Emotionally Focused Therapists in Redondo Beach, CA
Pauline Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
I help with parts work informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you." -Rumi I tend to work with highly sensitive people, creatives, healers of all kinds, empaths, spiritual seekers, trauma survivors, and people in recovery from addictions and alcoholic families. I can help with anxiety, depression, inner critics, shame, relationship troubles, people pleasing, anger, rage, control issues, chronic pain, and PTSD. I love trauma work because it gets to the root of many issues that bring folks to therapy. Do you feel overwhelmed? Is it hard to find your voice? Feeling bad about yourself? Uncomfortable in your skin? All of this can shift.
I help with parts work informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you." -Rumi I tend to work with highly sensitive people, creatives, healers of all kinds, empaths, spiritual seekers, trauma survivors, and people in recovery from addictions and alcoholic families. I can help with anxiety, depression, inner critics, shame, relationship troubles, people pleasing, anger, rage, control issues, chronic pain, and PTSD. I love trauma work because it gets to the root of many issues that bring folks to therapy. Do you feel overwhelmed? Is it hard to find your voice? Feeling bad about yourself? Uncomfortable in your skin? All of this can shift.
I rely on over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice with hundreds of individuals, couples and groups along with EMDR, EFT and somatic experiencing to help clients gently heal painful memories, experiences and negative patterns.
I specialize in cutting edge techniques that work at the level of the unconscious mind to help gently and efficiently shift unwanted patterns of behavior. We often don't realize that the way we respond and perceive things in the present is due to past programming. This programming not only creates a blueprint for who we choose and how we behave in our intimate relationships but also determines our ability to cope with stress and deal with painful emotions throughout our lifetime. The techniques I use and teach my clients work especially well with anxiety, phobias, depression and trauma.
I rely on over 20 years of clinical experience in private practice with hundreds of individuals, couples and groups along with EMDR, EFT and somatic experiencing to help clients gently heal painful memories, experiences and negative patterns.
I specialize in cutting edge techniques that work at the level of the unconscious mind to help gently and efficiently shift unwanted patterns of behavior. We often don't realize that the way we respond and perceive things in the present is due to past programming. This programming not only creates a blueprint for who we choose and how we behave in our intimate relationships but also determines our ability to cope with stress and deal with painful emotions throughout our lifetime. The techniques I use and teach my clients work especially well with anxiety, phobias, depression and trauma.
Carla Rather-Long
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I released the title 'Certified EFT Supervisor' due to the unaddressed systemic oppression within the designating organization.
I approach each human with profound respect. Within the safety of authentic relationship, we work together to experience felt change, bodily and emotionally. New emotional experiences are powerful change agents. My specialties include: humanistic treatment for trauma intervention, neuroscience-informed relationship treatment, emotionally focused therapy, anti-oppression treatment. I work to support your experience of felt change via human relationship - relief.
I released the title 'Certified EFT Supervisor' due to the unaddressed systemic oppression within the designating organization.
I approach each human with profound respect. Within the safety of authentic relationship, we work together to experience felt change, bodily and emotionally. New emotional experiences are powerful change agents. My specialties include: humanistic treatment for trauma intervention, neuroscience-informed relationship treatment, emotionally focused therapy, anti-oppression treatment. I work to support your experience of felt change via human relationship - relief.
Christina Calzadilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
With Emotionally Focused Therapy, I help couples rebuild, restore, and deepen their connection.
“There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story. ” ― Mary Lou Kownacki. We usually have good reasons for feeling the way we do. With curiosity and compassion, and without judgement, I want to see the world from your eyes. Once I meet you where you are, I can help you take steps toward living a rich, full, and meaningful life. Life brings us all kinds of challenges that can leave us stuck in patterns of relating to others, creating disconnection and feeling stuck in feelings we want to escape from. What would it be like to break free of those patterns, to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively?
With Emotionally Focused Therapy, I help couples rebuild, restore, and deepen their connection.
