Emotionally Focused Therapists in Seal Beach, CA

Photo of Nikki Frousakis, PhD, Psychologist
Nikki Frousakis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
I use Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help enrich your relationship.
Hello! I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, such as OCD, Major Depression, Social Anxiety, and Panic. Life stressors and mental health concerns can be tough, but you don't have to go at it alone. I offer a nonjudgmental, collaborative, solution-focused environment to help you overcome obstacles, decrease emotional distress, and improve your life. Expect to feel heard, gain insight, and learn the skills you need to thrive. Feel welcome to reach out and explore if working with me feels like a good fit. I accept Lyra insurance only.
I use Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help enrich your relationship.
Hello! I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, such as OCD, Major Depression, Social Anxiety, and Panic. Life stressors and mental health concerns can be tough, but you don't have to go at it alone. I offer a nonjudgmental, collaborative, solution-focused environment to help you overcome obstacles, decrease emotional distress, and improve your life. Expect to feel heard, gain insight, and learn the skills you need to thrive. Feel welcome to reach out and explore if working with me feels like a good fit. I accept Lyra insurance only.
(818) 860-7329 View (818) 860-7329
Photo of Audrey Malone, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Audrey Malone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I am a Master certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist and proficient in therapeutic approaches such as DBT, EMDR, IFS, EFT, CBT and Mindfulness.
I work with individuals, couples, families and children/teens to find the ROOT of what is causing the body to respond with anxiety, depression and/or dysregulation. Together, we will unlock your full potential, guide you back towards rediscovering yourself and a purposeful existence. My goal is to help you feel calm and a sense of relief by reducing your symptoms as quickly as possible and I will tailor your treatment so we can achieve your goals and meet your specific needs.
I am a Master certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist and proficient in therapeutic approaches such as DBT, EMDR, IFS, EFT, CBT and Mindfulness.
I work with individuals, couples, families and children/teens to find the ROOT of what is causing the body to respond with anxiety, depression and/or dysregulation. Together, we will unlock your full potential, guide you back towards rediscovering yourself and a purposeful existence. My goal is to help you feel calm and a sense of relief by reducing your symptoms as quickly as possible and I will tailor your treatment so we can achieve your goals and meet your specific needs.
(562) 242-7239 View (562) 242-7239
Photo of Andrea Cairella, LPCC, Counselor
Andrea Cairella
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2007 who is a Certified EMDR Therapist & Consultant, Advanced trained Emotionally Focused Therapist for Couples and Families, Ketamine Assisted Therapy, MAPS, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Advanced trained in Gestalt Therapy, so I am able to personalize and tailor the therapy to each clients individual needs.
Do you desire inner harmony, life satisfaction & greater joy in your life? Are you ready to heal from your emotional pain & enhance the quality of your life and relationships? As a compassionate therapist, I can guide you along your healing journey. I am dedicated to helping my clients succeed, experience inner peace, self-acceptance, joy, hope and love. I am intuitive, empathetic, multicultural & multilingual with over 10 years of experience. My specialty areas include: anxiety, PTSD/trauma, attachment issues, depression, addiction, relationship issues (couples and families), grief & loss and self-esteem issue for adults, children & adolescents.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2007 who is a Certified EMDR Therapist & Consultant, Advanced trained Emotionally Focused Therapist for Couples and Families, Ketamine Assisted Therapy, MAPS, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Advanced trained in Gestalt Therapy, so I am able to personalize and tailor the therapy to each clients individual needs.
Do you desire inner harmony, life satisfaction & greater joy in your life? Are you ready to heal from your emotional pain & enhance the quality of your life and relationships? As a compassionate therapist, I can guide you along your healing journey. I am dedicated to helping my clients succeed, experience inner peace, self-acceptance, joy, hope and love. I am intuitive, empathetic, multicultural & multilingual with over 10 years of experience. My specialty areas include: anxiety, PTSD/trauma, attachment issues, depression, addiction, relationship issues (couples and families), grief & loss and self-esteem issue for adults, children & adolescents.
(562) 732-4936 View (562) 732-4936
Photo of Miyuki Kanda, MA, LMFT, BC-DMT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Miyuki Kanda
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Individual/Couple/Family Therapist.
I enjoy working with adults and couples from the diverse background. I specialize in working with API clients struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, unresolved past trauma, marital/relationship challenges, navigating identity, life transitions, grief, and intergenerational trauma. I specialize in helping interracial couples to repair/improve their connection and communication. I'm bilingual with English and Japanese, and can offer sessions in either or both languages. I understand how the interplay between our cultural identity and family background can play an important role in our experience of the world.
I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Individual/Couple/Family Therapist.
