many populations including those suffering from Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, ADHD-Austim Spectrum, Trauma, PTSD, Dissociative Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family Problems, Academic and Career issues and more. Services include telehealth. Mor...
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Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autis...
Open, honest, and caring, Tristen brings his passion for healing and growth to every session. Tristen believes that the challenges we face in our lives are obstacles to be overcome, and can provide opportunities for growth. He strives to empower his clients with the skills and tools necessary for them to reach their highest potential, and achieve their most ambitious goals. Tristen believes tha...
Clients that suffer from substance use disorder can seek counseling to obtain a better understanding of their choices and/or disease. My vision with each client is helping them regain a sense of control through recovery and a positive outlook on life. I approach each client with a comprehensive approach in regards to developing a treatment plan for those who seek recovery or growth and life...
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Counseling provides the opportunity to step out of the routine of everyday life to focus on the bigger picture and long-term growth. I am both humbled and inspired by the opportunity to walk with people through their most challenging life situations. I believe a healthy counseling relationship is built on unconditional trust and respect. It involves authenticity and an ongoing journey of humili...
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I offer a mindfulness-based, trauma informed approach to individual and couple therapy. I provide a gentle, safe & nonjudgmental space to explore emotions, painful memories, relationships, losses, and patterns of behavior which feel limiting or self defeating. Trauma work can help integrate lost parts of self to relieve anxiety, depression, anger, health concerns & PTSD. I work with survivors o...
Throughout our lives, we carry within us the voices, the gaze, acceptance or disapproval, the expectations, and the praise or criticism of those who have raised us and occupied our lives. Therapy can help us discover and clarify these powerful experiences and grow in our understanding of how they motivate us, giving us freedom to make more authentic decisions in our daily lives. I view therapy ...