“There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story. ” ― Mary Lou Kownacki. We usually have good reasons for feeling the way we do. With curiosity and compassion, and without judgement, I want to see the world from your eyes. Once I meet you where you are, I can help you take steps toward living a rich, full, and meaningful life. Life brings us all kinds of challenges that can leave us stuck in patterns of relating to others, creating disconnection and feeling stuck in feelings we want to escape from. What would it be like to break free of those patterns, to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively?
Betsy Walli Sadur - Emotionally Focused Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, PhD-Lng, LMFT, EFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90278 (Online Only)
Using EFT, I can help you reconnect with your loved one, break repetitive negative cycles that block intimacy, make sense of each person's emotions, better handle stress and conflict, forgive each other, and restore trust and safety in your relationship.
It hurts to feel disconnected from your partner, parent, or child. And sometimes the harder you both try to close that distance, the farther apart and more lonely you both end up feeling. Yet you keep using the same ineffective relationship strategies, because you don't know what else to do! Or maybe you just give up. If yours is like most relationships, you're already spending enough time and effort trying to make it work -- you're just spending it in the wrong way. I can help you redirect your efforts using an approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Using EFT, I can help you reconnect with your loved one, break repetitive negative cycles that block intimacy, make sense of each person's emotions, better handle stress and conflict, forgive each other, and restore trust and safety in your relationship.
It hurts to feel disconnected from your partner, parent, or child. And sometimes the harder you both try to close that distance, the farther apart and more lonely you both end up feeling. Yet you keep using the same ineffective relationship strategies, because you don't know what else to do! Or maybe you just give up. If yours is like most relationships, you're already spending enough time and effort trying to make it work -- you're just spending it in the wrong way. I can help you redirect your efforts using an approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Naomi Zelin
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
I expertly use tools from DBT, EFT, and somatic therapies, including EMDR and nervous system regulation.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or facing challenges around sex, communication, or trust? Whether you're navigating infidelity, sexual concerns, relationship trauma, or non-monogamy, you don't have to face it alone. I specialize in helping people just like you break free from painful cycles and build the healthy, fulfilling connections they deserve. Imagine healing from betrayal, deepening intimacy, and finding confidence in your communication and sexuality. These changes aren't just possible—they’re within your reach, and I’m here to guide you toward them.
I expertly use tools from DBT, EFT, and somatic therapies, including EMDR and nervous system regulation.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or facing challenges around sex, communication, or trust? Whether you're navigating infidelity, sexual concerns, relationship trauma, or non-monogamy, you don't have to face it alone. I specialize in helping people just like you break free from painful cycles and build the healthy, fulfilling connections they deserve. Imagine healing from betrayal, deepening intimacy, and finding confidence in your communication and sexuality. These changes aren't just possible—they’re within your reach, and I’m here to guide you toward them.
Sara Levin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I provide individual and relationship therapy while integrating attachment theory, somatic therapy, and emotionally focused therapy.
You and your partner(s) have fallen into patterns of miscommunication, leaving you in emotional distress. You feel there has been a breach of trust in your relationship and are unsure how to move forward. You’ve noticed as your relationship has progressed, your individual priorities have shifted, leaving everyone feeling adrift and confused on how to grow together while also growing thriving as individuals. If any of these sound like you and your partner(s), I provide individual and relationship therapy in person and virtually especially for those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and/or persons of color.
I provide individual and relationship therapy while integrating attachment theory, somatic therapy, and emotionally focused therapy.
You and your partner(s) have fallen into patterns of miscommunication, leaving you in emotional distress. You feel there has been a breach of trust in your relationship and are unsure how to move forward. You’ve noticed as your relationship has progressed, your individual priorities have shifted, leaving everyone feeling adrift and confused on how to grow together while also growing thriving as individuals. If any of these sound like you and your partner(s), I provide individual and relationship therapy in person and virtually especially for those who identify as neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and/or persons of color.
I implement an integrative approach to therapy through using psychodynamic, emotionally focused, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, creative expression/arts, and trauma informed interventions.
I’m Abigail Jacques, but you can just call me Abby! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Choosing to begin therapy is a vulnerable and brave step, and I can’t wait to walk alongside you in this process. I typically work with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, self-esteem, and balancing the ups and downs of life. I am particularly passionate about helping those who wish to process and heal from trauma. I want my clients to feel like they are being understood and supported, not just assessed and analyzed.
I implement an integrative approach to therapy through using psychodynamic, emotionally focused, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, creative expression/arts, and trauma informed interventions.
I’m Abigail Jacques, but you can just call me Abby! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Choosing to begin therapy is a vulnerable and brave step, and I can’t wait to walk alongside you in this process. I typically work with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, self-esteem, and balancing the ups and downs of life. I am particularly passionate about helping those who wish to process and heal from trauma. I want my clients to feel like they are being understood and supported, not just assessed and analyzed.
As an integrative therapist, I use EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, psychodynamic, attachment, and mindfulness to support my clients in reaching their goals.
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or other challenges, I am here to support you and provide you with a space to reach your goals. The measure of mental health is not feeling happy all the time—it is the ability to move through difficult moments and continue forward. I hope to help all of my clients develop the self-compassion that they need to be kind to themselves while learning how to integrate their history with present day experiences and emotions. Major goals are often setting appropriate boundaries, self-care, managing acute symptoms, improving communication skills, and developing new identities.
As an integrative therapist, I use EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, psychodynamic, attachment, and mindfulness to support my clients in reaching their goals.
Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or other challenges, I am here to support you and provide you with a space to reach your goals. The measure of mental health is not feeling happy all the time—it is the ability to move through difficult moments and continue forward. I hope to help all of my clients develop the self-compassion that they need to be kind to themselves while learning how to integrate their history with present day experiences and emotions. Major goals are often setting appropriate boundaries, self-care, managing acute symptoms, improving communication skills, and developing new identities.
Mary Potenti Neurodiverse Relationship Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ASDCS, ATR
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Waitlist for new clients
using proven EFT ( emotionally focused therapy), RLT (relational life therapy) couples work+ EMDR, ART & ETT trauma work.
Relationships are tough, even more with depression, anxiety, trauma or neurodiversity. Maybe you’ve gotten through tough times, but now are depleted. You were accepting of differences, but now lack patience, or perhaps betrayals, drinking, even social awkwardness became too much? I help adults improve communication, and learn to repair & forgive in relationships. It’s time you are heard, understood, cared for - even if affair repair or addictions are happening. My website outlines specialization in neurodiversity (ADHD, autism ) couples counseling. Let me guide you to stop those hurtful patterns, so healing & love are a priority.
using proven EFT ( emotionally focused therapy), RLT (relational life therapy) couples work+ EMDR, ART & ETT trauma work.
Relationships are tough, even more with depression, anxiety, trauma or neurodiversity. Maybe you’ve gotten through tough times, but now are depleted. You were accepting of differences, but now lack patience, or perhaps betrayals, drinking, even social awkwardness became too much? I help adults improve communication, and learn to repair & forgive in relationships. It’s time you are heard, understood, cared for - even if affair repair or addictions are happening. My website outlines specialization in neurodiversity (ADHD, autism ) couples counseling. Let me guide you to stop those hurtful patterns, so healing & love are a priority.
Kryss Castle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I draw from extensive training that includes EFT – tapping and brain -spotting for trauma, anxiety, and managing intense emotions or memories – and years of experience addressing drug and alcohol addiction with individuals and families.
Helping teens and adults find their courage to transform, change ways that don’t serve them, and be who they are is my passion. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. In addition to in-office sessions, I’ve worked in more than ten schools throughout the South Bay providing group and individual therapy to students. I also work with adults and professionals in high-stress careers who have come to a crossroads with a relationship or career, are struggling with stress and anxiety, or are having trouble finding passion and purpose in their lives.
I draw from extensive training that includes EFT – tapping and brain -spotting for trauma, anxiety, and managing intense emotions or memories – and years of experience addressing drug and alcohol addiction with individuals and families.
Helping teens and adults find their courage to transform, change ways that don’t serve them, and be who they are is my passion. I work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. In addition to in-office sessions, I’ve worked in more than ten schools throughout the South Bay providing group and individual therapy to students. I also work with adults and professionals in high-stress careers who have come to a crossroads with a relationship or career, are struggling with stress and anxiety, or are having trouble finding passion and purpose in their lives.
15 Second Videos
Naomi Zelin
Allison Marx
Ken Ribotsky
Bob Neff
Dr. Linda Thompson
Kim Nicolson
Susan Davis Swanson
Cyndle Rios
Ken Ribotsky
Emily Schafer
Sara Sedlik Haynes
Theresa Leone
Julie Wensel
Naomi Lutz
Sarah Finch
Brandy Mills
Andrea Jablonski
Connie Hsu, Trauma Support & Relief Therapy
Elizabeth A Parker
Lori Laurise E Trull
Jasmynn Abernathy
Tina Hartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I specialize in healing Relationships and am trained in IFS and EFT. I can support you and your spouse, partner, child, relative or friend in deepening understanding and improving communication. Whether your relationship is in trouble, needs fine tuning or is dissolving, I can help. We will work to move through any fears or pain that are blocking your way. While the journey can be challenging, my goal is to travel alongside you with compassion and support.
I specialize in healing Relationships and am trained in IFS and EFT. I can support you and your spouse, partner, child, relative or friend in deepening understanding and improving communication. Whether your relationship is in trouble, needs fine tuning or is dissolving, I can help. We will work to move through any fears or pain that are blocking your way. While the journey can be challenging, my goal is to travel alongside you with compassion and support.
Brooke M. Sklar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I work with adults, teens and couples suffering with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, OCD, grief, life transitions, intimate relationship difficulties and more. I strive to provide a safe space where you can heal and grow. My approach is holistic and strength based. I have advanced training in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
I work with adults, teens and couples suffering with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, OCD, grief, life transitions, intimate relationship difficulties and more. I strive to provide a safe space where you can heal and grow. My approach is holistic and strength based. I have advanced training in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Tanya Blomgren
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I have received additional training in the impact of trauma in migration, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Neurodivergent Affirming Mental Health Care.
If you’ve found my profile, it may mean you’re feeling stuck and searching for help to get “unstuck”. Maybe you’re in the midst of a crisis, family conflict, grief, a transition from one thing to another, or even just wanting to understand how your past experiences are impacting you today. Reaching out for help from a therapist is a great next step! As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and couples. While working with me as your therapist, I can offer a witness to your story, an outside professional perspective, and someone to walk with you through the hard things!
I have received additional training in the impact of trauma in migration, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Neurodivergent Affirming Mental Health Care.
If you’ve found my profile, it may mean you’re feeling stuck and searching for help to get “unstuck”. Maybe you’re in the midst of a crisis, family conflict, grief, a transition from one thing to another, or even just wanting to understand how your past experiences are impacting you today. Reaching out for help from a therapist is a great next step! As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and couples. While working with me as your therapist, I can offer a witness to your story, an outside professional perspective, and someone to walk with you through the hard things!
Allison Marx
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
I work with individuals and couples (online and in-person) using trauma-informed and relational approaches including EFT, EMDR Therapy, & art therapy.
Looking for a therapist who understands queer & trans issues, poly/ENM relationships, and the BDSM/kink community? Living your life authentically can be beautiful, messy, and complicated. Coming out or discovering new facets of your gender or sexuality can be both thrilling and confusing. Opening up your relationship might be something you’ve always fantasized about, but the reality can bring up unexpected emotions. Embracing your kinks may be liberating, but sometimes unexpectedly triggering. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and not sure how to navigate this, you don’t have to keep trying to figure it all out on your own.
I work with individuals and couples (online and in-person) using trauma-informed and relational approaches including EFT, EMDR Therapy, & art therapy.
Looking for a therapist who understands queer & trans issues, poly/ENM relationships, and the BDSM/kink community? Living your life authentically can be beautiful, messy, and complicated. Coming out or discovering new facets of your gender or sexuality can be both thrilling and confusing. Opening up your relationship might be something you’ve always fantasized about, but the reality can bring up unexpected emotions. Embracing your kinks may be liberating, but sometimes unexpectedly triggering. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and not sure how to navigate this, you don’t have to keep trying to figure it all out on your own.
Courtney Caverly
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Struggling to manage a busy household, kids activities and have no time for yourself? Feeling overwhelmed with career and family responsibilities? Or wondering why you and your partner just can't seem to communicate? You don't have to go through this alone.
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Struggling to manage a busy household, kids activities and have no time for yourself? Feeling overwhelmed with career and family responsibilities? Or wondering why you and your partner just can't seem to communicate? You don't have to go through this alone.
Stacy Knupfer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a modality that helps couples restore intimacy and closeness by re-building loving and secure relationships.
Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, marital issues, parenting concerns, or anything else--you should know that there is a better way to manage your life. Supporting mothers throughout the stages of motherhood is something I hold close to my heart. I am also extremely passionate about my work with teen girls, especially those who struggle with academic pressures. I facilitate two girls' group each week that focuses on friendships, self-esteem, self-care, and coping skills for middle and high school.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a modality that helps couples restore intimacy and closeness by re-building loving and secure relationships.
Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, marital issues, parenting concerns, or anything else--you should know that there is a better way to manage your life. Supporting mothers throughout the stages of motherhood is something I hold close to my heart. I am also extremely passionate about my work with teen girls, especially those who struggle with academic pressures. I facilitate two girls' group each week that focuses on friendships, self-esteem, self-care, and coping skills for middle and high school.
Kimberly Barr
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
I value a collaborative space and incorporate psychoeducation and ACT, DBT, CBT, and EFT techniques into our work together.
Supervised by Dr. Crystal Quarry, PsyD PSY29982 at Q Psychology Group. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who seeks to build trust and respect with my clients as we work together to achieve positive change. I have a background in psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies which I use to help clients gain insight into their past, understand how it is impacting their present, and empower them to pave their future path. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of change and bring authenticity, compassion, humor, curiosity, and acceptance into the therapy room.
I value a collaborative space and incorporate psychoeducation and ACT, DBT, CBT, and EFT techniques into our work together.
Supervised by Dr. Crystal Quarry, PsyD PSY29982 at Q Psychology Group. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who seeks to build trust and respect with my clients as we work together to achieve positive change. I have a background in psychodynamic and attachment-based therapies which I use to help clients gain insight into their past, understand how it is impacting their present, and empower them to pave their future path. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of change and bring authenticity, compassion, humor, curiosity, and acceptance into the therapy room.
Braley Klatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Seeking a therapist can be the starting point towards the changes you want to make in your life. This process can be exciting and intimidating. An ideal therapist is one who is understanding, and offers clients a supportive environment. Building a positive self-image, developing healthy communication skills, strengthening relationships, and creating effective coping skills is our goal. I believe the relationship between a therapist and client is the strongest component of the therapy experience. Honesty and a straightforward approach is what you can expect. I love what I do, and I look forward to working with you.
Seeking a therapist can be the starting point towards the changes you want to make in your life. This process can be exciting and intimidating. An ideal therapist is one who is understanding, and offers clients a supportive environment. Building a positive self-image, developing healthy communication skills, strengthening relationships, and creating effective coping skills is our goal. I believe the relationship between a therapist and client is the strongest component of the therapy experience. Honesty and a straightforward approach is what you can expect. I love what I do, and I look forward to working with you.
Caroline Bernstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
As an Associate Marriage and Family therapist, I work with teens and young adults focusing on healing and working towards internal liberation to enact meaningful change and support clients in living the life they desire. I pride myself on being able to connect with teens and young adults, becoming an ally on their path towards adulthood. My goal is to create a safe and judgment free space for clients to explore themselves and their most meaningful relationships and experiences.
As an Associate Marriage and Family therapist, I work with teens and young adults focusing on healing and working towards internal liberation to enact meaningful change and support clients in living the life they desire. I pride myself on being able to connect with teens and young adults, becoming an ally on their path towards adulthood. My goal is to create a safe and judgment free space for clients to explore themselves and their most meaningful relationships and experiences.
See more therapy options for Redondo Beach
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Redondo Beach
- Carson
- El Segundo
- Gardena
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Lawndale
- Lomita
- Manhattan Beach
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Rolling Hills Estates
- Torrance
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.