Emotionally Focused Therapists in Washington, DC
![Photo of Caroline McKenna, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/986bbd88-e5b0-485f-9a52-7e405ee69719/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline McKenna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20010 (Online Only)
I utilize ARA and EFT to help individuals and couples explore emotions and identify how cycles of misunderstanding have evolved, how to interrupt them, and how to connect with one-another in a new way.
In my work with individuals and couples, I support clients through stressors that arise, and assist them in tapping into their internal resources and self-discovery to navigate through these challenging times. I create a safe and supportive environment to work with clients to heal relational wounds, foster understanding, create closeness, and support each other through change and growth.
I utilize ARA and EFT to help individuals and couples explore emotions and identify how cycles of misunderstanding have evolved, how to interrupt them, and how to connect with one-another in a new way.
In my work with individuals and couples, I support clients through stressors that arise, and assist them in tapping into their internal resources and self-discovery to navigate through these challenging times. I create a safe and supportive environment to work with clients to heal relational wounds, foster understanding, create closeness, and support each other through change and growth.
![Photo of Natalie V Setliff, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec385fe9-c25a-4562-b72a-0383af58c430/3/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie V Setliff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
Her therapeutic approach is integrative, with its roots in systemic family therapy, solution-focused models, motivational interviewing/mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and emotionally focused therapy.
Your search for inner peace is closer to fulfillment than you may realize. You have just made the first step toward healing, by looking for information that can help you make life changes and live the life you desire. Most of us expect to have a life surrounded by loving, intimate and meaningful relationships. Sometimes our expectations do not meet the reality of our lives. I will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. I am here to listen and work with you during your journey towards healing and living the life you want.
Her therapeutic approach is integrative, with its roots in systemic family therapy, solution-focused models, motivational interviewing/mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and emotionally focused therapy.
Your search for inner peace is closer to fulfillment than you may realize. You have just made the first step toward healing, by looking for information that can help you make life changes and live the life you desire. Most of us expect to have a life surrounded by loving, intimate and meaningful relationships. Sometimes our expectations do not meet the reality of our lives. I will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. I am here to listen and work with you during your journey towards healing and living the life you want.
![Photo of Krysta Michaelides, LPC, NCC, MSc, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/018540c8-0b45-4d3e-8f8a-20d74ace2cf5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Krysta Michaelides
Counselor, LPC, NCC, MSc, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
In couples therapy, I draw from EFT, IFS, & Sex Therapy.
Ready to heal from past trauma? Work and financial stress impacting your well-being & ready for change? Seeking deeper attachment in your relationships? I work with heterosexual & LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring ways to live that fully meet your needs. I help clients address & alleviate stressors as they explore & resolve past emotional wounds & traumas. I offer couples support to strengthen their relationships & resolve issues preventing emotional & sexual intimacy. I’m licensed in DC/MD/VA. My background incl. Wall Street, the legal industry & journalism.
In couples therapy, I draw from EFT, IFS, & Sex Therapy.
Ready to heal from past trauma? Work and financial stress impacting your well-being & ready for change? Seeking deeper attachment in your relationships? I work with heterosexual & LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring ways to live that fully meet your needs. I help clients address & alleviate stressors as they explore & resolve past emotional wounds & traumas. I offer couples support to strengthen their relationships & resolve issues preventing emotional & sexual intimacy. I’m licensed in DC/MD/VA. My background incl. Wall Street, the legal industry & journalism.
![Photo of Angela Fowler-Hurtado, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c2b04b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Fowler-Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
I am a certified therapist and supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and use this model when working with couples and families to bring healing and connection to relationships.
As a relationally focused and trauma informed therapist, I have a passion for helping clients feel more connected, grounded and safe in their lives and relationships. Every person has the ability to move toward connection and healing, even in the face of difficult, challenging or traumatic experiences. I work with couples, individuals and families to help them reconnect with the healthiest and most grounded parts of themselves and to restore and rebuild connection and safety within themselves and with others. I use research based, experiential models to keep us focus on your goals and healing process.
I am a certified therapist and supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and use this model when working with couples and families to bring healing and connection to relationships.
