Emotionally Focused Therapists in Statesville, NC
![Photo of Megan LeAnn Byerly, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84236860-e795-442b-a053-21684de7bda3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan LeAnn Byerly
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677
I think it is safe to assume that if you have found yourself here on my page, you are looking for the right counselor to pursue mental health counseling services with whether it be for yourself, family member, friend, or another loved one. Well, hopefully I will be that perfect fit counselor you are looking for! My name is Megan Byerly, LCMHC, and I am an undergraduate from Western Carolina, double majoring in Psychology and Recreational Therapy. I then obtained my graduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been working in the field for over 5 years, in various settings.
I think it is safe to assume that if you have found yourself here on my page, you are looking for the right counselor to pursue mental health counseling services with whether it be for yourself, family member, friend, or another loved one. Well, hopefully I will be that perfect fit counselor you are looking for! My name is Megan Byerly, LCMHC, and I am an undergraduate from Western Carolina, double majoring in Psychology and Recreational Therapy. I then obtained my graduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have been working in the field for over 5 years, in various settings.
![Photo of Tracy Lee Gilreath, LCMHCS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/401bba4b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Lee Gilreath
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Statesville, NC 28677
We all have times of suffering in our lives; it is difficult to walk through those times alone. Having gone through my own healing in counseling, and being a "wounded healer" aids me in being able to help others deal with their own suffering. I worked as a youth pastor for 16 years and in the mental health industry for the past 15 years with adolescents, children, and their families. I seek to help families that are having conflict in their home as well as those having school issues.
We all have times of suffering in our lives; it is difficult to walk through those times alone. Having gone through my own healing in counseling, and being a "wounded healer" aids me in being able to help others deal with their own suffering. I worked as a youth pastor for 16 years and in the mental health industry for the past 15 years with adolescents, children, and their families. I seek to help families that are having conflict in their home as well as those having school issues.
![Photo of Karen Jean Bryant, Karen Bryant, MA, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/925b1814-92ba-4649-b0a4-c9c1ea68fa53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Jean Bryant
Counselor, Karen Bryant, MA, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677
As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I understand the unique challenges that women face when navigating through changes in their lives. I’m here to offer you support and guidance during life's transitions. Transition periods can be overwhelming, whether you're welcoming a new chapter into your life or adjusting to unexpected challenges. As someone who has worked with individuals and couples, , I've witnessed firsthand the impact of these transitions on mental well-being. From anxiety and depression to relationship struggles and self-doubt, I've helped clients navigate through a wide range
As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I understand the unique challenges that women face when navigating through changes in their lives. I’m here to offer you support and guidance during life's transitions. Transition periods can be overwhelming, whether you're welcoming a new chapter into your life or adjusting to unexpected challenges. As someone who has worked with individuals and couples, , I've witnessed firsthand the impact of these transitions on mental well-being. From anxiety and depression to relationship struggles and self-doubt, I've helped clients navigate through a wide range
![Photo of Laura Bethany Bruce, MA, LCMHCA, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13ed570f-59c2-471b-b18d-42e61b50ae6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Bethany Bruce
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677 (Online Only)
Are you finding yourself in the “vicious cycle” of anxiety or depression? Do you feel like some days you are functioning on auto pilot? This can be incredibly draining. I have found that sometimes our experiences, whether good or bad, can shape the way our thought patterns affect our moods and decisions and too often these thought patterns tangle themselves in an ever-weaving web. I primarily practice from a cognitive processing perspective, which is intended to help you untangle that web and begin to remove yourself from the vicious cycle of maladaptive, anxiety and depression-invoking thoughts.
Are you finding yourself in the “vicious cycle” of anxiety or depression? Do you feel like some days you are functioning on auto pilot? This can be incredibly draining. I have found that sometimes our experiences, whether good or bad, can shape the way our thought patterns affect our moods and decisions and too often these thought patterns tangle themselves in an ever-weaving web. I primarily practice from a cognitive processing perspective, which is intended to help you untangle that web and begin to remove yourself from the vicious cycle of maladaptive, anxiety and depression-invoking thoughts.
![Photo of Keith Cheney, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d983c22-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Keith Cheney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677
Don't over-think therapy. It's just not that complicated. When things get difficult, it's often hard to ask for help. We all face challenges, and we often overcome them on our own. Sometimes it takes much longer than we'd like, and that's when therapy comes into play. Why spend months or years taking on a situation or challenge by yourself, when you could work through it in far less time? Insanity is doing the same things, over and over, and expecting different results. Try something new, and break those old patterns.
Don't over-think therapy. It's just not that complicated. When things get difficult, it's often hard to ask for help. We all face challenges, and we often overcome them on our own. Sometimes it takes much longer than we'd like, and that's when therapy comes into play. Why spend months or years taking on a situation or challenge by yourself, when you could work through it in far less time? Insanity is doing the same things, over and over, and expecting different results. Try something new, and break those old patterns.
