Emotionally Focused Counselling in Cirencester

Photo of Julia Mary Pracy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Julia Mary Pracy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
I am a fully qualified Emotional Therapeutic Counsellor. I work with adults, young people and children suffering emotional turmoil in their lives. Most of us at some point in our lives experience feelings and emotions that we can’t make sense of. These emotions can be brought about by a crisis, long term situation, persistent unhappiness, depression, apathy or difficulties in relating to others. I also specialise in sexual identity, lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender issues. I listen with understanding, without judgement and help and assist my clients to discover their true self.
I am a fully qualified Emotional Therapeutic Counsellor. I work with adults, young people and children suffering emotional turmoil in their lives. Most of us at some point in our lives experience feelings and emotions that we can’t make sense of. These emotions can be brought about by a crisis, long term situation, persistent unhappiness, depression, apathy or difficulties in relating to others. I also specialise in sexual identity, lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender issues. I listen with understanding, without judgement and help and assist my clients to discover their true self.
01285 708784 View 01285 708784
Photo of Laura Colquhoun, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laura Colquhoun
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Life can be difficult at times. We can feel depressed, anxious, stressed, worried or unable to cope. This can impact on all aspects of our lives; personal and professional. Sometimes all a client needs is someone to really listen to them and to accept what they are saying in a non-judgemental way. Therapy comes in all different shapes and sizes and I believe the mode of therapy should fit the client, we are all individuals after all. I put you, the client at the centre of the work and believe that together we can work collaboratively to help you mange your life more happily and successfully.
Life can be difficult at times. We can feel depressed, anxious, stressed, worried or unable to cope. This can impact on all aspects of our lives; personal and professional. Sometimes all a client needs is someone to really listen to them and to accept what they are saying in a non-judgemental way. Therapy comes in all different shapes and sizes and I believe the mode of therapy should fit the client, we are all individuals after all. I put you, the client at the centre of the work and believe that together we can work collaboratively to help you mange your life more happily and successfully.
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Photo of Libbet Paravicini, BACP, Counsellor
Libbet Paravicini
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
01666 331453 View 01666 331453
Photo of Nicholas Rose - Nicholas Rose & Associates, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Nicholas Rose & Associates
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cirencester GL7
Need to find the right person to talk to? If you have only just started to look for help you maybe feeling confused or even overwhelmed by the choice of therapies and therapists available - we understand and are here to help. We offer you a warm and friendly welcome from a selected team of expert therapists who bring an outstanding breadth and depth of experience and knowledge in both the in-person and online private talking therapies. Our team includes counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and EMDR practitioners to ensure you can find the right therapist for what you need right now.
Need to find the right person to talk to? If you have only just started to look for help you maybe feeling confused or even overwhelmed by the choice of therapies and therapists available - we understand and are here to help. We offer you a warm and friendly welcome from a selected team of expert therapists who bring an outstanding breadth and depth of experience and knowledge in both the in-person and online private talking therapies. Our team includes counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and EMDR practitioners to ensure you can find the right therapist for what you need right now.
020 7167 2663 View 020 7167 2663
Photo of Hannya Melrose, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Hannya Melrose
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
I have worked for over 15 years as a body-oriented psychotherapist, specialising in prenatal & birth/ attachment issues, sexual trauma, life transitions & crisis. I am also a TRE (Tension Releasing Exercises) provider, to support the release of stress from the body/ mind. More recently I have trained to work with women of all ages & life stages around menstrual cycle awareness, the menopause passage & after & I am currently training as a women's transformational coach & facilitator. I feel passionately about supporting women to step into greater self-love, empowerment & fulfillment in all areas of their life.
I have worked for over 15 years as a body-oriented psychotherapist, specialising in prenatal & birth/ attachment issues, sexual trauma, life transitions & crisis. I am also a TRE (Tension Releasing Exercises) provider, to support the release of stress from the body/ mind. More recently I have trained to work with women of all ages & life stages around menstrual cycle awareness, the menopause passage & after & I am currently training as a women's transformational coach & facilitator. I feel passionately about supporting women to step into greater self-love, empowerment & fulfillment in all areas of their life.
01453 708236 View 01453 708236
Photo of Catherine Macer, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Catherine Macer
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
Life is not always easy. The fact that you are looking at my page suggests that something feels stuck, painful, maybe hopeless or unreachable and that you want something different for yourself – that you want things to change. Perhaps you want to free yourself from repetitive patterns of behaviour, depression, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs or the impact of trauma. Maybe you want to deepen your connection to yourself so that life feels richer and more rewarding and you can find a more authentic sense of yourself. Whatever your reason, I offer you a safe, empathetic and thoughtful space to explore whatever you want to bring.
