Emotionally Focused Therapists in Tillsonburg, ON
![Photo of Erin Harvey, MA, Student, Intern, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/62bfbb9d-7a6f-4c97-8d99-1aaed3a30aba/3/320x400.png)
Erin Harvey
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, Student, Intern
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Aligned in therapy, and through the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approach, we can build the capacity to tend to our relationships, learn about ourselves, redefine the roles and ideas within a family, and to access the resources to improve our quality of life.
Welcome! My name is Erin, and I am a therapist at Counselling & Co. I have dedicated much of my life to supporting individuals and families as they journey through the trials life can pose. When we are strengthened and supported in counselling, we are better able to cope with life transitions, traumas, and support ourselves as we support others. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I aim to use my knowledge and experience to help with life challenges in a way that is meaningful and catered for you.
Aligned in therapy, and through the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approach, we can build the capacity to tend to our relationships, learn about ourselves, redefine the roles and ideas within a family, and to access the resources to improve our quality of life.
Welcome! My name is Erin, and I am a therapist at Counselling & Co. I have dedicated much of my life to supporting individuals and families as they journey through the trials life can pose. When we are strengthened and supported in counselling, we are better able to cope with life transitions, traumas, and support ourselves as we support others. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I aim to use my knowledge and experience to help with life challenges in a way that is meaningful and catered for you.
![Photo of Erin Ferguson, MACP, BComm, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/298014c5-b21a-49ed-9654-8c1e0cf8bd7d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Ferguson
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, BComm
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Through a collaborative, non judgemental approach to counselling based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and grounded in attachment science, I work with Individuals (16+), Couples and Families. By identifying unhealthy patterns in our current and past relationships with ourselves and others, we can often find room for healing, growth and enhanced authenticity. This approach can help address today’s mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, addiction, and even trauma, as well as all forms of relational challenges.
Through a collaborative, non judgemental approach to counselling based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and grounded in attachment science, I work with Individuals (16+), Couples and Families. By identifying unhealthy patterns in our current and past relationships with ourselves and others, we can often find room for healing, growth and enhanced authenticity. This approach can help address today’s mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, addiction, and even trauma, as well as all forms of relational challenges.
![Photo of Vincent Lizotte, MACP, NBCCH, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c1b6a36-6058-486f-b136-57f4603c4bb4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vincent Lizotte
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, NBCCH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Have you been feeling stuck lately? Like you're not quite yourself anymore and have been going through a tough time? Maybe some experiences from your past have been effecting your present life and you're finding it hard to make changes. Trying to make changes before putting your past to rest will leave you exhausted and running in circles. Through a process that is designed to be fun, light-hearted, and efficient, I leverage neuroplasticity and memory reconsolidation to make therapy painless, easy, and permanently effective.
Have you been feeling stuck lately? Like you're not quite yourself anymore and have been going through a tough time? Maybe some experiences from your past have been effecting your present life and you're finding it hard to make changes. Trying to make changes before putting your past to rest will leave you exhausted and running in circles. Through a process that is designed to be fun, light-hearted, and efficient, I leverage neuroplasticity and memory reconsolidation to make therapy painless, easy, and permanently effective.
![Photo of Emily Rice, MA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96377c8b-f8e6-4efd-92fe-d3813dbec756/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I am currently accepting new clients for August 2024! I offer individual and couples therapy both in-person and online. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Here is a little bit about my beliefs and therapeutic approach. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and an innate ability to make desired changes in their lives. Sometimes, that ability can become obscured or hindered by trauma, anxiety, or stress. I am here to help you rediscover that ability, move through your pain, and walk alongside you on your path of self-healing.
Welcome! I am currently accepting new clients for August 2024! I offer individual and couples therapy both in-person and online. I want to thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Here is a little bit about my beliefs and therapeutic approach. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and an innate ability to make desired changes in their lives. Sometimes, that ability can become obscured or hindered by trauma, anxiety, or stress. I am here to help you rediscover that ability, move through your pain, and walk alongside you on your path of self-healing.
![Photo of Heather Jane Spanjers - Heather Spanjers Counselling Services, MSW, RSW, CHyp, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f971b4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Spanjers Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CHyp
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
There are times when life stressors feel overwhelming and our ability to cope feels less than adequate. My goal is to help you find those inner strengths. I will encourage you to look at how and where you want to be in your life and how you can allow yourself the chance to learn and grow. Therapy is never an easy process. It is hard work and things may feel worse before they get better. Learn to trust the process. Learn to trust yourself and you will be amazed how you will grow.
There are times when life stressors feel overwhelming and our ability to cope feels less than adequate. My goal is to help you find those inner strengths. I will encourage you to look at how and where you want to be in your life and how you can allow yourself the chance to learn and grow. Therapy is never an easy process. It is hard work and things may feel worse before they get better. Learn to trust the process. Learn to trust yourself and you will be amazed how you will grow.