As a relationally focused and trauma informed therapist, I have a passion for helping clients feel more connected, grounded and safe in their lives and relationships. Every person has the ability to move toward connection and healing, even in the face of difficult, challenging or traumatic experiences. I work with couples, individuals and families to help them reconnect with the healthiest and most grounded parts of themselves and to restore and rebuild connection and safety within themselves and with others. I use research based, experiential models to keep us focus on your goals and healing process.
![Photo of John W Cornelius, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb3e98e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy ( EFT).
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy ( EFT).
![Photo of Janon Wilson, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf9e1e0a-ae8f-466d-b228-b64d5a0caee8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Over the past 20 years, I have had extensive training in EFT, CBT, DBT , TF-CBT and Family Systems.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I understand that it is important for you to feel understood, heard and supported. When we all are working as a team, those things will be automatic. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness.
Over the past 20 years, I have had extensive training in EFT, CBT, DBT , TF-CBT and Family Systems.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I understand that it is important for you to feel understood, heard and supported. When we all are working as a team, those things will be automatic. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness.
![Photo of Olesya Van Dijck, MA, ATR-P, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a47c3be-574d-49e9-b7a9-2fdbf4800111/2/320x400.jpeg)
Helping clients access underlying emotions in their individual work and recognizing the power of connection is what drew me to specializing in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Trauma and attachment issues can impact our body in ways that make us feel disconnected, often stuck in cycles of distress and suffering leading to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and addictions. As a trauma-informed therapist and life-long yogini and artist, I help my clients to explore suppressed emotions and reconnect with their authentic selves through creative and embodied practices that reach beyond words. I use an integrative holistic approach to guide and empower my clients to strengthen their mind-body connection, activate their inner resources, and overcome unhealthy patterns to create more fulfillment and joy.
Helping clients access underlying emotions in their individual work and recognizing the power of connection is what drew me to specializing in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Trauma and attachment issues can impact our body in ways that make us feel disconnected, often stuck in cycles of distress and suffering leading to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and addictions. As a trauma-informed therapist and life-long yogini and artist, I help my clients to explore suppressed emotions and reconnect with their authentic selves through creative and embodied practices that reach beyond words. I use an integrative holistic approach to guide and empower my clients to strengthen their mind-body connection, activate their inner resources, and overcome unhealthy patterns to create more fulfillment and joy.
![Photo of Madeline Gaffney, LGPC, MEd, JD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8148b5e-8c7e-4c05-be26-a251e8cfab74/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have a passion for working with clients through intrapersonal and relational concerns related to attachment. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I hope to empower my clients with tools to create authentic connections with others, while also prioritizing self-exploration and self-acceptance. I have a special interest in working with couples, burnout, depression and anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and effective communication.
I have a passion for working with clients through intrapersonal and relational concerns related to attachment. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I hope to empower my clients with tools to create authentic connections with others, while also prioritizing self-exploration and self-acceptance. I have a special interest in working with couples, burnout, depression and anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and effective communication.
![Photo of Jamaal A. Crone, MAR, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72e2e15c-1c6c-4a90-8dc2-79b54eb809af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jamaal A. Crone
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAR, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
Email Inquiries preferred! If you are seeking to enhance your life by building connection, character, and community, we invite you to contact us so we can begin the journey together. Although our clinical team varies, we work, primarily, from a Cognitive-Behavioral foundation. Our clinicians use multiple counseling methodologies including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Gottman Couples Method, and others.
Email Inquiries preferred! If you are seeking to enhance your life by building connection, character, and community, we invite you to contact us so we can begin the journey together. Although our clinical team varies, we work, primarily, from a Cognitive-Behavioral foundation. Our clinicians use multiple counseling methodologies including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Gottman Couples Method, and others.
Evolve Therapy Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
Our approach is one that works from an emotionally focused lens and considers all factors that have contributed to your understanding of self.
Evolve Therapy is a woman-owned business rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach. Gabrielle Holder had the vision for a therapy culture built on her relationship expertise to foster empathy, empower client voice and create inclusivity. People need connections to survive and thrive, we are wired for it. We offer hope, possibility, and a space to connect with yourself and others.
Our approach is one that works from an emotionally focused lens and considers all factors that have contributed to your understanding of self.
Evolve Therapy is a woman-owned business rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach. Gabrielle Holder had the vision for a therapy culture built on her relationship expertise to foster empathy, empower client voice and create inclusivity. People need connections to survive and thrive, we are wired for it. We offer hope, possibility, and a space to connect with yourself and others.
