Emotionally Focused Therapists in Bozeman, MT

Photo of Sarah Martinez, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Sarah Martinez
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718
I have extensive training in an evidenced-based modality called Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Does it seem like you fight the same fight with your partner? Can you predict the outcome of arguments based on a repeated pattern? Has there been cheating, family conflict, or other pain points impacting your marriage or relationship? Are you wanting peace in your relationships and can't figure out how to achieve that beyond what you have tried already? I help couples and individuals understand their negative pattern, then create the change they desire.
I have extensive training in an evidenced-based modality called Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Does it seem like you fight the same fight with your partner? Can you predict the outcome of arguments based on a repeated pattern? Has there been cheating, family conflict, or other pain points impacting your marriage or relationship? Are you wanting peace in your relationships and can't figure out how to achieve that beyond what you have tried already? I help couples and individuals understand their negative pattern, then create the change they desire.
(406) 351-7349 View (406) 351-7349
Photo of Meredith Hood, EdD, LCPC, Counselor
Meredith Hood
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59715
With couples, I work from an EFT framework.
I am an empathetic and warm psychotherapist that aims to help clients find more satisfaction, meaning, and self-efficacy in their lives. I work with adolescents and adults with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity formation, trauma, and grief. I also work with couples. I help people work through difficult feelings and build skills to improve their lives. I offer support that can facilitate greater insight and foster a sense of stability, security, and growth.
With couples, I work from an EFT framework.
I am an empathetic and warm psychotherapist that aims to help clients find more satisfaction, meaning, and self-efficacy in their lives. I work with adolescents and adults with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity formation, trauma, and grief. I also work with couples. I help people work through difficult feelings and build skills to improve their lives. I offer support that can facilitate greater insight and foster a sense of stability, security, and growth.
(406) 412-7670 View (406) 412-7670
Photo of Stacy Ryan, LMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Stacy Ryan
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59718
I use evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you explore and resolve deep emotional wounds.
As a therapist deeply committed to supporting both individuals and couples, I am driven by a passion for helping people navigate the complexities of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I understand that these struggles can deeply affect not only your own well-being but also the health of your relationships. In my practice, I prioritize creating a safe, nurturing environment where you and your partner can explore your emotional landscapes with vulnerability and authenticity. I believe that every relationship has the potential to heal and grow, even in the face of significant challenges.
I use evidence-based approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you explore and resolve deep emotional wounds.
As a therapist deeply committed to supporting both individuals and couples, I am driven by a passion for helping people navigate the complexities of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I understand that these struggles can deeply affect not only your own well-being but also the health of your relationships. In my practice, I prioritize creating a safe, nurturing environment where you and your partner can explore your emotional landscapes with vulnerability and authenticity. I believe that every relationship has the potential to heal and grow, even in the face of significant challenges.
(406) 708-6375 View (406) 708-6375
Photo of Geoff Scholl, MA, LCPC, NBCC, Counselor
Geoff Scholl
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59715
My approach to therapy involves techniques from a variety of evidence based methods to best suit clients, using ACT, DBT, and EFT.
What would it be like to be able to say no and not have it come with a side of guilt? A life where you only say yes to the tasks, responsibilities, and people that matter most to you? I’ve been there and I can help. I work to help people who struggle to set healthy boundaries with people in their lives, or often need to feel angry or frustrated before they are able to say “no”. This process of learning often feels difficult and one of my passions is helping people identify what is keeping them stuck in the old patterns, discover what they value and who they want to be, then commit to achieving a life that feels worth living.
My approach to therapy involves techniques from a variety of evidence based methods to best suit clients, using ACT, DBT, and EFT.
What would it be like to be able to say no and not have it come with a side of guilt? A life where you only say yes to the tasks, responsibilities, and people that matter most to you? I’ve been there and I can help. I work to help people who struggle to set healthy boundaries with people in their lives, or often need to feel angry or frustrated before they are able to say “no”. This process of learning often feels difficult and one of my passions is helping people identify what is keeping them stuck in the old patterns, discover what they value and who they want to be, then commit to achieving a life that feels worth living.
