Emotionally Focused Therapists in West Hills, CA
![Photo of Ossi Pace, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2d280cd-018c-4913-92ca-7b11655e59dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ossi Pace
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hills, CA 91307 (Online Only)
Ossi is a Certified EFT Couples Therapist and is extensively trained in The Gottman Couples Method. Ossi's expertise is in guiding couples seeking to deepen their connection, overcome betrayals, bolster communication, navigate conflicts, enrich intimacy, and navigate pivotal life transitions. She also offers support to individuals, encompassing adults and teenagegrappling with challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, and self-discovery.
Ossi is a Certified EFT Couples Therapist and is extensively trained in The Gottman Couples Method. Ossi's expertise is in guiding couples seeking to deepen their connection, overcome betrayals, bolster communication, navigate conflicts, enrich intimacy, and navigate pivotal life transitions. She also offers support to individuals, encompassing adults and teenagegrappling with challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, and self-discovery.
![Photo of Sheldon Cohen, LMFT, #132609, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3911af93-b459-4aca-afd4-13a13c47692e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sheldon Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #132609
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hills, CA 91307
Hello, I'm Sheldon Cohen, and I appreciate your contemplation of a potential collaboration. It's possible that you've observed heightened personal hurdles and are grappling with pinpointing their source. Consequently, daily obligations might seem tougher to handle. Determining the right professional to connect with can be challenging. I'm devoted to your mental well-being and motivated to foster your empowerment and success.
Hello, I'm Sheldon Cohen, and I appreciate your contemplation of a potential collaboration. It's possible that you've observed heightened personal hurdles and are grappling with pinpointing their source. Consequently, daily obligations might seem tougher to handle. Determining the right professional to connect with can be challenging. I'm devoted to your mental well-being and motivated to foster your empowerment and success.
![Photo of Deborah Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c816296a-5f69-4a3a-99ff-ecfd67bc3113/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hills, CA 91304 (Online Only)
I became a therapist because I am a firm believer in the power of human connection. I understand that the most important thing is the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, I provide a gentle, non-judgmental approach to make clients feel safe and heard. This allows clients to develop trust with another person, which ultimately leads them to grow and to believe and trust in their own inner voice and intuition.
I became a therapist because I am a firm believer in the power of human connection. I understand that the most important thing is the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, I provide a gentle, non-judgmental approach to make clients feel safe and heard. This allows clients to develop trust with another person, which ultimately leads them to grow and to believe and trust in their own inner voice and intuition.
![Photo of David Schwartz, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/531bf5e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
David Schwartz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Hills, CA 91307
Struggling with your marriage? Have a teenager who seems out of control? Are you dealing with relationship issues? If you have any of these situations going on in your life, give me a call. I have years of experience dealing with these issues and would love to be able to help you. I work with couples, individuals and teens. I also do telehealth sessions with HIPPA-compliant websites. If you are struggling and really could use a non-judgmental, empathetic person to listen to you and work to discover ways you can lead your best life, I'm here and ready to talk.
Struggling with your marriage? Have a teenager who seems out of control? Are you dealing with relationship issues? If you have any of these situations going on in your life, give me a call. I have years of experience dealing with these issues and would love to be able to help you. I work with couples, individuals and teens. I also do telehealth sessions with HIPPA-compliant websites. If you are struggling and really could use a non-judgmental, empathetic person to listen to you and work to discover ways you can lead your best life, I'm here and ready to talk.
![Photo of Da'Vet Nicole Williams, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f8383c4-45d4-4e49-9f13-0b0189bea435/2/320x400.jpeg)
Relationships are an essential component of life, yet the fact remains that they can get complicated. Whether it is a relationship with yourself, your partner, work, or family, therapy can be the catalyst to moving from complication to cultivation. Certainly time will pass, as it does, allow it to find you in better relationship with yourself and those in your life. Whether you are managing a life transition/adjustment, relationship trauma, marriage plateau, or family and life distress, you are welcome here.
