Emotionally Focused Therapists in Wabash, IN

Photo of Tonya Scalf - Friends Counseling Center, Inc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Friends Counseling Center, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Wabash, IN 46992
Tonya is passionate about working with a variety of individuals as they work through the adventures of life. Tonya enjoys walking along with individuals as they develop healthy coping skills and process their emotions to help create a balance within their lives. Tonya works alongside 20 other clinicians at FCC who are also highly qualified and dedicated therapists. FCC has five locations, with our main office in Wabash, Indiana. We also provide counseling services in Huntington, Tipton, Marion, North Manchester, and Logansport, Indiana.
Tonya is passionate about working with a variety of individuals as they work through the adventures of life. Tonya enjoys walking along with individuals as they develop healthy coping skills and process their emotions to help create a balance within their lives. Tonya works alongside 20 other clinicians at FCC who are also highly qualified and dedicated therapists. FCC has five locations, with our main office in Wabash, Indiana. We also provide counseling services in Huntington, Tipton, Marion, North Manchester, and Logansport, Indiana.
(260) 217-9634 View (260) 217-9634
Photo of Amy Terrell - Friends Counseling Center, Inc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Friends Counseling Center, Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wabash, IN 46992
Amy is known for her enthusiasm and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Amy enjoys listening to the hearts of the people in her life and helping them discover unique and incredible things about themselves. She believes that redemption and healing are possible, no matter what has happened in the past. In Marion, Amy and her colleagues (Faith Spaulding LCSW, Amy Yoder LMHC, Zack Plummer LMFT, Jessica Bruni LCSW, and Noelle Catlin LMHC-A) are passionate about loving people and helping individuals and families find hope and healing through the therapy experience.
Amy is known for her enthusiasm and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Amy enjoys listening to the hearts of the people in her life and helping them discover unique and incredible things about themselves. She believes that redemption and healing are possible, no matter what has happened in the past. In Marion, Amy and her colleagues (Faith Spaulding LCSW, Amy Yoder LMHC, Zack Plummer LMFT, Jessica Bruni LCSW, and Noelle Catlin LMHC-A) are passionate about loving people and helping individuals and families find hope and healing through the therapy experience.
(765) 232-3150 View (765) 232-3150
Photo of Daniel Peterson - Friends Counseling Center, Inc , MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Friends Counseling Center, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Wabash, IN 46992
Daniel obtained his BA at the University of Notre Dame where he studied Theology and Physics. After spending time teaching overseas, he returned to Indiana and has worked as a teacher and in home-based services. Daniel completed his Master of Social Work at Indiana Wesleyan University. His experiences have included working with young children, childhood trauma, family therapy, and addiction counseling.
Daniel obtained his BA at the University of Notre Dame where he studied Theology and Physics. After spending time teaching overseas, he returned to Indiana and has worked as a teacher and in home-based services. Daniel completed his Master of Social Work at Indiana Wesleyan University. His experiences have included working with young children, childhood trauma, family therapy, and addiction counseling.
(260) 201-9481 View (260) 201-9481
Photo of Teena Morrow - Friends Counseling Center, Inc, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Friends Counseling Center, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Wabash, IN 46992
Teena enjoys working with individuals regardless of where they are in their journeys, she has a passion for helping children and adolescents as well as empowering individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities. Alongside Teena, Haleah Heater, MSW, and Linzy Underwood MA offer clinician services, in which they are passionate about meeting people where they are and allowing God to work through them so that individuals can find healing and wholeness in their lives.
Teena enjoys working with individuals regardless of where they are in their journeys, she has a passion for helping children and adolescents as well as empowering individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities. Alongside Teena, Haleah Heater, MSW, and Linzy Underwood MA offer clinician services, in which they are passionate about meeting people where they are and allowing God to work through them so that individuals can find healing and wholeness in their lives.
(765) 204-0839 View (765) 204-0839
Photo of Creation Desautels - Ex Nihilo, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ex Nihilo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Wabash, IN 46992
Creation Desautels is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist As a clinician, Creation works from a spiritually integrated family systems and psychoanalytic perspective. She is seeking to live, and guide others toward relational health and wholeness.. She seeks to live and work, in other words to do-relationship with self and other, in ways that reflect these integrated principals. To best align with these principal Creation sees a limited number of clients and centers her practice around long-format and intensive treatment formats. Though virtual appointments are available, Creation focuses on face-to-face in person care.
Creation Desautels is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist As a clinician, Creation works from a spiritually integrated family systems and psychoanalytic perspective. She is seeking to live, and guide others toward relational health and wholeness.. She seeks to live and work, in other words to do-relationship with self and other, in ways that reflect these integrated principals. To best align with these principal Creation sees a limited number of clients and centers her practice around long-format and intensive treatment formats. Though virtual appointments are available, Creation focuses on face-to-face in person care.
