Emotionally Focused Therapists in Texas
I am an EMDR therapist and work primarily through its conceptual framework, incorporating the wisdom and tools of other many theoretical modalities to help clients heal including Attachment Theory, Poly Vagal Theory and somatic therapy practice, Internal Family Systems Theory and practice, Emotionally Focused Theory and practice, as well as many others.
Many years ago, I heard a professor make this foundational statement of truth about counseling–human beings are wounded in relationship, so it is in relationship that we heal. Through the intervening years, in practice as well as in life, I have seen this maxim play out again and again–it is relationship, fundamentally within ourselves, that serves as the agent of healing, growth, and positive change. As a clinician, it has become a primary focus of my practice to establish and maintain a relationship of compassionate curiosity, caring, and trust within which my clients can explore and heal the pain that brings them to therapy.
I am an EMDR therapist and work primarily through its conceptual framework, incorporating the wisdom and tools of other many theoretical modalities to help clients heal including Attachment Theory, Poly Vagal Theory and somatic therapy practice, Internal Family Systems Theory and practice, Emotionally Focused Theory and practice, as well as many others.
Many years ago, I heard a professor make this foundational statement of truth about counseling–human beings are wounded in relationship, so it is in relationship that we heal. Through the intervening years, in practice as well as in life, I have seen this maxim play out again and again–it is relationship, fundamentally within ourselves, that serves as the agent of healing, growth, and positive change. As a clinician, it has become a primary focus of my practice to establish and maintain a relationship of compassionate curiosity, caring, and trust within which my clients can explore and heal the pain that brings them to therapy.
Dr. Melissa Hudson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Centrally located in a serene office in Frisco near the Stonebriar Westin, I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Couples Therapy, among others.
Appointments are available from lunchtime through evening, Tuesday to Thursday. Is your relationship feeling stuck or less fulfilling? Are you noticing more frequent or intense conflicts? If you're a committed couple seeking change, you're not alone. Relationship troubles can affect all aspects of life. Does any of this resonate for you? If you're tired of the stress and uncertainty that comes with a complicated or stagnant relationship, or if you're ready to focus on personal growth, I'm here to help. Let's work through the hard times, understand the past, and build stronger, healthier relationships together.
Centrally located in a serene office in Frisco near the Stonebriar Westin, I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Couples Therapy, among others.
Appointments are available from lunchtime through evening, Tuesday to Thursday. Is your relationship feeling stuck or less fulfilling? Are you noticing more frequent or intense conflicts? If you're a committed couple seeking change, you're not alone. Relationship troubles can affect all aspects of life. Does any of this resonate for you? If you're tired of the stress and uncertainty that comes with a complicated or stagnant relationship, or if you're ready to focus on personal growth, I'm here to help. Let's work through the hard times, understand the past, and build stronger, healthier relationships together.
Tiffany McConnell (Neighbors Counseling)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Denton, TX 76201
Therapy is a powerful tool to find healing and create a life worth living. I believe you are the expert in your own life and my goal is to partner with you in the journey to excavate your own inner wisdom. I conduct therapy from an eclectic approach, utilizing emotionally focused, cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy to understand processes and thought patterns that keep you stuck and to empower you with skills to manage distressing symptoms. We will then take a deeper dive to explore and heal from the root causes of your distressing symptoms and patterns.
Therapy is a powerful tool to find healing and create a life worth living. I believe you are the expert in your own life and my goal is to partner with you in the journey to excavate your own inner wisdom. I conduct therapy from an eclectic approach, utilizing emotionally focused, cognitive and dialectical behavior therapy to understand processes and thought patterns that keep you stuck and to empower you with skills to manage distressing symptoms. We will then take a deeper dive to explore and heal from the root causes of your distressing symptoms and patterns.
Shelly Smith Cavin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Burleson, TX 76028 (Online Only)
Using cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused techniques, we’ll discuss how your thoughts and feelings are related.
I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We all feel anxious when we forget what our strengths and gifts are. Growing to love and appreciate our strengths and gifts gives perspective to help the challenges we face.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused techniques, we’ll discuss how your thoughts and feelings are related.
