Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) – or emotionally focused couples therapy as it is sometimes known – is a short-term therapy technique focused on adult relationships. EFT seeks to help clients better understand both their own emotional responses and those of significant people in their lives. A therapist using EFT will look for patterns in the relationship and identify methods to create a more secure bond, increase trust, and help the relationship grow in a healthy direction. In a session, the therapist will observe the interactions between clients, tie this behavior into dynamics in the home, and help guide new interactions based on more open feelings. Sometimes, this includes clients discovering more emotions and feelings than they were aware they had. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of

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Meet the specialists

 

Find out more about how I can help you with Emotionally Focused Therapy via my speciality webpage for couples: https://www.timholtzmantherapy.com/couples-therapy

— Tim Holtzman, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Berkeley, CA

My primary couple's therapy modality is EFT. EFT is an attachment theory informed modality that focuses on helping couples look under the surface of their recurrent conflict cycles. Couples who find themselves wondering why they are seemingly having the same argument over and over without resolution would be a great fit for EFT.

— Kate Breslin, Clinical Social Worker in Denver, CO
 

My approach to therapy is authentic, relational, and trust based. I believe in the power of attachment, our need to be accepted, and in our longing for authentic personal connection with others. I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and am currently working towards the designation of Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist.

— Jason Powell, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Grand Rapids, MI

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful and evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to strengthen and repair intimate relationships. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT focuses on the emotional bonds between individuals, recognizing that emotions are the core of our human experience and essential to our connections with others.

— Jessica Lopez, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
 

Primary focus of practice, hundreds of hours of experience, and years of effective work with wonderful clients! See rest of my profile for additional information or contact me for more info.

— Jacqueline Warner, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Boston, MA

In my work with couples and families, I primarily utilize an emotionally-focused and Socio-Emotional Relational therapeutic approach, combined with internal family systems language. This means that I am always considering the core attachment needs and influence of social power structures that we carry in this lifetime, how those show up in our interactions with others, and the ways in which we are complex beings with multiple, and sometimes contradictory feelings, thoughts, and needs.

— Nic Sutherland, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
 

I have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for the treatment of couples. I am currently taking the steps towards certification in this therapeutic modality.

— Erica Christmas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gilbert, AZ

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a type of short-term therapy that is used to improve attachment and bonding in adult relationships.

— DONAL DWYER, Licensed Professional Counselor in Mount Pleasant, MI
 

As a licensed couples and family therapist, I have specialized training in numerous best practice modalities, including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). An EFT approach avoids playing whack a mole with the symptom by addressing the root issues and helping to increase secure attachments. Staying stuck in a relationship is not the only option. Experiencing a relationship where you feel safe, connected, desired, passionate, and confident in yourself and relationship, and happy is real.

— Kyle Barth, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Kaysville, UT

My practice focuses more on processing emotions, in a multitude of ways, so people feel better.

— Sonia Kersevich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Greenbelt, MD
 

Emotional Focused Therapy is a treatment approach that was designed mainly for couples. It helps individuals understand their attachment history and how it plays out in their relationships as adults. In couples counseling, individuals are able to reconnect and improve communication by learning how to express core emotions and understand their partner's attachment needs.

— Suzanne Taluy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Norwalk, CT

EFT concepts are at the core of my philosophical understanding of people and what gets in the way of connection in relationships. During couples sessions, I help couples understand their habitual negative interaction patterns, work with them to deescalate this negative cycle, and help them understand the underlying needs and fears that underpin unproductive relationship behaviors.

— Heather Hollysmith, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
 

I work with emotions to help you explore, tolerate, and understand them. Expressing your emotions works when you have someone who responds to them appropriately. I find that the most meaningful thing that you can do for someone, is to genuinely listen which is the staple of this approach to help you feel comfortable with expressing your true feelings. When this happens you can listen to your emotions and understand the wisdom that comes from listening to them rather than pushing them away.

— Chardonnay Badchkam, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in , NY

I am trained and working towards certification in Emotion Focused Couple's Therapy. I utilize EFT to support queer and poly/enm relationships.

— Ginelle Guckenburg, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
 

Based in attachment theory, I have found Emotionally Focused Therapy to be especially successful when mending and supporting relationships, and for navigating life after trauma. Trauma has been an emphasis in my education, and I am especially skilled in working with children, teens and families struggling to form and maintain a healthy lifestyle and thriving relationships after enduring relational devastation.

— Kathryn Willis, Therapist in , WA

Life is hard, and we are socialized to suppress our feelings. When we suppress them, they inevitably begin to seep out, such as through our actions. In our sessions, we will dive deeply into your feelings. In my work with couples, because I believe that issues in romantic relationships are primarily due to emotional disconnection, I will facilitate deeper emotional connection through helping you truly hear each other & become more emotionally accessible, responsive, & engaged with each other.

— Christina Walthers, Therapist in Atlanta, GA
 

I have completed the EFT Externship and have used EFT in my practice for many years as well as taken other EFT training at conferences.

— Sheila Addison, Counselor in Oakland, CA

Using tools like empathy and validation during sessions, I seek to guide you to healthier conclusions and resolutions for the difficulties you are experiencing.

— Jill Butler, Addictions Counselor in Oklahoma City, OK
 

I completed training in EFT with Dr. Silvina Irwin in Los Angeles. I hope to continue my growth as an EFT therapist with advanced training in the coming year. I practice EFT with couples and individuals, and have seen remarkable results in expression of feelings, ability to build connection, and sense of security in relationships. I have been an EFT client myself, and truly believe that this work is a powerful healing tool.

— Hannah Schaler, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA

I often work from an Emotion Focused Therapy perspective. Through this approach, we work together to deepen awareness of emotions, feelings and experiences that might be getting in your way, or making you feel stuck. Exploring these emotions in a safe space with deep compassion, can often be very meaningful and freeing, allowing for new insights and renewed sense of grounding, and peace in how you want to be in the world.

— Arah Erickson, Professional Counselor Associate in Portland, OR