(406) 641-5668 View (406) 641-5668
Photo of Aubrie Cornell, MS, PCLC , Pre-Licensed Professional
Aubrie Cornell
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, PCLC
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59715
I am a PCLC specializing and trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Currently accepting new clients! I believe in the power of empathy and understanding as foundations for therapy. I believe in a non-judgmental, compassionate, genuine, and collaborative approach. In our sessions, we will work to create a safe and comfortable space where you can freely explore new ideas and resolve problems. Whether you're facing relationship challenges, struggling with anxiety or depression, or seeking a better understanding of yourself, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
I am a PCLC specializing and trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Currently accepting new clients! I believe in the power of empathy and understanding as foundations for therapy. I believe in a non-judgmental, compassionate, genuine, and collaborative approach. In our sessions, we will work to create a safe and comfortable space where you can freely explore new ideas and resolve problems. Whether you're facing relationship challenges, struggling with anxiety or depression, or seeking a better understanding of yourself, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
(406) 812-5801 View (406) 812-5801
Photo of Julie Menanno - The Secure Relationship, COACH, Counselor
The Secure Relationship
Counselor, COACH
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59715  (Online Only)
Each member of our team is a fully licensed therapist trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy For Couples.
Currently Accepting Clients Worldwide! Book your first session by visiting our website. We offer a wide range of fees and availability.
Each member of our team is a fully licensed therapist trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy For Couples.
Currently Accepting Clients Worldwide! Book your first session by visiting our website. We offer a wide range of fees and availability.
(406) 302-5551 View (406) 302-5551
Photo of Angelique M Coleman, MSW, SWLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelique M Coleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, SWLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
I primarily use an Emotionally Focused Therapy to work with individuals and couples.
Are you struggling with the sorrow of losing someone or something you love? Do you feel like you can't "get over it" and you would like someone to come along side you with kindness, compassion, empathy and support? We often attribute grief to death, but we can also grieve over lost relationships, physical abilities, employment, life transitions and many other things. Through life and loss experiences, we can lose hope, our sense of purpose and our connection with others. We can also experience transitions within our relationships that can cause us to feel disconnected and alone or hopeful and excited for a bright future together.
I primarily use an Emotionally Focused Therapy to work with individuals and couples.
Are you struggling with the sorrow of losing someone or something you love? Do you feel like you can't "get over it" and you would like someone to come along side you with kindness, compassion, empathy and support? We often attribute grief to death, but we can also grieve over lost relationships, physical abilities, employment, life transitions and many other things. Through life and loss experiences, we can lose hope, our sense of purpose and our connection with others. We can also experience transitions within our relationships that can cause us to feel disconnected and alone or hopeful and excited for a bright future together.
(406) 635-8973 View (406) 635-8973
Photo of Megan Spalding, MS, LCPC, NCC, Counselor
Megan Spalding
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718
This belief motivates me to be educated and use a variety of counseling approaches like CBT and EFT.
My focus is working with individual adults. I support individuals in finding happiness, fulfilment, and balance in their lives by helping them navigate life transitions, dissatisfying relationships, and life stressors. I also specialize in helping people in overcoming issues like anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma.
This belief motivates me to be educated and use a variety of counseling approaches like CBT and EFT.
My focus is working with individual adults. I support individuals in finding happiness, fulfilment, and balance in their lives by helping them navigate life transitions, dissatisfying relationships, and life stressors. I also specialize in helping people in overcoming issues like anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma.
(406) 365-1411 View (406) 365-1411
Photo of Maria E Costa, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria E Costa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
Waitlist for new clients
Trained in the art of Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Maria specializes in couples that need to crack the code! The EFT model has specific steps to take couples into turbid waters such as differing backgrounds, life experiences, feeling unacknowledged, misunderstood; with the goal to neutralize this negative dynamic and bring it toward its opposite.
Have you wondered if your partner would be there for you when you really need them? Can you turn toward your relationship, seeing it as a source of comfort and safety? If you have doubts, has something happened; a circumstance, an interaction, an event that changed your view of the relationship and you feel stuck? Perhaps a dynamic has evolved over time that has resulted in more and more distance creating an impasse? Do you still hope that things could be good again?
Trained in the art of Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Maria specializes in couples that need to crack the code! The EFT model has specific steps to take couples into turbid waters such as differing backgrounds, life experiences, feeling unacknowledged, misunderstood; with the goal to neutralize this negative dynamic and bring it toward its opposite.