![Photo of Jessica Taylor Sarafinchin, HBSW, MSW, RSW, MMHCP, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9867a786-6860-4e2d-892c-91feb92ee433/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Taylor Sarafinchin
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, MSW, RSW, MMHCP
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Feeling overwhelmed and putting heart racing pressure on yourself to be a version of you that you think you "should be" is a slippery slope that can leave you feeling depleted, irritable and full of shame. It's important to understand our emotions to know what to do with them and with a million competing demands on your brain and your time it's hard to take a breath to figure it out! The thought that we don't have it all together when it seems like everyone else has all the things figured out makes to you want to hide in your bed tucked under the blankets (even though sleep is a dream) stuck in a nasty spiral of failure.
Feeling overwhelmed and putting heart racing pressure on yourself to be a version of you that you think you "should be" is a slippery slope that can leave you feeling depleted, irritable and full of shame. It's important to understand our emotions to know what to do with them and with a million competing demands on your brain and your time it's hard to take a breath to figure it out! The thought that we don't have it all together when it seems like everyone else has all the things figured out makes to you want to hide in your bed tucked under the blankets (even though sleep is a dream) stuck in a nasty spiral of failure.
![Photo of Carey Leah Ferris, RN, CPMHN c, MMHCP, Psychiatric Nurse](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/863cc7f2-b0e1-49cf-9c77-a75a0179d3b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and Psychiatric Nurse in the province of Ontario, I have been providing psychiatric and mental health nursing care for 34 years to individuals and groups. As a holistic nurse therapist, my approach to your care is highly individualized to your body, mind, spiritual and energetic needs. I believe that traditional psychotherapy and complimentary methods can be integrated successfully to provide the best care for your unique needs. My clients are looking to build self-resiliency, self-compassion and discover how to live a life of meaning and purpose.
As a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and Psychiatric Nurse in the province of Ontario, I have been providing psychiatric and mental health nursing care for 34 years to individuals and groups. As a holistic nurse therapist, my approach to your care is highly individualized to your body, mind, spiritual and energetic needs. I believe that traditional psychotherapy and complimentary methods can be integrated successfully to provide the best care for your unique needs. My clients are looking to build self-resiliency, self-compassion and discover how to live a life of meaning and purpose.
![Photo of Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fe5c7ca-0544-4121-a28c-4cf4d31b8c57/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck because of your grief, trauma experiences, relationship issues or anxiety and want someone to help sort things out, work through effective strategies....Or perhaps your child or teen are feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for strategies to assist with structuring of routines, support with understanding your child’s individual needs OR maybe you would like individual support or couple counselling? We have a team of skilled therapists that are ready to help!
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck because of your grief, trauma experiences, relationship issues or anxiety and want someone to help sort things out, work through effective strategies....Or perhaps your child or teen are feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for strategies to assist with structuring of routines, support with understanding your child’s individual needs OR maybe you would like individual support or couple counselling? We have a team of skilled therapists that are ready to help!
![Photo of Sondra Budd, BA, MA(P), RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82ea05d4-88c5-44a7-85cd-b00dc1c2bfa8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sondra Budd
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA(P), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tillsonburg, ON N4G (Online Only)
When we're already going through difficult and painful experiences in our lives and we’re feeling emotionally fragile, asking for help can feel scary. We’re all different, and our ability to overcome difficult and painful experiences can depend on our predisposition, resources, and level of support. You may be dealing with everyday stress, past or present traumatic stress, or you may be struggling to cope with symptoms associated with mental, emotional, or physical health. Whatever the issue, we can work through it together.
When we're already going through difficult and painful experiences in our lives and we’re feeling emotionally fragile, asking for help can feel scary. We’re all different, and our ability to overcome difficult and painful experiences can depend on our predisposition, resources, and level of support. You may be dealing with everyday stress, past or present traumatic stress, or you may be struggling to cope with symptoms associated with mental, emotional, or physical health. Whatever the issue, we can work through it together.
![Photo of Laura Glenney - Journey Well Health and Wellness, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/778a30c5-b8f5-493e-a3ed-664c322eb931/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is our hope for you to be able to walk along your path confidently and successfully. However, we realize that sometimes in order to journey well on that path we require support. Like a well along the path offering sustenance and rejuvenation, health and wellness services can offer a place to process, learn and grow, so that you can once again journey well. We work to create positive change and enhance physical and mental well-being through genuine connection.
It is our hope for you to be able to walk along your path confidently and successfully. However, we realize that sometimes in order to journey well on that path we require support. Like a well along the path offering sustenance and rejuvenation, health and wellness services can offer a place to process, learn and grow, so that you can once again journey well. We work to create positive change and enhance physical and mental well-being through genuine connection.