I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We all feel anxious when we forget what our strengths and gifts are. Growing to love and appreciate our strengths and gifts gives perspective to help the challenges we face.
Whitni F Toson-Emdr Trauma Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, EMDR, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78254
Utilizing EMDR therapy, EFT, and CBT, I've supported clients from diverse backgrounds.
Do you desire deep and meaningful relationships? Are you looking for genuine closeness and connection but being held back by the fear of rejection? It's normal to want to feel safe and understood in relationships if you're a human. I know how daunting and disheartening it can be to navigate relationships when past experiences have left you feeling wounded and distrustful. I work with clients who feel "lost," lonely, or even resentful on their journeys through life, be it new parenthood, loss of a loved one, new job, memories from past trauma, or significant life adjustment.
Utilizing EMDR therapy, EFT, and CBT, I've supported clients from diverse backgrounds.
Do you desire deep and meaningful relationships? Are you looking for genuine closeness and connection but being held back by the fear of rejection? It's normal to want to feel safe and understood in relationships if you're a human. I know how daunting and disheartening it can be to navigate relationships when past experiences have left you feeling wounded and distrustful. I work with clients who feel "lost," lonely, or even resentful on their journeys through life, be it new parenthood, loss of a loved one, new job, memories from past trauma, or significant life adjustment.
Denisa Diane Mohr
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Colleyville, TX 76034
I utilize EFT therapy, interventions to facilitate emotional connection between you, your spouse, and others with the goal of greater intimacy and joy.
Is life difficult for you right now? Do you feel alone or disconnected from others? Is your struggle causing you feelings of hopelessness and despair? Maybe you are finding anxiety, stress, depression, grief, lack of motivation and other personal issues preventing you from enjoying life? You are not made to walk alone in your pain. You were made for connection and a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. You are important and have great value! I will walk with you and your loved ones to find solutions that will bring hope and healing. You don’t have to suffer alone. There is a better life awaiting you!
I utilize EFT therapy, interventions to facilitate emotional connection between you, your spouse, and others with the goal of greater intimacy and joy.
Is life difficult for you right now? Do you feel alone or disconnected from others? Is your struggle causing you feelings of hopelessness and despair? Maybe you are finding anxiety, stress, depression, grief, lack of motivation and other personal issues preventing you from enjoying life? You are not made to walk alone in your pain. You were made for connection and a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. You are important and have great value! I will walk with you and your loved ones to find solutions that will bring hope and healing. You don’t have to suffer alone. There is a better life awaiting you!
Paris M Blake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76011
With over 20 years experience and a refreshingly frank approach, I provide an emotionally focused, safe and reflective space for my clients to identify goals, process the unresolved, and work toward their desired outcomes.
Always being the "strong one" can have consequences. When people hear the word depression, they often envision sadness, crying, and withdrawal; Yet depression can look just the opposite. As a result, the myth of what depression looks like may keep other HIGH ACHIEVING DEPRESSED ADULTS from seeking the help they need. I work with a number of different issues, but focus is placed on adults who are struggling emotionally and that struggle has negatively impacted areas such as; parenting; relationships; job satisfaction; and overall quality of life.
With over 20 years experience and a refreshingly frank approach, I provide an emotionally focused, safe and reflective space for my clients to identify goals, process the unresolved, and work toward their desired outcomes.
Always being the "strong one" can have consequences. When people hear the word depression, they often envision sadness, crying, and withdrawal; Yet depression can look just the opposite. As a result, the myth of what depression looks like may keep other HIGH ACHIEVING DEPRESSED ADULTS from seeking the help they need. I work with a number of different issues, but focus is placed on adults who are struggling emotionally and that struggle has negatively impacted areas such as; parenting; relationships; job satisfaction; and overall quality of life.
Shelly Smith Cavin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boyd, TX 76023 (Online Only)
Using cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused techniques, we’ll discuss how your thoughts and feelings are related.
I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We all feel anxious when we forget what our strengths and gifts are. Growing to love and appreciate our strengths and gifts gives perspective to help the challenges we face.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused techniques, we’ll discuss how your thoughts and feelings are related.