Have you wondered if your partner would be there for you when you really need them? Can you turn toward your relationship, seeing it as a source of comfort and safety? If you have doubts, has something happened; a circumstance, an interaction, an event that changed your view of the relationship and you feel stuck? Perhaps a dynamic has evolved over time that has resulted in more and more distance creating an impasse? Do you still hope that things could be good again?
(406) 296-6640 View (406) 296-6640
Photo of Susan Jedd, LCPC, Counselor
Susan Jedd
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715  (Online Only)
I am trained as a grief counselor and also in EMDR. I also work with couples as an EFT therapist and have a strong belief that relationship is at the center of our well-being; whether it's our relationship with others or with ourselves and am versed in Internal Family Systems Therapy. I also belong to team of practitioners who meet weekly to consider the needs of our clients. We offer an excellent and holistic approach for your care.
I am trained as a grief counselor and also in EMDR. I also work with couples as an EFT therapist and have a strong belief that relationship is at the center of our well-being; whether it's our relationship with others or with ourselves and am versed in Internal Family Systems Therapy. I also belong to team of practitioners who meet weekly to consider the needs of our clients. We offer an excellent and holistic approach for your care.
(406) 630-5390 View (406) 630-5390
Photo of Scott Hunter McBride, MA, LCPC, NCC
Scott Hunter McBride
MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718
I work with adult men and women that are ready to work through trauma, depression, anxiety, identity development, emotional regulation skills and addiction. I also work with couples to help their relationship become more healthily attached. The Gottman Method and EFT therapy are two approaches to couples counseling that I have received training, and apply to my work with couples. I am also EMDR trained, and work with individuals in their trauma through an EMDR lens.
I work with adult men and women that are ready to work through trauma, depression, anxiety, identity development, emotional regulation skills and addiction. I also work with couples to help their relationship become more healthily attached. The Gottman Method and EFT therapy are two approaches to couples counseling that I have received training, and apply to my work with couples. I am also EMDR trained, and work with individuals in their trauma through an EMDR lens.
(406) 838-0218 View (406) 838-0218
Photo of Carlynn Schwalm, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carlynn Schwalm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
My therapeutic approach utilizes mindfulness skills, self-compassion, attachment theory, and a person-centered lens applied through the framework of Emotionally Focused Therapy to empower my clients on the path to healing through personal growth.
Connection allows us to feel seen, heard, cared for, loved, understood, and accepted. When connected, we have the support and encouragement to take risks, be vulnerable, and grow. At times, creating or sustaining connection can be challenging, and we feel isolated and disconnected from one another and ourselves. That's where I come in, and if that sounds like you, you are in the right place! Working together with the team at Bozeman Therapy and Counseling, I am here to help you manage old and new challenges in order to find emotional and mental health well-being, allowing you and your relationships to thrive.
My therapeutic approach utilizes mindfulness skills, self-compassion, attachment theory, and a person-centered lens applied through the framework of Emotionally Focused Therapy to empower my clients on the path to healing through personal growth.
Connection allows us to feel seen, heard, cared for, loved, understood, and accepted. When connected, we have the support and encouragement to take risks, be vulnerable, and grow. At times, creating or sustaining connection can be challenging, and we feel isolated and disconnected from one another and ourselves. That's where I come in, and if that sounds like you, you are in the right place! Working together with the team at Bozeman Therapy and Counseling, I am here to help you manage old and new challenges in order to find emotional and mental health well-being, allowing you and your relationships to thrive.
(406) 319-3082 View (406) 319-3082
Photo of Christy Mortimer, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Christy Mortimer
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
I am trained in EFT and EMDR and will meet you where you're at with your needs and goals.
Starting the journey of healing or growth can be daunting and vulnerable. Asking for help on that journey is a courageous first step! Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, life stressors, or any challenges that come with being human, counseling can be an effective way to move through those challenges with self-awareness, intention, and compassion. I love working with couples and individuals who are ready to identify and interrupt the patterns that are keeping them stuck!
I am trained in EFT and EMDR and will meet you where you're at with your needs and goals.
Starting the journey of healing or growth can be daunting and vulnerable. Asking for help on that journey is a courageous first step! Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, life stressors, or any challenges that come with being human, counseling can be an effective way to move through those challenges with self-awareness, intention, and compassion. I love working with couples and individuals who are ready to identify and interrupt the patterns that are keeping them stuck!