![Photo of Linda Kim, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9de08291-d4f0-4a34-aa87-46593a5b1ace/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Your struggles are valid. Do you feel like you don't want to be a "burden" to others by sharing your feelings or talking about things that happened so long ago? Are you someone who lays up at night replaying events from that day because you think you offended somebody, or feel the need to review things many times to avoid making a mistake? If you are exhausted from people-pleasing, find yourself triggered into emotional outbursts or shame, anxiety, panic attacks or self-doubt in your abilities, I want to walk with you through the weird, embarrassing, and painful parts of your life so that you can find comfort, acceptance, and hope.
Your struggles are valid. Do you feel like you don't want to be a "burden" to others by sharing your feelings or talking about things that happened so long ago? Are you someone who lays up at night replaying events from that day because you think you offended somebody, or feel the need to review things many times to avoid making a mistake? If you are exhausted from people-pleasing, find yourself triggered into emotional outbursts or shame, anxiety, panic attacks or self-doubt in your abilities, I want to walk with you through the weird, embarrassing, and painful parts of your life so that you can find comfort, acceptance, and hope.
![Photo of Perri C. May, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6bb6828-cef9-4c16-bed7-b6c21712d685/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in the mental health field for over 15 years providing therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I believe that all people have a desire to improve their life. Through my counseling services, clients are provided tools to empower and understand themselves, as well as, improve their relationship with others. When clients are provided empathetic listening, and effective interpersonal skills to deal with anger, stress and communicate more effectively, success is a given and a healthier person arises. Allow me to take this powerful journey with you!
I have been in the mental health field for over 15 years providing therapy to children, adolescents and adults. I believe that all people have a desire to improve their life. Through my counseling services, clients are provided tools to empower and understand themselves, as well as, improve their relationship with others. When clients are provided empathetic listening, and effective interpersonal skills to deal with anger, stress and communicate more effectively, success is a given and a healthier person arises. Allow me to take this powerful journey with you!
![Photo of Angela Quigley, MA, LCMHC, LCAS-A, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cd90288-9d40-4dd9-9cac-7f7663af627c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be hard and overwhelming. Do you need help in processing what you have experienced and in developing the skills to help you move forward in your life? I believe connection plays an important role in the healing process. Connection to self and others can be created through the therapeutic relationship and experiencing someone who listens intently, without judgment, offering a reflection of your unexpressed wants and needs. I enjoy working with people who have an interest in their own personal growth, taking a journey, and trying something new.
Life can be hard and overwhelming. Do you need help in processing what you have experienced and in developing the skills to help you move forward in your life? I believe connection plays an important role in the healing process. Connection to self and others can be created through the therapeutic relationship and experiencing someone who listens intently, without judgment, offering a reflection of your unexpressed wants and needs. I enjoy working with people who have an interest in their own personal growth, taking a journey, and trying something new.
![Photo of Michael Gebelein, MA, LCMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb2d25e6-e5d5-4c8f-b3f7-942d4aae0325/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life can feel overwhelming and exhausting. You are seeking balance and calm in your life so that you can be the person that you have always wanted to be. You have tried other ways of coping, but you have now taken the courageous step of finding meaningful and intentional ways of achieving those goals. I believe in you, and I’m here to help you.
Life can feel overwhelming and exhausting. You are seeking balance and calm in your life so that you can be the person that you have always wanted to be. You have tried other ways of coping, but you have now taken the courageous step of finding meaningful and intentional ways of achieving those goals. I believe in you, and I’m here to help you.
![Photo of Kari Overcash, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e5fb738-45ae-47b3-82b6-987add41a77a/1/320x400.png)
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you’re feeling upset about problems in your relationship, having communication issues with your partner, feeling anxious, sad, or just feeling lonely, I am here to help you reclaim the happiness you deserve and make lasting positive changes in your life. I have a passion for working with individuals who are having difficulty adjusting to life's changes.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you’re feeling upset about problems in your relationship, having communication issues with your partner, feeling anxious, sad, or just feeling lonely, I am here to help you reclaim the happiness you deserve and make lasting positive changes in your life. I have a passion for working with individuals who are having difficulty adjusting to life's changes.
![Photo of Markeeta Bryant, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e739c610-cd5d-4155-859e-c8bfee420a90/2/320x400.png)
Markeeta Bryant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677 (Online Only)
Is self doubt holding you back from achieving the things you desire? If so, you are not alone. This is a common reason people seek therapy. I strive to support individuals in enhancing their self esteem to improve their quality of life. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety, unresolved issues from the past and other life stressors such as career challenges, peer and family related concerns and life transitions. I believe that you have the answers within. My goal is to help guide you in discovering what may be keeping you “stuck.” We will work together to achieve self awareness, establish peace and confidence within.