I'll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. We all feel anxious when we forget what our strengths and gifts are. Growing to love and appreciate our strengths and gifts gives perspective to help the challenges we face.
Janet Price - Couple Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Waitlist for new clients
If you and your partner are both busy professionals, you might find it hard to connect emotionally and communicate your needs. That's why emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) could be a great option for you. EFCT is a type of therapy that helps couples identify and change their negative patterns of interaction and create more secure and satisfying bonds. EFCT can help you and your partner understand each other better, express your feelings more openly, and resolve conflicts more effectively. EFCT can also improve your intimacy, trust, and happiness as a couple.
If you and your partner are both busy professionals, you might find it hard to connect emotionally and communicate your needs. That's why emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) could be a great option for you. EFCT is a type of therapy that helps couples identify and change their negative patterns of interaction and create more secure and satisfying bonds. EFCT can help you and your partner understand each other better, express your feelings more openly, and resolve conflicts more effectively. EFCT can also improve your intimacy, trust, and happiness as a couple.
Dr. Bernis Riley
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Colleyville, TX 76034
But there is hope! There is a way out of the negative cycle and I can help you find the way out using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
What happens when you and your spouse disagree? Do you go round and round with no resolution? Or does one of you get frustrated and stop talking, then you both stop talking? If you feel stuck and it seems there is no way to make things better, you may wonder if your relationship can change. I have good news. There is a path to change, but your relationship is stuck in a negative cycle. This negative cycle keeps you from being able to communicate, resolve conflict, and discuss problems. If your relationship is struggling, it is probably because you are caught in a negative cycle. I want to help you get out of the negative cycle.
But there is hope! There is a way out of the negative cycle and I can help you find the way out using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
What happens when you and your spouse disagree? Do you go round and round with no resolution? Or does one of you get frustrated and stop talking, then you both stop talking? If you feel stuck and it seems there is no way to make things better, you may wonder if your relationship can change. I have good news. There is a path to change, but your relationship is stuck in a negative cycle. This negative cycle keeps you from being able to communicate, resolve conflict, and discuss problems. If your relationship is struggling, it is probably because you are caught in a negative cycle. I want to help you get out of the negative cycle.
Nanette Christopher White
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Navasota, TX 77868 (Online Only)
When experiencing life's challenges, we often find ourselves feeling misunderstood and rejected rather than accepted and validated. Our experiences often stand in our way to emotional well-being. My own experience in therapy was a catalyst for launching my career. For me, being a therapist is a lifestyle. I understand that being human is riddled with imperfections. I will help you realize that you are not alone, guide, and encourage you to give yourself grace as you learn to manage these struggles. I use an interpersonal and emotionally focused approach to provide person-centered counseling.
When experiencing life's challenges, we often find ourselves feeling misunderstood and rejected rather than accepted and validated. Our experiences often stand in our way to emotional well-being. My own experience in therapy was a catalyst for launching my career. For me, being a therapist is a lifestyle. I understand that being human is riddled with imperfections. I will help you realize that you are not alone, guide, and encourage you to give yourself grace as you learn to manage these struggles. I use an interpersonal and emotionally focused approach to provide person-centered counseling.
15 Second Videos
Tiffany McConnell (Neighbors Counseling)
Shelly Smith Cavin
Whitni F Toson-Emdr Trauma Therapist
Shelly Smith Cavin
Shana Avery
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry The Woodlands
Brittany Stallings
Amy Palmer
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Austin
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cedar Park
Aaron Mink
Camille Shea
Kimberly Dickens
Jodi Diane Sheffield
Federico Mendez
Victoria McCord Valerga
Wanda Hudson
Eans Counseling
Demetrius Walton
Priscilla Carlsgaard
Mindful Relationships Therapy
Mark Porter
Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Fort Worth
Gregorio Lozano
Joshua Marlar
Sharon Windham
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Midland
Madison Perry
Wellness with Eddie P.L.L.C.
