Emotionally Focused Therapists in Suwanee, GA

Photo of Kim Schmidt, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kim Schmidt
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Kim uses integrated theoretical approaches including; Emotionally Focused, Attachment-based, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative therapy to create a healing environment and help work toward your most desired goals.
Do you often feel as if you are alone in your struggles? Or find it difficult to cope with all that life is throwing at you? I can help you navigate those obstacles that are holding you back from being the best version of yourself. Kim received her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Psychology and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Kim also has a graduate certificate in counseling and is trained in PREPARE-Enrich to equip couples to cultivate healthy relationships. ​
Kim uses integrated theoretical approaches including; Emotionally Focused, Attachment-based, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative therapy to create a healing environment and help work toward your most desired goals.
Do you often feel as if you are alone in your struggles? Or find it difficult to cope with all that life is throwing at you? I can help you navigate those obstacles that are holding you back from being the best version of yourself. Kim received her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Psychology and her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Kim also has a graduate certificate in counseling and is trained in PREPARE-Enrich to equip couples to cultivate healthy relationships. ​
(470) 798-1783 View (470) 798-1783
Photo of Luke Durain, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Luke Durain
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
I often lead couples through the active listener and empathy exercises, as well as drawing from an evidence-based model called Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I have extensive experience providing therapy for adults, teens, and couples. I have experience helping individuals navigate difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, spiritual concerns, or relationship issues. I tailor my approach to provide a variety of practical coping skills (such as mindfulness and CBT), as well as taking an in-depth relational approach to more complex topics (such as psychodynamic or Internal Family Systems).
I often lead couples through the active listener and empathy exercises, as well as drawing from an evidence-based model called Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I have extensive experience providing therapy for adults, teens, and couples. I have experience helping individuals navigate difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, spiritual concerns, or relationship issues. I tailor my approach to provide a variety of practical coping skills (such as mindfulness and CBT), as well as taking an in-depth relational approach to more complex topics (such as psychodynamic or Internal Family Systems).
(770) 822-4505 View (770) 822-4505
Photo of Dustin Ellis, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dustin Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems to reveal and address complex challenges with individuals and couples to help them understand the point of talking about their emotions, make sense of how they got where they are, and how to move forward.
Dustin works with individual adults and couples to address a wide range of needs, such as better understanding and managing reactive emotions that lead to negative interaction patterns and conflict. Navigating through grief and loss, work-life, balance, perfectionism, and motivation. Learning parenting skills/strategies, parenting a child on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. Management of adult ADHD symptoms and developing novel coping skills to emerging needs through stage of life changes. My client's goals are to understand why they feel the way they do and to improve communication and intimacy.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems to reveal and address complex challenges with individuals and couples to help them understand the point of talking about their emotions, make sense of how they got where they are, and how to move forward.
Dustin works with individual adults and couples to address a wide range of needs, such as better understanding and managing reactive emotions that lead to negative interaction patterns and conflict. Navigating through grief and loss, work-life, balance, perfectionism, and motivation. Learning parenting skills/strategies, parenting a child on the autism spectrum or with ADHD. Management of adult ADHD symptoms and developing novel coping skills to emerging needs through stage of life changes. My client's goals are to understand why they feel the way they do and to improve communication and intimacy.
(470) 748-3239 View (470) 748-3239
Photo of Reva Manon Kraus - Northeast Georgia Counseling, LCSW, MSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Northeast Georgia Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
For deep personal and emotional hurts, I have been trained in and use the Emotionally Focused principles ( EFT) of Sue Johnson.
My clients deal with a wide range of issues: emotions that often feel intense and out of control, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, depression, trauma and self harming behaviors. For this I use DBT and mindfulness to help them stabilize, make new choices and have a life they feel is worth living. I also work with seniors dealing with aging issues, depression, anxiety, and the grief of losing friends to death. Along with that, I work with grief and caregiver burn out. I use CBT reframing, mindfulness and EFT principles to support and assist. I have a wide range of experience with helping clients dealing with chronic illness and death.
For deep personal and emotional hurts, I have been trained in and use the Emotionally Focused principles ( EFT) of Sue Johnson.
My clients deal with a wide range of issues: emotions that often feel intense and out of control, suicidal behaviors, anxiety, depression, trauma and self harming behaviors. For this I use DBT and mindfulness to help them stabilize, make new choices and have a life they feel is worth living. I also work with seniors dealing with aging issues, depression, anxiety, and the grief of losing friends to death. Along with that, I work with grief and caregiver burn out. I use CBT reframing, mindfulness and EFT principles to support and assist. I have a wide range of experience with helping clients dealing with chronic illness and death.