(765) 764-9608 View (765) 764-9608
Photo of Noel Garza Jr, MA, LMHCA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Noel Garza Jr
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wabash, IN 46992
Noel is a counselor who enjoys working alongside clients to help them get through their struggles in life. He has experience working with Veterans and their families, individuals, couples, and families who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, grief, and Spiritual issues. He is a master's level therapist who is a graduate of Huntington University. Noel is a Veteran of the United States Army and is also a licensed minister with the United Methodist Church. These experiences allow him to be open to working with anyone that needs help. Noel is also Bilingual and fluent in Spanish.
Noel is a counselor who enjoys working alongside clients to help them get through their struggles in life. He has experience working with Veterans and their families, individuals, couples, and families who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, grief, and Spiritual issues. He is a master's level therapist who is a graduate of Huntington University. Noel is a Veteran of the United States Army and is also a licensed minister with the United Methodist Church. These experiences allow him to be open to working with anyone that needs help. Noel is also Bilingual and fluent in Spanish.
(260) 366-0723 View (260) 366-0723

Online Therapists

Photo of Shelby Kennel, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Shelby Kennel
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Avon, IN 46123
I am specialized in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Trust-Based Relational Therapy (TBRI).
I believe that each and every person has a right and ability to better themselves in times of need. If you are willing and able to change and make a difference in your own life, I would be happy to help you through that in the most healthy and personalized way for you.
I am specialized in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Trust-Based Relational Therapy (TBRI).
I believe that each and every person has a right and ability to better themselves in times of need. If you are willing and able to change and make a difference in your own life, I would be happy to help you through that in the most healthy and personalized way for you.
(463) 232-6586 View (463) 232-6586
Photo of Leslie Inlow, LCSW, LCAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leslie Inlow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Noblesville, IN 46060
My approach is called Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is an evidence based treatment for couples who are disconnected and unhappy in the relationship.
You and your partner can’t seem to stop fighting. It seems like things are going along fine, and then something small happens. You may be on a walk or in the car, and all of a sudden there’s a shift and you’re arguing again. Most of the time, you don’t even know what you’re arguing about! Perhaps there has even been a deep pain of some kind, infidelity or another betrayal or rupture to your bond. You realize you need some help to work through it if you don't want to lose your relationship.
My approach is called Emotionally Focused Therapy, which is an evidence based treatment for couples who are disconnected and unhappy in the relationship.
You and your partner can’t seem to stop fighting. It seems like things are going along fine, and then something small happens. You may be on a walk or in the car, and all of a sudden there’s a shift and you’re arguing again. Most of the time, you don’t even know what you’re arguing about! Perhaps there has even been a deep pain of some kind, infidelity or another betrayal or rupture to your bond. You realize you need some help to work through it if you don't want to lose your relationship.
(317) 674-1124 View (317) 674-1124
Photo of Molly Schaar, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Molly Schaar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
South Bend, IN 46637  (Online Only)
Neuroscience, contextual therapy, EFT, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, marital issues, divorce, mediation, relationship issues, family issues, trauma, PTSD, ACEs, anger management, co-parenting, blended family, stepfamily.
Molly Schaar is a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Molly is a 4.0 Graduate Student of Northcentral University and a Delta Kappa in the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society, as well as a professional member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She is focused on neuroscience, contextual therapy balancing, and addiction recovery interventions and specializes in marriage therapy, individual therapy, depression/anxiety, addiction recovery, and trauma. Molly has thousands of clinical hours logged in both private practice and acute care settings.
Neuroscience, contextual therapy, EFT, addiction recovery, anxiety, depression, marital issues, divorce, mediation, relationship issues, family issues, trauma, PTSD, ACEs, anger management, co-parenting, blended family, stepfamily.
Molly Schaar is a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Molly is a 4.0 Graduate Student of Northcentral University and a Delta Kappa in the International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society, as well as a professional member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She is focused on neuroscience, contextual therapy balancing, and addiction recovery interventions and specializes in marriage therapy, individual therapy, depression/anxiety, addiction recovery, and trauma. Molly has thousands of clinical hours logged in both private practice and acute care settings.
(574) 475-3854 View (574) 475-3854
Photo of Ashley C Elcock, MS, LMFT, CCTP-I, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley C Elcock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Valparaiso, IN 46383  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients in both Indiana and Michigan! I am a licensed Master's level Marriage and Family Therapist holding a M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. I have experience working with individuals, families, and couples, with extra specialization in working with couples and trauma. Whether it is relationship conflict, infidelity, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, behavioral or anger difficulties, grief, parenting concerns, difficult life transitions, medical or other life stress- I strive to work together with my clients towards positive changes in their lives, and healing outcomes!