![Photo of Maisha-Atrice Ayodele, LGPC, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6993346f-9c65-4764-8940-367a43bc0435/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maisha-Atrice Ayodele
Counselor, LGPC, LAC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who seek a blend of structured treatment and nuanced exploration. Structured treatment is goal-focused and efficient, addressing specific issues. Nuanced exploration involves an in-depth review of life’s ups and downs and emotional processing for the purpose of long-term insights. My clients present with a range of issues including anxiety, trauma, major depressive disorder, and Bipolar II. These folks have a desire for highly effective, creative interventions and coping skills within a holistic framework. Examples include journaling, mirror work, Progressive Counting, meditation, and EFT tapping.
I work with clients who seek a blend of structured treatment and nuanced exploration. Structured treatment is goal-focused and efficient, addressing specific issues. Nuanced exploration involves an in-depth review of life’s ups and downs and emotional processing for the purpose of long-term insights. My clients present with a range of issues including anxiety, trauma, major depressive disorder, and Bipolar II. These folks have a desire for highly effective, creative interventions and coping skills within a holistic framework. Examples include journaling, mirror work, Progressive Counting, meditation, and EFT tapping.
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![Photo of Jason Powell, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1655dadb-ed0b-4623-a963-68b10bddd0b1/3/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) as a guide to our work together and have advanced training and supervision in the real-life application of EFT with couples.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT. My work focuses on marriage and couples therapy, specifically centered on infidelity repair, communication issues, couples in crisis, relationships on the brink, and those experiencing a range of frustrations and challenges with physical intimacy. I have been featured in Forbes, the Knot, and other leading media outlets offering my insight into relationships and communication. I would love to meet with you about your unique circumstances and how I might be able to help.
I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) as a guide to our work together and have advanced training and supervision in the real-life application of EFT with couples.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through AASECT. My work focuses on marriage and couples therapy, specifically centered on infidelity repair, communication issues, couples in crisis, relationships on the brink, and those experiencing a range of frustrations and challenges with physical intimacy. I have been featured in Forbes, the Knot, and other leading media outlets offering my insight into relationships and communication. I would love to meet with you about your unique circumstances and how I might be able to help.
![Photo of Mengqi Li, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f42ba83-9020-477e-b374-1232d892fb35/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mengqi Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
![Photo of Laura Luna, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d8a1ee2-5813-47a9-b44d-9626fca4dc3e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced therapist who works with children, adults and couples. I provide treatment for a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, conflict with family of origin and trauma. Through the use of evidence-based interventions including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and play therapy techniques I help clients identify their triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage their emotions and deal with life stressors.
I am an experienced therapist who works with children, adults and couples. I provide treatment for a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, conflict with family of origin and trauma. Through the use of evidence-based interventions including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and play therapy techniques I help clients identify their triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage their emotions and deal with life stressors.
![Photo of Huma Fatakia - Sage & Fifth Therapy Place PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a18c975-e0ac-4980-bcae-7a725206399b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sage & Fifth Therapy Place PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
We also offer Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT), Interracial Couples Therapy, and Perinatal Therapy for Couples to help couples repair and strengthen their connection when dealing with tough life transitions, communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past trauma, postpartum issues, parenting struggles and conflicts in integrating cultural differences.
Accepting new clients in DC & Maryland - Our resilience is as unique as our journey, as individuals and couples. We empower our clients to break out of the distressing cycles they feel stuck in and help them overcome anxiety, depression, relationships difficulties, past trauma, life transitions, pregnancy issues & postpartum issues. We specialize in holistic psychotherapy with a focus on mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, EMDR and somatic body interventions to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to live a more enriched life. We also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
We also offer Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT), Interracial Couples Therapy, and Perinatal Therapy for Couples to help couples repair and strengthen their connection when dealing with tough life transitions, communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past trauma, postpartum issues, parenting struggles and conflicts in integrating cultural differences.
