Emotionally Focused Therapists in Washington County, OR
![Photo of Eileen Brandt, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7afd659-c8a4-4e34-a880-d28411d709d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I incorporate Emotionally Focused Therapy, Restoration Therapy, experiential therapies and mindfulness into our work together.
I believe relationships shape our lives and our stories. They can be our greatest struggles, but also our greatest sources of meaning and joy. I work with children, couples and families, to manage challenges, process trauma, develop coping skills, and, so importantly, find connection points.
I incorporate Emotionally Focused Therapy, Restoration Therapy, experiential therapies and mindfulness into our work together.
I believe relationships shape our lives and our stories. They can be our greatest struggles, but also our greatest sources of meaning and joy. I work with children, couples and families, to manage challenges, process trauma, develop coping skills, and, so importantly, find connection points.
![Photo of Esther Cho, MDiv, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6067556f-3b3b-45a4-8e8f-29c0b9ecfd44/2/320x400.jpeg)
Esther Cho
Pre-Licensed Professional, MDiv, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tigard, OR 97223
Waitlist for new clients
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and other approaches that will best fit the client’s needs.
Understanding your own journey is one of the bravest things you will ever do for yourself. Sometimes our story doesn’t follow the plan we had dreamed of, or it takes some turns for the worst, leaving us feeling lost, hopeless, and/or lonely. When difficult transitions occur, it makes understanding our story even more difficult. When you enter this season of trying to make sense of the twists and turns, having a skilled companion by your side to listen, see you, affirm you, and explore difficult parts of your story can be healing. I am here to help you discover that inner strength, and provide clarity, and support.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and other approaches that will best fit the client’s needs.
Understanding your own journey is one of the bravest things you will ever do for yourself. Sometimes our story doesn’t follow the plan we had dreamed of, or it takes some turns for the worst, leaving us feeling lost, hopeless, and/or lonely. When difficult transitions occur, it makes understanding our story even more difficult. When you enter this season of trying to make sense of the twists and turns, having a skilled companion by your side to listen, see you, affirm you, and explore difficult parts of your story can be healing. I am here to help you discover that inner strength, and provide clarity, and support.
![Photo of Took Smoot, LMFT, #T2163, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9ffdeff-c28d-4bfe-aa35-e46d284e1f47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Took Smoot
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #T2163
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tualatin, OR 97062
Utilizing a holistic, trauma-informed integrative approach which includes, EFT, Lifespan Integration, and EMDR.
My personal approach to counseling is based on my belief of the inherent worth of every human being. I approach everyone I meet with a nonjudgemental mindset and unconditional positive regard. I believe deeply in the need for human beings to connect with one another. I believe that people are resilient, and the human spirit prevails over and over again. I have experience in working with complex trauma, grief, abuse, behavioral issues, family dynamics, and couples’ therapy.
Utilizing a holistic, trauma-informed integrative approach which includes, EFT, Lifespan Integration, and EMDR.
My personal approach to counseling is based on my belief of the inherent worth of every human being. I approach everyone I meet with a nonjudgemental mindset and unconditional positive regard. I believe deeply in the need for human beings to connect with one another. I believe that people are resilient, and the human spirit prevails over and over again. I have experience in working with complex trauma, grief, abuse, behavioral issues, family dynamics, and couples’ therapy.
![Photo of Julie Baxter, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0bb6a13-b507-4089-b405-31a55c2e6fff/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use many modalities in a blended way, such as Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Nature Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, and psycho-education.
Are you looking for help with your relationships, have past trauma, anxiety, depression, or experiencing life transitions or grief? All of these impact how we feel about ourselves and our world, and can leave us feeling emotionally tired. I work with clients to untangle it all, find strengths, unlock stuck relationships, better understand and address anxieties, and practice new ways of thinking and being. Come learn more effective ways to communicate, while using better boundaries. Together, we create change based on new, healthy thoughts and beliefs, build self-esteem, and develop more fulfilling relationships.
I use many modalities in a blended way, such as Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Nature Based Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, and psycho-education.
Are you looking for help with your relationships, have past trauma, anxiety, depression, or experiencing life transitions or grief? All of these impact how we feel about ourselves and our world, and can leave us feeling emotionally tired. I work with clients to untangle it all, find strengths, unlock stuck relationships, better understand and address anxieties, and practice new ways of thinking and being. Come learn more effective ways to communicate, while using better boundaries. Together, we create change based on new, healthy thoughts and beliefs, build self-esteem, and develop more fulfilling relationships.