Accepting new clients in both Indiana and Michigan! I am a licensed Master's level Marriage and Family Therapist holding a M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. I have experience working with individuals, families, and couples, with extra specialization in working with couples and trauma. Whether it is relationship conflict, infidelity, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, behavioral or anger difficulties, grief, parenting concerns, difficult life transitions, medical or other life stress- I strive to work together with my clients towards positive changes in their lives, and healing outcomes!
(219) 342-2976 View (219) 342-2976
Photo of Brad Unruh, IMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brad Unruh
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Noblesville, IN 46060  (Online Only)
I have advanced training in Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am trained to target emotional experiences to activate internal healing and external connection. I assist couples by facilitating an environment that safely moves folks towards security in self and towards one another in vulnerability so that bonding can replace the need for self-preservation. With individuals, I welcome all parts of each person as one establishes security in and expansion of self which helps parts of self recognize: "parts cope, self heals." I view people as "stuck" and not "sick," and therefore I believe just as there is a healer in me, there is a healer in you.
I have advanced training in Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am trained to target emotional experiences to activate internal healing and external connection. I assist couples by facilitating an environment that safely moves folks towards security in self and towards one another in vulnerability so that bonding can replace the need for self-preservation. With individuals, I welcome all parts of each person as one establishes security in and expansion of self which helps parts of self recognize: "parts cope, self heals." I view people as "stuck" and not "sick," and therefore I believe just as there is a healer in me, there is a healer in you.
(614) 368-0961 View (614) 368-0961
Photo of Nicole Gaedtke (Gaedtke Counseling), MSEd, LMFT, IMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Gaedtke (Gaedtke Counseling)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSEd, LMFT, IMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Wayne, IN 46804  (Online Only)
I'm trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and am a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapist.
**Telehealth sessions only. ** It can be difficult to reach out for professional help. I hope to make the process as easy as possible. Whether you're struggling with relationships, life transitions, depression, anxiety, or managing emotions, we can work together to help you live a more fulfilling life. I work to help individual, couples, and families better understand their difficulties and identify a plan and steps to achieve their goals.
I'm trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and am a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapist.
**Telehealth sessions only. ** It can be difficult to reach out for professional help. I hope to make the process as easy as possible. Whether you're struggling with relationships, life transitions, depression, anxiety, or managing emotions, we can work together to help you live a more fulfilling life. I work to help individual, couples, and families better understand their difficulties and identify a plan and steps to achieve their goals.
(260) 908-9515 View (260) 908-9515
Photo of Shelley Carroll Lafferty - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Noblesville, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Noblesville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Noblesville, IN 46060
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 Ashley R De Prez, MSW, LCSW, CAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley R De Prez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CAC
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Are you feeling stuck in overcoming a relationship or personal struggle that is holding you back from the life you desire? Are you ready for a change but not sure how to get there? Wanting to address relationship issues, family of origin issues, feelings of anxiety, depression and/or face your addictions? I have advanced training in Trauma, EMDR, Gestalt , Imago, Emotionally Focused Couples Training, and addictions. I include Mindfulness tools in much of my work. Would you benefit from a group of women to address underlying issues that impact your recovery from an addiction/alcoholism?
Are you feeling stuck in overcoming a relationship or personal struggle that is holding you back from the life you desire? Are you ready for a change but not sure how to get there? Wanting to address relationship issues, family of origin issues, feelings of anxiety, depression and/or face your addictions? I have advanced training in Trauma, EMDR, Gestalt , Imago, Emotionally Focused Couples Training, and addictions. I include Mindfulness tools in much of my work. Would you benefit from a group of women to address underlying issues that impact your recovery from an addiction/alcoholism?
(317) 699-7474 View (317) 699-7474
Photo of Monica Erk, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Erk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Zionsville, IN 46077
I've been trained in EFT and Level One Gottman Training for seeing couples.
We all go through seasons in our lives where it would be beneficial to have someone come along side and help us get out of our own muck. I work with a variety of people but particularly like helping people get past traumatic events or to have better relationships with others.
I've been trained in EFT and Level One Gottman Training for seeing couples.
We all go through seasons in our lives where it would be beneficial to have someone come along side and help us get out of our own muck. I work with a variety of people but particularly like helping people get past traumatic events or to have better relationships with others.
(765) 212-3712 View (765) 212-3712
Photo of Suzanne Coyle, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Suzanne Coyle
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46208
I completed an Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Sue Johnson at Ackerman Institute in New York where I received my family systems training well as the Advanced Core Skills Training in EFT.
Enabling individuals, couples, and families to make meaning out of their life stories is my main goal. Focusing on the meaning of your relationships can enrich your life. I enjoy working with couples as well as famiies of all sort--families of procreation, adoption, and choice. In addition to counseling, I consult with family businesses, non-profits, and congregations. In my role as Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Christian Theological Seminary, I supervise students to move toward their licensure as therapists. I provide private supervision and coaching on a limited basis through my credential as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
I completed an Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Sue Johnson at Ackerman Institute in New York where I received my family systems training well as the Advanced Core Skills Training in EFT.