(406) 313-2710 View (406) 313-2710
Photo of Rachael Maher, MS, LCPC, LMFT, Counselor
Rachael Maher
Counselor, MS, LCPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
We use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), one of the most powerful types of relationship therapy for long-term success, in our work with our clients.
Are you struggling to feel heard in your relationship? Are you feeling disconnected and lonely? Does it seem as though no matter how hard you try, you can never get it right? Do you find yourself arguing instead of conversing and frustrated that the conflict goes nowhere? If the answer the any of these questions is a loud and resounding YES, you might benefit from counseling at Little Bear Counseling. I and my highly qualified team especially enjoy working with challenging relationship dynamics. We have recently expanded our team and have NEXT Day openings for individuals, couples and families.
We use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), one of the most powerful types of relationship therapy for long-term success, in our work with our clients.
Are you struggling to feel heard in your relationship? Are you feeling disconnected and lonely? Does it seem as though no matter how hard you try, you can never get it right? Do you find yourself arguing instead of conversing and frustrated that the conflict goes nowhere? If the answer the any of these questions is a loud and resounding YES, you might benefit from counseling at Little Bear Counseling. I and my highly qualified team especially enjoy working with challenging relationship dynamics. We have recently expanded our team and have NEXT Day openings for individuals, couples and families.
(406) 356-6351 View (406) 356-6351
Photo of Kate Hestwood, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Hestwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715
Using current therapeutic interventions like ACT & EFT, my approach is genuine & collaborative.
I specialize in treating trauma and I am certified as a perinatal mental health therapist. Family planning, prenatal, postpartum, and perimenopausal experiences can bring up a lot of different emotions and a new awareness about our relationships and personal identities. Trauma can impact how we understand our safety in the world. I have supported clients to address challenges including anxiety, relationship conflict, cancer, sexual assault, childhood abuse, birth trauma, miscarriage and stillbirth. With support, we have the ability to understand and cope with life's challenges, no matter how overwhelming it might currently feel.
Using current therapeutic interventions like ACT & EFT, my approach is genuine & collaborative.
I specialize in treating trauma and I am certified as a perinatal mental health therapist. Family planning, prenatal, postpartum, and perimenopausal experiences can bring up a lot of different emotions and a new awareness about our relationships and personal identities. Trauma can impact how we understand our safety in the world. I have supported clients to address challenges including anxiety, relationship conflict, cancer, sexual assault, childhood abuse, birth trauma, miscarriage and stillbirth. With support, we have the ability to understand and cope with life's challenges, no matter how overwhelming it might currently feel.
(406) 415-4022 View (406) 415-4022
Photo of Tomomi Ogata - Bozeman Wellness Counseling PLLC, MS, LCPC, SEP, Counselor
Bozeman Wellness Counseling PLLC
Counselor, MS, LCPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59718
My clinical training includes Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Natural Processing (Somatically based, process oriented therapy) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
As we walk through our lives, we are faced with many challenges. Sudden, unexpected events such as injuries, illnesses, and losses can happen to us at any given time. In this fast changing world, it is often difficult to have a sense of balance. You may be overwhelmed by restless, negative feelings and thoughts from past or present issues. It takes courage to seek counseling, face your issues, and to take steps towards positive changes. I believe we all have inner abilities to heal and grow. As a therapist, I would be honored to assist you in your individual journey and help you to discover your true potential and life value.
My clinical training includes Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Natural Processing (Somatically based, process oriented therapy) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
As we walk through our lives, we are faced with many challenges. Sudden, unexpected events such as injuries, illnesses, and losses can happen to us at any given time. In this fast changing world, it is often difficult to have a sense of balance. You may be overwhelmed by restless, negative feelings and thoughts from past or present issues. It takes courage to seek counseling, face your issues, and to take steps towards positive changes. I believe we all have inner abilities to heal and grow. As a therapist, I would be honored to assist you in your individual journey and help you to discover your true potential and life value.
(406) 948-4438 View (406) 948-4438
Photo of Alana Vosen, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Alana Vosen
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59718
With incorporating, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) in helping individuals, couples, and families I help clients to live their best life and gain the confidence within themselves to do that.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help individuals identify their attachment needs and help the couple work together to form a more secure bond. With EFT, I will help the couple or individual strengthen their relationships through emotional bonding with their partner/friend/family member.