I enjoy working with adults and couples from the diverse background. I specialize in working with API clients struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, unresolved past trauma, marital/relationship challenges, navigating identity, life transitions, grief, and intergenerational trauma. I specialize in helping interracial couples to repair/improve their connection and communication. I'm bilingual with English and Japanese, and can offer sessions in either or both languages. I understand how the interplay between our cultural identity and family background can play an important role in our experience of the world.
(562) 548-7258 View (562) 548-7258
Photo of Sarah Ashley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Ashley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Olive Leaf Family Therapy, I specialize in working with relationship issues, marital and premarital counseling, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. I use Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) in working with my clients and relationships. EFT has been shown to be 75% effective in treating couples and 90% report significant improvement in their relationship, nearly twice the success rate of other forms of couple’s therapy. In our EFT sessions, you should expect a focus on exploring your relationship dynamics, improving your emotional connection, and creating new and lasting meaning.
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Olive Leaf Family Therapy, I specialize in working with relationship issues, marital and premarital counseling, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. I use Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) in working with my clients and relationships. EFT has been shown to be 75% effective in treating couples and 90% report significant improvement in their relationship, nearly twice the success rate of other forms of couple’s therapy. In our EFT sessions, you should expect a focus on exploring your relationship dynamics, improving your emotional connection, and creating new and lasting meaning.
(562) 372-6599 View (562) 372-6599
Photo of Julia Craddolph, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julia Craddolph
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
I am trained in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT), Gottman Method for Couples, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), CBT and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy.
You're feeling ready to rekindle your spark in your relationship. You miss the days when you could talk about anything and you felt loved and excited. You’d like to improve your communication with your partner. As a BIPOC therapist, my goal is to provide you the space to feel heard, tools to communicate, and opportunities to reconnect to your partner/spouse. In couples therapy/ marriage counseling we can work on rekindling that spark that made your relationship so exciting in the beginning. If you’re ready to feel like a team again with your partner book a free consultation with me! I am currently accepting a few new clients.
I am trained in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT), Gottman Method for Couples, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), CBT and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy.
You're feeling ready to rekindle your spark in your relationship. You miss the days when you could talk about anything and you felt loved and excited. You’d like to improve your communication with your partner. As a BIPOC therapist, my goal is to provide you the space to feel heard, tools to communicate, and opportunities to reconnect to your partner/spouse. In couples therapy/ marriage counseling we can work on rekindling that spark that made your relationship so exciting in the beginning. If you’re ready to feel like a team again with your partner book a free consultation with me! I am currently accepting a few new clients.
(562) 784-5411 View (562) 784-5411
Photo of Vitoria Cottiss, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Vitoria Cottiss
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by loss, life changes, or relationship challenges, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll gently explore your past and present to understand the beliefs and patterns shaping your life. In our warm, supportive space, we’ll work hand in hand toward healing and transformation, nurturing self-awareness, and fostering deeper, more meaningful connections with yourself and those you care about.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by loss, life changes, or relationship challenges, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll gently explore your past and present to understand the beliefs and patterns shaping your life. In our warm, supportive space, we’ll work hand in hand toward healing and transformation, nurturing self-awareness, and fostering deeper, more meaningful connections with yourself and those you care about.
(562) 539-4451 View (562) 539-4451
Photo of Jamie Foster, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jamie Foster
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Do you find it hard to name your experiences and feelings? Do you ever ask yourself why you do things a certain way when you are stressed? Do you feel like you are living on survival mode? Life is overwhelming when we can't access the tools that can help us face its challenges. The good news is, you do not have to build those tools alone! Together, we can shape your skills so you can face life's challenges. You deserve to heal in a space that is built for you and your goals - that is what I strive to do!
Do you find it hard to name your experiences and feelings? Do you ever ask yourself why you do things a certain way when you are stressed? Do you feel like you are living on survival mode? Life is overwhelming when we can't access the tools that can help us face its challenges. The good news is, you do not have to build those tools alone! Together, we can shape your skills so you can face life's challenges. You deserve to heal in a space that is built for you and your goals - that is what I strive to do!
(562) 573-7327 View (562) 573-7327
Photo of Christine C Stellino, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Christine C Stellino
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down? Life can be a rollercoaster, and it's tough when it starts affecting your relationships, work, school, or friendships. Maybe you're finding it hard to concentrate, or your anxiety is holding you back from reaching your goals. You might be struggling to connect with others or facing challenges in your personal and professional life. Together we will focus on your specific goals, whether it's building better relationships, finding confidence in your abilities, or finding balance and fulfillment in your daily life. You deserve to thrive, and I'm here to help you get there.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down? Life can be a rollercoaster, and it's tough when it starts affecting your relationships, work, school, or friendships. Maybe you're finding it hard to concentrate, or your anxiety is holding you back from reaching your goals. You might be struggling to connect with others or facing challenges in your personal and professional life. Together we will focus on your specific goals, whether it's building better relationships, finding confidence in your abilities, or finding balance and fulfillment in your daily life. You deserve to thrive, and I'm here to help you get there.