Accepting new clients in DC & Maryland - Our resilience is as unique as our journey, as individuals and couples. We empower our clients to break out of the distressing cycles they feel stuck in and help them overcome anxiety, depression, relationships difficulties, past trauma, life transitions, pregnancy issues & postpartum issues. We specialize in holistic psychotherapy with a focus on mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, EMDR and somatic body interventions to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to live a more enriched life. We also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
![Photo of Emma G Basch - Dr. Emma Basch & Associates, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46c7e20f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
We are a group practice with a shared passion for women's mental health. Our clients are working professionals, parents, and students in all phases of life. We love to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD/neurodivergence, relationship challenges, trauma, and eating disorders. Our team has experience in numerous evidence-based treatment modalities including EMDR, ACT, EFT, CBT, ERP, & DBT. We believe in collaborative, integrative, and holistic mental health care and are here to support you. We are proud to offer individual, couples, and family therapy.
We are a group practice with a shared passion for women's mental health. Our clients are working professionals, parents, and students in all phases of life. We love to work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD/neurodivergence, relationship challenges, trauma, and eating disorders. Our team has experience in numerous evidence-based treatment modalities including EMDR, ACT, EFT, CBT, ERP, & DBT. We believe in collaborative, integrative, and holistic mental health care and are here to support you. We are proud to offer individual, couples, and family therapy.
![Photo of Peter Devlin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb69f123-5db8-4f81-a7d3-c5cab6ac4859/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peter Devlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
I practice a relational form of psychodynamic/humanistic therapy that views the therapeutic relationship as central to the therapeutic process. However. I also incorporate therapeutic tools from difrrent pychotherapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and psychoanalysis . I have had great success working with people who have had difficulty connecting to therapists in the past and am noted for working with high-conflict couples. I enjoy working with couples utilizing. among other modalities, the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, which aren't necessarily exclusive to each other
I practice a relational form of psychodynamic/humanistic therapy that views the therapeutic relationship as central to the therapeutic process. However. I also incorporate therapeutic tools from difrrent pychotherapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and psychoanalysis . I have had great success working with people who have had difficulty connecting to therapists in the past and am noted for working with high-conflict couples. I enjoy working with couples utilizing. among other modalities, the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, which aren't necessarily exclusive to each other
![Photo of Victoria Griffin, MEd, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d77586fb-3fe1-416b-ae92-fdd70d5077e9/1/320x400.png)
Victoria Griffin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015 (Online Only)
My practice offers specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Attachment Therapy, Mindset Coaching, with expertise in trauma, relationships, and empowerment.
The journey to wholeness and intimacy is not always an easy path but it is one that can rebuild confidence, repair trust and intimacy, and create transformational growth. Having someone who is compassionate, affirming, and experienced in healing, restoration, and transformation can lead to healing, deeper intimacy, and authentic self and relationships.
My practice offers specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Attachment Therapy, Mindset Coaching, with expertise in trauma, relationships, and empowerment.
The journey to wholeness and intimacy is not always an easy path but it is one that can rebuild confidence, repair trust and intimacy, and create transformational growth. Having someone who is compassionate, affirming, and experienced in healing, restoration, and transformation can lead to healing, deeper intimacy, and authentic self and relationships.
![Photo of Paul M Higgins, LGSW, LMSW, JD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5ab4e2e-d7e4-43b8-a57c-def3256b4926/1/320x400.jpeg)
Paul M Higgins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, LMSW, JD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
For couples therapy, I also draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) principles.
I am a psychotherapist in a private practice in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, where I provide individual, couples, and group therapy. I work with adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulties coping with life stressors, emotion regulation, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties. I bring a warm, supportive, non-judgmental, and collaborative style to therapy.
For couples therapy, I also draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) principles.
I am a psychotherapist in a private practice in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, where I provide individual, couples, and group therapy. I work with adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulties coping with life stressors, emotion regulation, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties. I bring a warm, supportive, non-judgmental, and collaborative style to therapy.
![Photo of Raquel Grigera, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e105856a-01bc-440e-8d88-3390da7e4ca6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Grigera is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders.
Dr. Grigera is a licensed clinical psychologist who adults and adolescents specializing in couples counseling, eating disorders, self esteem concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She provides individualized evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy. Dr. Grigera has worked in a variety of settings, including private practices, public school systems, medical centers, and residential treatment centers.
Grigera is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Family Based Treatment (FBT) for eating disorders.
Dr. Grigera is a licensed clinical psychologist who adults and adolescents specializing in couples counseling, eating disorders, self esteem concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She provides individualized evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy. Dr. Grigera has worked in a variety of settings, including private practices, public school systems, medical centers, and residential treatment centers.
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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.