Emotionally Focused Counselling in Kooyong, VIC
![Photo of Yuedda Sio - Inner Eastern Psychology, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f05657-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Managing difficult emotions, such as feeling down or depressed, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, feelings of emptiness or insecurity Managing mood swings and chronic mood disturbances Reducing stress and burnout Treatment of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic Attacks Reducing harm from impulsive behaviours Adjustment to and management of major life events Coping with grief and bereavement Experience related to living with chronic illness Problems related to traumatic experience or abuse Managing distress related to body image concerns Experiences related to identifying as LGBTIQA Difficulties with identity, self-esteem or self-image
Managing difficult emotions, such as feeling down or depressed, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, feelings of emptiness or insecurity Managing mood swings and chronic mood disturbances Reducing stress and burnout Treatment of anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic Attacks Reducing harm from impulsive behaviours Adjustment to and management of major life events Coping with grief and bereavement Experience related to living with chronic illness Problems related to traumatic experience or abuse Managing distress related to body image concerns Experiences related to identifying as LGBTIQA Difficulties with identity, self-esteem or self-image
![Photo of Sleiman Abou-Hamdan - Holistic Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35c48366-49bb-499c-a3c0-a24ca0bd5d70/1/320x400.jpeg)
People often tell me that the reason why they choose to work with me is because they can see that they can be challenged and guided to be the empowered version of themselves, while at the same time feeling safe in the knowledge they are being cared for and supported by a qualified clinical psychologist. I have been a Clinical Psychologist since 2013 and a leadership and life coach since 2009. I am passionate about working with people who are ready to change their unhelpful stories to more empowering and authentic ones.
People often tell me that the reason why they choose to work with me is because they can see that they can be challenged and guided to be the empowered version of themselves, while at the same time feeling safe in the knowledge they are being cared for and supported by a qualified clinical psychologist. I have been a Clinical Psychologist since 2013 and a leadership and life coach since 2009. I am passionate about working with people who are ready to change their unhelpful stories to more empowering and authentic ones.
![Photo of Laura Solis, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f24bfb6-3e06-4e06-8eef-5907c5cd6db4/1/320x400.jpeg)
We all seek therapy for different reasons. Perhaps you are facing difficulties, concerns, struggling, overwhelmed, lost, disconnected. The timing may be ripe to seek therapy. I welcome you to reach out. Therapy provides a space to be heard, seen and understood and the opportunity to strengthen your relationship to self, others and expression in the world. I trust in you and your innate capacity towards healing, growth and change. I work collaboratively, see you as unique and tailor a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. I practice with an integrative, humanistic, holistic, existential and trauma informed approach.
We all seek therapy for different reasons. Perhaps you are facing difficulties, concerns, struggling, overwhelmed, lost, disconnected. The timing may be ripe to seek therapy. I welcome you to reach out. Therapy provides a space to be heard, seen and understood and the opportunity to strengthen your relationship to self, others and expression in the world. I trust in you and your innate capacity towards healing, growth and change. I work collaboratively, see you as unique and tailor a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. I practice with an integrative, humanistic, holistic, existential and trauma informed approach.
![Photo of Dr Kate O'Brien, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42ac0b5a-a0c9-43e2-ac91-2dafa590878d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Kate O'Brien
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Kooyong, VIC 3144
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is about self-discovery. With curiosity and compassion, I am to help clients explore, move through, and integrate challenging experiences, to ultimately discover what they truly value and what is vital for attaining and maintaining psychological well-being.
My approach is about self-discovery. With curiosity and compassion, I am to help clients explore, move through, and integrate challenging experiences, to ultimately discover what they truly value and what is vital for attaining and maintaining psychological well-being.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Christina von Cohausen, MA, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e2bf594-5bb6-4f78-b4af-5453bb2b5fac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina von Cohausen
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Christina is an experienced Senior Counselling Psychologist, Couples Therapist, AHPRA-approved Supervisor, and Hypnotherapist who is passionate about supporting people on their journey to greater psychological well-being and more fulfilling relationships. Her holistic approach focuses and integrates the mind, body, and emotions and draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. She specialises in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and is an internationally accredited EFT practitioner. Christina provides a warm and safe space to explore your inner world with guidance and care.
