Therapists in Philadelphia County, PA
![Photo of Philip Grimes - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25f90120-b5ad-4d68-a532-775e752d69d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Victoria DiPinto - Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3b97bae-eb45-4eda-98f3-2176e147de02/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of John Bailey - Thriveworks Philadelphia Counseling and Life Coach, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1a7433d-5f43-4f61-8839-0b1b2d59d7dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thriveworks Philadelphia Counseling and Life Coach
Counselor
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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.
![Photo of Mark Bingel - Thriveworks Counseling Psychiatry Philadelphia, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44fde51d-819d-4883-9734-5c6f26e176e6/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Melanie Basden Taylor - Healing Marriage with MB , MS, HCM, MSc, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c84813f2-bab9-471d-af06-db9623103eb3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Marriage with MB
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, HCM, MSc, MFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19143
My treatment approach is one of inspiration, Reality theory, Emotionally focused therapy, and Cognitive and Positive therapy.
Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming when seeking therapy, but that is where I come in. I view the Psychotherapy process as a team effort where we work together to work through your trauma or relationship problems. I love building a rapport with my couples to work through the healing process together.
My treatment approach is one of inspiration, Reality theory, Emotionally focused therapy, and Cognitive and Positive therapy.
Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming when seeking therapy, but that is where I come in. I view the Psychotherapy process as a team effort where we work together to work through your trauma or relationship problems. I love building a rapport with my couples to work through the healing process together.
![Photo of Tonette Whitted, LPC, MSEd, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ccb0234-b08f-450f-96f6-e11df14116f7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tonette Whitted
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSEd, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19019 (Online Only)
I utilize an eclectic approach drawing from structural, solution-focused, emotionally focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.
To my future clients, wow I'm so glad you've crossed my page. I'm not sure what it took to get to this point, but I am sure glad you did. I could give you the long spill of why I think this process is helpful and enlightening, but I won't. What I will tell you is; you are capable, you are strong, you are resilient and going through the psychotherapy process I hope you discover that too! You deserve to be seen, to feel valued and to be heard. Life has a way of knocking the wind out of you and causing you to question your existence. Resilience is one thing we all share; the capability of getting back up and breathe again. Breathe.
I utilize an eclectic approach drawing from structural, solution-focused, emotionally focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.
To my future clients, wow I'm so glad you've crossed my page. I'm not sure what it took to get to this point, but I am sure glad you did. I could give you the long spill of why I think this process is helpful and enlightening, but I won't. What I will tell you is; you are capable, you are strong, you are resilient and going through the psychotherapy process I hope you discover that too! You deserve to be seen, to feel valued and to be heard. Life has a way of knocking the wind out of you and causing you to question your existence. Resilience is one thing we all share; the capability of getting back up and breathe again. Breathe.
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.
![Photo of Annie Wald, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de16fab0-bdcb-4c3f-b3f3-76530efe35a2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Are you feeling distant from each other in your marriage? Have painful hurts piled up and pushed you apart? As you juggle careers and kids does your life together feel more and more miserable? Maybe you have tried to change how you relate, but you feel stuck. In the safe space of therapy, I will listen to you both as we identify the ruts you get trapped in and the strengths that help keep you together.
I primarily draw on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Are you feeling distant from each other in your marriage? Have painful hurts piled up and pushed you apart? As you juggle careers and kids does your life together feel more and more miserable? Maybe you have tried to change how you relate, but you feel stuck. In the safe space of therapy, I will listen to you both as we identify the ruts you get trapped in and the strengths that help keep you together.
![Photo of Tracy Varghese, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b06665e-50e4-4b04-a35b-5fa9837b7d61/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Varghese
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19115
I hold a Licensed Professional Counselor and have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
I see my role as an honor and privilege to be able to walk alongside each one of my clients in order to find hope, and healing. Healing requires a safe place to explore deeper emotions and thoughts that may arise. I recognize the importance of providing that secure and safe space to help clients feel comfortable enough to share their stories, struggles and pain. Being a second generation American, I want to bring cultural humility to my approach and seek to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to client’s specific needs.
I hold a Licensed Professional Counselor and have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals.
I see my role as an honor and privilege to be able to walk alongside each one of my clients in order to find hope, and healing. Healing requires a safe place to explore deeper emotions and thoughts that may arise. I recognize the importance of providing that secure and safe space to help clients feel comfortable enough to share their stories, struggles and pain. Being a second generation American, I want to bring cultural humility to my approach and seek to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to client’s specific needs.
![Photo of Sameh Shaker, STM, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dae56d1b-ff99-49ef-bc95-4660f426ce31/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a PhD intern in Marriage and Family Therapy. I focus on attachment studies, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which I utilize in my work with individuals and couples. In my master’s degree, I focused on trauma and grief. I have over 12 years of experience working with clients who have experienced chronic and terminal illnesses, grief, and loss in the palliative and hospice care field. I also work with couples who experience emotional and sexual distress in their relationships.