![Photo of Tsz Yin Szeto-McNatt, MA, MEd, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/720569ae-0fa8-43d0-9672-346e1e57066a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tsz Yin Szeto-McNatt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97223
Waitlist for new clients
The primary modalities I utilize are EFT and EMDR.
I come alongside adolescents, individuals, couples and families to uncover the hidden strengths that are not utilized. I enjoy working with the marginalized experience of People of Color, immigrants, refugees and those navigating a bi-cultural experience. I work with individuals and couples on issues related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, codependency, trauma, life transitions, infertility, self-worth/identity and communication skills. I also welcome conversations about spirituality and the integration of faith to facilitate growth.
The primary modalities I utilize are EFT and EMDR.
I come alongside adolescents, individuals, couples and families to uncover the hidden strengths that are not utilized. I enjoy working with the marginalized experience of People of Color, immigrants, refugees and those navigating a bi-cultural experience. I work with individuals and couples on issues related to anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationships, codependency, trauma, life transitions, infertility, self-worth/identity and communication skills. I also welcome conversations about spirituality and the integration of faith to facilitate growth.
![Photo of Alexandra 'lexi' Walker, MA, CRC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aab6aae3-def8-4769-86c0-76b5e8d1efef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra 'lexi' Walker
Professional Counselor Associate , MA, CRC
Verified Verified
Tigard, OR 97224 (Online Only)
Family systems and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy helps us build empathy not just for others but for our own needs.
Currently accepting clients aged 14+ and families. Often times, teens have a hard time expressing themselves and processing their stress, leading to eating disorders, substance use, and other behavioral issues. Whether your teen needs new coping skills, or your family is looking for wrap around support, I believe families are the key to healing. Individual and family therapy can provide space to improve communication, repair wounds, and build the skills needed to support teens through crisis.
Family systems and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy helps us build empathy not just for others but for our own needs.
Currently accepting clients aged 14+ and families. Often times, teens have a hard time expressing themselves and processing their stress, leading to eating disorders, substance use, and other behavioral issues. Whether your teen needs new coping skills, or your family is looking for wrap around support, I believe families are the key to healing. Individual and family therapy can provide space to improve communication, repair wounds, and build the skills needed to support teens through crisis.
![Photo of Will Hale, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e82f6231-75c3-4430-9f44-c6283e706cff/2/320x400.jpeg)
I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, rooted in extensive research on human connection and used in counseling for over 30 years.
You may feel unbalanced in your relationship, wondering "Do we want the same things?" "Are we still a team?" You may deal with it by reaching out repeatedly hoping your partner's response eases your concern. You care so much! Or you hope your partner gives you space to process because you don't always know what to do in the moment, but you do want things to get better! When these strategies don’t work, the relationship can start to feel stuck in a pattern neither of you want. In our counseling sessions, my goal is to help you find new patterns of deeper intimacy and stronger communication so you can enjoy the life you live together.
I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, rooted in extensive research on human connection and used in counseling for over 30 years.
You may feel unbalanced in your relationship, wondering "Do we want the same things?" "Are we still a team?" You may deal with it by reaching out repeatedly hoping your partner's response eases your concern. You care so much! Or you hope your partner gives you space to process because you don't always know what to do in the moment, but you do want things to get better! When these strategies don’t work, the relationship can start to feel stuck in a pattern neither of you want. In our counseling sessions, my goal is to help you find new patterns of deeper intimacy and stronger communication so you can enjoy the life you live together.
![Photo of Melody Jackman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80dfe98c-4c6f-4ac1-8ee3-ad0fe255946e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have also received training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method Couple's Therapy.
Being human isn't always easy, no matter how much we would like it to be. Sometimes we experience events and relationship challenges that shake us to the core, leave our emotions raw, and challenge everything that we think we believe about the world. One of my passions is helping individuals and couples to find coping strategies, process through the difficulties they are facing, and help them move towards healing and growth. I offer a compassionate space that honors all of the emotions and experiences my clients bring to the room, and allow them to process at their own pace, while encouraging them to face difficult things.
