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
I specialize in working with adults who have a wide spectrum of mental health needs and help clients identify feelings that have led to self-destructive thoughts or behaviors. I work using a mix of humor, empathy, compassion, and a great deal of respect for my clients. This is important because change is difficult and someone wanting to change for the better has already taken the first step in...
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I believe a trusting therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is essential to create change. My approach is person-centered and holistic, integrating techniques from other theories such as Gestalt, Psychoanalytic, or CBT, as well as interventions guided by the attachment framework. The goal is to create the most beneficial therapeutic environment for each individual client. My...
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