Relationships are an essential component of life, yet the fact remains that they can get complicated. Whether it is a relationship with yourself, your partner, work, or family, therapy can be the catalyst to moving from complication to cultivation. Certainly time will pass, as it does, allow it to find you in better relationship with yourself and those in your life. Whether you are managing a life transition/adjustment, relationship trauma, marriage plateau, or family and life distress, you are welcome here.
![Photo of Marie Ohannessian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b20ee27-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Don't give up, you can heal and overcome traumas by adapting to new environments through healthy coping skills. Helping to cope with changes and finding ways to decrease or resolve experiences of distress can be vital for a person to grow in a healthy manner. I am committed to establishing a collaborative relationship and work toward assisting my clients to overcome and cope with significant stressors in their lives. Being aware of the triggers and working toward healthier forms of thinking and behaving are important aspects to work through in therapy. I am also able to accommodate my clients and meet them within the community.
Don't give up, you can heal and overcome traumas by adapting to new environments through healthy coping skills. Helping to cope with changes and finding ways to decrease or resolve experiences of distress can be vital for a person to grow in a healthy manner. I am committed to establishing a collaborative relationship and work toward assisting my clients to overcome and cope with significant stressors in their lives. Being aware of the triggers and working toward healthier forms of thinking and behaving are important aspects to work through in therapy. I am also able to accommodate my clients and meet them within the community.
![Photo of Deborah Brautman, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6097a9d2-897a-469d-aca4-a32ea7109d61/2/320x400.jpeg)
For me, the connection between client and therapist, as well as creating emotionally safety, are two critical ingredients in a successful therapy experience. We will collaborate to identify the specific areas about which you want assistance; such as, relationship challenges, every -day stressors, trauma and grief therapy, and mood regulation skills — to reduce anxiety and depression. Oftentimes we struggle with an inaccurate narrative, filled with shame and self-critical thoughts. Despite feeling stuck in negative patterns, we can rewrite that script and develop greater resilience.
For me, the connection between client and therapist, as well as creating emotionally safety, are two critical ingredients in a successful therapy experience. We will collaborate to identify the specific areas about which you want assistance; such as, relationship challenges, every -day stressors, trauma and grief therapy, and mood regulation skills — to reduce anxiety and depression. Oftentimes we struggle with an inaccurate narrative, filled with shame and self-critical thoughts. Despite feeling stuck in negative patterns, we can rewrite that script and develop greater resilience.
![Photo of Lydia Eldridge, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad1fe115-424a-41da-a5af-f02a06326f40/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lydia Eldridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Hills, CA 91307 (Online Only)
The stress, anxiety, and stuckness are overwhelming at times. This isn’t where you thought you’d be at this point in life. Watching others who seem to have it together, and doing the comparison game isn’t helping. It’s scary, and seriously disappointing. How can you get unstuck when it’s so hard to trust yourself to make the right decisions?
The stress, anxiety, and stuckness are overwhelming at times. This isn’t where you thought you’d be at this point in life. Watching others who seem to have it together, and doing the comparison game isn’t helping. It’s scary, and seriously disappointing. How can you get unstuck when it’s so hard to trust yourself to make the right decisions?
![Photo of Marina Tonkonogy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84b051e9-50a9-4772-873f-70a5b6e8a041/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marina Tonkonogy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Hills, CA 91304 (Online Only)
Do you ever feel like you’re wandering through life, not quite sure where you belong or what your true purpose is? Let’s team up and navigate this exploration together, helping you find the way to a clear sense of direction, purpose, and a special place where you truly fit in.
Do you ever feel like you’re wandering through life, not quite sure where you belong or what your true purpose is? Let’s team up and navigate this exploration together, helping you find the way to a clear sense of direction, purpose, and a special place where you truly fit in.