(562) 393-7466 View (562) 393-7466
Photo of Vanessa K. Patterson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vanessa K. Patterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Hello and welcome! Finding the right therapist can be a challenging task and I want to acknowledge your courage for taking the first step towards creating vital change in your life. When reaching out for help, we all want to feel at ease and comfortable; working with someone free of judgement who treats us with kindness and respect. I am very easy to talk to and my aim is to assist you in obtaining a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I have been working with children, adults, teenagers, families and couples for over 10 years.
Hello and welcome! Finding the right therapist can be a challenging task and I want to acknowledge your courage for taking the first step towards creating vital change in your life. When reaching out for help, we all want to feel at ease and comfortable; working with someone free of judgement who treats us with kindness and respect. I am very easy to talk to and my aim is to assist you in obtaining a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I have been working with children, adults, teenagers, families and couples for over 10 years.
(562) 741-3596 View (562) 741-3596
Photo of Zandi Ali - Seal Beach Counseling, Psychologist
Seal Beach Counseling
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Seal Beach Counseling is located in Old Town Seal Beach. We offer counseling and evaluation services for adults, families, children, and adolescents. Counseling is available for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other conditions. Evaluation services include neuropsychological and psychological testing services for Learning Disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Neurocognitive Disorders.
Seal Beach Counseling is located in Old Town Seal Beach. We offer counseling and evaluation services for adults, families, children, and adolescents. Counseling is available for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other conditions. Evaluation services include neuropsychological and psychological testing services for Learning Disorders, ADHD, Autism, and Neurocognitive Disorders.
(657) 571-6937 View (657) 571-6937
Photo of Julie Rebecca Turvey, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Julie Rebecca Turvey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Do you have goals of greater happiness and connection, but aren’t sure why it’s not happening? Are you feeling depressed and anxious and not sure why? Let me help you navigate the confusion! Sometimes there are faulty beliefs about ourselves and communication challenges you need help with. It’s not your fault! You may have not learned the tools yet for navigating some of the emotional challenges of life. I will provide coping skills, teach how to manage challenging emotions, and clarify your needs clearly to those around you. Through facing your pain, you will find greater peace and contentment and reduced mental health symptoms.
Do you have goals of greater happiness and connection, but aren’t sure why it’s not happening? Are you feeling depressed and anxious and not sure why? Let me help you navigate the confusion! Sometimes there are faulty beliefs about ourselves and communication challenges you need help with. It’s not your fault! You may have not learned the tools yet for navigating some of the emotional challenges of life. I will provide coping skills, teach how to manage challenging emotions, and clarify your needs clearly to those around you. Through facing your pain, you will find greater peace and contentment and reduced mental health symptoms.
(562) 352-2294 View (562) 352-2294
Photo of Cydney Shindel, PsyD, Psychologist
Cydney Shindel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
In a frequently emotion-phobic world that is increasingly productivity-driven, often pushes "more is better" messaging and encourages endless striving, letting ourselves be human can be hard. Whether your current challenges are related to an acute stressor or tied to early attachment wounds, we all have the capacity to navigate hardships, heal, and emerge more resilient, connected and empowered in our lives. I enjoy working with adults and older adults on issues related to grief/loss, life-transitions, interpersonal stress, parenting, people pleasing, and more.
In a frequently emotion-phobic world that is increasingly productivity-driven, often pushes "more is better" messaging and encourages endless striving, letting ourselves be human can be hard. Whether your current challenges are related to an acute stressor or tied to early attachment wounds, we all have the capacity to navigate hardships, heal, and emerge more resilient, connected and empowered in our lives. I enjoy working with adults and older adults on issues related to grief/loss, life-transitions, interpersonal stress, parenting, people pleasing, and more.
(562) 784-4574 View (562) 784-4574
Photo of Elizabeth G. Middleton - Elizabeth G. Middleton, MA, MFT, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth G. Middleton, MA, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(949) 375-0577 View (949) 375-0577
Photo of Mary Malady, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Malady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
Life is complicated and messy, and at times can feel out of control. Whether you are in a current life crisis, want to work on past hurts and trauma, improve relationships, or better understand yourself I am here to support your journey towards healing. Together we will work to quiet the inner critic and better understand yourself through self-compassion. Therapy is an opportunity to pause and explore what big and little traumas may be impacting your ability to live fully in the present and experience peace in your mind and body. Depression, anxiety, emotional reactivity can be addressed and free us to live our best life!