Enabling individuals, couples, and families to make meaning out of their life stories is my main goal. Focusing on the meaning of your relationships can enrich your life. I enjoy working with couples as well as famiies of all sort--families of procreation, adoption, and choice. In addition to counseling, I consult with family businesses, non-profits, and congregations. In my role as Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Christian Theological Seminary, I supervise students to move toward their licensure as therapists. I provide private supervision and coaching on a limited basis through my credential as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
(317) 622-0871 View (317) 622-0871
Photo of Carolyn Passen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carolyn Passen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carmel, IN 46032
Waitlist for new clients
If you’ve experienced trauma, or something that made you feel powerless, hopeless, or afraid, then I’d love to help you in your recovery process. I specialize in working with adults to help them heal from trauma, such as domestic violence, abuse, and neglect. I also support people in managing concerns like depression, anxiety, substance use, family/relationship conflict, grief, and anger management. I use evidence-based techniques including EMDR, EFT, CBT, and DBT. I have experience working within the LGBTQ+ community, and I am able to provide counseling in both English and Spanish.
If you’ve experienced trauma, or something that made you feel powerless, hopeless, or afraid, then I’d love to help you in your recovery process. I specialize in working with adults to help them heal from trauma, such as domestic violence, abuse, and neglect. I also support people in managing concerns like depression, anxiety, substance use, family/relationship conflict, grief, and anger management. I use evidence-based techniques including EMDR, EFT, CBT, and DBT. I have experience working within the LGBTQ+ community, and I am able to provide counseling in both English and Spanish.
(317) 676-2196 View (317) 676-2196
Sam Swan
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenfield, IN 46140
I hope to provide a supportive space for clients to share and process experiences and emotions. I work with couples and families of all capacities (I.e. recently divorced, blended families, polyamorous relationships, co-parenting, LGBTQ+), using Emotionally Focused, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also work with children from age 8 and up utilizing play therapy. I’m passionate and have experience supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community, people navigating grief, and caregivers seeking support. I’ve worked with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, ASD, trauma, divorce, and identity development.
I hope to provide a supportive space for clients to share and process experiences and emotions. I work with couples and families of all capacities (I.e. recently divorced, blended families, polyamorous relationships, co-parenting, LGBTQ+), using Emotionally Focused, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also work with children from age 8 and up utilizing play therapy. I’m passionate and have experience supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community, people navigating grief, and caregivers seeking support. I’ve worked with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, ASD, trauma, divorce, and identity development.
(463) 500-1114 View (463) 500-1114
Photo of Lindsey Southwick, LCSW, CSAYC, CPT, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsey Southwick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAYC, CPT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Mooresville, IN 46158  (Online Only)
Welcome, I am glad you are here! I am an experienced therapist that's willing to listen and validate you. My goal is to have everyone feel welcomed and heard. I am an adolescent and adult certified professional trauma, CSAYC, therapist working with trauma victims from war, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, individuals fleeing countries, of all ages and backgrounds, using somatic psychology, trauma-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, cognitive trauma therapy, and EMDR tools, family system approach, and client center therapy.
Welcome, I am glad you are here! I am an experienced therapist that's willing to listen and validate you. My goal is to have everyone feel welcomed and heard. I am an adolescent and adult certified professional trauma, CSAYC, therapist working with trauma victims from war, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, individuals fleeing countries, of all ages and backgrounds, using somatic psychology, trauma-focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, cognitive trauma therapy, and EMDR tools, family system approach, and client center therapy.
(463) 444-7681 View (463) 444-7681
Photo of Sara Thomson, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sara Thomson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fishers, IN 46038  (Online Only)
I use DBT, EFT, & structural modalities to address client concerns.
Welcome! I'm a therapist who works with clients from all walks of life, often working with individuals or couples from diverse backgrounds, including multicultural relationships/ families. I use evidence based practices to help clients navigate relational conflict, identity, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. Sessions with me are a place you can feel safe to ask the hard questions without judgement. I believe that when we feel safe and connected, we can face life's challenges with confidence. My goal is for you to leave each session with deeper insight and practical tools to improve your daily life.
I use DBT, EFT, & structural modalities to address client concerns.
Welcome! I'm a therapist who works with clients from all walks of life, often working with individuals or couples from diverse backgrounds, including multicultural relationships/ families. I use evidence based practices to help clients navigate relational conflict, identity, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and complex family dynamics. Sessions with me are a place you can feel safe to ask the hard questions without judgement. I believe that when we feel safe and connected, we can face life's challenges with confidence. My goal is for you to leave each session with deeper insight and practical tools to improve your daily life.
(317) 662-0544 View (317) 662-0544

See more therapy options for Wabash

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.