Emotionally Focused Counselling in Balaclava, VIC
![Photo of Elizabeth Rocha, AAFT, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3877cbbd-428c-4fe2-8886-784ceacdbe9e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Rocha - I am a Relationship & Couples Therapist with a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy, & Bach of Behavioural Science . As Director and Founder for the last 16 years of Glen Eira Relationship Counselling Clinic I have a deep understanding and bring years of experience to the field of relationship counselling. When you work with a specialist, progress can happen quite fast. Within a warm, supportive environment I offer direct feedback, recommendations and gentle guidance on how you can make your relationship better: Gottman endorsed and an EFT Therapist with a systems approach means that I offer a broad toolkit.
Elizabeth Rocha - I am a Relationship & Couples Therapist with a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy, & Bach of Behavioural Science . As Director and Founder for the last 16 years of Glen Eira Relationship Counselling Clinic I have a deep understanding and bring years of experience to the field of relationship counselling. When you work with a specialist, progress can happen quite fast. Within a warm, supportive environment I offer direct feedback, recommendations and gentle guidance on how you can make your relationship better: Gottman endorsed and an EFT Therapist with a systems approach means that I offer a broad toolkit.
![Photo of Amy Lourie, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a95ff57c-4f1a-4ec8-93d6-38226121e420/1/320x400.jpeg)
My approach focuses on creating a warm, nurturing environment where you can feel empowered on your journey towards personal growth and positive change. I have been working in mental health for the last seven years as a Counsellor in primary and secondary schools, as well as within private practice. Whether you want to enhance relationships, improve daily functioning, or navigate life's challenges, I'm here to support you.
My approach focuses on creating a warm, nurturing environment where you can feel empowered on your journey towards personal growth and positive change. I have been working in mental health for the last seven years as a Counsellor in primary and secondary schools, as well as within private practice. Whether you want to enhance relationships, improve daily functioning, or navigate life's challenges, I'm here to support you.
![Photo of Jeremy Neumann, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7f2cca2-8dfb-4fda-9fbf-d594f8aa2c3f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
![Photo of Ryan Klibansky, MC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8c09ba0-1461-4c37-8e33-fe50fc781ea2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Ryan. I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist, a husband, father, an advocate for your wellbeing. I hold a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and offer my services in private practice both online and in-person. There are many reasons we may begin therapy; we may long for change or hope for opportunities for healing, growth and transformation. I want to help however I can. Helping people to understand themselves, navigate relationships, perceive the world more clearly, and discover meaning in life brings me great joy. Even better is helping people find their own innate resources to cope and to heal.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist, a husband, father, an advocate for your wellbeing. I hold a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and offer my services in private practice both online and in-person. There are many reasons we may begin therapy; we may long for change or hope for opportunities for healing, growth and transformation. I want to help however I can. Helping people to understand themselves, navigate relationships, perceive the world more clearly, and discover meaning in life brings me great joy. Even better is helping people find their own innate resources to cope and to heal.
![Photo of Loretta Bell, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99550e40-d8a3-4d85-b710-8b1121f20d51/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helping couples & individuals with relationship issues (improve insight, self-reflection & acceptance). Working with relationship dynamics to improve conflict, recover from affairs, & manage change & life transitions & interpersonal emotional reactions, thoughts, & feelings. Helping clients understand repetitive, unwanted patterns helps people step out of the fray & gain a meta-perspective allowing choices. I don't work with seriour interpersonal violence (physical or emotional) or prepare Court reports/reports, or act as an expert witness).
Helping couples & individuals with relationship issues (improve insight, self-reflection & acceptance). Working with relationship dynamics to improve conflict, recover from affairs, & manage change & life transitions & interpersonal emotional reactions, thoughts, & feelings. Helping clients understand repetitive, unwanted patterns helps people step out of the fray & gain a meta-perspective allowing choices. I don't work with seriour interpersonal violence (physical or emotional) or prepare Court reports/reports, or act as an expert witness).
![Photo of Heidi Gaspar - Heart Expression - Heidi Gaspar, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60caa932-9a34-476d-ba5a-e7892d330399/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heart Expression was founded in 2009 by Heidi Gaspar, an experienced Psychologist providing an eclectic mix of clinical counselling and Psychological therapeutic services, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy, Sandplay, Music Therapy, and Mindfulness based stress reduction strategies for children, teenagers, adults, parents, couples and families. Experienced school Psychologist with many years in Private Practice.