With incorporating, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) in helping individuals, couples, and families I help clients to live their best life and gain the confidence within themselves to do that.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) to help individuals identify their attachment needs and help the couple work together to form a more secure bond. With EFT, I will help the couple or individual strengthen their relationships through emotional bonding with their partner/friend/family member.
(406) 412-7005 View (406) 412-7005
Photo of Ian Andrew Mascari, PCLC
Ian Andrew Mascari
Professional Counselor Licensure Candidate, PCLC
Verified Verified
Bozeman, MT 59715
I operate from an emotionally focused therapy framework.
I have a strong passion for helping families, couples, and individuals of all ages in their journey toward personal growth, understanding, and harmony. I believe that everyone is capable of having a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I focus on cultivating a supportive and empathetic space that will help you to get in touch with your inner desire for growth and self-betterment. Some areas of focus in my practice are relationship issues, improving communication skills, cultivating self-awareness, anxiety and stress management, ADHD, conflict resolution, and parent-child relationships
I operate from an emotionally focused therapy framework.
I have a strong passion for helping families, couples, and individuals of all ages in their journey toward personal growth, understanding, and harmony. I believe that everyone is capable of having a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I focus on cultivating a supportive and empathetic space that will help you to get in touch with your inner desire for growth and self-betterment. Some areas of focus in my practice are relationship issues, improving communication skills, cultivating self-awareness, anxiety and stress management, ADHD, conflict resolution, and parent-child relationships
(406) 296-4467 View (406) 296-4467
Photo of Tony D Silva, LCPC, Counselor
Tony D Silva
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59718
When working with both couples and individuals I draw from the wisdom of EFT, Attachment theory, mindfulness, acceptance and tolerance, somatic experiencing, guided imagery, and the mind-body connection of neuroscience.
Are you satisfied with the quality of your relationships? Most people agree that our life is made infinitely better by close connections and becomes intensely challenging when our relationships are problematic, painful, and unfulfilling. Are you stressed, burdened, frustrated, outraged, or lonely within your relationship with others? Or is the relationship you have with yourself overwhelmed with internal conflict? I can help. My private practice empowers individuals and couples to significantly improve their intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. I foster client authenticity, self-love and self-esteem within individuals and guide couples through conversations that create close connections and secure bonds.
When working with both couples and individuals I draw from the wisdom of EFT, Attachment theory, mindfulness, acceptance and tolerance, somatic experiencing, guided imagery, and the mind-body connection of neuroscience.
Are you satisfied with the quality of your relationships? Most people agree that our life is made infinitely better by close connections and becomes intensely challenging when our relationships are problematic, painful, and unfulfilling. Are you stressed, burdened, frustrated, outraged, or lonely within your relationship with others? Or is the relationship you have with yourself overwhelmed with internal conflict? I can help. My private practice empowers individuals and couples to significantly improve their intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. I foster client authenticity, self-love and self-esteem within individuals and guide couples through conversations that create close connections and secure bonds.
(406) 206-1296 View (406) 206-1296
Photo of Susan 'sunny' Mavor - Sunny Mavor Online Counseling, MS, LCPC, Counselor
Sunny Mavor Online Counseling
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bozeman, MT 59715  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been in practice since 2005, and have developed a specialty in Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals, a powerful and effective method for healing yourself and your relationship in the midst of challenges.
Hi - Welcome to ONLINE counseling. I have a unique practice that supports people from all over Montana --- after 15 years of seeing couples and individuals in person in my Bozeman office, I'm now working exclusively with individuals online. I have had the honor of helping hundreds of Montanans conquer their depression or anxiety, regain their confidence, improve their communication skills, renew their relationship by working on themselves ... and to get back to being the person they want to be. I think you'll be surprised at how comfortable online therapy feels - it's just like sitting in the same room.
I have been in practice since 2005, and have developed a specialty in Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals, a powerful and effective method for healing yourself and your relationship in the midst of challenges.
Hi - Welcome to ONLINE counseling. I have a unique practice that supports people from all over Montana --- after 15 years of seeing couples and individuals in person in my Bozeman office, I'm now working exclusively with individuals online. I have had the honor of helping hundreds of Montanans conquer their depression or anxiety, regain their confidence, improve their communication skills, renew their relationship by working on themselves ... and to get back to being the person they want to be. I think you'll be surprised at how comfortable online therapy feels - it's just like sitting in the same room.
(406) 306-1415 View (406) 306-1415
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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.