(770) 271-5040 View (770) 271-5040
Photo of Andrew Haynes - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Duluth, Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Duluth
Counselor
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(470) 828-0016 View (470) 828-0016
Photo of Ashley Williamson, LAPC, Counselor
Ashley Williamson
Counselor, LAPC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
I use SFT, CBT, and EFT in my practice.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with over 3 years of experience. I am passionate about assisting couples and helping them get on a healthier path. I specialize in relationship issues, challenges in communication, depression, anxiety, and life adjustments.
I use SFT, CBT, and EFT in my practice.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with over 3 years of experience. I am passionate about assisting couples and helping them get on a healthier path. I specialize in relationship issues, challenges in communication, depression, anxiety, and life adjustments.
(678) 647-9912 View (678) 647-9912
Photo of Sarah Mason - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Lawrenceville, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Lawrenceville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
(855) 524-5193 View (855) 524-5193
Photo of Kaara Kiddoe Couples Trauma (Emdr) Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kaara Kiddoe Couples Trauma (Emdr) Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024  (Online Only)
You want to move on but it's not enough to say "Let's forget the past!" I help couples heal those wounded parts of their relationship by using an attachment ( EFT) & trauma (EMDR) lens.
Are you married and feel like you are just roommates...Laying right next to each other in bed yet feeling emotionally disconnected!? You wonder, how did we get here!? Or are you a busy, professional couple looking to balance work & home life without sacrificing one for the other? You find yourself arguing over petty things. Nothing gets resolved, and you are left feeling defeated! Let’s face it, life is hard! Marriage is hard! Raising kids is hard! Between work, kids, & family obligations we have very little left to give! I will help you restore emotional intimacy... feel deeply connected, and feel seen & heard by your partner.
You want to move on but it's not enough to say "Let's forget the past!" I help couples heal those wounded parts of their relationship by using an attachment ( EFT) & trauma (EMDR) lens.
Are you married and feel like you are just roommates...Laying right next to each other in bed yet feeling emotionally disconnected!? You wonder, how did we get here!? Or are you a busy, professional couple looking to balance work & home life without sacrificing one for the other? You find yourself arguing over petty things. Nothing gets resolved, and you are left feeling defeated! Let’s face it, life is hard! Marriage is hard! Raising kids is hard! Between work, kids, & family obligations we have very little left to give! I will help you restore emotional intimacy... feel deeply connected, and feel seen & heard by your partner.
(404) 531-2097 View (404) 531-2097
Photo of Holly Tickle, MDiv, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Holly Tickle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist specializing in Couples therapy. I also see individuals who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and other life transitions. My twenty five years as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church have given me a unique theological perspective as a Therapist. I am sensitive to people of all faiths and backgrounds. As a therapist, I am committed to providing the highest quality counseling and therapy services in support of your own unique growth and development. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist specializing in Couples therapy. I also see individuals who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and other life transitions. My twenty five years as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church have given me a unique theological perspective as a Therapist. I am sensitive to people of all faiths and backgrounds. As a therapist, I am committed to providing the highest quality counseling and therapy services in support of your own unique growth and development. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
(678) 820-6939 View (678) 820-6939
Photo of Elizabeth M. Cooke, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth M. Cooke
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
Life isn't always easy, but getting the help you need can be... You might be facing problems in your relationship, or having trouble dealing with your children's behaviors and attitudes. You could be feeling overwhelmed by stress and change. Or struggling with confusion about directions to take and decisions to make. Whatever brings you here, entering into the counseling process will allow you first to identify and then to build on your strengths. Even if it seems that your resources are few, we will explore and experiment with different skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Life isn't always easy, but getting the help you need can be... You might be facing problems in your relationship, or having trouble dealing with your children's behaviors and attitudes. You could be feeling overwhelmed by stress and change. Or struggling with confusion about directions to take and decisions to make. Whatever brings you here, entering into the counseling process will allow you first to identify and then to build on your strengths. Even if it seems that your resources are few, we will explore and experiment with different skills in a safe and supportive environment.
(678) 535-3190 View (678) 535-3190
Photo of Wendy A Crawford, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Wendy A Crawford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
Wendy Crawford's mission is to provide professional counseling within a Christian context. She uses established therapeutic techniques against the solid guidance of Scripture to help clients learn more effective and healthier ways of dealing with life's struggles. Wendy provides Individual & Marriage counseling for couples, adults, and adolescents suffering from a variety of emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties. Her practice specialties include marital conflict, infidelity recovery, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, divorce recovery, relationship issues, sleep problems, life transitions, and healing from abuse.
