Emotionally Focused Therapists in Eastland County, TX

Photo of Dr. Rhonda Lynne Pipkin, PsyD, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Rhonda Lynne Pipkin
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Cisco, TX 76437
Your life is unique to you. Your experiences helped shape your belief system and how you go about doing life. Life is filled with traumas. Through EMDR therapy, life can change. I have life experience as a person who has experienced being diagnosed with a chronic illness, having to make a mid-life career change, endured family conflict and childhood abuse growing up. I know the struggles with children, teens, work, and relationships both intimate and those we rub shoulders with everyday. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Life Coach, and a Registered Nurse.
Your life is unique to you. Your experiences helped shape your belief system and how you go about doing life. Life is filled with traumas. Through EMDR therapy, life can change. I have life experience as a person who has experienced being diagnosed with a chronic illness, having to make a mid-life career change, endured family conflict and childhood abuse growing up. I know the struggles with children, teens, work, and relationships both intimate and those we rub shoulders with everyday. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Life Coach, and a Registered Nurse.
(254) 236-6062 View (254) 236-6062
Photo of Carrie Windham - Trauma And Anxiety Therapist, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carrie Windham - Trauma And Anxiety Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Cisco, TX 76437
You spend hours decorating cupcakes for your daughter’s class, so the other parents think you’re a great mom. You endlessly obsess over projects at work to prove yourself a valuable employee. Being the perfect friend means saying yes to favors you don’t have time for. The perfect wife is always supportive, even when you don’t feel supported yourself. And yet still, that inner voice tells you you’re not doing enough. Somehow, you’re fooling everyone into thinking you have it together. Nobody knows that inside, you’re falling apart. It’s so isolating to live this lie, but you’re too scared to let anyone know you’re struggling.
You spend hours decorating cupcakes for your daughter’s class, so the other parents think you’re a great mom. You endlessly obsess over projects at work to prove yourself a valuable employee. Being the perfect friend means saying yes to favors you don’t have time for. The perfect wife is always supportive, even when you don’t feel supported yourself. And yet still, that inner voice tells you you’re not doing enough. Somehow, you’re fooling everyone into thinking you have it together. Nobody knows that inside, you’re falling apart. It’s so isolating to live this lie, but you’re too scared to let anyone know you’re struggling.
(254) 280-4212 View (254) 280-4212
Photo of Jeanene Renee Poston - Breckenridge Family Counseling, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Breckenridge Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Eastland, TX 76448
My style is to listen thoroughly, yet to interact with my clients. I think that your past may offer clues to understanding the current obstacles to happiness, but I do not dwell there. I like to think that a solid relationship between my client and myself is the key to progress.I believe change occurs when people are willing to try new ways of acting with support. My primary focus is to develop a solution-based plan to foster positive progress. Additionally, I am trained in Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and use this to help families realize their strengths and accomplish their goals.
My style is to listen thoroughly, yet to interact with my clients. I think that your past may offer clues to understanding the current obstacles to happiness, but I do not dwell there. I like to think that a solid relationship between my client and myself is the key to progress.I believe change occurs when people are willing to try new ways of acting with support. My primary focus is to develop a solution-based plan to foster positive progress. Additionally, I am trained in Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) and use this to help families realize their strengths and accomplish their goals.
(254) 870-2307 View (254) 870-2307
Photo of Anne Blakeslee Ehrhart, MMFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Anne Blakeslee Ehrhart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eastland, TX 76448
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to visit my website; finding a therapist who is a good match for you is important. For this reason, I'd like to explain a bit about my approach and how I treat a variety of presenting issues. I approach therapy from a client-directed, strengths-based perspective. This means that I view your current situation with curiosity and compassion, from a non-judgmental position. I'll listen to your story and help you remove the barriers to change that exist in your situation. Whenever possible, I use empirically validated models of therapy.
Hello! Thanks for taking the time to visit my website; finding a therapist who is a good match for you is important. For this reason, I'd like to explain a bit about my approach and how I treat a variety of presenting issues. I approach therapy from a client-directed, strengths-based perspective. This means that I view your current situation with curiosity and compassion, from a non-judgmental position. I'll listen to your story and help you remove the barriers to change that exist in your situation. Whenever possible, I use empirically validated models of therapy.
(615) 667-9390 View (615) 667-9390
Photo of Jennifer Vasquez, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Vasquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC
Verified Verified
Eastland, TX 76448  (Online Only)
Hi there, I am an LCSW with over 15 years of experience practicing social work. I specialize in working with teens and adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or those struggling with life right now. My expertise is Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression, and Job Stress. I use a mix of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Motivational Interviewing during sessions. I believe that you will learn to change how you feel and what you do by changing your thoughts.
