Emotionally Focused Therapists in Lakeside, CA

Photo of Child Adult Parenting Issue Postpartum Depression Anxiety Adhd Erin Robertson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Child Adult Parenting Issue Postpartum Depression Anxiety Adhd Erin Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lakeside, CA 92040
Hey there! I am so happy and honored that you came across my profile. It takes courage to seek help and I commend you for taking the first and hardest step. Many people who have come to me for support have faced difficulties with the transition to parenthood because, let’s face it, this journey can be THE hardest work! I have helped new moms and parents to navigate feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, excessive worry and fear, guilt, lack of interest in connecting with baby, changes in daily habits, trouble concentrating, withdrawal from friends and family, and even thoughts that feel scary. YOU are not alone!
Hey there! I am so happy and honored that you came across my profile. It takes courage to seek help and I commend you for taking the first and hardest step. Many people who have come to me for support have faced difficulties with the transition to parenthood because, let’s face it, this journey can be THE hardest work! I have helped new moms and parents to navigate feelings of anger, sadness, irritability, excessive worry and fear, guilt, lack of interest in connecting with baby, changes in daily habits, trouble concentrating, withdrawal from friends and family, and even thoughts that feel scary. YOU are not alone!
(619) 825-2307 View (619) 825-2307
Photo of Cameron Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cameron Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakeside, CA 92040
Hello, I'm Cameron Lee, an accomplished change management supervisor, clinician (LCSW-114220), case manager, trainer, and consultant with over ten years of experience working with disenfranchised populations, from birth to death, and the workforce who support them. My approach to therapy centers on meeting you where you're at today and collaborating with you on creating a plan to better whatever stage of life or transition you're struggling with.
Hello, I'm Cameron Lee, an accomplished change management supervisor, clinician (LCSW-114220), case manager, trainer, and consultant with over ten years of experience working with disenfranchised populations, from birth to death, and the workforce who support them. My approach to therapy centers on meeting you where you're at today and collaborating with you on creating a plan to better whatever stage of life or transition you're struggling with.
(951) 338-8947 View (951) 338-8947
Photo of Madeline Weerts, AMFT
Madeline Weerts
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakeside, CA 92040
Hello, I'm Maddie. I feel grateful to support individuals, partners, and families on their growth journeys. I work with clients to create a space where they can feel comfortable to reflect, cry, laugh, think – be authentically themselves. I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults facing anxiety and depression, negative body image and eating disorders, substance use, and other co-occurring struggles. I am passionate about guiding clients through trauma, loss, and grief - because no one should have to navigate it alone.
Hello, I'm Maddie. I feel grateful to support individuals, partners, and families on their growth journeys. I work with clients to create a space where they can feel comfortable to reflect, cry, laugh, think – be authentically themselves. I have worked extensively with adolescents and adults facing anxiety and depression, negative body image and eating disorders, substance use, and other co-occurring struggles. I am passionate about guiding clients through trauma, loss, and grief - because no one should have to navigate it alone.
(619) 350-2734 View (619) 350-2734
Photo of Vicki Foster, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vicki Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Lakeside, CA 92040
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
My name is Vicki Foster. I have an MFT license in Ca. I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 17 yrs., as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at hand.
(650) 789-6522 View (650) 789-6522
Photo of David Hahn, PsyD, MEd, Psychologist
David Hahn
Psychologist, PsyD, MEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lakeside, CA 92040
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, stress management, work issues, and anger problems. If you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing sadness, low energy, insomnia, loneliness, relationship problems, anger, difficulty focusing, or helplessness, through our work together, you will be able to relieve those symptoms. I also provide relief for symptoms including constant worry, racing thoughts, nervousness, irrational fears, social anxiety, and panic attacks. Your individual needs are carefully evaluated, and I tailor my therapeutic style to best meet those needs. You will increase your awareness of and resolve problematic behaviors to alleviate symptoms, reduce stress, improve relationships, and increase overall quality of life.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, stress management, work issues, and anger problems. If you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing sadness, low energy, insomnia, loneliness, relationship problems, anger, difficulty focusing, or helplessness, through our work together, you will be able to relieve those symptoms. I also provide relief for symptoms including constant worry, racing thoughts, nervousness, irrational fears, social anxiety, and panic attacks. Your individual needs are carefully evaluated, and I tailor my therapeutic style to best meet those needs. You will increase your awareness of and resolve problematic behaviors to alleviate symptoms, reduce stress, improve relationships, and increase overall quality of life.
(619) 324-3789 View (619) 324-3789

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lauren Thibodeau, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lauren Thibodeau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92120
He is also trained in emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, structural family, and self-compassion therapies.
Lauren is a genderqueer/trans male therapist who treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. He works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, he strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
He is also trained in emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, structural family, and self-compassion therapies.