Wendy Crawford's mission is to provide professional counseling within a Christian context. She uses established therapeutic techniques against the solid guidance of Scripture to help clients learn more effective and healthier ways of dealing with life's struggles. Wendy provides Individual & Marriage counseling for couples, adults, and adolescents suffering from a variety of emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties. Her practice specialties include marital conflict, infidelity recovery, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, divorce recovery, relationship issues, sleep problems, life transitions, and healing from abuse.
(470) 541-1717 View (470) 541-1717
Photo of Elly Yooil Chung, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elly Yooil Chung
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
I am a licensed Clinical social worker(LCSW) with specialized training in mental health. I have various experiences as a clinician working with people with serious mental illness(SMI) to Co-occurring disorders. I also have experience with people with mood disorders and personality disorders. My clinical and research interests are 1) how culture plays a role in one’s life, 2) how to reconstruct relationships through reconstructing one’s unresolved trauma, and 3) strengthen one’s resilience to cope with life difficulties.
I am a licensed Clinical social worker(LCSW) with specialized training in mental health. I have various experiences as a clinician working with people with serious mental illness(SMI) to Co-occurring disorders. I also have experience with people with mood disorders and personality disorders. My clinical and research interests are 1) how culture plays a role in one’s life, 2) how to reconstruct relationships through reconstructing one’s unresolved trauma, and 3) strengthen one’s resilience to cope with life difficulties.
(470) 410-6107 View (470) 410-6107
Photo of Jeffrey Goodell, LCSW, BCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeffrey Goodell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
I am inspired working with clients who are committed to bettering their mental health and to personal growth, even if feeling stuck. What happens to an individual rarely happens within a vacuum, and a more complete context provides better understanding of how we grow, develop, suffer and change. During moments when hopefulness is dim, we need someone to hear us, to see us, and to believe in us. Each of us is capable of living lives of significance when we embody a true sense of hopefulness. Living a life of significance is a personal and humbling journey marked by having the courage to face our fears, listen clearly, and understand.
I am inspired working with clients who are committed to bettering their mental health and to personal growth, even if feeling stuck. What happens to an individual rarely happens within a vacuum, and a more complete context provides better understanding of how we grow, develop, suffer and change. During moments when hopefulness is dim, we need someone to hear us, to see us, and to believe in us. Each of us is capable of living lives of significance when we embody a true sense of hopefulness. Living a life of significance is a personal and humbling journey marked by having the courage to face our fears, listen clearly, and understand.
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Photo of Mari Debon, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Mari Debon
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
When life feels overwhelming and relationships strained, we often feel stuck and do not know how to move forward. Past hurts often resurface and interfere with our present lives causing depression and anxiety impacting our relationships and self-esteem. I help people gain clarity of their inner thoughts and behaviors to achieve better life satisfaction. I work with couples, individuals, and families to develop coping skills, increase empathy, and heal past hurts. Whether you are having marital or relationship issues, family concerns, DSM disorders, anger management, stress, depression, addictions, you can regain control of your life
When life feels overwhelming and relationships strained, we often feel stuck and do not know how to move forward. Past hurts often resurface and interfere with our present lives causing depression and anxiety impacting our relationships and self-esteem. I help people gain clarity of their inner thoughts and behaviors to achieve better life satisfaction. I work with couples, individuals, and families to develop coping skills, increase empathy, and heal past hurts. Whether you are having marital or relationship issues, family concerns, DSM disorders, anger management, stress, depression, addictions, you can regain control of your life
(470) 688-1079 View (470) 688-1079
Photo of Lisa Patzer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Patzer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
One of my greatest joys in life is my career as a professional counselor. It's so gratifying to work with my clients and help them reach their respective goals. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families treating their depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I also work with all types of addictions and destructive behaviors, helping my clients develop a healthier lifestyle. I encourage my clients to believe in themselves. It's my belief that with help, open-mindedness, and willingness to take action, clients can positively influence their destiny. During each session, aspirations and positive progress are addressed.
One of my greatest joys in life is my career as a professional counselor. It's so gratifying to work with my clients and help them reach their respective goals. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families treating their depression, anxiety and relationship issues. I also work with all types of addictions and destructive behaviors, helping my clients develop a healthier lifestyle. I encourage my clients to believe in themselves. It's my belief that with help, open-mindedness, and willingness to take action, clients can positively influence their destiny. During each session, aspirations and positive progress are addressed.
(404) 882-6952 View (404) 882-6952
Photo of Deanne Beaton, LPC, CSAT, EMDR, DBT, PIT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deanne Beaton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAT, EMDR, DBT, PIT
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