01257 449409 View 01257 449409
Photo of Emma johnsey, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Emma johnsey
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cirencester GL7
Hello, my name is Emma and I have over ten years experience as a counsellor. Contact me if you are looking for a safe person with whom you can explore matters that are important to you, this may include relationships, emotions, thoughts that concern you, or blocks you feel. The focus of our work would be you and your life. You may have goals you wish to achieve or feel hopeless and stuck. Whatever your concerns our work may entail looking at the past or take a solution focused approach.
Hello, my name is Emma and I have over ten years experience as a counsellor. Contact me if you are looking for a safe person with whom you can explore matters that are important to you, this may include relationships, emotions, thoughts that concern you, or blocks you feel. The focus of our work would be you and your life. You may have goals you wish to achieve or feel hopeless and stuck. Whatever your concerns our work may entail looking at the past or take a solution focused approach.
01452 227966 View 01452 227966

Online Therapists

Photo of Magdalena Rybarczyk, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Magdalena Rybarczyk
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SE1
My clinical interests include Psychoanalytic and Attachment approaches, EMDR, DBT and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I hope that the information you can find here will help you to initiate positive changes in your life. I offer therapy for clients struggling with their emotions, experiencing a crisis, relationship difficulties or career and work related concerns. I am experienced in providing effective therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, self esteem problems, body image concerns, as well as medically unexplained symptoms, sexual and intimacy problems and other psychological challenges. My way of working is emphatic, flexible and receptive to your individual needs.
My clinical interests include Psychoanalytic and Attachment approaches, EMDR, DBT and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I hope that the information you can find here will help you to initiate positive changes in your life. I offer therapy for clients struggling with their emotions, experiencing a crisis, relationship difficulties or career and work related concerns. I am experienced in providing effective therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, self esteem problems, body image concerns, as well as medically unexplained symptoms, sexual and intimacy problems and other psychological challenges. My way of working is emphatic, flexible and receptive to your individual needs.
020 3763 5265 View 020 3763 5265
Photo of Luiza Neumayer, MSc, HCPC-Couns. Psych., Psychotherapist
Luiza Neumayer
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1U
I’m also a Certified EFT Couples therapist.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.
I’m also a Certified EFT Couples therapist.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.
020 3872 2526 View 020 3872 2526
Photo of Sonia Freeman, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sonia Freeman
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Sutton SM2
I am a BACP Accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with experience working with adults. I offer a warm, empathic, non judgemental and confidential space for you to talk freely of your concerns and explore the nature of the difficulties you are experiencing. My aim is to work alongside you to help you gain a deeper understanding in yourself encouraging the healing process. In my work with couples I introduce elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy, a structured approach based on attachment theory, helping couples to understand and respond to each other's needs effectively. I practice in Sutton SM2
I am a BACP Accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with experience working with adults. I offer a warm, empathic, non judgemental and confidential space for you to talk freely of your concerns and explore the nature of the difficulties you are experiencing. My aim is to work alongside you to help you gain a deeper understanding in yourself encouraging the healing process. In my work with couples I introduce elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy, a structured approach based on attachment theory, helping couples to understand and respond to each other's needs effectively. I practice in Sutton SM2
01798 305087 View 01798 305087
Photo of Ellen Baldwin, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Ellen Baldwin
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
In addition, I am trained as an Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) to help support couples.
My name is Ellen and I am a BACP accredited, experienced Counsellor, trained in individual counselling, couple counselling and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). I offer a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are bringing to therapy. I have worked with clients for over 19 years, in the voluntary sector and in private practice. In addition I am the part-time CEO of a women's counselling Charity in Brighton & Hove.
In addition, I am trained as an Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) to help support couples.
My name is Ellen and I am a BACP accredited, experienced Counsellor, trained in individual counselling, couple counselling and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). I offer a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are bringing to therapy. I have worked with clients for over 19 years, in the voluntary sector and in private practice. In addition I am the part-time CEO of a women's counselling Charity in Brighton & Hove.
01273 092141 View 01273 092141
Photo of Sarah Ruth Janes, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Ruth Janes
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southsea PO4  (Online Only)
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples with a foundation in attachment theory.
I am an LGBTQ+ counsellor working online with individuals and couples who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer. Beginning with a free 'getting to know you' session lasting 50 minutes for individuals, I offer a warm humanistic approach. I have 8 years experience working with a wide range of issues including depression, disassociation and complicated grief disorder. As a member of the LGBT+ community I understand issues around minority stress, cumulative childhood trauma, coming out, isolation and belonging.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples with a foundation in attachment theory.