Is self doubt holding you back from achieving the things you desire? If so, you are not alone. This is a common reason people seek therapy. I strive to support individuals in enhancing their self esteem to improve their quality of life. I also work with individuals experiencing anxiety, unresolved issues from the past and other life stressors such as career challenges, peer and family related concerns and life transitions. I believe that you have the answers within. My goal is to help guide you in discovering what may be keeping you “stuck.” We will work together to achieve self awareness, establish peace and confidence within.
15 Second Videos
Karen Jean Bryant
Linda Kim
Markeeta Bryant
Rhonda Flowers-Corpening Ph.d.
![Photo of Crystal D. Smith, MACC, LCMHC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a839fc7f-8aba-490a-9805-0002f456b52f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal D. Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MACC, LCMHC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Statesville, NC 28677
I provide Therapy for depression, marriage counseling, couples counseling, women's issues, trauma, abuse, PTSD, LGBTQ and Trans specific issues, etc. I work with a variety of people who are at different places in their lives. As a Therapist I offer a personalized approach that is tailored to each client's needs, focusing on the personal growth that each person desires. My therapeutic style is active and engaging, with the intention of fostering insight, awareness and facilitating desired change. My counseling agency also offers a variety of support groups and counselor supervision. Please take that first step, call to inquire.
I provide Therapy for depression, marriage counseling, couples counseling, women's issues, trauma, abuse, PTSD, LGBTQ and Trans specific issues, etc. I work with a variety of people who are at different places in their lives. As a Therapist I offer a personalized approach that is tailored to each client's needs, focusing on the personal growth that each person desires. My therapeutic style is active and engaging, with the intention of fostering insight, awareness and facilitating desired change. My counseling agency also offers a variety of support groups and counselor supervision. Please take that first step, call to inquire.
![Photo of Rhonda Flowers-Corpening Ph.d., PhD, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/008565dc-bd94-4cd2-acda-4c9b8a3fe1f2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Rhonda Flowers-Corpening Ph.d.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Statesville, NC 28677 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I believe in the three (3) C’s of life: CHOICE, CHANCE, AND CHANGE! I believe that you must make the CHOICE to take the CHANCE that will cause your life to CHANGE! If needed, let me help you embrace the positive and creative possibilities of life. I am passionate, yet direct in my therapeutic approach to empowering people to believe that a journey of a thousand miles begins with taking the first step.
I believe in the three (3) C’s of life: CHOICE, CHANCE, AND CHANGE! I believe that you must make the CHOICE to take the CHANCE that will cause your life to CHANGE! If needed, let me help you embrace the positive and creative possibilities of life. I am passionate, yet direct in my therapeutic approach to empowering people to believe that a journey of a thousand miles begins with taking the first step.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Madison Haskell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fa93228-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madison Haskell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Troutman, NC 28166 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Is it time to see yourself in a different light? Do you want to finally grasp the relief you’ve long been searching for or understand yourself better to be the person you have long wanted to be? If so, I invite you to take a chance and jump into a place where you can not only heal, but learn to thrive. I thoroughly enjoy working with adolescents and beyond, as well as couples and families who may need a helping hand in finding the balance they crave. Together, let’s tackle the depths of depression, anxiety and social anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, difficulties in understanding and expressing emotions, and more.
Is it time to see yourself in a different light? Do you want to finally grasp the relief you’ve long been searching for or understand yourself better to be the person you have long wanted to be? If so, I invite you to take a chance and jump into a place where you can not only heal, but learn to thrive. I thoroughly enjoy working with adolescents and beyond, as well as couples and families who may need a helping hand in finding the balance they crave. Together, let’s tackle the depths of depression, anxiety and social anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, difficulties in understanding and expressing emotions, and more.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Christopher M Mayer, MA, LMFT, CBA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42663026-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher M Mayer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CBA
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28805
I offer low-fee counseling for people looking to heal their pain and transforms their lives. People who come to me find a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where they are free to work through difficulties with someone capable of really listening, holding space, and who sees them and the struggles they are living with. It is my passion to help guide people through the courageous process of healing the past and moving forward into greater health and well-being. I offer sessions both in-person and through telemedicine.
I offer low-fee counseling for people looking to heal their pain and transforms their lives. People who come to me find a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment where they are free to work through difficulties with someone capable of really listening, holding space, and who sees them and the struggles they are living with. It is my passion to help guide people through the courageous process of healing the past and moving forward into greater health and well-being. I offer sessions both in-person and through telemedicine.
![Photo of Jessie Deussing, MACC, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ec9758a-e842-4d9e-a1d2-335386763652/2/320x400.jpeg)
For more information about EFT, please visit www.