I have also received training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method Couple's Therapy.
Being human isn't always easy, no matter how much we would like it to be. Sometimes we experience events and relationship challenges that shake us to the core, leave our emotions raw, and challenge everything that we think we believe about the world. One of my passions is helping individuals and couples to find coping strategies, process through the difficulties they are facing, and help them move towards healing and growth. I offer a compassionate space that honors all of the emotions and experiences my clients bring to the room, and allow them to process at their own pace, while encouraging them to face difficult things.
![Photo of Sharon Hale, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f69762e4-1012-48e9-adcd-4ff1ac73c446/2/320x400.jpeg)
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, a proven method for repairing and building relationships, I help couples learn how to use conflict and communication to build their relationship and connect on a much deeper level.
It happened again, last night. You and your partner got into a big fight over something so small, you can’t even remember how it started. How did it get so big, so fast? You don’t know how to make it clear that you’re listening, you get it. You know you sound harsh, and that you’re defensive. But what else can you do? The past comes up, your character goes on trial, and whatever you say just makes things worse. And saying nothing feels like taking all the blame. You can’t let things go because you’ve done so much of that already. You’re in such a sensitive place that you’re losing hope, and that’s the scariest part.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, a proven method for repairing and building relationships, I help couples learn how to use conflict and communication to build their relationship and connect on a much deeper level.
It happened again, last night. You and your partner got into a big fight over something so small, you can’t even remember how it started. How did it get so big, so fast? You don’t know how to make it clear that you’re listening, you get it. You know you sound harsh, and that you’re defensive. But what else can you do? The past comes up, your character goes on trial, and whatever you say just makes things worse. And saying nothing feels like taking all the blame. You can’t let things go because you’ve done so much of that already. You’re in such a sensitive place that you’re losing hope, and that’s the scariest part.
![Photo of Grace Morton, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/208c948f-f782-4250-af56-d007623947f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Grace Morton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tigard, OR 97223 (Online Only)
I believe everyone has the ability to succeed and positively cope with stressors in life, but many of us simply need help accessing the necessary tools. I entered the counseling profession with the desire to serve others suffering from damaged relationships and declining self-esteem—and to help them ultimately achieve wellness, freedom and healing. You don’t have to go through this alone. I take a compassionate, genuine and client-centered approach to my work as we pursue changes using a Family Systems/holistic approach to therapy. My couples work is rooted in the research of the Gottman Institute in conjunction with EFT.
I believe everyone has the ability to succeed and positively cope with stressors in life, but many of us simply need help accessing the necessary tools. I entered the counseling profession with the desire to serve others suffering from damaged relationships and declining self-esteem—and to help them ultimately achieve wellness, freedom and healing. You don’t have to go through this alone. I take a compassionate, genuine and client-centered approach to my work as we pursue changes using a Family Systems/holistic approach to therapy. My couples work is rooted in the research of the Gottman Institute in conjunction with EFT.
![Photo of Jean Sherry Mullen, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/110ef312-aa5d-4ae2-8145-0c7fd1b12395/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work from an Attachment Theory lens, am Trauma Informed, use Strengths Based, Existential, Emotionally Focused, Solution Oriented, and Narrative Therapies.
If you are struggling with anxiety, motivation, depression. lack of connection, relationships or your past, I want to help you. I am curious about what is keeping you from really inhabiting your life. Together, we can overcome obstacles that may be inhibiting you from being the person you would really like to be-both for yourself and for others. Through our connection we can begin to discover your path to greater connection and wholeness.
I work from an Attachment Theory lens, am Trauma Informed, use Strengths Based, Existential, Emotionally Focused, Solution Oriented, and Narrative Therapies.
If you are struggling with anxiety, motivation, depression. lack of connection, relationships or your past, I want to help you. I am curious about what is keeping you from really inhabiting your life. Together, we can overcome obstacles that may be inhibiting you from being the person you would really like to be-both for yourself and for others. Through our connection we can begin to discover your path to greater connection and wholeness.
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![Photo of Jessica Padnick, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43a39b65-f57b-4223-8c75-b96bbf886ec0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Padnick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97008 (Online Only)
My approach utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).