I am an LGBTQ+ counsellor working online with individuals and couples who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer. Beginning with a free 'getting to know you' session lasting 50 minutes for individuals, I offer a warm humanistic approach. I have 8 years experience working with a wide range of issues including depression, disassociation and complicated grief disorder. As a member of the LGBT+ community I understand issues around minority stress, cumulative childhood trauma, coming out, isolation and belonging.
020 3962 1806 View 020 3962 1806
Photo of Sedef Oral - Sedef Oral Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sedef Oral Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W1U
Hello! I'm Sedef. I am a BACP Accredited, EMDR Europe Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Registered Relationship Therapist, and Advanced Level EFT Therapist working with adults, couples, and adult families in Turkish and English. While reading this page, maybe you are sad, angry, or anxious. Maybe you feel hurt, alone, overwhelmed, helpless, or inadequate. Maybe you are feeling ok; yet you just need to feel better about yourself, your relationship with a partner, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself and your loved ones? If yes, then I’d love to help you in this process.
Hello! I'm Sedef. I am a BACP Accredited, EMDR Europe Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Registered Relationship Therapist, and Advanced Level EFT Therapist working with adults, couples, and adult families in Turkish and English. While reading this page, maybe you are sad, angry, or anxious. Maybe you feel hurt, alone, overwhelmed, helpless, or inadequate. Maybe you are feeling ok; yet you just need to feel better about yourself, your relationship with a partner, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself and your loved ones? If yes, then I’d love to help you in this process.
020 3319 1371 View 020 3319 1371
Photo of Dr Connie Geyer, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Connie Geyer
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
London W1G
My approach is evidence-based and grounded in Schema Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, complemented by DBT coping skills coaching, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotion-focused Therapy for couples (EFT).
Perhaps you cope well in some areas of life but have been troubled by difficult feelings, thoughts or life patterns for a while. Maybe loss, trauma, PTSD, or other difficult life events are impacting you. There are many times when speaking with a trained professional can help. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, certified MBT and Schema Therapist, and Supervisor with extensive experience in providing and leading therapy services in the NHS and private practice. I work with adolescents, adults and couples presenting with a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties, which may be rooted in adverse childhood experiences.
My approach is evidence-based and grounded in Schema Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, complemented by DBT coping skills coaching, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotion-focused Therapy for couples (EFT).
Perhaps you cope well in some areas of life but have been troubled by difficult feelings, thoughts or life patterns for a while. Maybe loss, trauma, PTSD, or other difficult life events are impacting you. There are many times when speaking with a trained professional can help. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, certified MBT and Schema Therapist, and Supervisor with extensive experience in providing and leading therapy services in the NHS and private practice. I work with adolescents, adults and couples presenting with a wide range of emotional and relational difficulties, which may be rooted in adverse childhood experiences.
020 8138 9538 View 020 8138 9538
Photo of Rosalind Ukoko-Rivers, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Rosalind Ukoko-Rivers
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton BN1
I use Person-centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Humanistic, Play Therapy, Solution focused, Brief therapy, Behavioural and emotionally focused therapy, and CBT.
I offer online, phone and face to face and walk therapy sessions, working under up to date risks assessments and client guidelines. I believe that each client is unique and an individual. This client - therapist working relationship, regardless of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, is the key to a positive and collaborative experience that offers insight and deeper understanding of our true needs and desires. I am proactive, flexible and adaptable according to your needs and requirements. I also work for Victim Support organisation. I am a qualified teacher with BA, MSc and PGCE qualifications, and DBS enhanced checked.
I use Person-centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Humanistic, Play Therapy, Solution focused, Brief therapy, Behavioural and emotionally focused therapy, and CBT.
I offer online, phone and face to face and walk therapy sessions, working under up to date risks assessments and client guidelines. I believe that each client is unique and an individual. This client - therapist working relationship, regardless of race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, is the key to a positive and collaborative experience that offers insight and deeper understanding of our true needs and desires. I am proactive, flexible and adaptable according to your needs and requirements. I also work for Victim Support organisation. I am a qualified teacher with BA, MSc and PGCE qualifications, and DBS enhanced checked.
01273 092694 View 01273 092694
Photo of Michael Henry, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Michael Henry
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London N7
I utilise other modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples and Family) or EMDR (trauma) dependent on your needs.
you have ended up here... so let me just say that whatever you are going through can be surmounted... whatever need, issue or goal you have, you have all the resources you need to reach there... and I am confident that I can collaborate with you and help you get to that 'place' on the other side whereas this need, issue or goal can either be gone, managed or achieved...
