Emotionally Focused Therapists in El Dorado Hills, CA
![Photo of Maria Koehn, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87dca29c-7412-4e67-975a-94d1a1c8ca46/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use/am certified in emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) the gold standard for couples work.
Our growing and healing is a life long journey. Taking this step to find the support and guidance in a therapist can seem overwhelming and risky yet may be most rewarding. I hope you embrace this adventure. Let's journey to understand you better while identifying patterns of protection that can block deep connection and feeling heard, understood. Compassion, understanding and acceptance are central to my approach.
I use/am certified in emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) the gold standard for couples work.
Our growing and healing is a life long journey. Taking this step to find the support and guidance in a therapist can seem overwhelming and risky yet may be most rewarding. I hope you embrace this adventure. Let's journey to understand you better while identifying patterns of protection that can block deep connection and feeling heard, understood. Compassion, understanding and acceptance are central to my approach.
![Photo of Cristina Billingsley, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8954d5bf-a86e-4aac-84bc-3c525088a019/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cristina Billingsley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Waitlist for new clients
I am advanced trained in EMDR, Brianspotting, CBT, EFT, and mindfulness, employing these modalities with other integrative approaches to tailor your personalized support and care.
The search for a therapist can often feel daunting and I'm so glad you're here. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, guiding and supporting them in navigating through issues including anxiety, depression, panic, trauma/PTSD and mood disorders. I have extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients and their family members, which ignited a passion for working with this population. In sessions, we will address challenges such as communication issues, self-esteem, grief, loss, life change, stress, and more. If you're seeking new ways to change behaviors, thoughts, and actions by implementing new tools, I'd love to help.
I am advanced trained in EMDR, Brianspotting, CBT, EFT, and mindfulness, employing these modalities with other integrative approaches to tailor your personalized support and care.
The search for a therapist can often feel daunting and I'm so glad you're here. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, guiding and supporting them in navigating through issues including anxiety, depression, panic, trauma/PTSD and mood disorders. I have extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients and their family members, which ignited a passion for working with this population. In sessions, we will address challenges such as communication issues, self-esteem, grief, loss, life change, stress, and more. If you're seeking new ways to change behaviors, thoughts, and actions by implementing new tools, I'd love to help.
![Photo of Sarah L. Manfredi, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CCPS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2d57e83-4425-4cce-8939-7dab72f3db8c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah L. Manfredi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CCPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
I also utilize evidence based treatment models like EFT & The Gottman Method to improve the couple's relationship.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Is past trauma making it difficult to find peace, joy and experience connection? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma in your relationship? Do you need help managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors? I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment to explore solutions for tackling your unique challenges. My approach is gentle and "down to earth" and the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to me. I'm proud to serve First Responders & their families at a discounted rate.
I also utilize evidence based treatment models like EFT & The Gottman Method to improve the couple's relationship.
Are you struggling in your relationships? Is past trauma making it difficult to find peace, joy and experience connection? Are you experiencing betrayal trauma in your relationship? Do you need help managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors? I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment to explore solutions for tackling your unique challenges. My approach is gentle and "down to earth" and the development of a trusting therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance to me. I'm proud to serve First Responders & their families at a discounted rate.
![Photo of Joshua Mcleod Crocker, LMFT, AAMFT, Superv, Candid, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/452c3966-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua Mcleod Crocker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AAMFT, Superv, Candid
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
In couples work, I use evidence-based concepts from The Gottman Method and EFT to provide tools to improve relating in concrete ways.
AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate: Supervising LMFT and LPC Resident Counselors. (Fairfaxcounseling.org) Specializing in Couples Counseling and youth/young adults, my commitment is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere where we face hard issues to grow and find more peace in your life. Leaving shame at the door, we dig into what is keeping you "stuck" and find practical tools to move forward. The therapist-client relationship gives one freedom, maybe beyond any other setting, to be fully open, honest and press forward to the best version of yourself.
In couples work, I use evidence-based concepts from The Gottman Method and EFT to provide tools to improve relating in concrete ways.
AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate: Supervising LMFT and LPC Resident Counselors. (Fairfaxcounseling.org) Specializing in Couples Counseling and youth/young adults, my commitment is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere where we face hard issues to grow and find more peace in your life. Leaving shame at the door, we dig into what is keeping you "stuck" and find practical tools to move forward. The therapist-client relationship gives one freedom, maybe beyond any other setting, to be fully open, honest and press forward to the best version of yourself.
![Photo of Virginia Harris, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47c60e97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Over the past five years, I have undergone significant training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) and currently am undergoing supervision for credentialing.
We learn how to cope with life's inevitable stresses--and how to manage relationship differences-- in our early attachment environments. Usually, our developed capacities are equal to the challenges encountered. However, at times in our lives, we may face challenges that benefit from therapeutic support. At these times I can offer a skilled, warm, emotionally safe environment in which self-understanding can be deepened and healing can occur. Through our work together, a new "lens" can develop which allows clients to gain understanding and acceptance of their human needs, entitlements and healthy vulnerability.
Over the past five years, I have undergone significant training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) and currently am undergoing supervision for credentialing.
We learn how to cope with life's inevitable stresses--and how to manage relationship differences-- in our early attachment environments. Usually, our developed capacities are equal to the challenges encountered. However, at times in our lives, we may face challenges that benefit from therapeutic support. At these times I can offer a skilled, warm, emotionally safe environment in which self-understanding can be deepened and healing can occur. Through our work together, a new "lens" can develop which allows clients to gain understanding and acceptance of their human needs, entitlements and healthy vulnerability.
![Photo of Clare Lewis, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c919b19a-9898-4ecd-a2ce-6df9363ae3c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work collaboratively with my clients to use the most effective modalities that I have been trained in including CBT, EMDR, EFT, solution-focused, IFS, DBT, etc.
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
I work collaboratively with my clients to use the most effective modalities that I have been trained in including CBT, EMDR, EFT, solution-focused, IFS, DBT, etc.
Hi there, I'm Clare. I am a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping clients overcome the daily struggles we all deal with in life, that are often related to ongoing issues. My goal is to assist with your personal growth and healing and to learn better techniques for coping. I am also a licensed physical therapist, so I believe in a holistic approach that incorporates mind and body. I typically work with adjustment disorders but also eating disorders, anxiety and depression, OCD, trauma, relationship issues/couples, childhood abuse, addiction of all kinds, and ADHD/ADD.
![Photo of Julia Alford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99d8062d-d780-4a4b-aab2-264d1743dfb3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Alford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Sessions with me are focused and grounded in my advanced and ongoing training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a heavily researched and evidenced-based model of therapy based on attachment theory.
Your relationship is so important to you, but you continue to feel stuck in repetitive cycles that leave you feeling more disconnected from the one you want to feel closest to. You may be tired of having the same argument again and again; l eft feeling like your message isn’t getting through, or maybe feeling like no matter what you try, you just can't get it right with your partner. You're ready for things to change. You’re ready to really make sense of the pattern that seems to be running the show, to learn and experience effective communication, and for your relationship to become more joyful, connected, & secure.
Sessions with me are focused and grounded in my advanced and ongoing training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a heavily researched and evidenced-based model of therapy based on attachment theory.
Your relationship is so important to you, but you continue to feel stuck in repetitive cycles that leave you feeling more disconnected from the one you want to feel closest to. You may be tired of having the same argument again and again; l eft feeling like your message isn’t getting through, or maybe feeling like no matter what you try, you just can't get it right with your partner. You're ready for things to change. You’re ready to really make sense of the pattern that seems to be running the show, to learn and experience effective communication, and for your relationship to become more joyful, connected, & secure.
![Photo of Kathleen Gallagher Jones, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/188b8c49-ef41-4e8d-9857-464dc5d441ce/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen Gallagher Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
In addition to my Certification in Brainspotting, I utilize CBT, EFT, DBT, Al-Anon principles and other modalities.
I feel incredibly fortunate to help my clients find the freedom to live a life of their choosing, improve their relationship with self and others, and find peace. I use brain-based therapies proven to uncover and address issues that talk therapy can take years to heal. In doing so I help children, teens and adults overcome challenges that keep them stuck in negative patterns. Often traumas are at the root of these negative patterns. By offering Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy that evolved from EMDR, trauma is accessed, processed and released. This is life-changing. This is freedom.
In addition to my Certification in Brainspotting, I utilize CBT, EFT, DBT, Al-Anon principles and other modalities.
I feel incredibly fortunate to help my clients find the freedom to live a life of their choosing, improve their relationship with self and others, and find peace. I use brain-based therapies proven to uncover and address issues that talk therapy can take years to heal. In doing so I help children, teens and adults overcome challenges that keep them stuck in negative patterns. Often traumas are at the root of these negative patterns. By offering Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy that evolved from EMDR, trauma is accessed, processed and released. This is life-changing. This is freedom.
![Photo of Dr. Paul Sunseri Psy.d. - New Horizons Child & Family Institute, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab83cd9-fcfd-4ffe-b793-c8ce91666e28/1/320x400.jpeg)
New Horizons Child & Family Institute
Psychologist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Please read this ad in its entirety before contacting us as we only provide a specialized form of care. Preferred contact is by email, not by phone. New Horizons Child & Family Institute provides Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (IFFT), a specialized family-based treatment approach developed by Paul Sunseri, Psy.D. IFFT is designed for children and adolescents with moderate to severe mental illness (severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and oppositional behavior). Please see our website (myIFFT.org) for more information, as well as Dr. Sunseri's TED talk (located at the website).
Please read this ad in its entirety before contacting us as we only provide a specialized form of care. Preferred contact is by email, not by phone. New Horizons Child & Family Institute provides Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (IFFT), a specialized family-based treatment approach developed by Paul Sunseri, Psy.D. IFFT is designed for children and adolescents with moderate to severe mental illness (severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and oppositional behavior). Please see our website (myIFFT.org) for more information, as well as Dr. Sunseri's TED talk (located at the website).
![Photo of Sarah Lesko - Sarah Lesko, LMFT - Couples and Individual Therapy, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6657619-88b6-4307-8dac-f6058f0049b5/2/320x400.png)
Sarah Lesko, LMFT - Couples and Individual Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
You are here because you are looking for help. Perhaps you need this help within the context of your most intimate relationships. When you are in romantic relationships, are you prone to over-thinking, ruminating over what you said or should have said in a heated moment? Do you find yourself acting out in ways that you are not proud of but can’t seem to stop? Or do you find yourself withdrawing, feeling apathy and putting distance between yourself and your loved one? You may long for the closeness and connection you used to have with your partner. Or you may have none of this and wonder why you are without a partner or community.
You are here because you are looking for help. Perhaps you need this help within the context of your most intimate relationships. When you are in romantic relationships, are you prone to over-thinking, ruminating over what you said or should have said in a heated moment? Do you find yourself acting out in ways that you are not proud of but can’t seem to stop? Or do you find yourself withdrawing, feeling apathy and putting distance between yourself and your loved one? You may long for the closeness and connection you used to have with your partner. Or you may have none of this and wonder why you are without a partner or community.
![Photo of LeAnn O'Neal Berger - LeAnn O'Neal Berger, Psy.D., L.M.F.T., PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/440368fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
LeAnn O'Neal Berger, Psy.D., L.M.F.T.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
Tele-medicine in the privacy of your home or office. Anxious? Stressed? Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you may be interested to know that this is not a disorder. Do you have a rich and complex inner life? When you were a child, did your parents or others see you as sensitive or too shy? How can someone be too sensitive? If you do not consider yourself sensitive, perhaps you are in a relationship where sensitivity would enhance your intimacy and partnership. I help individuals and couples struggling with relationships. Do you want to live an authentic life?
Tele-medicine in the privacy of your home or office. Anxious? Stressed? Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you may be interested to know that this is not a disorder. Do you have a rich and complex inner life? When you were a child, did your parents or others see you as sensitive or too shy? How can someone be too sensitive? If you do not consider yourself sensitive, perhaps you are in a relationship where sensitivity would enhance your intimacy and partnership. I help individuals and couples struggling with relationships. Do you want to live an authentic life?
15 Second Videos
Joshua Mcleod Crocker
Shawna Cobabe
Hannah Phair Zackney
The Davis Group Counseling & Wellness Services
Lori Coburn
Sarah Hammill
Pacific Counseling & Trauma Center
Navneet Kaur, PhD, LPCC
Rennie' Simpson
Julie Boone
![Photo of Donelle Anderson, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d4b62d3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am here to support people through their life journey and where it may lead them. Periodically we need additional assistance and I am here to support their process.
I am here to support people through their life journey and where it may lead them. Periodically we need additional assistance and I am here to support their process.
![Photo of Jennifer Viscidy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c72cb512-ad17-4d3a-b259-9c1bde972fd1/1/320x400.png)
Jennifer Viscidy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Are you tired of being stuck in the same old cycle? Perhaps you are ready to make a change, but that initial leap is daunting. The possibility of transformation excites you, but the idea of failure holds you back from ever jumping. Maybe this change looks like a more authentic relationship with yourself or with your partner. You deserve to be free to genuinely express your truth and celebrate your authenticity. I am here to let you know you do not have to be alone in this journey.
Are you tired of being stuck in the same old cycle? Perhaps you are ready to make a change, but that initial leap is daunting. The possibility of transformation excites you, but the idea of failure holds you back from ever jumping. Maybe this change looks like a more authentic relationship with yourself or with your partner. You deserve to be free to genuinely express your truth and celebrate your authenticity. I am here to let you know you do not have to be alone in this journey.
![Photo of David H. Wever, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c01ceed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
David H. Wever
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
Greetings! I have had the honor to walk alongside many hearts over the past 26 years as a Licensed Psychotherapist, Trauma Specialist, Professional Counselor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in depression, anxiety, disorders of the self (personality and cluster B disorders), EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, sexuality, sexual betrayal or partner betrayal trauma, sexual trauma, sexual compulsivity and addiction, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Sports Traumatic Stress Disorder, couples psychotherapy, and marriage and relationship issues.
Greetings! I have had the honor to walk alongside many hearts over the past 26 years as a Licensed Psychotherapist, Trauma Specialist, Professional Counselor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in depression, anxiety, disorders of the self (personality and cluster B disorders), EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, sexuality, sexual betrayal or partner betrayal trauma, sexual trauma, sexual compulsivity and addiction, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Sports Traumatic Stress Disorder, couples psychotherapy, and marriage and relationship issues.
![Photo of Gina Reed, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5de1cebc-7a91-4f87-b790-833162d4295f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Reed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Waitlist for new clients
We do our best to cope, but sometimes we need a little help. Let me help you take the next step. I work with clients in a collaborative relationship to create lasting positive change. Together we can alleviate your emotional suffering, identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, formulate goals, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, navigate transitions, and make life meaningful and fulfilling. Wherever you are in your process will be our starting point. I am accepting clients with Kaiser insurance as I am a contractor. See the insurance tab for all insurances I accept. Visit: GinaReedLCSW.com
We do our best to cope, but sometimes we need a little help. Let me help you take the next step. I work with clients in a collaborative relationship to create lasting positive change. Together we can alleviate your emotional suffering, identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, formulate goals, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, navigate transitions, and make life meaningful and fulfilling. Wherever you are in your process will be our starting point. I am accepting clients with Kaiser insurance as I am a contractor. See the insurance tab for all insurances I accept. Visit: GinaReedLCSW.com
![Photo of Sharon Van Derwood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fed1fa8-5a3e-47c3-baa8-57f693f25a23/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ready to break free from relationship insecurity, unresolved conflicts, and communication challenges? I will guide you and your partner to rebuild a stronger, more loving relationship; reawaken trust and intimacy. Dive deep with me to uncover the hidden emotions and patterns that are holding you back. You will discover the power of vulnerability and unlock the passionate, secure connection you’ve been longing for. Imagine yourself letting go of unhelpful habits, liberating yourself from past trauma and present stress.
Ready to break free from relationship insecurity, unresolved conflicts, and communication challenges? I will guide you and your partner to rebuild a stronger, more loving relationship; reawaken trust and intimacy. Dive deep with me to uncover the hidden emotions and patterns that are holding you back. You will discover the power of vulnerability and unlock the passionate, secure connection you’ve been longing for. Imagine yourself letting go of unhelpful habits, liberating yourself from past trauma and present stress.
![Photo of Crystal Barrera, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c71cf77e-ffc4-4f59-a00b-3d108189697c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal Barrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment. I work with a diverse population, offering services to adults, teen, children, couples and families.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment. I work with a diverse population, offering services to adults, teen, children, couples and families.
![Photo of Amy Lykes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dc399a7-f3b6-4ff4-a6ba-da8454e27c1f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In my years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have worked with individuals of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a broad spectrum of struggles impacting their life. My practice is based on a foundation of providing a compassionate attitude and being especially attuned to providing a safe, non-judgmental protected space for clients.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In my years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have worked with individuals of all ages, from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a broad spectrum of struggles impacting their life. My practice is based on a foundation of providing a compassionate attitude and being especially attuned to providing a safe, non-judgmental protected space for clients.
![Photo of Eugenia N Rosenblatt, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27042726-4837-45bc-86e8-8545a0c45965/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eugenia N Rosenblatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
Why is life difficult sometimes? Why do humans suffer sometimes? What can be done to alleviate suffering and increase happiness? Values-guided action can alleviate suffering and increase happiness. I'm here to help you on your journey that is called life.
Why is life difficult sometimes? Why do humans suffer sometimes? What can be done to alleviate suffering and increase happiness? Values-guided action can alleviate suffering and increase happiness. I'm here to help you on your journey that is called life.
![Photo of Gerry Chase Williams, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42aac0a4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I can offer you both short-term therapy or longer term therapy to address marital, couples, family, or individual concerns. Together with assessment of your presenting problem we can decide what is best. Resolution and change is possible. I have experience working with adults with adult children issues and with couples in getting beyond repeating communication patterns that are stressful.
I can offer you both short-term therapy or longer term therapy to address marital, couples, family, or individual concerns. Together with assessment of your presenting problem we can decide what is best. Resolution and change is possible. I have experience working with adults with adult children issues and with couples in getting beyond repeating communication patterns that are stressful.
See more therapy options for El Dorado Hills
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for El Dorado Hills
- Auburn
- Cameron Park
- Citrus Heights
- Fair Oaks
- Folsom
- Gold River
- Granite Bay
- Loomis
- Orangevale
- Rancho Cordova
- Rocklin
- Roseville
Emotionally Focused Therapists
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.