Emotionally Focused Therapists in Edmonton, AB

Josephine Hendrick
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MC, Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5H
My primary modalities include Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), ACT, Narrative Therapy, Feminist Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Life can be overwhelming. If you are struggling with attachment, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, body image concerns, emotional regulation, or interpersonal trauma, I am here to support you. Together, we can work to identify your internal and relational patterns so you can strengthen your connection with the self and others. I believe that accessing emotion is the key to change, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can begin to understand, express, and process vulnerable emotions.
My primary modalities include Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), ACT, Narrative Therapy, Feminist Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Life can be overwhelming. If you are struggling with attachment, anxiety, depression, a mood disorder, body image concerns, emotional regulation, or interpersonal trauma, I am here to support you. Together, we can work to identify your internal and relational patterns so you can strengthen your connection with the self and others. I believe that accessing emotion is the key to change, and I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can begin to understand, express, and process vulnerable emotions.

In addition to this, I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and mindfulness-based interventions to tailor my approach to the uniqueness of the individual.
I understand the courage it takes to seek therapy, so I admire you for taking this step. My goal is to establish a warm, collaborative, safe, and welcoming environment based on trust. I believe that everyone has the potential to thrive with the right tools and support. I think it's important to meet people without judgment, so they can explore their true selves and create lasting changes. My approach is gentle and non-directive, allowing you to be the expert of your story.
In addition to this, I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and mindfulness-based interventions to tailor my approach to the uniqueness of the individual.
I understand the courage it takes to seek therapy, so I admire you for taking this step. My goal is to establish a warm, collaborative, safe, and welcoming environment based on trust. I believe that everyone has the potential to thrive with the right tools and support. I think it's important to meet people without judgment, so they can explore their true selves and create lasting changes. My approach is gentle and non-directive, allowing you to be the expert of your story.

While trained in multiple therapy modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, EFT and others; I combine and tailor these for a collaborative, strength-based, and personalized experience within an interactive approach.
I am a registered psychologist providing client-centered and evidence-based therapeutic care to adults. I have experience working with clients with a wide range of difficulties and work well with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, relationship concerns, and life transition.
While trained in multiple therapy modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, EFT and others; I combine and tailor these for a collaborative, strength-based, and personalized experience within an interactive approach.
I am a registered psychologist providing client-centered and evidence-based therapeutic care to adults. I have experience working with clients with a wide range of difficulties and work well with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, loss, relationship concerns, and life transition.

Our team consists of Registered Psychologists who have specialized training in EMDR, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
At Helix Psychology, we are a client-centered private practice that offers counselling for toddler/children/adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. It can be difficult choosing a therapist and starting therapy for the first time - there are so many choices and even more questions. We are here to guide you through the process and help make sense of everything in a safe, open and compassionate environment. We offer a variety of counselling services which are tailored to the unique needs of each individual client. All sessions are based on a foundation of respect and acceptance.
Our team consists of Registered Psychologists who have specialized training in EMDR, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
At Helix Psychology, we are a client-centered private practice that offers counselling for toddler/children/adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. It can be difficult choosing a therapist and starting therapy for the first time - there are so many choices and even more questions. We are here to guide you through the process and help make sense of everything in a safe, open and compassionate environment. We offer a variety of counselling services which are tailored to the unique needs of each individual client. All sessions are based on a foundation of respect and acceptance.

My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (Certified), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR guide me in the work we will do in therapy together.
“We are relational beings" and we discover ourselves in our relationship to others. When these relationships don’t feel “secure”, we may feel alone or in pain, causing personal struggles to be more difficult. My experience in counselling those who face marital, family, and parenting struggles, offers ways to overcome the barriers that get in the way of reaching out to those you love. I offer my authenticity and a supportive place to reflect, and discover new ways of viewing yourself to create positive change.
My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (Certified), Narrative Therapy, and EMDR guide me in the work we will do in therapy together.
“We are relational beings" and we discover ourselves in our relationship to others. When these relationships don’t feel “secure”, we may feel alone or in pain, causing personal struggles to be more difficult. My experience in counselling those who face marital, family, and parenting struggles, offers ways to overcome the barriers that get in the way of reaching out to those you love. I offer my authenticity and a supportive place to reflect, and discover new ways of viewing yourself to create positive change.

At the center of our treatment types is Emotionally Focused therapy, however each of our clinicians are trained in different treatment types and can call on this training to provide you with the type of treatment that is most appropriate to your situation and needs and will lead to the most progress.
We assist clients who are experiencing disordered eating, challenges with body image and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. We accept clients through self referral. Our clients want to heal their relationship with food. This could include a change in preoccupation with weight and/or food, changing strict food rules, breaking free from diet culture, and building a positive body image. We accept clients through self referral. We have locations in West Edmonton, South Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton as well as Southwest Calgary, