Emotionally Focused Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
![Photo of Camila Barreto, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c630acd6-eeaa-4fb1-884a-390a09dd15db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Camila Barreto
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
I apply a variety of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories in my practice, including: cognitive-behavioral interventions, mindfulness training, attachment-based parenting skills, sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
As a bilingual and bicultural licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I provide teletherapy services aimed at strengthening family relationships and overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. I follow attachment-based and somatic-based approaches to give individuals, couples, families and children developmentally appropriate and effective healing interventions to teach, support and treat a wide range of mental health difficulties. I recently hired 3 wonderful Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Clinical Socila Workers.
I apply a variety of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories in my practice, including: cognitive-behavioral interventions, mindfulness training, attachment-based parenting skills, sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
As a bilingual and bicultural licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I provide teletherapy services aimed at strengthening family relationships and overcoming emotional and behavioral challenges. I follow attachment-based and somatic-based approaches to give individuals, couples, families and children developmentally appropriate and effective healing interventions to teach, support and treat a wide range of mental health difficulties. I recently hired 3 wonderful Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Clinical Socila Workers.
![Photo of Diane C. Smith - Diane Smith Counseling, MA, LMFT, 111553, CEFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/429ef7e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diane Smith Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, 111553, CEFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
As a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, (EFT), I use Dr.
Do you feel life is restricting you from who you really want to be for yourself, your partner and/or your family? My primary goal in therapy is to help enhance your ability to make choices. Our ability to notice our cycles of interaction in our relationships can help us build trust in ourselves and enhance our commitments to ourselves and our loved ones. This, in turn, allows our choices to become "building blocks" toward lasting joy for each relationship creation of our choice.
As a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, (EFT), I use Dr.
Do you feel life is restricting you from who you really want to be for yourself, your partner and/or your family? My primary goal in therapy is to help enhance your ability to make choices. Our ability to notice our cycles of interaction in our relationships can help us build trust in ourselves and enhance our commitments to ourselves and our loved ones. This, in turn, allows our choices to become "building blocks" toward lasting joy for each relationship creation of our choice.
![Photo of Rudy Z Ruderman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f35241f-66e0-42f4-b717-51a7f0b89855/1/320x400.png)
Rudy Z Ruderman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I utilize EFT (Emotion-Focused-Therapy) to help couples reclaim safety, connection, and love in their relationship.
Your relationship is really important, but, because of communication breakdowns and tension you have started to question whether staying is right. You want to get clarity on what is going on so that you find a way back to feeling trust, safety, empathy, and passion. You have the sense that you could work through it together if only there was the chance of really being heard and understood by your partner. Through therapy you gain clarity and insight on your own (and your partners) needs, boundaries, and values. Therapy is effective for couples, families, business partners, and teams.
I utilize EFT (Emotion-Focused-Therapy) to help couples reclaim safety, connection, and love in their relationship.
Your relationship is really important, but, because of communication breakdowns and tension you have started to question whether staying is right. You want to get clarity on what is going on so that you find a way back to feeling trust, safety, empathy, and passion. You have the sense that you could work through it together if only there was the chance of really being heard and understood by your partner. Through therapy you gain clarity and insight on your own (and your partners) needs, boundaries, and values. Therapy is effective for couples, families, business partners, and teams.
![Photo of Judith E Rubenstein, MA, JD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d3d529c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Judith E Rubenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I work with the emotion in the room to teach couples how to change their destructive patterns and to create new ways of engaging with each other which increases the emotional connection and changes communication patterns.
If you are having problems in your primary relationship you are probably feeling a bit lonely and misunderstood. I believe that each of us need love and close intimate relationships to reach our highest evolution as a human being. I create a safe, loving environment for individuals or couples to do their work to reach their highest potential. My focus is on helping you experience your feelings, physical sensations, thoughts and images, in the moment. As you claim new parts to yourself, you gradually come to accept and love a fuller and more actualized self and a deeper relationship with your loved ones.
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I work with the emotion in the room to teach couples how to change their destructive patterns and to create new ways of engaging with each other which increases the emotional connection and changes communication patterns.
If you are having problems in your primary relationship you are probably feeling a bit lonely and misunderstood. I believe that each of us need love and close intimate relationships to reach our highest evolution as a human being. I create a safe, loving environment for individuals or couples to do their work to reach their highest potential. My focus is on helping you experience your feelings, physical sensations, thoughts and images, in the moment. As you claim new parts to yourself, you gradually come to accept and love a fuller and more actualized self and a deeper relationship with your loved ones.
![Photo of Vanessa Chin, MS, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6942c380-9696-4baf-938e-62a896d8f336/1/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Chin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I specialize in couples work, with an emphasis on Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Let’s work together to move your life forward. There are things that get in the way of living a full and happy life. These obstacles often come from things in our past, current relationship challenges or other circumstances that seem to be out of our control. Therapy can help people deal with these issues and can be your first step towards a happier and more fulfilling life. I bring compassion, understanding and hope to my therapeutic work. I truly listen to your concerns and understand the issues that you are trying to resolve. I seek to develop a therapeutic approach that meets your unique needs.
I specialize in couples work, with an emphasis on Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Let’s work together to move your life forward. There are things that get in the way of living a full and happy life. These obstacles often come from things in our past, current relationship challenges or other circumstances that seem to be out of our control. Therapy can help people deal with these issues and can be your first step towards a happier and more fulfilling life. I bring compassion, understanding and hope to my therapeutic work. I truly listen to your concerns and understand the issues that you are trying to resolve. I seek to develop a therapeutic approach that meets your unique needs.
![Photo of Monica Stoker, LPCC, EMDR](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb779c0d-1dee-4da6-84dd-36d204e05b21/1/320x400.jpeg)
Through my advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, couples find new ways of meaningful and significant connection.
Today you are one step closer to a new you, where you feel encouraged and strengthened as you make your way on a positive path to growth and well-being. I focus on counseling and therapies that produce long-term health by helping clients identify and resolve the emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, and physical root causes of the pain in their lives, while attending to their immediate concerns. It is my hope that we create a safe environment for honest sharing to gain perspective and growth.
Through my advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, couples find new ways of meaningful and significant connection.
Today you are one step closer to a new you, where you feel encouraged and strengthened as you make your way on a positive path to growth and well-being. I focus on counseling and therapies that produce long-term health by helping clients identify and resolve the emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, and physical root causes of the pain in their lives, while attending to their immediate concerns. It is my hope that we create a safe environment for honest sharing to gain perspective and growth.
![Photo of Holly O'Hearn, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4be6ec8-d067-46f7-8923-9f36739d4197/3/320x400.jpeg)
I integrate a variety of treatment techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Emotion Focussed (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), and Somatic based approaches.
Whether you are stuck in self-defeating patterns, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, or having difficulty getting your needs met in your relationships, I am ready to listen and give you the tools you need to make meaningful changes and live a more peaceful, joyful, and satisfying life.
I integrate a variety of treatment techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), Emotion Focussed (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), and Somatic based approaches.
Whether you are stuck in self-defeating patterns, struggling with stress, anxiety or depression, or having difficulty getting your needs met in your relationships, I am ready to listen and give you the tools you need to make meaningful changes and live a more peaceful, joyful, and satisfying life.
![Photo of Bobby Kornhandler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e799996-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My practice in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) addresses this and other partnership issues when romantic relationships suffer confusing patterns and repetitive disconnecting cycles.
Are you and your partner fighting more? Do you feel distant and disconnected, lonely and truly concerned about the state of your partnership? Has infidelity got you feeling angry, depressed or anxious and is this getting in the way of your daily life, depriving you of any joy and happiness? It's time to reach out and get some professional help because trying to figure out these kinds of difficulties can be a daunting task when undertaken alone or when trying to clear out the cobwebs that make resolving partnership issues feel insurmountable. Get the help you need...now!
My practice in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) addresses this and other partnership issues when romantic relationships suffer confusing patterns and repetitive disconnecting cycles.
Are you and your partner fighting more? Do you feel distant and disconnected, lonely and truly concerned about the state of your partnership? Has infidelity got you feeling angry, depressed or anxious and is this getting in the way of your daily life, depriving you of any joy and happiness? It's time to reach out and get some professional help because trying to figure out these kinds of difficulties can be a daunting task when undertaken alone or when trying to clear out the cobwebs that make resolving partnership issues feel insurmountable. Get the help you need...now!
![Photo of Juliette Raynaud, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/701c7ac4-55db-4cee-a7b6-0df17f853124/2/320x400.jpeg)
Juliette Raynaud
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
I incorporate tools from my training in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurobiology, somatic therapy (body-mind), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and other evidence-based approaches into our time together.
I work with adolescents (12-17), young adults (18-25), and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relationship challenges. We can feel motivated to take those first steps toward healing but struggle to maintain progress. Trauma and challenging life events can leave our inner resources and authenticity untouched, discouraging our growth. 'I'm aware of my patterns and habits, what's next? Are there actual skills that can help me with this?'. Together, we'll answer this question and build a treatment plan that matches your unique vision for change.
I incorporate tools from my training in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurobiology, somatic therapy (body-mind), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and other evidence-based approaches into our time together.
I work with adolescents (12-17), young adults (18-25), and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relationship challenges. We can feel motivated to take those first steps toward healing but struggle to maintain progress. Trauma and challenging life events can leave our inner resources and authenticity untouched, discouraging our growth. 'I'm aware of my patterns and habits, what's next? Are there actual skills that can help me with this?'. Together, we'll answer this question and build a treatment plan that matches your unique vision for change.
![Photo of Jack May, MA, LMFT, CAMF, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ccd91765-4cf7-42e9-9f7f-fd47a204bf99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jack May
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMF, CSAT
Verified Verified
21 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Online Only)
He integrates CBT, mindfulness, and EFT in his practice.
Jack May's ideal client faces challenges like sex addiction, financial disorders, anger management, or relationship struggles, including couples work. They feel overwhelmed and seek a non-judgmental space to explore their difficulties. They need compassionate guidance and accountability to break unhealthy patterns, manage emotions, and improve relationships. Their goals include gaining control, achieving financial stability, and fostering deeper connections. Driven by a desire for growth, they seek a fulfilling, balanced life.
He integrates CBT, mindfulness, and EFT in his practice.
Jack May's ideal client faces challenges like sex addiction, financial disorders, anger management, or relationship struggles, including couples work. They feel overwhelmed and seek a non-judgmental space to explore their difficulties. They need compassionate guidance and accountability to break unhealthy patterns, manage emotions, and improve relationships. Their goals include gaining control, achieving financial stability, and fostering deeper connections. Driven by a desire for growth, they seek a fulfilling, balanced life.
![Photo of Joan Porter - Couples Therapy Institute, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dda132a-d297-4063-8e9c-96964632584f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Couples Therapy Institute
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Trained in trauma, resilience, and attachment theory: CBT, EFT, somatic, transpersonal, family systems therapy.
Do you want to be happier, more satisfied, or feel better? As a therapist with over 25 years experience, I have supported clients in healing through change and personal growth. I offer a safe, confidential environment to explore emotional patterns that may be preventing clients from living up to their fullest potential. CERTIFIED FIRST RESPONDER COUNSELOR-Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). CERTIFIED GOTTMAN COUPLES THERAPIST. Experienced Rover Therapist at the Art & Science of Love Workshops facilitated by Doctors John and Julie Gottman. COMPREHENSIVE COUPLES ASSESSMENTS - ONLINE THERAPY AVAILABLE.
Trained in trauma, resilience, and attachment theory: CBT, EFT, somatic, transpersonal, family systems therapy.
Do you want to be happier, more satisfied, or feel better? As a therapist with over 25 years experience, I have supported clients in healing through change and personal growth. I offer a safe, confidential environment to explore emotional patterns that may be preventing clients from living up to their fullest potential. CERTIFIED FIRST RESPONDER COUNSELOR-Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). CERTIFIED GOTTMAN COUPLES THERAPIST. Experienced Rover Therapist at the Art & Science of Love Workshops facilitated by Doctors John and Julie Gottman. COMPREHENSIVE COUPLES ASSESSMENTS - ONLINE THERAPY AVAILABLE.
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![Photo of Madelyn Swed, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bddd692-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Madelyn Swed
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, an approach with the highest success rates in couples therapy.
Do you feel distant and disconnected from your partner? Have you been fighting more? Is your relationship missing warmth, trust, compassion, and intimacy? Are you getting stuck in the same frustrating pattern? Do you long to find and establish a loving relationship and secure connection? Have you been anxious, sad, and overwhelmed a lot lately? If you answered yes to these questions it's time to get help. Life brings us many challenges that are sometimes too much to handle alone. You don't have to struggle on your own. Get the help you need to overcome these difficulties and turn them into opportunities for healing and happiness.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, an approach with the highest success rates in couples therapy.
Do you feel distant and disconnected from your partner? Have you been fighting more? Is your relationship missing warmth, trust, compassion, and intimacy? Are you getting stuck in the same frustrating pattern? Do you long to find and establish a loving relationship and secure connection? Have you been anxious, sad, and overwhelmed a lot lately? If you answered yes to these questions it's time to get help. Life brings us many challenges that are sometimes too much to handle alone. You don't have to struggle on your own. Get the help you need to overcome these difficulties and turn them into opportunities for healing and happiness.
![Photo of Cybil Gilbertson, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/941a32a5-1c67-4233-acb6-0cd8864909db/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cybil Gilbertson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
I collaborate with individuals and couples using an EFT, psychodynamic, depth and somatic approach.
Therapy is not something I "do" to you; it is a collaboration and conversation we have together. I look forward to walking beside you as you access a place within that feels more like home. There is no one way to move toward healing. I use an emotionally-focused (EFT), humanistic and somatic understanding while keeping the very human need for attachment and relationship at the heart of our work together. Many clients feel and notice a shift toward increased authenticity, flow, ease and joy in their lives after working together. (Now accepting COUPLES).
I collaborate with individuals and couples using an EFT, psychodynamic, depth and somatic approach.
Therapy is not something I "do" to you; it is a collaboration and conversation we have together. I look forward to walking beside you as you access a place within that feels more like home. There is no one way to move toward healing. I use an emotionally-focused (EFT), humanistic and somatic understanding while keeping the very human need for attachment and relationship at the heart of our work together. Many clients feel and notice a shift toward increased authenticity, flow, ease and joy in their lives after working together. (Now accepting COUPLES).
![Photo of Nancy Chen Marden, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45004022-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Chen Marden
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
In couples therapy, I help partners enhance communication, rebuild trust, and deepen their bond using EFT and the Gottman Method, fostering growth and connection.
Welcome! As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing, growth, and fulfillment. My practice is dedicated to the idea that the human spirit prevails in the midst of our deepest sufferings. As human beings, we all possess the innate capacity, courage, and wisdom to overcome adversities in life. With a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach, I provide a safe space for clients to realize their own potentials and empower them to prevail over obstacles, cultivate resilience, and live authentically.
In couples therapy, I help partners enhance communication, rebuild trust, and deepen their bond using EFT and the Gottman Method, fostering growth and connection.
Welcome! As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing, growth, and fulfillment. My practice is dedicated to the idea that the human spirit prevails in the midst of our deepest sufferings. As human beings, we all possess the innate capacity, courage, and wisdom to overcome adversities in life. With a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach, I provide a safe space for clients to realize their own potentials and empower them to prevail over obstacles, cultivate resilience, and live authentically.
![Photo of Barbara Kloos, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d33f143-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Personal counseling can be very helpful during a challenging season of life. I offer the opportunity to bring fresh insight and clarity into your situation in a way that is often difficult to achieve on your own. My counseling model draws from some excellent and highly regarded systems of therapy. In addition to a fundamental base in Cognitive Therapy concepts, I am an EMDR Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and am trained and experienced in Trauma Recovery. I also practice Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT).
Personal counseling can be very helpful during a challenging season of life. I offer the opportunity to bring fresh insight and clarity into your situation in a way that is often difficult to achieve on your own. My counseling model draws from some excellent and highly regarded systems of therapy. In addition to a fundamental base in Cognitive Therapy concepts, I am an EMDR Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and am trained and experienced in Trauma Recovery. I also practice Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT).
![Photo of Debbie Allen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf5732d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Debbie Allen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Evidence-based interventions may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT); Relational Life Therapy (RLT); Gottman Method & Esther Perel.
I am a warm & interactive systemic therapist who is interested in your heart & soul, focusing on strengths in an atmosphere of mutual respect & discovery. I join you or your family in a collaborative journey to explore barriers to change, discover inner resources, develop coping skills, reduce stress & experience authentic communication with the people closest in your life. My integrative and evidence-based approach aims to reduce stress, heal trauma & include family systems interventions to break through to greater purpose and joy.
Evidence-based interventions may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT); Relational Life Therapy (RLT); Gottman Method & Esther Perel.