Life is complicated and messy, and at times can feel out of control. Whether you are in a current life crisis, want to work on past hurts and trauma, improve relationships, or better understand yourself I am here to support your journey towards healing. Together we will work to quiet the inner critic and better understand yourself through self-compassion. Therapy is an opportunity to pause and explore what big and little traumas may be impacting your ability to live fully in the present and experience peace in your mind and body. Depression, anxiety, emotional reactivity can be addressed and free us to live our best life!
(949) 415-5861 View (949) 415-5861
Photo of Debbie A. Freeman, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debbie A. Freeman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 26 years of experience. As a former Director of Clinical Services and current adjunct professor, I have trained hundreds of upcoming therapists in both the science as well as the art of providing quality, enriching therapy. I am dedicated to helping you to "process" through your challenges allowing you to build healthier relationships and having a successful life. The hardest step is getting started, so feel free to reach out and we can have a conversation. Because of my experience I will be able to zero in on what you need and the best path forward.
(615) 656-8663 View (615) 656-8663
Photo of Natalie Asawesna, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Asawesna
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Are you struggling to find positivity in and around your life? You may be having a difficult time with your relationship or going through a stressful transition. Perhaps you're experiencing more downs than ups these days. If you relate to any of these statements I'd be glad to sit down with you, because I care. I want to hear your story and your goals that may feel far away right now. Let's work together to reinvigorate you to start living life with joy again.
Are you struggling to find positivity in and around your life? You may be having a difficult time with your relationship or going through a stressful transition. Perhaps you're experiencing more downs than ups these days. If you relate to any of these statements I'd be glad to sit down with you, because I care. I want to hear your story and your goals that may feel far away right now. Let's work together to reinvigorate you to start living life with joy again.
(562) 287-5058 View (562) 287-5058
Photo of Sarah Greenspan, MS, APCC, CCTP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sarah Greenspan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
I want to help you heal in a way that works for you. I’m an intuitive, hands-on therapist who will work with you to set your goals and to meet them by the end of therapy. We wil work on finding ways for you to feel relief from feelings of anxiety or depression or in exploring traumatic areas from your past. I understand the struggles people go through in relationships and how important it is to find somebody who really gets what you are going through, will help you to learn new communication skills, and guide you to feel content, gain clarity and peace of mind.
I want to help you heal in a way that works for you. I’m an intuitive, hands-on therapist who will work with you to set your goals and to meet them by the end of therapy. We wil work on finding ways for you to feel relief from feelings of anxiety or depression or in exploring traumatic areas from your past. I understand the struggles people go through in relationships and how important it is to find somebody who really gets what you are going through, will help you to learn new communication skills, and guide you to feel content, gain clarity and peace of mind.
(949) 326-9462 View (949) 326-9462
Photo of Beth Staehling, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Beth Staehling
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Do you find yourself experiencing doubt, sadness, worry, grief, confusion and hopelessness? It could be that your relationship is causing confusion and you are losing your sense of stability in the world or maybe you are struggling to make career or family decisions. Depression or anxiety may be getting in your way of finding the happiness/success you know you are capable of having. These concerns take courage to face and therapy provides a safe place to discuss alternative ways of looking at your concerns. I can help you gain some insight into your struggles while providing emotional support.
Do you find yourself experiencing doubt, sadness, worry, grief, confusion and hopelessness? It could be that your relationship is causing confusion and you are losing your sense of stability in the world or maybe you are struggling to make career or family decisions. Depression or anxiety may be getting in your way of finding the happiness/success you know you are capable of having. These concerns take courage to face and therapy provides a safe place to discuss alternative ways of looking at your concerns. I can help you gain some insight into your struggles while providing emotional support.
(626) 377-4654 View (626) 377-4654
Photo of Dr. Christy Cosper, PhD, LMFT, CSAT-S, CPTT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Christy Cosper
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CSAT-S, CPTT-S
Verified Verified
Seal Beach, CA 90740
Do you worry your relationship is falling apart or find yourself in an unsatisfying situation? Has the initial excitement of your relationship faded, leaving you feeling disconnected? Is your sex life not what it used to be? Have you noticed red flags but not sure what do do? Whether you're facing communication problems, intimacy issues, or lingering conflicts, Do you feel you might want to end a relationship and feel guilty doing so? It's challenging to decide on whether to stay or leave a relationships. When children or finances are involved, you may find yourself feeling trapped and unsure of how to move forward.
Do you worry your relationship is falling apart or find yourself in an unsatisfying situation? Has the initial excitement of your relationship faded, leaving you feeling disconnected? Is your sex life not what it used to be? Have you noticed red flags but not sure what do do? Whether you're facing communication problems, intimacy issues, or lingering conflicts, Do you feel you might want to end a relationship and feel guilty doing so? It's challenging to decide on whether to stay or leave a relationships. When children or finances are involved, you may find yourself feeling trapped and unsure of how to move forward.
(562) 454-1770 View (562) 454-1770
1
Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.