![Photo of Chelsea Jackson, MA, RP-Q, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8aa9a343-d37e-483d-a0db-24840febed11/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea Jackson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP-Q
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Are you feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed navigating the challenges life throws at you? Are anxiety and depression taking away from your enjoyment of everyday activities? I am here to help you work through the challenges you are navigating, and help you work towards personal growth and development.
Are you feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed navigating the challenges life throws at you? Are anxiety and depression taking away from your enjoyment of everyday activities? I am here to help you work through the challenges you are navigating, and help you work towards personal growth and development.
15 Second Videos
Emily Rice
Jessica Taylor Sarafinchin
Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger
![Photo of Colleen Mckay - Stepping Stones Counselling Services, MS, CBT, Gottman, PTSD, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405ac7b9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stepping Stones Counselling Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, CBT, Gottman, PTSD
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G (Online Only)
As a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist my goal is to help you gain insight to how your emotions influence your thought process. By helping you identify issues that are causing you conflict we then can work on formulating solutions. With this understanding we then can focus on changing maladaptive behaviours to more positive ones. The goal of CBT is to teach you strategies so that you can move forward in your life. CBT is effective with adults and children. We all have the ability to change things in our lives, we just need to take the first steps.
As a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist my goal is to help you gain insight to how your emotions influence your thought process. By helping you identify issues that are causing you conflict we then can work on formulating solutions. With this understanding we then can focus on changing maladaptive behaviours to more positive ones. The goal of CBT is to teach you strategies so that you can move forward in your life. CBT is effective with adults and children. We all have the ability to change things in our lives, we just need to take the first steps.
![Photo of Heather Collier - Woodland Wellness and Learning - Heather Collier, OCT, MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c2d4d5f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Woodland Wellness and Learning - Heather Collier
Registered Psychotherapist, OCT, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
Tillsonburg, ON N4G
Not accepting new clients
** This practice is currently at capacity. For many of us, parenting is the most important thing we will ever do…and it's often stressful, confusing, and frustrating too! I support parents, children, teens and families to access their strengths and address sensitivities in order to manage the tricky parts of being a family. Trauma, illness, learning disabilities and differences, grief, divorce/separation, blended families, pregnancy, and everyday life stresses pose extra challenges for our emotional health and our family functioning, as well as our relationships at school and work.
** This practice is currently at capacity. For many of us, parenting is the most important thing we will ever do…and it's often stressful, confusing, and frustrating too! I support parents, children, teens and families to access their strengths and address sensitivities in order to manage the tricky parts of being a family. Trauma, illness, learning disabilities and differences, grief, divorce/separation, blended families, pregnancy, and everyday life stresses pose extra challenges for our emotional health and our family functioning, as well as our relationships at school and work.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Sarah Potvin, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52498617-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In a society where talking is more common than listening, I provide a place where you feel heard and not judged. It is my personal goal to create a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore who you are, find resiliency, and walk on the path towards healing. I am committed to walking with you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.
In a society where talking is more common than listening, I provide a place where you feel heard and not judged. It is my personal goal to create a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore who you are, find resiliency, and walk on the path towards healing. I am committed to walking with you on your journey of self-discovery and healing.
![Photo of Chrissy Court - Stone Haven Counselling, SSW, BAHons, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/259bed36-64c9-458f-bd34-b17bea7bf20b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stone Haven Counselling
Registered Social Worker, SSW, BAHons, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Aylmer, ON N5H (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients - Life can be challenging and sometimes it feels like you are out of sync with what your life goals are. I am here to support you through challenges like anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, relationships, and more.
Accepting New Clients - Life can be challenging and sometimes it feels like you are out of sync with what your life goals are. I am here to support you through challenges like anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, relationships, and more.
![Photo of Kasi Shan - Kasi Shan: Prenatal & Postpartum Counselling, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce21d9c2-561b-40cb-b776-65ed6a84af63/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kasi Shan: Prenatal & Postpartum Counselling
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
Bright, ON N0J
Waitlist for new clients
As a new parent, you’re realizing that your mental health is in need of an overhaul. Things that you were able to push away, distract, or rationalize keep coming up back up (e.g. the birth trauma, your own childhood experiences, your prickly relationships). These painful reminders stop you from feeling fully present with your child. You’re distracted, triggered, and quickly overwhelmed. You want to begin parenting the right way, and that means finally addressing these emotional blocks. You want to feel more in control and like yourself again.
As a new parent, you’re realizing that your mental health is in need of an overhaul. Things that you were able to push away, distract, or rationalize keep coming up back up (e.g. the birth trauma, your own childhood experiences, your prickly relationships). These painful reminders stop you from feeling fully present with your child. You’re distracted, triggered, and quickly overwhelmed. You want to begin parenting the right way, and that means finally addressing these emotional blocks. You want to feel more in control and like yourself again.