Christina is an experienced Senior Counselling Psychologist, Couples Therapist, AHPRA-approved Supervisor, and Hypnotherapist who is passionate about supporting people on their journey to greater psychological well-being and more fulfilling relationships. Her holistic approach focuses and integrates the mind, body, and emotions and draws on a wide range of therapeutic approaches to suit each client’s unique situation and needs. She specialises in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and is an internationally accredited EFT practitioner. Christina provides a warm and safe space to explore your inner world with guidance and care.
![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 Lauren Cariss, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/397513e5-0388-459b-9044-82671ebd6637/2/320x400.jpeg)
Objectives are often focused on improving interpersonal relationships, well-being & daily functioning drawing on CBT,ACT,EFT(not couples), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR.
Welcome. I'm Lauren. I offer services to both children and adults. Prior to working in private practice, I worked in educational and forensic settings with a variety of clientele and different presenting challenges. I provide support with a broad range of issues such as reduced self-esteem, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, family violence, separation/divorce and parenting. I commonly work with clients diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers and ADHD. I particularly enjoy working with people who are experiencing anxiety, and those requiring support in healing from childhood relational wounds, and parenting
Objectives are often focused on improving interpersonal relationships, well-being & daily functioning drawing on CBT,ACT,EFT(not couples), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR.
Welcome. I'm Lauren. I offer services to both children and adults. Prior to working in private practice, I worked in educational and forensic settings with a variety of clientele and different presenting challenges. I provide support with a broad range of issues such as reduced self-esteem, relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, family violence, separation/divorce and parenting. I commonly work with clients diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers and ADHD. I particularly enjoy working with people who are experiencing anxiety, and those requiring support in healing from childhood relational wounds, and parenting
![Photo of Belinda Greig, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b048e329-54c4-4b0b-8f5b-4433973128e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am specialist relationship therapist working with intimate relationships, to create change. I have a Masters Degree in Couples Counselling and have additional training in Gottman levels 1 and 2, and Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT). I work in Canterbury Vic, in person and via telehealth.
I am specialist relationship therapist working with intimate relationships, to create change. I have a Masters Degree in Couples Counselling and have additional training in Gottman levels 1 and 2, and Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT). I work in Canterbury Vic, in person and via telehealth.
![Photo of Joanne Dennison - South Yarra Psychology, FAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9accedc4-d4a5-4300-8250-ce1c95fb2a2c/1/320x400.png)
Treatment approaches include schema therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, DBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and ACT.
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
Treatment approaches include schema therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, mindfulness-based therapy, DBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, positive psychology, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and ACT.
South Yarra Psychology sees clients with a wide range of presenting issues. The practice has a team of highly-qualified psychologists. The practice offers a free 10-minute 'psychologist matching appointment' for new clients (via telephone); to discuss their treatment needs and recommend a psychologist who is best suited to these. Appointments (including the free psychologist matching appointment) can be booked through the practice's online booking system (accessible via www.SYP.au). The website also contains profiles on each of the psychologists, with their specific interests and treatment approaches.
![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 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 Sylvie Braverman, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7fa2a5f-52bc-4807-8dc5-f685c8f579cc/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered clinical counsellor. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy as my main mode of practice. EFT is Person Centred/Humanistic and Process Experiential Therapy, based on the Attachment and Identity theory. It also means that in therapy I prioritize focusing on identifying, connecting, expressing, and processing emotions in the hope of achieving authenticity and a sense of well-being. You may have learned to avoid and suppress your emotions or they may have been overwhelming you. In therapy, my aim is to support you in befriending and welcoming your emotions so they become a resource as they are meant to be and not a hindrance.
I am a registered clinical counsellor. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy as my main mode of practice. EFT is Person Centred/Humanistic and Process Experiential Therapy, based on the Attachment and Identity theory. It also means that in therapy I prioritize focusing on identifying, connecting, expressing, and processing emotions in the hope of achieving authenticity and a sense of well-being. You may have learned to avoid and suppress your emotions or they may have been overwhelming you. In therapy, my aim is to support you in befriending and welcoming your emotions so they become a resource as they are meant to be and not a hindrance.
![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
Glen Huntly, VIC 3163
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 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.
