Emotionally Focused Therapists in Bainbridge Island, WA

Photo of Megan Sater, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Megan Sater
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
My work is rooted in attachment theory and integrates concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Nonviolent Communication, and The Gottman Method.
I provide a different kind of therapy that goes beyond the treatment of symptoms and examines the multifaceted layers that comprise human health. My approach is vibrantly holistic. I walk alongside my clients as they cultivate a deeper knowledge of self and examine areas of imbalance and disconnection. I work with individuals, couples, and families from an attachment-based perspective, guided by my belief that healing, joy, and secure attachment are always within reach. I implement Gottman Institute techniques in my work with couples to improve communication and connection and facilitate healing post-infidelity.
My work is rooted in attachment theory and integrates concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Nonviolent Communication, and The Gottman Method.
I provide a different kind of therapy that goes beyond the treatment of symptoms and examines the multifaceted layers that comprise human health. My approach is vibrantly holistic. I walk alongside my clients as they cultivate a deeper knowledge of self and examine areas of imbalance and disconnection. I work with individuals, couples, and families from an attachment-based perspective, guided by my belief that healing, joy, and secure attachment are always within reach. I implement Gottman Institute techniques in my work with couples to improve communication and connection and facilitate healing post-infidelity.
(206) 408-1728 View (206) 408-1728
Photo of Ellen Hresko - Ellen Hresko Counseling, PLLC, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen Hresko Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
I counsel teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in working with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Anxiety, Depression andtrauma/PTSD.
I counsel teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in working with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Anxiety, Depression andtrauma/PTSD.
(206) 458-1695 View (206) 458-1695
Photo of Jenny Wilson - Jenny Wilson Counseling, MA, LMHC, SUDP, CCTP, Counselor
Jenny Wilson Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, SUDP, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
I pursue continuing education and am currently immersed in the study of emotionally focused therapy.
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, cherished, nurtured, witnessed, engaged, and comforted. People crave connection with one another, relationships fall short, hearts get broken, and our most genuine selves are buried beneath layers meant to defend against further wounding. My passion is helping people find healing and joy after surviving significant disappointment and trauma. I offer clients an invitation to grieve and to challenge defense mechanisms that undermine healthy relationship to self and others. I provide a safe and calm space in which therapeutic integration leads to wholeness and health.
I pursue continuing education and am currently immersed in the study of emotionally focused therapy.
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, cherished, nurtured, witnessed, engaged, and comforted. People crave connection with one another, relationships fall short, hearts get broken, and our most genuine selves are buried beneath layers meant to defend against further wounding. My passion is helping people find healing and joy after surviving significant disappointment and trauma. I offer clients an invitation to grieve and to challenge defense mechanisms that undermine healthy relationship to self and others. I provide a safe and calm space in which therapeutic integration leads to wholeness and health.
(206) 207-1330 View (206) 207-1330
Photo of Carrie Stansell Paterson, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Carrie Stansell Paterson
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
I offer holistic client-centered psychotherapy to individuals and couples with: Conflict in relationships, feelings of disconnection, social anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, lack of motivation or satisfaction, postpartum depression and anxiety, excessive worry, generalized anxiety, memory loss, cognitive impairment, dementia, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, chronic medical conditions and pain, substance and behavioral addictions, unwanted habits, and caregiver stress and burnout. I have a passion for social justice, equality and offer affirmative psychotherapy for those identifying within the LGBTQIA community.
I offer holistic client-centered psychotherapy to individuals and couples with: Conflict in relationships, feelings of disconnection, social anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, lack of motivation or satisfaction, postpartum depression and anxiety, excessive worry, generalized anxiety, memory loss, cognitive impairment, dementia, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, chronic medical conditions and pain, substance and behavioral addictions, unwanted habits, and caregiver stress and burnout. I have a passion for social justice, equality and offer affirmative psychotherapy for those identifying within the LGBTQIA community.
(206) 279-1063 View (206) 279-1063
Photo of Edward Surridge, MA, LFMT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Edward Surridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LFMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
My relational therapy specialty is in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families, which focuses on improving the emotional connection between people.
I welcome you to heal and grow from past/present stressful situations in a professional, emphatic and validating therapeutic environment. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Wellness Counseling Inc. with 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am English-Spanish bilingual. I am in network with Bluecross-Blueshield, Kaiser, Lifewise, Premera and Regence.
My relational therapy specialty is in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families, which focuses on improving the emotional connection between people.
I welcome you to heal and grow from past/present stressful situations in a professional, emphatic and validating therapeutic environment. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Wellness Counseling Inc. with 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am English-Spanish bilingual. I am in network with Bluecross-Blueshield, Kaiser, Lifewise, Premera and Regence.