![Photo of Alison de Caussin - Transformations Therapy, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44de2544-0186-4b9d-b4ec-9fc7430cd930/3/320x400.jpeg)
Transformations Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hills, CA 91307 (Online Only)
Therapy is a significant journey that provides us with deeper insight into ourselves, others, the world, and the experiences we have. I offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and children experiencing the many challenges that life affords. I provide techniques to build interpersonal relationships while exploring communication patterns and repetitive tendencies through an integrative approach. By focusing on individual strengths and areas of concern, we together can work towards health and healing. Each individual, couple, and family is unique, and treatment is designed for your distinctive situation and needs.
Therapy is a significant journey that provides us with deeper insight into ourselves, others, the world, and the experiences we have. I offer psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and children experiencing the many challenges that life affords. I provide techniques to build interpersonal relationships while exploring communication patterns and repetitive tendencies through an integrative approach. By focusing on individual strengths and areas of concern, we together can work towards health and healing. Each individual, couple, and family is unique, and treatment is designed for your distinctive situation and needs.
![Photo of Larisa Krichevsky - Launch to Wellness, LMFT, IOP, PHP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4e750a7-77e7-421d-af8d-122a544f431c/2/320x400.png)
Launch to Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, IOP, PHP
Verified Verified
West Hills, CA 91304
Welcome to Launch to Wellness, Intensive Outpatient Program services in Woodland Hills, Ca. Facing challenges with addiction or mental health can be tough, but remember, you're not alone. Our dedicated team goes beyond the surface to uncover the root causes, understanding substances as indicators of deeper underlying issues. In a safe and confidential space, we assist you in breaking free from the cycle of addiction, leading you toward a life filled with joy and freedom. Our licensed professionals, who have personal understanding, offer clinical expertise to guide you through a transformative journey of healing and empowerment.
Welcome to Launch to Wellness, Intensive Outpatient Program services in Woodland Hills, Ca. Facing challenges with addiction or mental health can be tough, but remember, you're not alone. Our dedicated team goes beyond the surface to uncover the root causes, understanding substances as indicators of deeper underlying issues. In a safe and confidential space, we assist you in breaking free from the cycle of addiction, leading you toward a life filled with joy and freedom. Our licensed professionals, who have personal understanding, offer clinical expertise to guide you through a transformative journey of healing and empowerment.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Michael Azad Moradian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af5a42fb-5b2a-446d-a4f4-8d617899dc15/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Azad Moradian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (Online Only)
I utilize diverse methods: CBT, DBT, EFT, Family Systems, Gottman, Group Therapy, Multicultural, Trauma Focused, Narrative, and more.
Hi there, I'm Michael! A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. I specialize in various areas, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, ADHD, ASD, Grief, and high-conflict divorce. I also support individuals with Intellectual & developmental disabilities and their families. As an immigrant, I understand the unique challenges immigrants face and provide therapy in English, Kurdish, and Farsi, with knowledge of other languages and cultures. My collaborative approach focuses on personalized treatment plans and promotes personal growth through deep listening. Let's work together for a happier, healthier you.
I utilize diverse methods: CBT, DBT, EFT, Family Systems, Gottman, Group Therapy, Multicultural, Trauma Focused, Narrative, and more.
Hi there, I'm Michael! A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. I specialize in various areas, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, ADHD, ASD, Grief, and high-conflict divorce. I also support individuals with Intellectual & developmental disabilities and their families. As an immigrant, I understand the unique challenges immigrants face and provide therapy in English, Kurdish, and Farsi, with knowledge of other languages and cultures. My collaborative approach focuses on personalized treatment plans and promotes personal growth through deep listening. Let's work together for a happier, healthier you.
![Photo of Heather M. Zeug, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c3816d7-8433-4680-aea6-3ba630b41d6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to my general therapy practice, I have specialized training in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Grief work.
Therapy gives us an opportunity to look at the problem areas in our lives in a safe and non-judgmental environment so that we can find ways to make the changes we desire. As a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and couples, I work with clients to help manage the feelings associated with life's struggles; recognize, understand and change self-defeating patterns; heal past pain; discover and foster inner strength; and learn new ways to cope that allow a person to get what they want and feel good about themselves.