Hi there, I am an LCSW with over 15 years of experience practicing social work. I specialize in working with teens and adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or those struggling with life right now. My expertise is Adolescents/Teens, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression, and Job Stress. I use a mix of Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Motivational Interviewing during sessions. I believe that you will learn to change how you feel and what you do by changing your thoughts.
(866) 753-6510 View (866) 753-6510
Photo of Olivia Sanchez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Olivia Sanchez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Rising Star, TX 76471  (Online Only)
Hi, My name is Olivia! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor whose interest is in providing empathy and understanding to my clients in order to promote healing, happiness, and a state of calmness and peace. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a trauma-based treatment to address more intense traumatic events that may have caused Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD) or other various psychological conditions promoted by traumatic events.
Hi, My name is Olivia! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor whose interest is in providing empathy and understanding to my clients in order to promote healing, happiness, and a state of calmness and peace. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a trauma-based treatment to address more intense traumatic events that may have caused Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD) or other various psychological conditions promoted by traumatic events.
(346) 591-0188 View (346) 591-0188
Photo of Adrienne Parker, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Rising Star, TX 76471  (Online Only)
I'm Adrienne Parker, and I've worked in mental health for over 9 years, providing individual, group, and family therapy. I have worked with various individuals giving treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Youth Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorder, Childhood PTSD, Trauma, Self Esteem, ODD, Stress Reduction, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Parents of Children with Special Needs. I use client-centered techniques, including TF-CBT, Imago Relationship Therapy, CBT, Psychotherapy, Brief Therapy, and ERP. I believe you are the expert on you, and I respect what your concept of "happy" looks like.
I'm Adrienne Parker, and I've worked in mental health for over 9 years, providing individual, group, and family therapy. I have worked with various individuals giving treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Youth Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Mood Disorders, Adjustment Disorder, Childhood PTSD, Trauma, Self Esteem, ODD, Stress Reduction, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Parents of Children with Special Needs. I use client-centered techniques, including TF-CBT, Imago Relationship Therapy, CBT, Psychotherapy, Brief Therapy, and ERP. I believe you are the expert on you, and I respect what your concept of "happy" looks like.
(832) 604-0959 View (832) 604-0959
Photo of Lori Copeland, LPC-S, RPT-S, NBC-HWC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lori Copeland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S, NBC-HWC
Verified Verified
Eastland, TX 76448
For over 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity to listen as clients shared their story and trusted me to help. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a large and diverse “tool bag” of research-supported methods and strategies to help people gain insight, develop skills, and strengthen the resilience they need to be happier, healthier, and improve their relationships. Some of my clients are seeking help for depression, anxiety, or recovery from past trauma. Others are just looking for some better coping skills or support through a difficult time. I see clients in my private office suite and also use a secure teletherapy platform.
For over 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity to listen as clients shared their story and trusted me to help. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a large and diverse “tool bag” of research-supported methods and strategies to help people gain insight, develop skills, and strengthen the resilience they need to be happier, healthier, and improve their relationships. Some of my clients are seeking help for depression, anxiety, or recovery from past trauma. Others are just looking for some better coping skills or support through a difficult time. I see clients in my private office suite and also use a secure teletherapy platform.
(325) 276-4845 View (325) 276-4845
Photo of Ashley Edwards, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Ashley Edwards
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Cisco, TX 76437
Sometimes we wake up and feel like things aren't right. We might feel stuck or that things are out of control. We might have a lot of conflicting emotions that we do not know how to regulate. We might feel alone and feel like the world is against us. It takes strength and courage to take that first step to ask for help. I want to thank you and applaud you for taking that first important step.
Sometimes we wake up and feel like things aren't right. We might feel stuck or that things are out of control. We might have a lot of conflicting emotions that we do not know how to regulate. We might feel alone and feel like the world is against us. It takes strength and courage to take that first step to ask for help. I want to thank you and applaud you for taking that first important step.
(254) 390-4491 View (254) 390-4491
Photo of Jestina Franks, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jestina Franks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ranger, TX 76470  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Jestina Franks, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S) and an AASECT-certified sex therapist. I provide virtual counseling services to patients in Texas. I have extensive experience in assisting individuals with issues including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, sexuality, and intimacy issues. My style and approach are a good fit for young adults and adults seeking assistance dealing with life challenges and social pressures. Typically, my focus is on anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, intimacy, alternative relationships, and sexual health concerns.