My name is Jessica Padnick and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adult individuals and couples to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. I want to collaborate with you to increase mindful awareness of what is or is not working in your life, explore core values, and work together toward your goals. Together we can practice strategies to address current issues while also exploring and addressing root causes underlying symptoms.
My approach utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).
My name is Jessica Padnick and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adult individuals and couples to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship concerns. I want to collaborate with you to increase mindful awareness of what is or is not working in your life, explore core values, and work together toward your goals. Together we can practice strategies to address current issues while also exploring and addressing root causes underlying symptoms.
![Photo of Katy Halverson Taking New Clients, MFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/625820df-46c0-4cc3-b816-6d9a4e673b15/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katy Halverson Taking New Clients
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTA
Verified Verified
Beaverton, OR 97005
I utilize IFS, Attachment based (EFT), Gottman, Experimental and Existential.
I support people who are ready for a change, who desire to feel more excited by life, connected in their relationships, and confident. Maybe you already know what you need to do to improve your life, but struggle to find the motivation to do things differently, or maybe you are not sure where to start. If you are looking to resolve past wounds, find a new way forward, or reinvigorate your life, we can create a space together that catalyzes change. I enjoy working with those feeling skeptical, new to therapy, working through their identities, or just needing direction. Let's start!
I utilize IFS, Attachment based (EFT), Gottman, Experimental and Existential.
I support people who are ready for a change, who desire to feel more excited by life, connected in their relationships, and confident. Maybe you already know what you need to do to improve your life, but struggle to find the motivation to do things differently, or maybe you are not sure where to start. If you are looking to resolve past wounds, find a new way forward, or reinvigorate your life, we can create a space together that catalyzes change. I enjoy working with those feeling skeptical, new to therapy, working through their identities, or just needing direction. Let's start!
![Photo of Craig Stein, PhD, MDiv](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47da5fb3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
EFT is the gold standard for couples therapy.
My focus is on helping couples overcome destructive cycles and to re-establish safety, care, and trust. Many couples get stuck in a pattern of conflict and avoidance, of blame and defensiveness. Each of you is looking for safety and comfort, but in opposite ways, and the way you're seeking it is the very thing that triggers your partner. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the most well-researched and effective treatment for couples in distress. The vast majority of couples recover from their distress, heal from their wounds, and reconnect with the love that brought you together in the first place.
EFT is the gold standard for couples therapy.
My focus is on helping couples overcome destructive cycles and to re-establish safety, care, and trust. Many couples get stuck in a pattern of conflict and avoidance, of blame and defensiveness. Each of you is looking for safety and comfort, but in opposite ways, and the way you're seeking it is the very thing that triggers your partner. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the most well-researched and effective treatment for couples in distress. The vast majority of couples recover from their distress, heal from their wounds, and reconnect with the love that brought you together in the first place.
![Photo of Patricia Schuetz, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4e3b779-0977-46d7-9648-0bb30e67549b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Schuetz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tigard, OR 97223 (Online Only)
Need therapy as an individual or a couple? Looking for EMDR? Or help with depression? Anxiety? I help people suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, relationship issues, abuse recovery, finding your identity again, and learning new coping skills. I help people work on changing their eating patterns, their emotions around food, body image, and commitment to recovery. I help couples using Gottman and EFT to de-escalate conflict, and begin to communicate in a healthy way together. I can also help you use meditation, sound, movement, art, or spirituality in addition to talk therapy as complimentary therapy.
Need therapy as an individual or a couple? Looking for EMDR? Or help with depression? Anxiety? I help people suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, relationship issues, abuse recovery, finding your identity again, and learning new coping skills. I help people work on changing their eating patterns, their emotions around food, body image, and commitment to recovery. I help couples using Gottman and EFT to de-escalate conflict, and begin to communicate in a healthy way together. I can also help you use meditation, sound, movement, art, or spirituality in addition to talk therapy as complimentary therapy.
![Photo of Krista L. Schimmelbusch, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85bb32a4-8a00-4861-9d4f-f1e8359b1fc2/1/320x400.jpeg)
EFT has proven the most effective success rate: 90% of couples who engage in EFT significantly improve their relationship and 70-75% of such couples no longer meet criteria for relationship distress after treatment.
Emotional connection is crucial for thriving and satisfying relationships. Shame and trauma can keep us stuck in negative cycles of thought and behavior. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups within the context of their current and prior relationships. I primarily employ Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Restoration Therapy (RT) techniques.
