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
Are you struggling and looking to make positive changes in your life? You've braved the first (and often most difficult) step by reaching out to seek treatment! As a therapist, it is my goal to create a comfortable and collaborative treatment space right from the start. I work with people from a non-judgmental, humorous, empathetic, and authentic approach to help them reach whatever goals are t...
I work at the crossroads of queer identities, gender and sexual diversity, and trauma. Through curiosity, warmth, and honesty, I work collaboratively to support clients in connecting their history, relationships, environment, to their current challenges and future goals. I believe that all of our stories are contextual, therefore I work towards identifying oppression-based barriers and explore ...
I provide services for those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and/ or addiction. It is my full intention to work with individuals to process these struggles and to be able to work through them. I believe support is important and the overall goal is to help you fulfill your goals and future aspirations. My mission is to help you find the skills and knowledge that can lead to a succes...
Being human means that both joy and pain, love and despair, connection and loneliness, vitality and apathy, all occur in the same inner space. When that space gets overwhelmed with pain, shame, or fear, we can feel as though we’re running on fumes - burned-out, disconnected, feeling stuck or paralyzed. Thoughts and emotions affect the way we move through life; and consciously or not, past...
Depressed? Anxious? Family issues or phase of life concerns? I would like for you to come to a place where you will find warmth and acceptance in a friendly atmosphere. You will enter an atmosphere without judgment. Here is a place where you can be genuine and feel at home. Let's work on becoming a better you! Let's make that first step together. My passion is making the family and relationship...
It takes courage to ask for help. As your therapist I will help you become comfortable with increasing your self awareness and learning what you can do to have a more fulfilling life. We will work together to develop plan to work on what you decide is the issue. You will learn to have better connection with yourself and others. I have been helping people for over 10 years and have worked in a...
Feeling hopeless and anxious? Lost control of your life? Traumatic experiences, depression, and anxiety steal your focus, impede your goals, and create constant distress. Can't shake that feeling of dread? It’s nearly impossible to find joy in the moment if you’re always waiting for your worst fears to be realized. Living a productive and meaningful life is possible once you conquer the obstacl...
In my private practice, I have SPECIALIZED IN WORKING WITH ADULT MEN for over 30 years-- as individuals, in relationships, and in groups. The guys who come to see me are often confused and feel clueless about how to be better emotional partners in their intimate relationships. My view is that traditional masculinity has brainwashed us as men to believe that "being a man" requires us to hide beh...
As an LMFT, I inspire to help others navigate the murky waters of life. Life is messy and hard with many complicated relationships. Through dedication, honesty, trust, and compassion I will help you understand yourself and your emotions to improve the relationships that connect you. I consider myself a late bloomer in life, as a childhood trauma had a hold of me, and I stopped progressing...
Now accepting PerformCare clients for in-person or telehealth sessions. At By Your Side Counseling, I am here to walk with you through your unique journey. My focus is on providing each client with individualized care in a private comfortable setting. The decision to start therapy can be difficult, I am here to make therapy a positive and helpful experience. I can help guide you through a varie...
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer...
Hello and Welcome! My name is Meghan (she/her). I provide counseling for folks seeking relief and freedom from things like trauma, anxiety, and depression. I’ve worked with all kinds of people exploring personality, identity, sexuality, relationships, motivation, body image, and the multitude of gender representation and identity. I help those recovering from multigenerational and historical...
No one experiences life in a vacuum. This is why I am so passionate about incorporating all of the various relationships, experiences, and cultural dimensions that make you who you are, into our work together. My job is to learn about each individual, partner, or family member, to understand their challenges and help them find strength and motivation towards change. Whether I am working with...
Charnell strives to create a safe, empowering, and nurturing atmosphere where individuals can feel supported, comfortable in their efforts to change and in establishing control over their own life paths. Charnell incorporates Person-Centered therapy, CBT, Existential therapy, Motivational Interviewing and many more in order to best meet her clients and their therapy needs. Charnell has clinical...
I view therapy as being about individuals working to gain a stronger understanding of themselves by uncovering personal blind spots and thought patterns that serve to hinder and limit growth and change. I view the therapeutic relationship as the coming together of equals differing only in areas of expertise and strive to understand clients to make sure they feel they are being heard and genuine...