(206) 309-6432 View (206) 309-6432
Photo of Christine Havens - Christine Havens, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Christine Havens
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
For 29 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
For 29 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
(206) 759-7147 View (206) 759-7147
Photo of Giselle Macfarlane, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Giselle Macfarlane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
As an LMFT serving Bainbridge Island, I utilize a humanistic, evidence-based, emotionally focused perspective with children, youth, and adults with concerns including anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, self-harm, identity, and gender questioning issues. I find Lifespan Integration and Somatic Transformation helpful in resolving trauma. I treat couples and families working through conflict, life transitions, divorce, grief, and loss. Additionally, I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and a Washington State Supervisor offering supervision to associates.
As an LMFT serving Bainbridge Island, I utilize a humanistic, evidence-based, emotionally focused perspective with children, youth, and adults with concerns including anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, self-harm, identity, and gender questioning issues. I find Lifespan Integration and Somatic Transformation helpful in resolving trauma. I treat couples and families working through conflict, life transitions, divorce, grief, and loss. Additionally, I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and a Washington State Supervisor offering supervision to associates.
(206) 557-6559 View (206) 557-6559
Photo of Mary O'Leary, MA, PhD, MS, Psychologist
Mary O'Leary
Psychologist, MA, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
My Specialties are: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (including PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias), Trauma, Dual Diagnosis (mental health plus substance use problems), Stress Management, Relationship and Couples Counseling (Emotionally Focused Therapy - EFT), Career and Life Transitions, and Personal Growth.
As a Clinical Psychologist with 30+ years of experience, I strive to help you find pathways to enjoy your life, feel more deeply connected to others, and to enhance your sense of meaning in life. My goal is to help you find ways to better cope with the difficulties that bring you to therapy and make healthy changes that enhance the quality of your life. I provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions in a warm, supportive, and professional therapeutic environment. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the personal history and present goals of each of my clients.
My Specialties are: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (including PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias), Trauma, Dual Diagnosis (mental health plus substance use problems), Stress Management, Relationship and Couples Counseling (Emotionally Focused Therapy - EFT), Career and Life Transitions, and Personal Growth.
As a Clinical Psychologist with 30+ years of experience, I strive to help you find pathways to enjoy your life, feel more deeply connected to others, and to enhance your sense of meaning in life. My goal is to help you find ways to better cope with the difficulties that bring you to therapy and make healthy changes that enhance the quality of your life. I provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions in a warm, supportive, and professional therapeutic environment. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the personal history and present goals of each of my clients.
(206) 743-9943 View (206) 743-9943
Photo of Shannon Tallon, MA, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Tallon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
My primary approach is based in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Compassion and humor is what you will experience in my office. I cultivate a safe place for you to be your authentic and vulnerable self as we work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. My clients consist of individuals ranging from 15 years old - 75 years old, with a wide array of issues related to communication, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, conflict management, intimacy, trauma, and stress. My Master's in Counseling and post-graduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy have equipped me to effectively and compassionately work with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
My primary approach is based in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Compassion and humor is what you will experience in my office. I cultivate a safe place for you to be your authentic and vulnerable self as we work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. My clients consist of individuals ranging from 15 years old - 75 years old, with a wide array of issues related to communication, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, conflict management, intimacy, trauma, and stress. My Master's in Counseling and post-graduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy have equipped me to effectively and compassionately work with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
(360) 233-8072 View (360) 233-8072
Photo of Alison Winegardner, LMHCA, Counselor
Alison Winegardner
Counselor, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
Are you experiencing a whirlwind of emotions due to a recent challenge or significant life event and finding your sense of self profoundly disoriented? Perhaps you feel lost after a recent breakup, graduation, or relocation to a new city. Transitions bring uncertainty, and you may need to reevaluate your identity and values before you can adapt to the change of direction. It's common to feel lost or overwhelmed when routines are disrupted, and what was once familiar now feels distant.
Are you experiencing a whirlwind of emotions due to a recent challenge or significant life event and finding your sense of self profoundly disoriented? Perhaps you feel lost after a recent breakup, graduation, or relocation to a new city. Transitions bring uncertainty, and you may need to reevaluate your identity and values before you can adapt to the change of direction. It's common to feel lost or overwhelmed when routines are disrupted, and what was once familiar now feels distant.