Heart Expression was founded in 2009 by Heidi Gaspar, an experienced Psychologist providing an eclectic mix of clinical counselling and Psychological therapeutic services, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Expressive Therapies such as Art Therapy, Sandplay, Music Therapy, and Mindfulness based stress reduction strategies for children, teenagers, adults, parents, couples and families. Experienced school Psychologist with many years in Private Practice.
![Photo of Claudia Hounslow - Contemporary Psychology, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2cde0d76-bd71-4275-b63d-e823e5918be9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Contemporary Psychology
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
Balaclava, VIC 3183
Contemporary Psychology is a modern space filled with a passionate group of psychologists that work to educate and inspire the public on mental health and wellbeing. We believe psychological health care should be accessible, supportive and effective. Our clinic offers education, assessment, counselling, short term coaching and long-term therapy for all those with curious minds. All staff are qualified and experienced and uphold strict ethical standards. We provide a modern professional space where everyone in the community is welcome.
Contemporary Psychology is a modern space filled with a passionate group of psychologists that work to educate and inspire the public on mental health and wellbeing. We believe psychological health care should be accessible, supportive and effective. Our clinic offers education, assessment, counselling, short term coaching and long-term therapy for all those with curious minds. All staff are qualified and experienced and uphold strict ethical standards. We provide a modern professional space where everyone in the community is welcome.
![Photo of Christine Weber, MA, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c5f183a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
You may have come to this site because you feel stuck – because you are not moving in the direction you most want to. You may feel aspects of your life could be better, or you may be dealing with problems that feel overwhelming. These feelings may be related to your work, relationships or health, or they may be about your attitudes and feelings toward yourself. You may not know what is wrong or why you feel the way you do. Whatever the issue, I hope I am able to help.
You may have come to this site because you feel stuck – because you are not moving in the direction you most want to. You may feel aspects of your life could be better, or you may be dealing with problems that feel overwhelming. These feelings may be related to your work, relationships or health, or they may be about your attitudes and feelings toward yourself. You may not know what is wrong or why you feel the way you do. Whatever the issue, I hope I am able to help.
![Photo of Dr Shikha Gray, PhD, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db455964-35b9-40f2-b603-082318950fc9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals & couples experiencing anxiety, low mood, intrusive or obsessive thoughts, self-image or identity difficulties, and relationship issues. At the root of these concerns might be complex trauma, stressful life events, or perhaps grief & loss. The grief could be over a loved one, a broken relationship, or a dream that feels out of reach. I'm also deeply committed to supporting those who experience marginalisation, isolation, or exclusion, & those managing chronic health problems. Each person I work with has a unique story to tell; I believe in the importance of using an equally unique approach to therapy.
I work with individuals & couples experiencing anxiety, low mood, intrusive or obsessive thoughts, self-image or identity difficulties, and relationship issues. At the root of these concerns might be complex trauma, stressful life events, or perhaps grief & loss. The grief could be over a loved one, a broken relationship, or a dream that feels out of reach. I'm also deeply committed to supporting those who experience marginalisation, isolation, or exclusion, & those managing chronic health problems. Each person I work with has a unique story to tell; I believe in the importance of using an equally unique approach to therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Rosie Burgess - Grow Together Counselling, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f917ee16-701e-4568-a033-d7a6f2ec37c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rosie Burgess - Grow Together Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Caulfield North, VIC 3161
I specialise in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Do you want to rebuild connection in your relationship, drop the conflict and revive the spark? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, stress, life-overwhelm? I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their personal and relationship goals. Whether you're facing challenges in your relationship, or struggling with individual issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and develop the skills and strategies you need to create healing and growth.
I specialise in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Do you want to rebuild connection in your relationship, drop the conflict and revive the spark? Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, stress, life-overwhelm? I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their personal and relationship goals. Whether you're facing challenges in your relationship, or struggling with individual issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, I'm here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight, and develop the skills and strategies you need to create healing and growth.
![Photo of Lisa Winther, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6edceaa4-82a7-4ecf-adf4-c5dff278cbd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello there! I'm an experienced counselling psychologist and registered supervisor, dedicated to helping individuals find their path and unlock new possibilities through therapeutic engagement and evidence-informed techniques. I'm really passionate about emotionally focused therapies. Why? Because I've seen how exploring emotional patterns can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, paving the way for tackling life's hurdles with greater clarity and resilience.
Hello there! I'm an experienced counselling psychologist and registered supervisor, dedicated to helping individuals find their path and unlock new possibilities through therapeutic engagement and evidence-informed techniques. I'm really passionate about emotionally focused therapies. Why? Because I've seen how exploring emotional patterns can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, paving the way for tackling life's hurdles with greater clarity and resilience.
