Emotionally Focused Therapists in Glendale, CA

Photo of Ruthie Polcino, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ruthie Polcino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
If you are encountering difficulties emotionally, in your relationships, or in your career, a safe and attuned therapeutic relationship can be transformative. My approach is relational, warm, and collaborative. I draw from attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based practices such as Eye Movement Desenitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-informed therapy (DBT-informed), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness-based interventions.
If you are encountering difficulties emotionally, in your relationships, or in your career, a safe and attuned therapeutic relationship can be transformative. My approach is relational, warm, and collaborative. I draw from attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based practices such as Eye Movement Desenitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-informed therapy (DBT-informed), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as mindfulness-based interventions.
(323) 746-0655 View (323) 746-0655
Photo of Jihyon Han, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jihyon Han
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91226
I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), and the Safe Model of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma treatment.
Hello, my name is Jihyon(Jane) Han, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). I believe healing begins with a foundation of empathy and trust. My desire is to provide a care that is genuine and safe to my clients.
I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), and the Safe Model of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma treatment.
Hello, my name is Jihyon(Jane) Han, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). I believe healing begins with a foundation of empathy and trust. My desire is to provide a care that is genuine and safe to my clients.
(949) 569-7634 View (949) 569-7634
Photo of Tsoline Kouyoumjian, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tsoline Kouyoumjian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91204  (Online Only)
I can help you too! I am certified in one of the most effective treatment approaches to couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
I see couples all the time who love each other desperately but just can’t seem to make it work. Some couples put it this way: “It’s like we keep having the same fight over and over again and nothing ever gets resolved. We just have a big fight, followed by silence, and then we just go back to our daily lives without ever working through the issues until the next fight happens. I don’t know what’s happening or why it’s happening but it’s just awful.”
I can help you too! I am certified in one of the most effective treatment approaches to couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
I see couples all the time who love each other desperately but just can’t seem to make it work. Some couples put it this way: “It’s like we keep having the same fight over and over again and nothing ever gets resolved. We just have a big fight, followed by silence, and then we just go back to our daily lives without ever working through the issues until the next fight happens. I don’t know what’s happening or why it’s happening but it’s just awful.”
(626) 788-5871 View (626) 788-5871
Photo of Michelle Cantrell - Center for Growth and Connection, MEd, LPCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Center for Growth and Connection
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91202
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), we guide clients towards more effective communication and functioning in their relationships.
Does it feel like your relationship is stuck in Groundhog Day? You have the same arguments over and over, while nothing ever changes. You love your partner, but some days you wonder if you really like your partner. If only you could get your partner to understand why you’re upset. Then maybe things would be different. These cycles start out as frustrating, but over time, they erode connection, trust, and a sense of emotional safety. You really want things to be different, better. You’re committed to your relationship, but you just don’t know where to start.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), we guide clients towards more effective communication and functioning in their relationships.
Does it feel like your relationship is stuck in Groundhog Day? You have the same arguments over and over, while nothing ever changes. You love your partner, but some days you wonder if you really like your partner. If only you could get your partner to understand why you’re upset. Then maybe things would be different. These cycles start out as frustrating, but over time, they erode connection, trust, and a sense of emotional safety. You really want things to be different, better. You’re committed to your relationship, but you just don’t know where to start.
(323) 685-4811 View (323) 685-4811
Photo of Rebecca Anderson, LPCC
Rebecca Anderson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
Additionally, I work from an emotionally focused foundation and incorporate elements of narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Hi there! I am Becky Anderson, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor located in California. I help young adults and women navigate changes in relationships, divorce recovery, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions throughout various stages of life. I come alongside you, working collaboratively to support you in reaching your goals. Each session is tailored to your unique needs to foster personal growth.
Additionally, I work from an emotionally focused foundation and incorporate elements of narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Hi there! I am Becky Anderson, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor located in California. I help young adults and women navigate changes in relationships, divorce recovery, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions throughout various stages of life. I come alongside you, working collaboratively to support you in reaching your goals. Each session is tailored to your unique needs to foster personal growth.
(209) 270-6578 View (209) 270-6578
Photo of Brian Donovan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brian Donovan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
My approach to counseling is client-centered, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused therapy.
Thank you for considering me to be your Therapist. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since March 2010. My practice focuses on helping individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or family-related issues. I also work with couples who struggle with communication, infidelity, sexual-related matters, conflict resolution, parenting problems, and financial concerns.
My approach to counseling is client-centered, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused therapy.
Thank you for considering me to be your Therapist. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since March 2010. My practice focuses on helping individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, past trauma, or family-related issues. I also work with couples who struggle with communication, infidelity, sexual-related matters, conflict resolution, parenting problems, and financial concerns.