Jessie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#12789) who completed her graduate education at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, earning an M.A. in Christian Counseling. She is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist ( EFT). She specializes in counseling couples and individuals (18+) surrounding marital distress, attachment injuries, past harm (abuse, neglect, trauma, self-harm), pre-marital counseling, anxiety, and depression.
For more information about EFT, please visit www.
Jessie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#12789) who completed her graduate education at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, earning an M.A. in Christian Counseling. She is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist ( EFT). She specializes in counseling couples and individuals (18+) surrounding marital distress, attachment injuries, past harm (abuse, neglect, trauma, self-harm), pre-marital counseling, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Michael Gisser, PhD, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/588da86b-040c-40e0-b47f-dabb3d795440/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Gisser
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pittsboro, NC 27312
I am certified in CPT for PTSD, Traumatic Event Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman levels 1 , 2 and 3, Solution Focused therapy and family systems.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro. To schedule an appointment vist our website - migcounseling.com
I am certified in CPT for PTSD, Traumatic Event Management, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman levels 1 , 2 and 3, Solution Focused therapy and family systems.
I am a former US Army chaplain and ordained rabbi trained in Marriage and Family Therapy with additional training in trauma recovery, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). My experience embodies an experiential integrative approach and I can individualize therapy to meet client goals. I work with individuals, couples, military personnel, veterans, and their families, and the LGBTQIA community. I am knowledgeable of world religions and diverse cultural backgrounds. I am currently accepting new clients in Pittsboro. To schedule an appointment vist our website - migcounseling.com
![Photo of Brandon Williams, LCMHCA , MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65c6020e-00cd-4e2f-82b8-8aaeb3e95a30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandon Williams
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA , MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Davidson, NC 28036
I incorporate humanistic principles, mindfulness-based practices, emotionally focused therapy, and Somatic Experiencing techniques all within a trauma-informed framework to support your growth and capacity to change how you respond to stress.
We are living in trying times and for many it can feel like it's hard to find the good in our communities, our world, and in ourselves. If you are looking to find inner resilience to navigate personal and/or societal challenges, I can help support you as you discover resources and a wisdom you never know you had. My goal is to help you find an ability to meet chaos with creativity, worry with calm and contentment, pain with personal resolution, helplessness with sustainable action, and fragmentation with a balanced view of life that leads towards a more integrated past, present, and hopeful future.
I incorporate humanistic principles, mindfulness-based practices, emotionally focused therapy, and Somatic Experiencing techniques all within a trauma-informed framework to support your growth and capacity to change how you respond to stress.
We are living in trying times and for many it can feel like it's hard to find the good in our communities, our world, and in ourselves. If you are looking to find inner resilience to navigate personal and/or societal challenges, I can help support you as you discover resources and a wisdom you never know you had. My goal is to help you find an ability to meet chaos with creativity, worry with calm and contentment, pain with personal resolution, helplessness with sustainable action, and fragmentation with a balanced view of life that leads towards a more integrated past, present, and hopeful future.
![Photo of Ryan MacLeod, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f1efa6c-a77b-4628-8d8f-a78954cbe88e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and am pursuing certification.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer a comprehensive, scientifically-based approach to relationship counseling in a supportive and appropriately challenging setting. I help you unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and am pursuing certification.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer a comprehensive, scientifically-based approach to relationship counseling in a supportive and appropriately challenging setting. I help you unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
![Photo of Gordon W Meredith, MA, MSS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c66ac42a-c4f1-4df2-83b2-41b31504f9ee/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gordon W Meredith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MSS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739 (Online Only)
Strong influences: Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting & EMDR, Spiritual Psychology, Emotionally Focused Therapy & the Adlerian Healing of Early Memories.
People often enter therapy during times of emotional pain, uncertainty or at a time when they are seeking more meaning in their lives. Each person has within them a powerful impulse toward growth and healing. I trust that impulse and trust the therapeutic relationship to reveal your strengths, wisdom, and the next steps to your growth and healing. There is something of value in even the most difficult circumstances. When these circumstances are approached with an openness to learning, major transformations can take place. I find that the willingness to look inside yourself is a key factor in your healing.
Strong influences: Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting & EMDR, Spiritual Psychology, Emotionally Focused Therapy & the Adlerian Healing of Early Memories.
People often enter therapy during times of emotional pain, uncertainty or at a time when they are seeking more meaning in their lives. Each person has within them a powerful impulse toward growth and healing. I trust that impulse and trust the therapeutic relationship to reveal your strengths, wisdom, and the next steps to your growth and healing. There is something of value in even the most difficult circumstances. When these circumstances are approached with an openness to learning, major transformations can take place. I find that the willingness to look inside yourself is a key factor in your healing.
See more therapy options for Statesville
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Statesville
- Conover
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Denver
- Hickory
- Huntersville
- Kannapolis
- Mooresville
- Salisbury
- Sherrills Ford
- Troutman
- Yadkinville
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.