In addition to my general therapy practice, I have specialized training in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Grief work.
Therapy gives us an opportunity to look at the problem areas in our lives in a safe and non-judgmental environment so that we can find ways to make the changes we desire. As a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and couples, I work with clients to help manage the feelings associated with life's struggles; recognize, understand and change self-defeating patterns; heal past pain; discover and foster inner strength; and learn new ways to cope that allow a person to get what they want and feel good about themselves.
![Photo of Courtney Killough Roff - Courtney Killough, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc5a35b-6408-446d-a7bd-5ee5414fbfe5/1/320x400.jpeg)
In marriage and couple counseling, I help you move from negative, hurtful and lonely dynamics to internal safety and a deeper emotional connection through Attachment-based Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
Do you feel out of alignment with your authentic self or disconnected from your partner? I help you develop self-awareness and a new relationship with your thoughts and emotions to increase conscious choices, purpose, and relational connections. If you are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or a lack of self-esteem, I utilize Mindfulness-Based Cognitive (CBT) tools to shift limiting beliefs and quiet ‘dis-ease’ present for you to move into ‘ease-ful' states. Clients describe me as warm, nonjudgmental, patient and as having an empathetic presence with an assertive approach. Check out testimonials on my website to read more!
In marriage and couple counseling, I help you move from negative, hurtful and lonely dynamics to internal safety and a deeper emotional connection through Attachment-based Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
Do you feel out of alignment with your authentic self or disconnected from your partner? I help you develop self-awareness and a new relationship with your thoughts and emotions to increase conscious choices, purpose, and relational connections. If you are struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or a lack of self-esteem, I utilize Mindfulness-Based Cognitive (CBT) tools to shift limiting beliefs and quiet ‘dis-ease’ present for you to move into ‘ease-ful' states. Clients describe me as warm, nonjudgmental, patient and as having an empathetic presence with an assertive approach. Check out testimonials on my website to read more!
![Photo of Cathryn Waters, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3653167-017f-48c6-ac90-8f66077fd1ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cathryn Waters
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (Online Only)
I use practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, validation, insight, socratic questioning, breathing exercises, exposure therapy, mindfulness, and shame resilience to helping others overcome cognitive and emotional obstacles toward improving the view of the self or creating behavioral change.
I take a dynamic approach, helping others through developing the courage and confidence to build new skills, change unhelpful views of the self, and increasing insight and understanding and acceptance of where you are, while working toward where you want to be. The more open and willing you are to share, the better we can work together to come to a shared plan, view of the problem and work toward more distress tolerance.
I use practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, validation, insight, socratic questioning, breathing exercises, exposure therapy, mindfulness, and shame resilience to helping others overcome cognitive and emotional obstacles toward improving the view of the self or creating behavioral change.
I take a dynamic approach, helping others through developing the courage and confidence to build new skills, change unhelpful views of the self, and increasing insight and understanding and acceptance of where you are, while working toward where you want to be. The more open and willing you are to share, the better we can work together to come to a shared plan, view of the problem and work toward more distress tolerance.
![Photo of Lisa Goldfein, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bb68bda-4c95-48dc-9a6f-a8322a74dcc5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
My name is Lisa Goldfein and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Board-Certified Dance/Movement therapist with over 20 years of experience. My master's degree incorporated a Somatic and Buddhist mindful approach with a blend of Western psychology. My unique background of being half Indian and Japanese gives me an insight into multicultural issues. My approach is eclectic and holistic. I am Person-centered, Attachment-Based, Somatic, Mindfulness, CBT, and also Psychodynamic, focusing on understanding old patterns as a door to lasting change. I believe in the mind/body connection and use a somatic-based approach.
I am also trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
My name is Lisa Goldfein and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Board-Certified Dance/Movement therapist with over 20 years of experience. My master's degree incorporated a Somatic and Buddhist mindful approach with a blend of Western psychology. My unique background of being half Indian and Japanese gives me an insight into multicultural issues. My approach is eclectic and holistic. I am Person-centered, Attachment-Based, Somatic, Mindfulness, CBT, and also Psychodynamic, focusing on understanding old patterns as a door to lasting change. I believe in the mind/body connection and use a somatic-based approach.