(213) 642-1969 View (213) 642-1969
Photo of Larisa Southerland, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Larisa Southerland
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201  (Online Only)
I also incorporate elements of Gottman Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Navigating relationships can be tricky, to say the least. I believe the most important element of any relationship is communication. Breakdowns in communication are common and may go undetected for months, or even years. Becoming aware of how we communicate and adjusting appropriately can make all the difference in our interactions moving forward. My goal is to help you and your partner become effective communicators. My therapeutic style is down to Earth and compassionately curious.
I also incorporate elements of Gottman Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Navigating relationships can be tricky, to say the least. I believe the most important element of any relationship is communication. Breakdowns in communication are common and may go undetected for months, or even years. Becoming aware of how we communicate and adjusting appropriately can make all the difference in our interactions moving forward. My goal is to help you and your partner become effective communicators. My therapeutic style is down to Earth and compassionately curious.
(323) 894-0768 View (323) 894-0768
Photo of Alexa Enyart, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91204
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(626) 772-6578 View (626) 772-6578
Photo of Alexandra Park, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alexandra Park
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91204
I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
(626) 649-4547 View (626) 649-4547
Photo of Alexandra Park, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexandra Park
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201
I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
I integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
(323) 677-2998 View (323) 677-2998
Photo of Alexa Enyart, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91201
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(323) 396-9818 View (323) 396-9818
Photo of Sarah Rezak, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Rezak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
Are you feeling blocked at work, in a relationship, or creatively? Perhaps you are surprised by or unsatisfied with an aspect of your life. If you are seeking a stronger connection to your true self, your body, your partner, or something else important to you, let's chat. My eclectic therapy approach works well with all types of people including: creatives, executives, self-doubters, perfectionists, existentially-unrested, procrastinators, trauma survivors, & more. I work holistically with individuals & couples, with an attachment lens, to move through their various transitions, unmet needs, challenges, & mental health concerns.
Are you feeling blocked at work, in a relationship, or creatively? Perhaps you are surprised by or unsatisfied with an aspect of your life. If you are seeking a stronger connection to your true self, your body, your partner, or something else important to you, let's chat. My eclectic therapy approach works well with all types of people including: creatives, executives, self-doubters, perfectionists, existentially-unrested, procrastinators, trauma survivors, & more. I work holistically with individuals & couples, with an attachment lens, to move through their various transitions, unmet needs, challenges, & mental health concerns.
(310) 504-5171 View (310) 504-5171
Photo of Grace Akopyan - Glendale - Therapy with Grace -Grace Akopyan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Glendale - Therapy with Grace -Grace Akopyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91202
Couples Counseling (Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Therapy) is my specialty! I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Pepperdine University Couples Counseling Therapy professor that holds over a decade of experience in the field. Clients leave my sessions felling empowered, in control, with better communication, deepening intimacy, and learning how to navigate the dynamics in their relationship. For those of you that are not ready to start couples counseling or need individual growth and acceptance, I can help. Glendale Therapy with Grace in CA - www.therapywithgrace.net
Couples Counseling (Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Relationship Therapy) is my specialty! I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Pepperdine University Couples Counseling Therapy professor that holds over a decade of experience in the field. Clients leave my sessions felling empowered, in control, with better communication, deepening intimacy, and learning how to navigate the dynamics in their relationship. For those of you that are not ready to start couples counseling or need individual growth and acceptance, I can help. Glendale Therapy with Grace in CA - www.therapywithgrace.net
(747) 350-1387 View (747) 350-1387
Photo of Alane Rosalind Parsons, MS , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alane Rosalind Parsons
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that therapy is a collaborative creative process, and that painful experiences, when explored with a trained professional, can offer secret gifts and opportunities. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, engaging cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. I help clients to gain courage, insight, and confidence. Should you choose me, I can help you consider embracing changes that can lead to symptom reduction, more fulfilling life choices, deeper connection to loved ones and community, as desired. But it all starts with you feeling heard.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that therapy is a collaborative creative process, and that painful experiences, when explored with a trained professional, can offer secret gifts and opportunities. My therapeutic approach is strengths-based, engaging cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. I help clients to gain courage, insight, and confidence. Should you choose me, I can help you consider embracing changes that can lead to symptom reduction, more fulfilling life choices, deeper connection to loved ones and community, as desired. But it all starts with you feeling heard.
(323) 678-4997 View (323) 678-4997
Photo of Julie Avedisian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Avedisian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
From a young age, I have always seen that all humans have value and individual strengths. I have enjoyed working in the field for over 20 years, where I believe creating a supportive, validating environment and honing in on specific areas of development have allowed for very successful change in my clients' lives. I use approaches that draw on client strengths and also bring ideas, thoughts, fears, behaviors, and unfulfilled dreams to the forefront to create desired change. Reaching out for support is not easy, but I will walk the path with you, as we explore and implement steps for more peace, joy, and understanding in your life.
From a young age, I have always seen that all humans have value and individual strengths. I have enjoyed working in the field for over 20 years, where I believe creating a supportive, validating environment and honing in on specific areas of development have allowed for very successful change in my clients' lives. I use approaches that draw on client strengths and also bring ideas, thoughts, fears, behaviors, and unfulfilled dreams to the forefront to create desired change. Reaching out for support is not easy, but I will walk the path with you, as we explore and implement steps for more peace, joy, and understanding in your life.