Hi, my name is Jestina Franks, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S) and an AASECT-certified sex therapist. I provide virtual counseling services to patients in Texas. I have extensive experience in assisting individuals with issues including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, sexuality, and intimacy issues. My style and approach are a good fit for young adults and adults seeking assistance dealing with life challenges and social pressures. Typically, my focus is on anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, intimacy, alternative relationships, and sexual health concerns.
(855) 638-8466 View (855) 638-8466
Photo of Sarah Rodriguez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Gorman, TX 76454  (Online Only)
I have been in the business of the healing arts for almost 20 years - providing services from case management to individual counseling. I obtained my Bachelor' in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2000 and my Master' in Community Counseling from Webster University in 2010. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and in good standing with the State of Texas. I have experience working with a wide range of ages, socioeconomics, and cultures, which I believe gives me a well-rounded approach to anyone in need, including individuals, families, and couples.
I have been in the business of the healing arts for almost 20 years - providing services from case management to individual counseling. I obtained my Bachelor' in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2000 and my Master' in Community Counseling from Webster University in 2010. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and in good standing with the State of Texas. I have experience working with a wide range of ages, socioeconomics, and cultures, which I believe gives me a well-rounded approach to anyone in need, including individuals, families, and couples.
(346) 483-7822 View (346) 483-7822

Online Therapists

Photo of Jessica Mitchell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Haslet, TX 76052  (Online Only)
Hello, My name is Jessica Mitchell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 9 years of clinical experience. I work primarily with adults dealing with self-esteem and acceptance matters, as well as clients from ostracized and oppressed communities, including those dealing with Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, LGBTQIA+, Marital/Pre-Marital, and Life Coaching. I use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Marital therapies. I believe in elevating your personal power and guiding you towards accessing that.
Hello, My name is Jessica Mitchell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over 9 years of clinical experience. I work primarily with adults dealing with self-esteem and acceptance matters, as well as clients from ostracized and oppressed communities, including those dealing with Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, LGBTQIA+, Marital/Pre-Marital, and Life Coaching. I use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Marital therapies. I believe in elevating your personal power and guiding you towards accessing that.
(956) 275-3098 View (956) 275-3098
Photo of Lee LeGrice, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lee LeGrice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I am a Certified AEDP Therapist and have had extensive training in EFT, IFS as well as interpersonal neurobiology.
Are you looking to deepen a healthy relationship, rejuvenate a worn-out one, or save one before it ends prematurely? How do you know if you need help? Contact me for a free phone consultation and we can discuss your concerns. We all want a safe, secure loving relationship but sometimes we need help. I can help you work through a difficult situation. Whether you are suffering from mild depression or more complex challenging problems we will work together as a team to identify and solve problems
I am a Certified AEDP Therapist and have had extensive training in EFT, IFS as well as interpersonal neurobiology.
Are you looking to deepen a healthy relationship, rejuvenate a worn-out one, or save one before it ends prematurely? How do you know if you need help? Contact me for a free phone consultation and we can discuss your concerns. We all want a safe, secure loving relationship but sometimes we need help. I can help you work through a difficult situation. Whether you are suffering from mild depression or more complex challenging problems we will work together as a team to identify and solve problems
(720) 899-3241 View (720) 899-3241
Photo of Michael Fowler, MMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Fowler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76137  (Online Only)
I also provide couples therapy using the specialized approach of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
I am focused on helping people find the long lasting change in their lives they have been striving for. Many of us have had the experience of deciding what we need to do differently and struggle actually implementing that plan. I have confidence in people having the capabilities to come up with their own solutions provided the right support and environment. Trauma and impactful experiences can be barriers getting in the way of accessing or utilizing these solutions. Let's focus on creating the neurological changes you need to help you find the true long lasting healing you desire rather than short term solutions that fizzle out.
I also provide couples therapy using the specialized approach of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
I am focused on helping people find the long lasting change in their lives they have been striving for. Many of us have had the experience of deciding what we need to do differently and struggle actually implementing that plan. I have confidence in people having the capabilities to come up with their own solutions provided the right support and environment. Trauma and impactful experiences can be barriers getting in the way of accessing or utilizing these solutions. Let's focus on creating the neurological changes you need to help you find the true long lasting healing you desire rather than short term solutions that fizzle out.