I work diligently to provide a safe place for individuals and couples seeking to address issues such as relationship dysfunction, depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, and trauma, especially where these issues negatively impact a client's ability to maintain a sense of reverence for self or connection and intimacy with others. I discover with each client his or her strengths and ways to utilize these strengths to facilitate growth and healing. I combine a knowledge of psychotherapeutic strategies for healing with spiritual principles to weave a pathway for growth and healing for each precious soul.
I work diligently to provide a safe place for individuals and couples seeking to address issues such as relationship dysfunction, depression, anxiety, addiction, codependency, and trauma, especially where these issues negatively impact a client's ability to maintain a sense of reverence for self or connection and intimacy with others. I discover with each client his or her strengths and ways to utilize these strengths to facilitate growth and healing. I combine a knowledge of psychotherapeutic strategies for healing with spiritual principles to weave a pathway for growth and healing for each precious soul.
(678) 971-0176 View (678) 971-0176
Photo of Michelle A Fritch, MS, MDiv, CRC, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Michelle A Fritch
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MDiv, CRC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024
I work with individuals and couples who want help dealing with addiction, anxiety, conflict, depression, illness, grief, life transition, or spiritual issues and those who want to improve their communication, relationships, and parenting. I believe in cultivating a safe, strong, supportive relationship with my clients so that they feel empowered to make whatever changes and choices they want in their lives.
I work with individuals and couples who want help dealing with addiction, anxiety, conflict, depression, illness, grief, life transition, or spiritual issues and those who want to improve their communication, relationships, and parenting. I believe in cultivating a safe, strong, supportive relationship with my clients so that they feel empowered to make whatever changes and choices they want in their lives.
(470) 348-5748 View (470) 348-5748
Photo of Marcia Williams, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marcia Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Marcia Williams, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, and group therapy, specializing in recovering from narcissistic abuse. My early career involved supporting families affected by drug addiction, including crisis intervention through a suicide call center. I have also facilitated workshops on various topics including 12-step principles and family recovery, as well as how to heal from narcissistic abuse. After being married to a narcissist for 30 years, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Hello, I'm Marcia Williams, a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, and group therapy, specializing in recovering from narcissistic abuse. My early career involved supporting families affected by drug addiction, including crisis intervention through a suicide call center. I have also facilitated workshops on various topics including 12-step principles and family recovery, as well as how to heal from narcissistic abuse. After being married to a narcissist for 30 years, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
(470) 684-2518 View (470) 684-2518
Photo of Laura Meeks, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laura Meeks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Suwanee, GA 30024  (Online Only)
Hello! Mucho Gusto! I am the Director of Unite Counseling & Therapy. We have a team of diverse and very talented clinicians! We personalize therapy based on your unique needs and desires, and take pride in being great listeners, teaching effective skills for creating the changes you want, and really getting to the root of issues. I know what it’s like to be in counseling and work on the hard stuff – and more importantly how amazing progress feels. Our team offers virtual appointments during the daytime, evening, and weekend, and in some in person. We'd love to support your in your mental, emotional, and relational health journey.
Hello! Mucho Gusto! I am the Director of Unite Counseling & Therapy. We have a team of diverse and very talented clinicians! We personalize therapy based on your unique needs and desires, and take pride in being great listeners, teaching effective skills for creating the changes you want, and really getting to the root of issues. I know what it’s like to be in counseling and work on the hard stuff – and more importantly how amazing progress feels. Our team offers virtual appointments during the daytime, evening, and weekend, and in some in person. We'd love to support your in your mental, emotional, and relational health journey.
(678) 580-4405 View (678) 580-4405
Photo of Sarah Pratts, MS
Sarah Pratts
MS
Verified Verified
Suwanee, GA 30024
Sarah believes that each client is the author of his or her own life experiences, and has the capability of maneuvering and pushing forward through circumstances in life. She recognizes it can be difficult and scary learning and implementing the tools needed to accomplish fears and worries. "It's like exercising a new muscle. It may hurt and get sore by working-out, but the muscle grows stronger the more effort you put into working on it." She has extensively researched the concept of empathy to help clients work through their trauma to develop secure attachment styles as well as understanding perspectives and co-dependency actions.
Sarah believes that each client is the author of his or her own life experiences, and has the capability of maneuvering and pushing forward through circumstances in life. She recognizes it can be difficult and scary learning and implementing the tools needed to accomplish fears and worries. "It's like exercising a new muscle. It may hurt and get sore by working-out, but the muscle grows stronger the more effort you put into working on it." She has extensively researched the concept of empathy to help clients work through their trauma to develop secure attachment styles as well as understanding perspectives and co-dependency actions.
(470) 431-1623 View (470) 431-1623
1
Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

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

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

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

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

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

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

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