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cypress
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Arlington
Amanda Averbeck Supervised By Dr Gena St David
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Houston
Jonathan Edwards
Gracefully Rooted Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Little Elm
Nala Counseling & Wellness (A Group Practice)
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Houston
Tiffany Stanley
Bernice Curry
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Waco
Tami Vienn Allen Lpc
Bethel Moges
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Irving
Nizzy Khan
Sharla Austin
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Prairie
Jasmine Johnson
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Spring
Mylie Greenbach
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78753 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor and a Ph.D. candidate with clinical experience starting in 2005. I assist individuals, couples, and families in resolving issues such as ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, Aging, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Life Coaching, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Job Stress, Grief, and many more. I use a mix of Couples ACT, EFT, EMDR, DBT, CBT, MBCT, and many more. I believe in building on my client's strengths to attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
I am a licensed professional counselor and a Ph.D. candidate with clinical experience starting in 2005. I assist individuals, couples, and families in resolving issues such as ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, Aging, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Life Coaching, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Job Stress, Grief, and many more. I use a mix of Couples ACT, EFT, EMDR, DBT, CBT, MBCT, and many more. I believe in building on my client's strengths to attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
Tamara McFarland Counseling, PLLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Lewisville, TX 75067
Dr. McFarland is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor as well as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Tamara is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator trained by Dr. Brené Brown and her team. Tamara studied marriage and family dynamics in her doctorate program. She is certified in the Gottman marriage counseling method I & II and utilizes Sue Johnson's theory of Emotionally Focused Therapy for repairing attachment in couples work. Tamara is trained in EMDR therapy I & II which is used for treating trauma.
Dr. McFarland is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor as well as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Tamara is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator trained by Dr. Brené Brown and her team. Tamara studied marriage and family dynamics in her doctorate program. She is certified in the Gottman marriage counseling method I & II and utilizes Sue Johnson's theory of Emotionally Focused Therapy for repairing attachment in couples work. Tamara is trained in EMDR therapy I & II which is used for treating trauma.
I believe we heal through relationship and I believe relational joy is profoundly therapeutic. I work with individuals, couples and children through a systems/attachment theory lens. I incorporate parts work, IFS, polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology and somatic integration. I'm particularly interested in supporting parents and children through family adjustment periods. When I work with couples I use a combination of EFT and RLT to explore relational dynamics that are getting in the way of supportive connection.
I believe we heal through relationship and I believe relational joy is profoundly therapeutic. I work with individuals, couples and children through a systems/attachment theory lens. I incorporate parts work, IFS, polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology and somatic integration. I'm particularly interested in supporting parents and children through family adjustment periods. When I work with couples I use a combination of EFT and RLT to explore relational dynamics that are getting in the way of supportive connection.
Melodie Alexander
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, one of the most effective, evidence-based models.
Is your marriage everything you hoped it would be? Do you or your partner find yourselves resorting to criticism or shutting down during conflict? Or have you noticed that your relationship feels more like a roommate situation rather than a romantic relationship? Have you longed for a deeper connection with your spouse but feel you've exhausted all your options? I understand marriage can be challenging, and feeling disconnected from your spouse is one of the worst feelings. Please know that you are not alone. I am here to help. Together, we can strive towards (re)kindling the closeness and intimacy that you both desire.
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, one of the most effective, evidence-based models.
Is your marriage everything you hoped it would be? Do you or your partner find yourselves resorting to criticism or shutting down during conflict? Or have you noticed that your relationship feels more like a roommate situation rather than a romantic relationship? Have you longed for a deeper connection with your spouse but feel you've exhausted all your options? I understand marriage can be challenging, and feeling disconnected from your spouse is one of the worst feelings. Please know that you are not alone. I am here to help. Together, we can strive towards (re)kindling the closeness and intimacy that you both desire.
Haley works with a range of presenting issues & often uses EFT, EMDR, & IFS therapy.
Haley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in marital and family relationship counseling and trauma therapy. Haley takes a holistic approach to mental health addressing the needs of the individual by considering the societal, relational, biological, spiritual, and emotional factors in a person's life. Haley approaches therapy with a collaborative stance, considering the client the expert on their life and situations and offers her expertise on relational dynamics, trauma and the brain, attachment wounds, and self-parenting to help her clients navigate their past hurts, current relationships, anxiety, and more.