(817) 623-4476 View (817) 623-4476
Photo of Aldeena McAlister, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Aldeena McAlister
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Aldeena utilizes multiple treatment approaches including EMDR, internal family systems, compassionate inquiry, emotionally focused therapy, and narrative therapy.
Aldeena McAlister is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. She has had the privilege of walking alongside clients as they navigate life's transitions and losses. Aldeena specializes in grief, depression, chronic illness, attachment issues, trauma, and women's issues. Her experience includes individual therapy, grief recovery groups, and inpatient therapy settings. This experience allows her to work with a wide range of mental health issues.
Aldeena utilizes multiple treatment approaches including EMDR, internal family systems, compassionate inquiry, emotionally focused therapy, and narrative therapy.
Aldeena McAlister is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. She has had the privilege of walking alongside clients as they navigate life's transitions and losses. Aldeena specializes in grief, depression, chronic illness, attachment issues, trauma, and women's issues. Her experience includes individual therapy, grief recovery groups, and inpatient therapy settings. This experience allows her to work with a wide range of mental health issues.
(817) 670-5428 View (817) 670-5428
Photo of Mylie Greenbach, LPC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mylie Greenbach
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
Brownwood, TX 76801
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.
(281) 688-4982 View (281) 688-4982
Photo of Erin Johnson, MS, MFT, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erin Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76016
I am passionate about working with clients throughout the lifespan, and believe in a collaborative, creative approach to therapy while creating a safe therapeutic environment that promotes hope and healing. I believe in an Emotionally Focused therapeutic approach designed to strengthen relationship bonds and help teenagers, young adults, and seasoned adults develop emotional maturity, heal from trauma, grief, and improve/repair attachment bonds in a safe, nurturing environment.
I am passionate about working with clients throughout the lifespan, and believe in a collaborative, creative approach to therapy while creating a safe therapeutic environment that promotes hope and healing. I believe in an Emotionally Focused therapeutic approach designed to strengthen relationship bonds and help teenagers, young adults, and seasoned adults develop emotional maturity, heal from trauma, grief, and improve/repair attachment bonds in a safe, nurturing environment.
(682) 327-5596 View (682) 327-5596
Le'Aja S. Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT
Verified Verified
Abilene, TX 79606
I view myself as a solution oriented, strengths-based, collaborative counselor trained in systems theory that utilizes several models of therapy. From those models, I apply Cognitive Behavioral Models, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Structural Therapy and Collaborative Therapy during sessions. Additionally, I incorporate techniques and interventions from several approaches that fit a clients need to facilitate a desired change.
I view myself as a solution oriented, strengths-based, collaborative counselor trained in systems theory that utilizes several models of therapy. From those models, I apply Cognitive Behavioral Models, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Structural Therapy and Collaborative Therapy during sessions. Additionally, I incorporate techniques and interventions from several approaches that fit a clients need to facilitate a desired change.
(469) 564-3853 View (469) 564-3853
Photo of Robert McGowen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robert McGowen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76104
He utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT).
Robert McGowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). I have worked in several different roles in the Behavioral Health field which includes private practice, marriage counseling, substance abuse (adult and teen), youth emergency shelter, anxiety, chronic mental illness, and others. Robert completed his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later went on to obtain a Master's degree in Business Administration.
He utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT).
Robert McGowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). I have worked in several different roles in the Behavioral Health field which includes private practice, marriage counseling, substance abuse (adult and teen), youth emergency shelter, anxiety, chronic mental illness, and others. Robert completed his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later went on to obtain a Master's degree in Business Administration.
(817) 587-9687 View (817) 587-9687
Photo of Damla Ricks, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Damla Ricks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I am trained in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Gottman, and EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy).
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Sometimes a past traumatic experience can resurface at a time that we are least expecting it. Finding friends and family members who are supportive can become difficult. We simply don't feel heard or understood. Life can also continue to throw unexpected situations in our way that we do not feel ready to face. I love working with clients who are trying to find themselves in different stages of their life. I have experience working with clients who have past trauma, divorce, martial disagreements and blended family conflict.
I am trained in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Gottman, and EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy).
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Sometimes a past traumatic experience can resurface at a time that we are least expecting it. Finding friends and family members who are supportive can become difficult. We simply don't feel heard or understood. Life can also continue to throw unexpected situations in our way that we do not feel ready to face. I love working with clients who are trying to find themselves in different stages of their life. I have experience working with clients who have past trauma, divorce, martial disagreements and blended family conflict.
(817) 482-3397 View (817) 482-3397

See more therapy options for Eastland 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.