![Photo of Mary Walton, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac779bd0-9936-415c-968a-1fad89865a2c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Walton
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Embro, ON N0J (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hey! Welcome! Just in looking at your options on Psychology today, you've taken the first step in figuring out... well, your next steps! Life can be really overwhelming sometimes, and even just sourcing where that overwhelm comes from can be a challenge. Whether its tough stuff you've had to go through, a person in your life causing pain, or worry about the future, I want to help you process these experiences and develop concrete strategies to step into tomorrow with hope, positivity, and purpose. Please note that I only work virtually at this time (phone or video services).
Hey! Welcome! Just in looking at your options on Psychology today, you've taken the first step in figuring out... well, your next steps! Life can be really overwhelming sometimes, and even just sourcing where that overwhelm comes from can be a challenge. Whether its tough stuff you've had to go through, a person in your life causing pain, or worry about the future, I want to help you process these experiences and develop concrete strategies to step into tomorrow with hope, positivity, and purpose. Please note that I only work virtually at this time (phone or video services).
Online Therapists
![Photo of Holly Syer, BA(Hon), MACP, RRT, CCAA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d54ee9d3-e4b4-416c-8951-abdaa5769c96/2/320x400.jpeg)
Holly Syer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA(Hon), MACP, RRT, CCAA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London, ON N6H (Online Only)
I utilize therapeutic tools and interventions from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT).
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Registered Respiratory Therapist/Anesthesia Assistant with 15 years of practice in critical health care . My clients appreciate my experience as a clinician, partner, and mother of young children. I understand first-hand the pressure and stress facing young families and working professionals. With both medical and psychotherapy training, I offer clients a unique and seasoned approach to mental health care. I am experienced in assisting clients with navigating life changes and stages, including anxiety, depression, attachment, and relationship difficulties.
I utilize therapeutic tools and interventions from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT).
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Registered Respiratory Therapist/Anesthesia Assistant with 15 years of practice in critical health care . My clients appreciate my experience as a clinician, partner, and mother of young children. I understand first-hand the pressure and stress facing young families and working professionals. With both medical and psychotherapy training, I offer clients a unique and seasoned approach to mental health care. I am experienced in assisting clients with navigating life changes and stages, including anxiety, depression, attachment, and relationship difficulties.
![Photo of Dilys Chuinkam, BA, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9479765a-4b78-42e7-979b-2d389421fe57/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dilys Chuinkam
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5H (Online Only)
I work from a combination of approaches including attachment focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to connect. I work from a strengths based approach, which empowers you to have self-compassion and self-awareness as you journey through the complexities of life. I work with you to discover your authentic capabilities in a non-judgemental space that fosters healing and growth. I offer services to individuals and couples in the areas of anxiety, depression, familial conflicts, life transitions, peer relationships, relationship challenges, and self esteem.
I work from a combination of approaches including attachment focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and narrative therapy.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to connect. I work from a strengths based approach, which empowers you to have self-compassion and self-awareness as you journey through the complexities of life. I work with you to discover your authentic capabilities in a non-judgemental space that fosters healing and growth. I offer services to individuals and couples in the areas of anxiety, depression, familial conflicts, life transitions, peer relationships, relationship challenges, and self esteem.
![Photo of Nic Lachance, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98e04f27-6dcb-48e6-a760-8f203d7abf2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nic Lachance
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z (Online Only)
Along with this, I use on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotions Focused Therapy (EFT), Hakomi, cognitive therapies such as CBT and CPT (for PTSD), along with the rich lenses of feminist, anti-oppressive, queer and trans knowledges.
I understand psychic and emotional crises as your body’s best effort to cope with what it is experiencing. All of our behaviours and impulses make sense if we bring a warm curiosity to the bigger picture of your life, your body, your mind and your lived experience. I work to co-create a space where you new stories about yourself can emerge, stories that are more expansive, generous and allowing of what you have lived through. Whether you are working through addiction, compulsive behaviour and thinking, anxiety, depression, grief, ruptures or general existential confusion, I am here to hold it with you.
Along with this, I use on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotions Focused Therapy (EFT), Hakomi, cognitive therapies such as CBT and CPT (for PTSD), along with the rich lenses of feminist, anti-oppressive, queer and trans knowledges.
I understand psychic and emotional crises as your body’s best effort to cope with what it is experiencing. All of our behaviours and impulses make sense if we bring a warm curiosity to the bigger picture of your life, your body, your mind and your lived experience. I work to co-create a space where you new stories about yourself can emerge, stories that are more expansive, generous and allowing of what you have lived through. Whether you are working through addiction, compulsive behaviour and thinking, anxiety, depression, grief, ruptures or general existential confusion, I am here to hold it with you.
See more therapy options for Tillsonburg
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.