I am a warm & interactive systemic therapist who is interested in your heart & soul, focusing on strengths in an atmosphere of mutual respect & discovery. I join you or your family in a collaborative journey to explore barriers to change, discover inner resources, develop coping skills, reduce stress & experience authentic communication with the people closest in your life. My integrative and evidence-based approach aims to reduce stress, heal trauma & include family systems interventions to break through to greater purpose and joy.
![Photo of Selena Rockwell, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e22cc383-d6a5-4575-8984-7d5d0de585fe/6/320x400.jpeg)
Selena Rockwell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I have experience in depth psychology, somatics, attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, and Internal Family Systems.
Welcome. I have a passion for helping people connect to deeper parts of themselves and access their innate ability to shift, heal and grow. I create a safe, curious, collaborative and compassionate space. In working with clients my approach is to be a skilled and kind mirror and facilitator of change. I believe being in therapy takes courage. I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey. My hope is that we can work together to support you in being your best self.
I have experience in depth psychology, somatics, attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, and Internal Family Systems.
Welcome. I have a passion for helping people connect to deeper parts of themselves and access their innate ability to shift, heal and grow. I create a safe, curious, collaborative and compassionate space. In working with clients my approach is to be a skilled and kind mirror and facilitator of change. I believe being in therapy takes courage. I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey. My hope is that we can work together to support you in being your best self.
![Photo of Russell A Collins, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f19a1c4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Emotionally Focused Therapist, and this is the work I do.
Conflict is a part of every vital relationship. If you are suffering in your relationship, it’s not because you have differences. In most cases, it’s because the way couples automatically protect themselves from being hurt - with silence, defensiveness or harsh words – builds walls between them, in an escalating cycle of frustration and misunderstanding. When even your best efforts at reconnecting just seem to exacerbate your mutual feelings of disconnection, it may be time to shine a healing light on these interactions and the hurt places that fuel them. This is the path of Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am an Emotionally Focused Therapist, and this is the work I do.
Conflict is a part of every vital relationship. If you are suffering in your relationship, it’s not because you have differences. In most cases, it’s because the way couples automatically protect themselves from being hurt - with silence, defensiveness or harsh words – builds walls between them, in an escalating cycle of frustration and misunderstanding. When even your best efforts at reconnecting just seem to exacerbate your mutual feelings of disconnection, it may be time to shine a healing light on these interactions and the hurt places that fuel them. This is the path of Emotionally Focused Therapy.
![Photo of Anne Crile, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e8c7f03-1221-44d7-93a5-a051e2a1aa29/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anne Crile
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a research-validated approach to healing & strengthening couples’ relationships — and have Level III Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) training — a model of individual therapy that integrates what research tells us about human connection, emotion & the relationship between the two.
I am a California, Arizona & Iowa licensed marriage and family therapist (CA 86294, AZ 15639, IA: 126195). I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — a research-validated approach to healing & strengthening couples’ relationships — and have Level III Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) training — a model of individual therapy that integrates what research tells us about human connection, emotion & the relationship between the two.
I am a California, Arizona & Iowa licensed marriage and family therapist (CA 86294, AZ 15639, IA: 126195). I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
![Photo of Brandi Davis, MA, LMFT, CPT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45b55070-2b0f-4cd3-89ec-2b6eed588d11/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brandi Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CPT, CPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Hi, I'm Brandi. I am the Owner and Clinical Director of BLC, Inc. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: for those struggling with trauma, generalized anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and relationships. Additionally, I work with couples to build Effective Communication Skills for a more sustainable and expansive connection and bond, working to de-escalate conflict while building awareness around foundational principles to lean on for long term success. My approach to therapy integrates several empirically supported treatment models in an effort to help clients meet their goals and ultimately improve their lives.
Hi, I'm Brandi. I am the Owner and Clinical Director of BLC, Inc. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: for those struggling with trauma, generalized anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, and relationships. Additionally, I work with couples to build Effective Communication Skills for a more sustainable and expansive connection and bond, working to de-escalate conflict while building awareness around foundational principles to lean on for long term success. My approach to therapy integrates several empirically supported treatment models in an effort to help clients meet their goals and ultimately improve their lives.
See more therapy options for Santa Barbara
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Santa Barbara
See More Emotionally Focused TherapistsNearby Searches for Santa Barbara
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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.