![Photo of Roshanak (Roshi) Raoofi, MSc, ACA-L2, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39fa7635-501f-4c42-97e1-c7c919d68d15/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist in Australia, holding a Master's degree in Counselling, and I am honoured to be an affiliated member of the Australian Institute of Counselling (25403). My professional accreditations include the following: Registered and Certified Individual/Group Clinical Supervisor with College of Supervisor, Level 1 Certified Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist, Level 1 & 2 Certified Complex Trauma Therapist, Level 1 Solution-Focused Couple Therapist, Certified Anger Management Therapist, Certified Guilt & Shame Specialist, Certified Sex Therapist and Level 1 Gottman Couple Certification.
I am a registered counsellor and psychotherapist in Australia, holding a Master's degree in Counselling, and I am honoured to be an affiliated member of the Australian Institute of Counselling (25403). My professional accreditations include the following: Registered and Certified Individual/Group Clinical Supervisor with College of Supervisor, Level 1 Certified Emotionally Focused Individual Therapist, Level 1 & 2 Certified Complex Trauma Therapist, Level 1 Solution-Focused Couple Therapist, Certified Anger Management Therapist, Certified Guilt & Shame Specialist, Certified Sex Therapist and Level 1 Gottman Couple Certification.
![Photo of Lou Cooper, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ef214e6-8cf5-4570-89de-2d549f652a53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our emotions tell a story, they direct our actions. But unless we are aware of how they influence what we do, they can often get in the way. Lou invites you to listen not only to the story that comes from your head, but also to what your body has to say. Developing greater awareness of your emotional experience and the skills to manage it can be the springboard to creating healthier relationships with self and others, and lead to a more productive life.
Our emotions tell a story, they direct our actions. But unless we are aware of how they influence what we do, they can often get in the way. Lou invites you to listen not only to the story that comes from your head, but also to what your body has to say. Developing greater awareness of your emotional experience and the skills to manage it can be the springboard to creating healthier relationships with self and others, and lead to a more productive life.
![Photo of Edenn Baczyk, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9de7dc0d-812e-446b-b152-892bde5e784c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Edenn Baczyk
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Elsternwick, VIC 3185 (Online Only)
I'm Edenn, a passionate and approachable Psychologist. My approach is collaborative, flexible and guided by taking the time to understand your individuality and experiences. This allows therapy to be a space where you are able to build a deeper understanding of yourself and work towards goals that are important to you and your wellbeing. I work with adults across many areas of mental health and wellbeing and have a passion for helping others understand their attachment styles and regulate emotions to improve the quality and understanding around relationship patterns.
I'm Edenn, a passionate and approachable Psychologist. My approach is collaborative, flexible and guided by taking the time to understand your individuality and experiences. This allows therapy to be a space where you are able to build a deeper understanding of yourself and work towards goals that are important to you and your wellbeing. I work with adults across many areas of mental health and wellbeing and have a passion for helping others understand their attachment styles and regulate emotions to improve the quality and understanding around relationship patterns.
![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 Suzanne Sharp, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87178ee2-7101-4751-a3a3-8a2d71dee629/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life doesn't come with a user's guide and all of us struggle at times. In looking for a therapist you have taken a step toward finding greater ease in your life. Psychotherapy is about building a greater awareness and understanding of your patterns in life. This allows you to find a sense of spaciousness where, rather than act reactively, you can make more conscious choices and cultivate a stronger sense of self. If you find yourself often feeling anxious or depressed, held back by past traumas, not living the life you want, or lacking direction, then psychotherapy can offer you the change you need.
Life doesn't come with a user's guide and all of us struggle at times. In looking for a therapist you have taken a step toward finding greater ease in your life. Psychotherapy is about building a greater awareness and understanding of your patterns in life. This allows you to find a sense of spaciousness where, rather than act reactively, you can make more conscious choices and cultivate a stronger sense of self. If you find yourself often feeling anxious or depressed, held back by past traumas, not living the life you want, or lacking direction, then psychotherapy can offer you the change you need.
See more therapy options for Kooyong
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Kooyong
- Armadale
- Balaclava
- Caulfield
- Caulfield North
- Caulfield South
- Glen Iris
- Hawthorn East
- Malvern
- Malvern East
- Prahran
- Saint Kilda East
- Toorak
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.