EFT has proven the most effective success rate: 90% of couples who engage in EFT significantly improve their relationship and 70-75% of such couples no longer meet criteria for relationship distress after treatment.
Emotional connection is crucial for thriving and satisfying relationships. Shame and trauma can keep us stuck in negative cycles of thought and behavior. I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups within the context of their current and prior relationships. I primarily employ Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Restoration Therapy (RT) techniques.
![Photo of George Poliszuk, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f85d958-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
George Poliszuk
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
My clinical experience and specialization includes Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals and couples, Gottman Therapy, Trauma informed therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Family Systems Theory, and Attachment Theory.
When therapy is conducted in a warm and non-judgmental environment, and an individual, couple, or a family feels safe and understood, it can be incredibly powerful in providing healing and growth from life's difficult past experiences as well as current challenges. As a strengths-based and client-centered LMFT, I work to create a safe place where a client's existing internal strengths are explored and they are able to create goals that build towards healing, growth, awareness, and positive change.
My clinical experience and specialization includes Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals and couples, Gottman Therapy, Trauma informed therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Family Systems Theory, and Attachment Theory.
When therapy is conducted in a warm and non-judgmental environment, and an individual, couple, or a family feels safe and understood, it can be incredibly powerful in providing healing and growth from life's difficult past experiences as well as current challenges. As a strengths-based and client-centered LMFT, I work to create a safe place where a client's existing internal strengths are explored and they are able to create goals that build towards healing, growth, awareness, and positive change.
![Photo of Natalie Kalisa, QMHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8218d442-8354-4b9a-9fd6-4a2a43dc75c6/6/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that allows my clients to explore, comprehend, and inspire change within themselves and their relationships. I work from a trauma-informed, attachment-based framework that focuses on my client’s relationships across the entire lifespan. Clients work toward fostering stronger connections, developing more flexibility, and gaining more understanding of their emotional needs. Treatment plans incorporate a range of evidence-based modalities drawn from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that allows my clients to explore, comprehend, and inspire change within themselves and their relationships. I work from a trauma-informed, attachment-based framework that focuses on my client’s relationships across the entire lifespan. Clients work toward fostering stronger connections, developing more flexibility, and gaining more understanding of their emotional needs. Treatment plans incorporate a range of evidence-based modalities drawn from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
![Photo of Aaron K Potratz, LPC, MA, NCC, CCTP, CADC-I, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b49b5318-8b6a-4c64-b298-b5d21c25b298/2/320x400.jpeg)
Aaron K Potratz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC, CCTP, CADC-I
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Tigard, OR 97223
I believe that people are generally capable of overcoming obstacles in their lives, but sometimes they need help with finding the right tools. I provide hope, encouragement, insight, and guidance so that my clients can find their path to happiness.
My goal for clients is to help them become more effective, insightful, self-confident, and successful at overcoming future hurdles in their own lives and in their relationships.
I believe that people are generally capable of overcoming obstacles in their lives, but sometimes they need help with finding the right tools. I provide hope, encouragement, insight, and guidance so that my clients can find their path to happiness.
My goal for clients is to help them become more effective, insightful, self-confident, and successful at overcoming future hurdles in their own lives and in their relationships.
![Photo of Cat Bice Lcsw, LCSW, CADC-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81d2cdc5-142d-47c5-9b10-0e1cca265b1a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer goal directed treatment through EFT, EMDR, and CBT.
Typically my clients reach out to me because of feelings of sadness, worry, and disconnection in important relationships. My clients are often people who describe themselves as being “do-ers”, goal oriented people who have difficulty slowing down to understand their internal world and why they do what they do. Many of my clients are medical professionals, first responders, and veterans who have worked hard to train themselves to manage their emotional reactions because of the need to focus and perform in their work setting.
I offer goal directed treatment through EFT, EMDR, and CBT.
Typically my clients reach out to me because of feelings of sadness, worry, and disconnection in important relationships. My clients are often people who describe themselves as being “do-ers”, goal oriented people who have difficulty slowing down to understand their internal world and why they do what they do. Many of my clients are medical professionals, first responders, and veterans who have worked hard to train themselves to manage their emotional reactions because of the need to focus and perform in their work setting.
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Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.