(206) 569-5053 View (206) 569-5053
Photo of Julie Franks, LICSW, DSW, MTS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Franks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, DSW, MTS
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
My name is Dr. Julie Franks, and I'm a licensed maternal mental therapist + founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood, where I offer support for the unique challenges that come with pregnancy and postpartum, including depression, anxiety, and trauma related to infertility and pregnancy loss. I believe that becoming a mother + parenting young children is rarely what we expected; it's so much harder. And what's even worse is that it's taboo to talk about the way motherhood impacts your mental health. I believe that, with support, you can start feeling better quickly. And that's where I come in. I'm here to help.
My name is Dr. Julie Franks, and I'm a licensed maternal mental therapist + founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood, where I offer support for the unique challenges that come with pregnancy and postpartum, including depression, anxiety, and trauma related to infertility and pregnancy loss. I believe that becoming a mother + parenting young children is rarely what we expected; it's so much harder. And what's even worse is that it's taboo to talk about the way motherhood impacts your mental health. I believe that, with support, you can start feeling better quickly. And that's where I come in. I'm here to help.
(206) 678-0935 View (206) 678-0935
Photo of Rachelle Lim, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rachelle Lim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
Are you carrying attachment injuries, whether it's family dynamics, generational traumas, or feeling disconnect in your relationships? Are you ready to change old patterns, and build stronger, more meaningful connections? Do you desire someone to walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and perhaps even a touch of humor because, really, who says therapy can't have its lighter moments? Then, you're in the right space!
Are you carrying attachment injuries, whether it's family dynamics, generational traumas, or feeling disconnect in your relationships? Are you ready to change old patterns, and build stronger, more meaningful connections? Do you desire someone to walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and perhaps even a touch of humor because, really, who says therapy can't have its lighter moments? Then, you're in the right space!
(206) 208-8232 View (206) 208-8232
Photo of Erika R. Dorsey, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Erika R. Dorsey
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore the areas in your life in which you are struggling. We all have challenges, and, at some point, we are ready to experience lasting change and healing. Seeking help takes courage and commitment but can lead to a more meaningful life and overall well being. My approach is based on genuine compassion, understanding and mutual respect. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and would love to help you discover your personal strengths and resources, regaining your inherent vitality for life!
I provide a safe, supportive environment for you to explore the areas in your life in which you are struggling. We all have challenges, and, at some point, we are ready to experience lasting change and healing. Seeking help takes courage and commitment but can lead to a more meaningful life and overall well being. My approach is based on genuine compassion, understanding and mutual respect. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and would love to help you discover your personal strengths and resources, regaining your inherent vitality for life!
(586) 838-2129 View (586) 838-2129
Photo of Bill Reddy, MCIOB, MA, LMHCA, Counselor
Bill Reddy
Counselor, MCIOB, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
I work with career professionals, adults, couples and teenagers who are experiencing difficulty in the office, at home or at school. I work with clients whose life experience is impacted by: trauma, relationships issues, midlife, leaving home, relocating, job loss, grief, anxiety, depression, culture shock or other significant life events including simply feeling stuck or at a loss. I bring over 30 years of professional and personal development to my work with individuals, families, adolescents, and couples. I hold a safe, secure, non-judgmental space in which to explore emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
I work with career professionals, adults, couples and teenagers who are experiencing difficulty in the office, at home or at school. I work with clients whose life experience is impacted by: trauma, relationships issues, midlife, leaving home, relocating, job loss, grief, anxiety, depression, culture shock or other significant life events including simply feeling stuck or at a loss. I bring over 30 years of professional and personal development to my work with individuals, families, adolescents, and couples. I hold a safe, secure, non-judgmental space in which to explore emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
(206) 823-1241 View (206) 823-1241
Photo of Justine Joslyn, MA
Justine Joslyn
MA
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
Hello! Since 2006, I have helped couples & families resolve stuck dynamics with communication & connection skills. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll also learn how to re-connect to your with your wise inner guidance, and replace negative ego chatter with empowering narratives that inspire smart, bold moves with your career, creativity & relationships.
Hello! Since 2006, I have helped couples & families resolve stuck dynamics with communication & connection skills. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll also learn how to re-connect to your with your wise inner guidance, and replace negative ego chatter with empowering narratives that inspire smart, bold moves with your career, creativity & relationships.
(360) 946-0941 View (360) 946-0941
Photo of Jean Tzou, PhD, LCP, APIT, Psychologist
Jean Tzou
Psychologist, PhD, LCP, APIT
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
As a generalist, I work with individuals with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar, and addiction, to life problems in relationships, trauma, grief, loneliness, anger management, stress and career choices, etc... Clients get results with me because my approach is practical, creative, and empowering, and I work hard to help clients gain new tools to overcome their challenges. I am a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience providing individual, couples, group counseling, psychological evaluations, and teaching/training in university settings. My style of therapy is warm, genuine, attentive, and sensitive to clients' unique needs.