I am a PhD intern in Marriage and Family Therapy. I focus on attachment studies, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which I utilize in my work with individuals and couples. In my master’s degree, I focused on trauma and grief. I have over 12 years of experience working with clients who have experienced chronic and terminal illnesses, grief, and loss in the palliative and hospice care field. I also work with couples who experience emotional and sexual distress in their relationships.
![Photo of Ernest R Flores, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be0019f6-17c1-4671-befc-1cacd2972cb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience counseling married couples through a number of problems such as infidelity, conflict resolution, blended families, impact of early childhood trauma, and other issues. I integrate modern psychological techniques and therapies with Biblical values and concepts. Psychological techniques such as Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Emotionally Focused, and Trauma Therapy are highly compatible with Biblical teaching. Couples are affirmed in their Biblical beliefs and encouraged to integrate them with modern psychological understandings.
I have extensive experience counseling married couples through a number of problems such as infidelity, conflict resolution, blended families, impact of early childhood trauma, and other issues. I integrate modern psychological techniques and therapies with Biblical values and concepts. Psychological techniques such as Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Emotionally Focused, and Trauma Therapy are highly compatible with Biblical teaching. Couples are affirmed in their Biblical beliefs and encouraged to integrate them with modern psychological understandings.
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![Photo of Diana Cristina Larisgoitia, PhD, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d401ae2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a bilingual professional counselor that provides services in English, Spanish and Portuguese for individual, children and families in the Philadelphia area. I have worked for many years with individuals with mental and physical illnesses. I have provided counseling to people with motor and hearing difficulties as well as those within the spectrum of autism. In my practice I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including play therapy in different forms and family therapy approach. I have an extensive international background and feel comfortable with individuals of different and rich cultures. I am looking forward to work with you.
I am a bilingual professional counselor that provides services in English, Spanish and Portuguese for individual, children and families in the Philadelphia area. I have worked for many years with individuals with mental and physical illnesses. I have provided counseling to people with motor and hearing difficulties as well as those within the spectrum of autism. In my practice I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including play therapy in different forms and family therapy approach. I have an extensive international background and feel comfortable with individuals of different and rich cultures. I am looking forward to work with you.
![Photo of Venus Davis, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d8b9478-6d99-4dd5-aef2-141213d1a268/1/320x400.jpeg)
Has the stigma about therapy been holding you back? Are you tired of being tired? Does your relationship feel stagnant? Well you are taking a great first step by looking for a therapist. I am always honored to be part of a client’s healing journey. It is not an opportunity that I take lightly or for granted. I pride myself on being able to build rapport and have moments of transparency when necessary. Helping clients become aware of their present circumstances and then reach their expected goals is beyond rewarding.
Has the stigma about therapy been holding you back? Are you tired of being tired? Does your relationship feel stagnant? Well you are taking a great first step by looking for a therapist. I am always honored to be part of a client’s healing journey. It is not an opportunity that I take lightly or for granted. I pride myself on being able to build rapport and have moments of transparency when necessary. Helping clients become aware of their present circumstances and then reach their expected goals is beyond rewarding.
![Photo of Ebony Peake - Peaceful Living Counseling & Professional Svcs, MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, CGT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d9997ed-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peaceful Living Counseling & Professional Svcs
MSW, ACSW, CAMS-II, CGT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19114
At Peaceful Living we want to see people learn, heal, and grow. We work with you to help gain the awareness and support needed to fulfill your life goals and purpose. Our support through counseling, coaching, and anger management services is available to adults, adolescents, and couples, and groups online and in our office.
At Peaceful Living we want to see people learn, heal, and grow. We work with you to help gain the awareness and support needed to fulfill your life goals and purpose. Our support through counseling, coaching, and anger management services is available to adults, adolescents, and couples, and groups online and in our office.
![Photo of Elizabeth Kostura, LPC , CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88a0c96c-a412-4214-a102-2b84ab9592ea/2/320x400.png)
Elizabeth Kostura
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , CAADC
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I work with those experiencing mental health issues, trauma, and addictions. An ideal client would be someone who took suggestions and invested in their own healing. Their needs may include a mood disorder or behavior that they want to change. We would work on their thinking and how that impacts their behaviors. We would also look at their motivations and how to increase their motivations to make better decisions. The goal would be that the client would do what they learn in therapy while living their lives. They would no longer need me to help them through things and would be able to lean on their natural support.
I work with those experiencing mental health issues, trauma, and addictions. An ideal client would be someone who took suggestions and invested in their own healing. Their needs may include a mood disorder or behavior that they want to change. We would work on their thinking and how that impacts their behaviors. We would also look at their motivations and how to increase their motivations to make better decisions. The goal would be that the client would do what they learn in therapy while living their lives. They would no longer need me to help them through things and would be able to lean on their natural support.