Lauren is a genderqueer/trans male therapist who treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. He works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, he strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
(657) 214-7701 View (657) 214-7701
Photo of Elisa Blair, MS, PMH-C, LMFT-CA, LMFT-AZ, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elisa Blair
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PMH-C, LMFT-CA, LMFT-AZ
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91944  (Online Only)
Formally trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, I work to address themes and your attachment styles.
Tired, stressed, and fighting with your partner. It is the same loop. How did it get this bad? You just want feel calmer and like you and your partner on the same page again. You are tired of "pretending" to have it all together. Both of you have overcome a lot. Stressful childhoods and now navigating the adult world. But you have told yourself "we shouldn't be fighting like this." Attachment struggles, the avoider, the chaser, regardless of what you call it, it sucks. Whether it's just you or both of you in therapy, it is time to unpack the stuff that is holding your relationship back.
Formally trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, I work to address themes and your attachment styles.
Tired, stressed, and fighting with your partner. It is the same loop. How did it get this bad? You just want feel calmer and like you and your partner on the same page again. You are tired of "pretending" to have it all together. Both of you have overcome a lot. Stressful childhoods and now navigating the adult world. But you have told yourself "we shouldn't be fighting like this." Attachment struggles, the avoider, the chaser, regardless of what you call it, it sucks. Whether it's just you or both of you in therapy, it is time to unpack the stuff that is holding your relationship back.
(619) 332-4167 View (619) 332-4167
Photo of Sharon Meins, MA, APCC, #10828
Sharon Meins
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC, #10828
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
I use a well-researched and proven approach called EFT and have advanced training.
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
I use a well-researched and proven approach called EFT and have advanced training.
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
(619) 304-5935 View (619) 304-5935
Photo of Marlee Cornue, LPCC
Marlee Cornue
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Alpine, CA 91901
Marlee has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and offers a collaborative and client centered approach to therapy.
Marlee is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a passion for helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Marlee specializes in relational healing, guiding clients to deeper emotional connections and healthier patterns of interaction.
Marlee has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and offers a collaborative and client centered approach to therapy.
Marlee is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a passion for helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Marlee specializes in relational healing, guiding clients to deeper emotional connections and healthier patterns of interaction.
(619) 314-6572 View (619) 314-6572
Photo of Rosie Pappas, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rosie Pappas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santee, CA 92071
I work from Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Do you ever wonder why your anxious mind can’t rest? Or why relationships feel so hard? Or why you find yourself scrolling social media to avoid your feelings again? I love being a therapist because I help people make sense of these struggles. Together, we’ll explore the protective parts of you that work so hard to keep you safe, even when they feel stuck in old roles. By building compassionate relationships with these parts and leading from your most authentic Self, you can find greater freedom and fulfillment. Your pain matters, and you don’t have to carry it alone—I’m here for you.
I work from Internal Family Systems, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Do you ever wonder why your anxious mind can’t rest? Or why relationships feel so hard? Or why you find yourself scrolling social media to avoid your feelings again? I love being a therapist because I help people make sense of these struggles. Together, we’ll explore the protective parts of you that work so hard to keep you safe, even when they feel stuck in old roles. By building compassionate relationships with these parts and leading from your most authentic Self, you can find greater freedom and fulfillment. Your pain matters, and you don’t have to carry it alone—I’m here for you.
(442) 249-8648 View (442) 249-8648
Photo of Nicole Minor - Nicole Minor - Expansive Therapy, AMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Minor - Expansive Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92119  (Online Only)
I value helping to foster a secure space and use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to reach their personal goals. Intersectionality has been paramount on my own personal healing journey and I have had the opportunity to work with clients who benefit from the same lens. I draw from an integration of approaches to include the internal family systems model, emotionally focused therapy, and psychoanalytic theory in order to work with and honor a wide range of identities and experiences.
I value helping to foster a secure space and use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to reach their personal goals. Intersectionality has been paramount on my own personal healing journey and I have had the opportunity to work with clients who benefit from the same lens. I draw from an integration of approaches to include the internal family systems model, emotionally focused therapy, and psychoanalytic theory in order to work with and honor a wide range of identities and experiences.
(646) 941-8356 View (646) 941-8356
Photo of Tawny Weir, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tawny Weir
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Acceptance Attachment-Based treatment and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My name is Tawny Weir, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based treatment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients make progress and start their healing journey. I have specialized in working with adults from BIPOC communities. I treat and provide individual and couples therapy. My area of focus is individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Acceptance Attachment-Based treatment and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My name is Tawny Weir, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based treatment, and Emotionally Focused Therapy to help my clients make progress and start their healing journey. I have specialized in working with adults from BIPOC communities. I treat and provide individual and couples therapy. My area of focus is individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
(858) 786-1967 View (858) 786-1967
Photo of Amanda Malka, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Amanda Malka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
While I love utilizing narrative therapy, I do incorporate other modalities (IFS, EFT, CBT, DBT) where I see fit to meet the specific needs of my clients/couples.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
While I love utilizing narrative therapy, I do incorporate other modalities (IFS, EFT, CBT, DBT) where I see fit to meet the specific needs of my clients/couples.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
(858) 533-0624 View (858) 533-0624
Photo of Bharati Patwardhan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bharati Patwardhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92074  (Online Only)
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
(858) 295-3680 View (858) 295-3680
Photo of Wesley-Martin Ervin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wesley-Martin Ervin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
My name is Wesley Ervin, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in small town Lemoore, California. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, stress, depression, and queer identity. I work with queer therapy, geek therapy, and an eclectic approach including CCT, CBT, and EFT. I enjoy working with all sorts of clients but tend to be a better fit for queer clients and those who enjoy nerdy interests. I have experience working with a variety of identities withing the LGBTQ+ community, and especially enjoy working with my gender expansive siblings to help them with their transitions.