![Photo of Kat Maguire, MA, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feb1b008-ad76-4b9d-896a-a952492c8204/1/320x400.jpeg)
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Gestalt, and EFT, Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat (she/her) is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults and older teens. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
Influenced by Psychodynamic, IFS, Narrative, Gestalt, and EFT, Kat tailors her methods to each client's unique needs.
Kat (she/her) is a clinically registered psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed individual therapy for adults and older teens. Approaching her clients with a focus on understanding rather than labelling or diagnosing, Kat believes in delving into each individual's unique story with a nonjudgmental curiosity. With a distinctive mix of humour and warmth, she establishes a secure environment for clients to explore their inner and outer worlds with vulnerability.
![Photo of Barbara Zoroddu, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0632f3d6-519a-41b3-83d6-d2e4b2c6c5b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also specialise in EFT - Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) an evidence-based stress reduction approach for the treatment of trauma, emotional dysregulation, physical pain.
I strongly believe that psychological support should be a possibility for everyone, not just a luxury for the few. I am a trained Counselling professional with a passion for helping women like you fall in love with their minds and bodies, live their true emotions and find new ways to improve their well-being. I can support you while you learn more about your emotions and bodily resources, discover how to increase your self-esteem and become more resilient by overcoming your limiting beliefs about your beautiful self.
I also specialise in EFT - Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) an evidence-based stress reduction approach for the treatment of trauma, emotional dysregulation, physical pain.
I strongly believe that psychological support should be a possibility for everyone, not just a luxury for the few. I am a trained Counselling professional with a passion for helping women like you fall in love with their minds and bodies, live their true emotions and find new ways to improve their well-being. I can support you while you learn more about your emotions and bodily resources, discover how to increase your self-esteem and become more resilient by overcoming your limiting beliefs about your beautiful self.
![Photo of Adam Ryan Park - Adam Ryan Park - The Curiosity Space, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed6db999-c968-4f00-9968-b775083b1abd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Ryan Park - The Curiosity Space
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Online Only)
Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.
Many of my clients are exhausted from a life in which everyone else's needs have always been made more important than their own. From the earliest age, they weren't supported to have boundaries, and now find themselves struggling with self-esteem, low mood, anxiety, problems with keeping supportive friendships and partnerships alive, struggling to assert themselves at work or cope with professional demands, and feeling stuck in relationship dynamics in which they can't be their true self. They want to put their painful past behind them, and to have their needs recognised and allowed space going forward.
![Photo of Laura Kemppainen, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4110e79-c620-404f-93ab-0deb1db54416/1/320x400.png)
She uses Schema Therapy, EFT, IPT, and CBT-E/FBT alongside talking therapy.
Laura is a psychologist and supervisor working from Fitzory. She has special interests in working with anxiety, disordered eating, women's health issues (e.g. PMDD/Endometriosis), self-esteem and trauma, and is also experienced with depression, LGBTQIA+ clients, burn-out and concerns around alcohol use. Laura works collaboratively to help people connect with their own resources and has a holistic, trauma-informed approach . With children & adolescents she work with a developmental framework including assessment, talking and creative/play therapy and work with parents. Laura provides supervision and appointments in German/Finnish.
She uses Schema Therapy, EFT, IPT, and CBT-E/FBT alongside talking therapy.
Laura is a psychologist and supervisor working from Fitzory. She has special interests in working with anxiety, disordered eating, women's health issues (e.g. PMDD/Endometriosis), self-esteem and trauma, and is also experienced with depression, LGBTQIA+ clients, burn-out and concerns around alcohol use. Laura works collaboratively to help people connect with their own resources and has a holistic, trauma-informed approach . With children & adolescents she work with a developmental framework including assessment, talking and creative/play therapy and work with parents. Laura provides supervision and appointments in German/Finnish.
![Photo of Haley Krenzke - Lux Counselling, MSc, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe1630f5-d2a1-449b-9ecd-d01cdb4d2c66/2/320x400.jpeg)
I draw on humanistic and experiential theories such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
As a dedicated sex and relationship therapist, I am passionate about fostering healthy and fulfilling connections between individuals and within relationships. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can explore their concerns, desires, and challenges regarding intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of intimacy and relationships with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment. I have advanced training in working with LGBTQ+, kink, and non-monogamous communities.
I draw on humanistic and experiential theories such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
As a dedicated sex and relationship therapist, I am passionate about fostering healthy and fulfilling connections between individuals and within relationships. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can explore their concerns, desires, and challenges regarding intimacy, sexuality, and relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients navigate the complexities of intimacy and relationships with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of connection and fulfillment. I have advanced training in working with LGBTQ+, kink, and non-monogamous communities.