Haley works with a range of presenting issues & often uses EFT, EMDR, & IFS therapy.
Haley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in marital and family relationship counseling and trauma therapy. Haley takes a holistic approach to mental health addressing the needs of the individual by considering the societal, relational, biological, spiritual, and emotional factors in a person's life. Haley approaches therapy with a collaborative stance, considering the client the expert on their life and situations and offers her expertise on relational dynamics, trauma and the brain, attachment wounds, and self-parenting to help her clients navigate their past hurts, current relationships, anxiety, and more.
As a therapist for many years, I have found two approaches to couples therapy to stand out: Imago Relationship Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Imago, described in the NY Times best-selling, Getting the Love You Want, (Dr. Harville Hendrix), teaches a simple yet powerful communication tool that is ideal for anyone wishing to learn effective communication. EFT is superb for helping couples move past their own and their partner's frustrations into their deeper longings for connection. Combined, these two methodologies have proven to be the most powerful approach I know for couples in any stage of relationship.
As a therapist for many years, I have found two approaches to couples therapy to stand out: Imago Relationship Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Imago, described in the NY Times best-selling, Getting the Love You Want, (Dr. Harville Hendrix), teaches a simple yet powerful communication tool that is ideal for anyone wishing to learn effective communication. EFT is superb for helping couples move past their own and their partner's frustrations into their deeper longings for connection. Combined, these two methodologies have proven to be the most powerful approach I know for couples in any stage of relationship.
Valerie K Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78258
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families.
My ideal clients are those who show a willingness to have me walk beside them and hold their pain as they seek clarification on the emotions that drive their distress. By seeking treatment to address relationship issues, they discover that other aspects of their experience are influenced by their powerful need to connect with their significant others. I am best suited to treating marital distress and disconnection between teens and their parents. I understand the unique importance of familial relationships and the significant relief that comes when these relationships are repaired.
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families.
My ideal clients are those who show a willingness to have me walk beside them and hold their pain as they seek clarification on the emotions that drive their distress. By seeking treatment to address relationship issues, they discover that other aspects of their experience are influenced by their powerful need to connect with their significant others. I am best suited to treating marital distress and disconnection between teens and their parents. I understand the unique importance of familial relationships and the significant relief that comes when these relationships are repaired.
Rebecca Rosalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Kingwood, TX 77339 (Online Only)
I am a Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) and Level 3 Practicum Trained therapist in the Gottman Method.
If you struggle with challenges related to trauma, are a part of a couple who is in need of support or an individual who struggles with anxiety, I am glad you are here! I am a trauma specialist utilizing EMDR (Certified Practitioner) and Somatic Experiencing (at the Advanced level). Together we will work together to reprocess your trauma to help you see and experience distressing images and memories in a new and less painful way.
I am a Emotionally Focused Therapist (EFT) and Level 3 Practicum Trained therapist in the Gottman Method.
If you struggle with challenges related to trauma, are a part of a couple who is in need of support or an individual who struggles with anxiety, I am glad you are here! I am a trauma specialist utilizing EMDR (Certified Practitioner) and Somatic Experiencing (at the Advanced level). Together we will work together to reprocess your trauma to help you see and experience distressing images and memories in a new and less painful way.
My preferred therapy modalities include Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Sometimes life brings challenges that are difficult to manage on our own. Maybe you are experiencing a major life transition – a move, marriage, a baby, new job, a medical issue, divorce, retirement. Even "happy" transitions can be difficult. You may want change in your relationship or help determining whether it can be repaired. Perhaps you are dealing with grief from a loss or need support as you navigate having a partner or loved one dealing with addiction. I work with individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns including trauma, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, personal growth, life adjustments.
My preferred therapy modalities include Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
Sometimes life brings challenges that are difficult to manage on our own. Maybe you are experiencing a major life transition – a move, marriage, a baby, new job, a medical issue, divorce, retirement. Even "happy" transitions can be difficult. You may want change in your relationship or help determining whether it can be repaired. Perhaps you are dealing with grief from a loss or need support as you navigate having a partner or loved one dealing with addiction. I work with individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns including trauma, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, personal growth, life adjustments.
See more therapy options for Texas
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.