![Photo of Jill C. Campbell, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00dddf4f-93e9-4aad-9db6-39bf12a5cf47/1/320x400.jpeg)
My therapeutic approach is eclectic in that I pull from a number of different theoretical orientations including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and emotionally focused therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, maternal mental health, women’s issues, life transitions, and parenting. Through my experience, I’ve learned to base my practice around what science calls the negativity bias. This is the notion that when we struggle, we are neurobiologically wired to make sense of our struggle by creating a negative story around it. The negativity bias often keeps us feeling defeated, broken and not good enough.
My therapeutic approach is eclectic in that I pull from a number of different theoretical orientations including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and emotionally focused therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, maternal mental health, women’s issues, life transitions, and parenting. Through my experience, I’ve learned to base my practice around what science calls the negativity bias. This is the notion that when we struggle, we are neurobiologically wired to make sense of our struggle by creating a negative story around it. The negativity bias often keeps us feeling defeated, broken and not good enough.
![Photo of Relationship Help, PhD, LMFT, CPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53ccff97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Relationship Help
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CPC
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
Looking for emotional relief? Do you feel underlying tensions but you or your partner are conflict avoidant? I have 30 yrs helping Couples change resentment to resiliency. Learn pillars of a secure attachment & ensure a cooperative future together. Resentments are a slow, rusty corrosive to the joy between you. Learn solutions and get emotional relief to long held tensions. My training is in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence & positive relationship skills. My sessions have a safe, optimistic atmosphere. Our sessions will be relaxed, informative & non judgmental.
![Photo of Martha 'Marty' Simpson, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f20a0ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Martha 'Marty' Simpson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91303
Specializing in recovery from infidelity for more than a decade, I see addicts, & partners, and those involved in single affairs. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, California. I LOVE to work with couples because I believe we heal & transform in healthy relationships! I run weekly groups for betrayed partners with a trauma model and personal empowerment approach. I am often called to teach or present locally and nationally about treating betrayal, problematic sexual behavior & creating secure functioning relationships. Fill out a form on my website and my assistant will schedule a time for us to talk!
Specializing in recovery from infidelity for more than a decade, I see addicts, & partners, and those involved in single affairs. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Woodland Hills, California. I LOVE to work with couples because I believe we heal & transform in healthy relationships! I run weekly groups for betrayed partners with a trauma model and personal empowerment approach. I am often called to teach or present locally and nationally about treating betrayal, problematic sexual behavior & creating secure functioning relationships. Fill out a form on my website and my assistant will schedule a time for us to talk!
![Photo of M. Anthony Owliaie - Inner Child Therapy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25d49544-7b9e-47f8-be56-000b138c125a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inner Child Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 91335 (Online Only)
I believe getting this far is half the battle. The rest of the journey will be in what we discover together. So congratulations on valuing your own personal growth. If you find yourself in a fog of emotions that you can't get out of we can work together to figure out a better path. I have extensive experience working with adults, teens, and families in various settings. No matter what point you are in life, you can work toward a better sense of self and build towards improved insight and empathy towards yourself, others, and your environment.
I believe getting this far is half the battle. The rest of the journey will be in what we discover together. So congratulations on valuing your own personal growth. If you find yourself in a fog of emotions that you can't get out of we can work together to figure out a better path. I have extensive experience working with adults, teens, and families in various settings. No matter what point you are in life, you can work toward a better sense of self and build towards improved insight and empathy towards yourself, others, and your environment.
See more therapy options for West Hills
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for West Hills
- Calabasas
- Canoga Park
- Chatsworth
- Encino
- Granada Hills
- Lake Balboa
- Northridge
- Porter Ranch
- Reseda
- Tarzana
- Topanga
- Woodland Hills
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.