I utilise other modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples and Family) or EMDR (trauma) dependent on your needs.
you have ended up here... so let me just say that whatever you are going through can be surmounted... whatever need, issue or goal you have, you have all the resources you need to reach there... and I am confident that I can collaborate with you and help you get to that 'place' on the other side whereas this need, issue or goal can either be gone, managed or achieved...
020 8167 3627 View 020 8167 3627
Photo of Carolyn Thompson, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Carolyn Thompson
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Richmond TW10
I am an EFT therapist which combines psychology and acupressure points working on the mind/body connection.
I work respectfully with a diverse range of clients and situations bringing a warm, supportive and non-judgemental approach. I work with many issues including, (but not exhaustive) sexual abuse and trauma, disassociation, PTSD and complex PDST, relationships, family dynamics, cancer, dementia, addictions and carer support. It is helpful to bring what may be troubling you, either from the past or present to the safety of a counselling relationship. Many people find they are then more confident to be able to make positive changes in their lives through counselling support. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
I am an EFT therapist which combines psychology and acupressure points working on the mind/body connection.
I work respectfully with a diverse range of clients and situations bringing a warm, supportive and non-judgemental approach. I work with many issues including, (but not exhaustive) sexual abuse and trauma, disassociation, PTSD and complex PDST, relationships, family dynamics, cancer, dementia, addictions and carer support. It is helpful to bring what may be troubling you, either from the past or present to the safety of a counselling relationship. Many people find they are then more confident to be able to make positive changes in their lives through counselling support. I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
020 3835 4314 View 020 3835 4314
Photo of Rasa Motiejune - Dew Therapy - Rasa Motiejune , MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Dew Therapy - Rasa Motiejune
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bicester OX26
I am a UKCP registered Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, offering: Individual, Family and Couples therapy for people of all ages and psychological difficulties. I have been continuously working in NHS since 2007. I use ideas from the Systemic and Family Therapy schools, CBT, DBT and mindfulness. I am particularly interested in Attachment Narrative Therapy (ANT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches which both concentrate on creating strong attachment and connected relationships. I believe that each day we "dance", sometimes we "dance" alone, other times we "dance" together with our partners or family members.
I am a UKCP registered Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, offering: Individual, Family and Couples therapy for people of all ages and psychological difficulties. I have been continuously working in NHS since 2007. I use ideas from the Systemic and Family Therapy schools, CBT, DBT and mindfulness. I am particularly interested in Attachment Narrative Therapy (ANT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches which both concentrate on creating strong attachment and connected relationships. I believe that each day we "dance", sometimes we "dance" alone, other times we "dance" together with our partners or family members.
01780 438666 View 01780 438666
Photo of Marian Claudiu Ciuhan - Pro Comfort Counselling - Marian Claudiu Ciuhan, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Pro Comfort Counselling - Marian Claudiu Ciuhan
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Dagenham RM8
Step into a realm where family complexities and relationship intricacies find understanding and transformation. In the face of challenges like family conflicts, ADHD, and substance abuse, envision a guide specializing in Family and Couples Therapy—someone attuned to your unique journey. I am that guide, offering more than expertise; I offer a compassionate partnership. As a psychologist skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey. Your narrative of fulfillment and resilience, meticulously crafted for your family's needs, awaits.
Step into a realm where family complexities and relationship intricacies find understanding and transformation. In the face of challenges like family conflicts, ADHD, and substance abuse, envision a guide specializing in Family and Couples Therapy—someone attuned to your unique journey. I am that guide, offering more than expertise; I offer a compassionate partnership. As a psychologist skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey. Your narrative of fulfillment and resilience, meticulously crafted for your family's needs, awaits.
07480 789942 View 07480 789942
Photo of Gulya Diyarova - Re-connect EFT Clinic, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Re-connect EFT Clinic
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W1K
As skilled practitioners specialising in the renowned Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we offer compassionate expert guidance towards reconnection, healing and greater life success. Our practitioners have years of experience working with couples and families to help with a range of emotional, relational and sexual issues. We help them move towards safe and loving emotional connection from being stuck in destructive conflict patterns of attack-withdraw and blame-defend. We also work with individuals (including children and young people) to help with mental health, sexual and relational issues, addictions and interpersonal trauma.
As skilled practitioners specialising in the renowned Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we offer compassionate expert guidance towards reconnection, healing and greater life success. Our practitioners have years of experience working with couples and families to help with a range of emotional, relational and sexual issues. We help them move towards safe and loving emotional connection from being stuck in destructive conflict patterns of attack-withdraw and blame-defend. We also work with individuals (including children and young people) to help with mental health, sexual and relational issues, addictions and interpersonal trauma.
020 3962 0906 View 020 3962 0906

See more therapy options for Cirencester

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.