As a generalist, I work with individuals with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar, and addiction, to life problems in relationships, trauma, grief, loneliness, anger management, stress and career choices, etc... Clients get results with me because my approach is practical, creative, and empowering, and I work hard to help clients gain new tools to overcome their challenges. I am a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience providing individual, couples, group counseling, psychological evaluations, and teaching/training in university settings. My style of therapy is warm, genuine, attentive, and sensitive to clients' unique needs.
(312) 698-3095 View (312) 698-3095
Photo of Elizabeth Anne Rightor, MA, MEd, MHCA, CRM, Counselor
Elizabeth Anne Rightor
Counselor, MA, MEd, MHCA, CRM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
Are you living the life you desire? Do you want to find more peace, fun, and intimacy in your personal relationships? Anais Nin once said, "There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." This quote underscores my belief that change and growth are available to us all; we simply have to be willing for the process to unfold. You can create the life that you want. I will help you get there.
Are you living the life you desire? Do you want to find more peace, fun, and intimacy in your personal relationships? Anais Nin once said, "There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." This quote underscores my belief that change and growth are available to us all; we simply have to be willing for the process to unfold. You can create the life that you want. I will help you get there.
(206) 535-1409 View (206) 535-1409
Photo of Heather Huckett, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Heather Huckett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
It is time to prioritize yourself and rediscover the many pleasures life has to offer. I treat teens, adults and relationships structures who are experiencing overwhelm and distress. Together we will work towards untangling the unhelpful narratives surrounding sex and sexuality, anxiety, depression, perinatal/postpartum mental health, ADHD and feelings of burnout. Feelings of insecurity, shame, discomfort, or boredom can lead to long lasting rifts in our relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. My approach is client centered to ensure that my clients feel truly heard.
It is time to prioritize yourself and rediscover the many pleasures life has to offer. I treat teens, adults and relationships structures who are experiencing overwhelm and distress. Together we will work towards untangling the unhelpful narratives surrounding sex and sexuality, anxiety, depression, perinatal/postpartum mental health, ADHD and feelings of burnout. Feelings of insecurity, shame, discomfort, or boredom can lead to long lasting rifts in our relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. My approach is client centered to ensure that my clients feel truly heard.
(206) 590-4637 View (206) 590-4637
Photo of Kristi Gavigan, LMHCA, SUDPT, Counselor
Kristi Gavigan
Counselor, LMHCA, SUDPT
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
I see every person's life story as unique and special. Approaching my clients with warmth, humor, and authenticity allows me to provide a compassionate approach to their specific challenges. I specialize in non-traditional relationship styles, blended families, and co-parenting. I draw from my experience as a Guardian ad Litem & domestic violence evaluator to support my clients during life changes such as traumatic divorce, criminal/legal, parenting, stepparenting, heartbreak, partnering, and marriage. My practice is gender and disability affirming, social justice oriented, and trauma-informed. LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous friendly.
I see every person's life story as unique and special. Approaching my clients with warmth, humor, and authenticity allows me to provide a compassionate approach to their specific challenges. I specialize in non-traditional relationship styles, blended families, and co-parenting. I draw from my experience as a Guardian ad Litem & domestic violence evaluator to support my clients during life changes such as traumatic divorce, criminal/legal, parenting, stepparenting, heartbreak, partnering, and marriage. My practice is gender and disability affirming, social justice oriented, and trauma-informed. LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous friendly.
(206) 678-0212 View (206) 678-0212
Photo of Jennifer L. Manlowe, LMFT, PhD, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer L. Manlowe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD, MDiv
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
If you're feeling in the dark navigating a difficult transition, you're in the right place. You may doubt your power to change life as it is right now. You may have absorbed cultural messages that say, "There's nothing you can do, things will never improve." I disagree. My specialties include using solutions-oriented methods which include: “Compassionate Effectiveness Training,” "Enneagram profiling," and "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy." Together we’ll work with feelings you might have of being different from the norm; of hoping to find ground in an ever-changing world; of wanting to find a sense of home within yourself.
If you're feeling in the dark navigating a difficult transition, you're in the right place. You may doubt your power to change life as it is right now. You may have absorbed cultural messages that say, "There's nothing you can do, things will never improve." I disagree. My specialties include using solutions-oriented methods which include: “Compassionate Effectiveness Training,” "Enneagram profiling," and "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy." Together we’ll work with feelings you might have of being different from the norm; of hoping to find ground in an ever-changing world; of wanting to find a sense of home within yourself.
(206) 451-1332 View (206) 451-1332
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Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.