(323) 747-7395 View (323) 747-7395
Photo of Laura Depp, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Depp
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201
Are anxiety and/or depression taking over your life? Are they sapping your energy, disrupting your relationships, and interfering with your work? Do you wake up feeling anxious or panicky, but don't know why? Do you feel a sense of dread when you think about the day ahead? Do you find it difficult to control your crying? Do these feelings interfere with your ability to concentrate at work? Are important people in your life tiring of hearing about your worries or sadness? Do you wish you could calm your body and mind and find some relief and joy?
Are anxiety and/or depression taking over your life? Are they sapping your energy, disrupting your relationships, and interfering with your work? Do you wake up feeling anxious or panicky, but don't know why? Do you feel a sense of dread when you think about the day ahead? Do you find it difficult to control your crying? Do these feelings interfere with your ability to concentrate at work? Are important people in your life tiring of hearing about your worries or sadness? Do you wish you could calm your body and mind and find some relief and joy?
(818) 963-9132 View (818) 963-9132
Photo of Luis Abbott, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Luis Abbott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91206
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience in the field of eating disorders at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels. I am specialized and trained in various trauma work modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Prior to specializing in eating disorder treatment, I worked in community mental health in the Juvenile Justice Department, working with children and teenagers in the Juvenile Probation and Social Services Department.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience in the field of eating disorders at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels. I am specialized and trained in various trauma work modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Prior to specializing in eating disorder treatment, I worked in community mental health in the Juvenile Justice Department, working with children and teenagers in the Juvenile Probation and Social Services Department.
(323) 370-4853 View (323) 370-4853
Photo of Moushumi Ghose - Moushumi Ghose, MFT and Los Angeles Sex Therapy , MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Moushumi Ghose, MFT and Los Angeles Sex Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203  (Online Only)
The team at Los Angeles Sex Therapy (LAST), therapists/coaches specialize in sex therapy, sex-kink-positive therapy for non monogamous, polyamorous, LGBTQIA, gender variant, sex worker/erotic laborers, BIPOC and supporting you towards trust, connection, pleasure, healing relational stress/tension/trauma. We offer somatic sex therapy, emotion focused therapy, and trauma centered (both systemic/social and personal). We address harmful constructs which affect sexuality, gender expression and relationships. We are 100% virtual.
The team at Los Angeles Sex Therapy (LAST), therapists/coaches specialize in sex therapy, sex-kink-positive therapy for non monogamous, polyamorous, LGBTQIA, gender variant, sex worker/erotic laborers, BIPOC and supporting you towards trust, connection, pleasure, healing relational stress/tension/trauma. We offer somatic sex therapy, emotion focused therapy, and trauma centered (both systemic/social and personal). We address harmful constructs which affect sexuality, gender expression and relationships. We are 100% virtual.
(323) 701-0936 View (323) 701-0936
Photo of Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Madlen Pashinian Foroughmand
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Are you tired of the endless cycle of arguments with your partner, stuck in a loop where the same issues keep resurfacing? Are you feeling like your communication with your partner is hitting a brick wall, leaving you frustrated and unheard? Allow me to be the compassionate mediator between you both, offering invaluable guidance and teaching new communication techniques to reignite the connection and trust that may have faltered. Alternatively, if you're struggling after a breakup or a traumatic experience, grappling with a loss of identity, anxiety, or depression, I'm here to support you in reclaiming yourself back!
Are you tired of the endless cycle of arguments with your partner, stuck in a loop where the same issues keep resurfacing? Are you feeling like your communication with your partner is hitting a brick wall, leaving you frustrated and unheard? Allow me to be the compassionate mediator between you both, offering invaluable guidance and teaching new communication techniques to reignite the connection and trust that may have faltered. Alternatively, if you're struggling after a breakup or a traumatic experience, grappling with a loss of identity, anxiety, or depression, I'm here to support you in reclaiming yourself back!
(323) 736-4131 View (323) 736-4131
Photo of Jessi (Jessica) York, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessi (Jessica) York
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91203
Are you struggling and ready to make changes? Are you a teenager looking to build confidence and find your identity? Are you a parent wanting to connect with your child and help them deal with life's challenges? I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.
Are you struggling and ready to make changes? Are you a teenager looking to build confidence and find your identity? Are you a parent wanting to connect with your child and help them deal with life's challenges? I work hard to ensure that my clients feel safe and comfortable. I provide an open, nonjudgmental environment to discuss the struggles in life with a sense of humor and compassion. Therapy should be a safe space to explore these struggles and help you feel less alone. I have a mindful, eclectic approach tailored to help meet your distinct needs with an overall goal of finding your inner strength and hope for the future.
(747) 281-4753 View (747) 281-4753
1
...
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.