My name is Wesley Ervin, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in small town Lemoore, California. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, stress, depression, and queer identity. I work with queer therapy, geek therapy, and an eclectic approach including CCT, CBT, and EFT. I enjoy working with all sorts of clients but tend to be a better fit for queer clients and those who enjoy nerdy interests. I have experience working with a variety of identities withing the LGBTQ+ community, and especially enjoy working with my gender expansive siblings to help them with their transitions.
(858) 758-2342 View (858) 758-2342
Photo of Stephanie Wallace, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stephanie Wallace
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019  (Online Only)
I also use EFT and Gottman Method, especially when working with couples.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma and the following symptoms that may accompany surviving childhood trauma such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief, loss, and life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
I also use EFT and Gottman Method, especially when working with couples.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma and the following symptoms that may accompany surviving childhood trauma such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief, loss, and life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
(619) 503-3468 View (619) 503-3468
Photo of Ian Witter, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ian Witter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the only empirically proven therapeutic model for distressed relationships.
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the only empirically proven therapeutic model for distressed relationships.
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
(619) 319-9749 View (619) 319-9749
Photo of Michaela Shadroo, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Michaela Shadroo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Using EMDR (trauma therapy), IFS (looking at all parts of you), and EFT (allowing emotions to guide), we’ll uncover the underlying causes of your struggles and work toward meaningful change.
Hello! I specialize in supporting women from late teens to middle adulthood who are navigating challenges with self-esteem, difficult relationships, anxiety, and trauma. My focus is particularly on disempowerment issues, including people-pleasing, self-doubt, and perfectionism stemming from relational wounds. We’re not meant to navigate life’s complexities alone—our connections play a crucial role in this journey. I’m here to meet you where you are and help co-create a space for your growth and healing.
Using EMDR (trauma therapy), IFS (looking at all parts of you), and EFT (allowing emotions to guide), we’ll uncover the underlying causes of your struggles and work toward meaningful change.
Hello! I specialize in supporting women from late teens to middle adulthood who are navigating challenges with self-esteem, difficult relationships, anxiety, and trauma. My focus is particularly on disempowerment issues, including people-pleasing, self-doubt, and perfectionism stemming from relational wounds. We’re not meant to navigate life’s complexities alone—our connections play a crucial role in this journey. I’m here to meet you where you are and help co-create a space for your growth and healing.
(619) 983-0964 View (619) 983-0964
Photo of Misty Johnson, LCSW, MSW, WGS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Misty Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, WGS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92120
Sex and intimacy struggles? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and/or sexuality? Communication challenges in your relationships? I am here to support you and to collaborate with you. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
Sex and intimacy struggles? Are you questioning or exploring your gender and/or sexuality? Communication challenges in your relationships? I am here to support you and to collaborate with you. I provide a safe space to explore who you are becoming and to discern old thought patterns that are no longer of service. I provide a healing space free of judgement and offer tools that you can immediately integrate into your current experience. I will collaborate with you and work with the intersections of your unique experience.
(408) 583-5606 View (408) 583-5606
Photo of Judy A Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judy A Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91941  (Online Only)
I commend you for taking the first step in self-discovery and healing! I invite you to share your feelings and emerge with a "Lighter Heart." I want to hear YOUR story. Does the world often overwhelm you? Do you seem to "feel" things deeply or become easily emotional? Then you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs are more prone to over-stimulation, depression, anxiety, addictions and relationship difficulties. As a Highly Sensitive therapist, I can help you to recognize the benefits and hardships of this trait, be more productive, have better relationships, and protect yourself from overwhelm.
I commend you for taking the first step in self-discovery and healing! I invite you to share your feelings and emerge with a "Lighter Heart." I want to hear YOUR story. Does the world often overwhelm you? Do you seem to "feel" things deeply or become easily emotional? Then you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). HSPs are more prone to over-stimulation, depression, anxiety, addictions and relationship difficulties. As a Highly Sensitive therapist, I can help you to recognize the benefits and hardships of this trait, be more productive, have better relationships, and protect yourself from overwhelm.
(619) 735-7447 View (619) 735-7447
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.