![Photo of Sheila Boynton - Soul Transformation LLC, LSW, MDiv, CTCP, CAMS-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7063a14-6a75-4c08-9d73-4c94a2c4c31f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Soul Transformation LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, MDiv, CTCP, CAMS-I
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19144 (Online Only)
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy — marital and familial conflict, grief & loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, self-esteem, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or relationships are among the most common reasons. Perhaps you have asked yourself questions such as “how long will this pain last?” “when will I be good enough?” “how can I learn to love myself” “Why me?’ "How do I get out?" I want you to know you are not alone! Together we can explore your needs. You want to be happy, let's explore the barriers keeping you from living the best version of you. You need tools to navigate life, let's create a road map.
There are many reasons you may be seeking therapy — marital and familial conflict, grief & loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, self-esteem, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or relationships are among the most common reasons. Perhaps you have asked yourself questions such as “how long will this pain last?” “when will I be good enough?” “how can I learn to love myself” “Why me?’ "How do I get out?" I want you to know you are not alone! Together we can explore your needs. You want to be happy, let's explore the barriers keeping you from living the best version of you. You need tools to navigate life, let's create a road map.
![Photo of Natasha Bryant, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81941410-7836-4213-8b34-bb57657921cd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Bryant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Online Only)
You are in a season of transition and you feel stuck in knowing what is the “right” step to take first. Overthinking is causing anxiety and self doubt has you questioning yourself. You no longer want to allow comparisons, pleasing, and perfectionism to stop you from living your life on your terms. You know you want more for yourself. You acknowledge that you deserve more. More fulfillment, joy, meaningful connections, and satisfaction. You are ready to unapologetically live your best life as your authentic self.
You are in a season of transition and you feel stuck in knowing what is the “right” step to take first. Overthinking is causing anxiety and self doubt has you questioning yourself. You no longer want to allow comparisons, pleasing, and perfectionism to stop you from living your life on your terms. You know you want more for yourself. You acknowledge that you deserve more. More fulfillment, joy, meaningful connections, and satisfaction. You are ready to unapologetically live your best life as your authentic self.
![Photo of Amanda Adams, LPC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afe03490-3159-4cdd-923a-0a959950a054/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19150 (Online Only)
If you're scrolling through these pages, something in life has pushed you to decide to seek support. Maybe you're a new parent, struggling to process recent birth trauma while also figuring out how to take care of the new little life in your arms. Perhaps you've been able to manage symptoms of ADHD well enough until recently, and suddenly the overwhelm and executive dysfunction is becoming too much of a challenge to navigate alone. Anxiety, ADHD, depression, postpartum and parenting...all of these can lead us to feel isolated and alone sometimes, struggling to figure out how to cope. You don't have to figure it out alone; welcome!
If you're scrolling through these pages, something in life has pushed you to decide to seek support. Maybe you're a new parent, struggling to process recent birth trauma while also figuring out how to take care of the new little life in your arms. Perhaps you've been able to manage symptoms of ADHD well enough until recently, and suddenly the overwhelm and executive dysfunction is becoming too much of a challenge to navigate alone. Anxiety, ADHD, depression, postpartum and parenting...all of these can lead us to feel isolated and alone sometimes, struggling to figure out how to cope. You don't have to figure it out alone; welcome!
![Photo of Melanie Timbers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34b45227-9577-4cf1-88f5-c8d3788f7a6b/1/320x400.png)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, past traumatic experiences, and currently feeling stuck in life? Do you need help managing these emotions to move forward in a more meaningful and productive life? Your goals would be to process these emotions and learn how your thoughts influence your feelings and, ultimately, your behavior. Additionally, you will learn coping skills to manage and/or reduce the debilitating effects of these emotions.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, past traumatic experiences, and currently feeling stuck in life? Do you need help managing these emotions to move forward in a more meaningful and productive life? Your goals would be to process these emotions and learn how your thoughts influence your feelings and, ultimately, your behavior. Additionally, you will learn coping skills to manage and/or reduce the debilitating effects of these emotions.
![Photo of Dr. Ajabeyang Amin, PsyD, MPH, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29f10c8c-f93b-484a-9a70-2ce2ae2047a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling overwhelmed and trying to find balance, going through a challenging transition, OR navigating singleness or issues in your relationship(s)? You may need a listening ear and someone to give you another perspective. I enjoy helping adults affirm their identity and personality, find belonging, and process difficult emotions. I also offer Christian counseling, pre-marital counseling, and counseling to couples in their early years of marriage.
Feeling overwhelmed and trying to find balance, going through a challenging transition, OR navigating singleness or issues in your relationship(s)? You may need a listening ear and someone to give you another perspective. I enjoy helping adults affirm their identity and personality, find belonging, and process difficult emotions. I also offer Christian counseling, pre-marital counseling, and counseling to couples in their early years of marriage.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia County
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.