![Photo of Naomi Coulter, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3d70e4e-5785-401e-aae2-cf19fbc89202/1/320x400.jpeg)
Therapeutic approaches include: Adolescent Focused Thereapy (APT); Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Thereapy (CBT-E), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Based Therapy (FBT-AN), Focal Psychodynamic, Multi Family Therapy ( MFT), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM-ED).
I work with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing challenges with how they relate to themselves, others and their environment. I value my clients as unique individuals and aim to foster a sense of hope, determination and resilience in people to make positive changes in their lives in whatever capacity is meaningful to them. I work a lot with people to help them identify, manage and regulate difficult emotions. This also involves a deeper understanding of emotional reactions and an opportunity to benefit from learning from past experiences.
Therapeutic approaches include: Adolescent Focused Thereapy (APT); Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Thereapy (CBT-E), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Family Based Therapy (FBT-AN), Focal Psychodynamic, Multi Family Therapy ( MFT), Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM-ED).
I work with adolescents and young adults who are experiencing challenges with how they relate to themselves, others and their environment. I value my clients as unique individuals and aim to foster a sense of hope, determination and resilience in people to make positive changes in their lives in whatever capacity is meaningful to them. I work a lot with people to help them identify, manage and regulate difficult emotions. This also involves a deeper understanding of emotional reactions and an opportunity to benefit from learning from past experiences.
![Photo of Meg Wilson, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a84436f-6ef0-437e-bc3a-e0b907cc0584/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a poly-friendly relationship specialist with over 10 years of experience working with adults in clinical settings and private practice. My qualifications include emotionally-focused therapy, person-centred therapy, art therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. I am the founder and lead therapist of Unison Mental Health where we have a special focus on issues relating to polyamory, non-monogamy, open relationships, LGBTQIA+ communities and harm-reduction integration support for altered states.
I'm a poly-friendly relationship specialist with over 10 years of experience working with adults in clinical settings and private practice. My qualifications include emotionally-focused therapy, person-centred therapy, art therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. I am the founder and lead therapist of Unison Mental Health where we have a special focus on issues relating to polyamory, non-monogamy, open relationships, LGBTQIA+ communities and harm-reduction integration support for altered states.
![Photo of Maxi Xie, MC, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4851266-d27f-4df1-99dc-dc2921e7105b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hola, I am Maxi. I am a counsellor who specialises in relationship counselling and sex therapy. I support people in understanding themselves better, develop curiosity and self-compassion, I help my clients with evidence-based psychological therapies. I understand we are different and unique, so I would be tailoring my session to best suit you. I am experienced in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Sex Therapy and Psychosexual Therapy.
Hola, I am Maxi. I am a counsellor who specialises in relationship counselling and sex therapy. I support people in understanding themselves better, develop curiosity and self-compassion, I help my clients with evidence-based psychological therapies. I understand we are different and unique, so I would be tailoring my session to best suit you. I am experienced in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Sex Therapy and Psychosexual Therapy.
![Photo of Genevieve Rix, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b6815fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Genevieve has undertaken advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and highly values the opportunities EFT provides clients who are seeking to process past emotional injuries / traumas and make meaning of their emotional experience.
Genevieve Rix is a registered psychologist who brings an emotion-focused approach to working with adults. Genevieve provides psychological therapies for a range of mental health difficulties – including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship and social issues, low self-esteem and grief/loss. It is rare that a human being moves through their life without experiencing trauma and associated emotional pain. When emotional needs go unmet in the wake of trauma, our emotional pain is unlikely to resolve. Genevieve aims to provide a safe therapeutic space and alliance for clients to heal their emotional wounds.
Genevieve has undertaken advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and highly values the opportunities EFT provides clients who are seeking to process past emotional injuries / traumas and make meaning of their emotional experience.
Genevieve Rix is a registered psychologist who brings an emotion-focused approach to working with adults. Genevieve provides psychological therapies for a range of mental health difficulties – including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship and social issues, low self-esteem and grief/loss. It is rare that a human being moves through their life without experiencing trauma and associated emotional pain. When emotional needs go unmet in the wake of trauma, our emotional pain is unlikely to resolve. Genevieve aims to provide a safe therapeutic space and alliance for clients to heal their emotional wounds.
See more therapy options for Balaclava
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Balaclava
- Armadale
- Caulfield
- Caulfield North
- Caulfield South
- Elsternwick
- Elwood
- Prahran
- Saint Kilda
- Saint Kilda East
- South Yarra
- Toorak
- Windsor
Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.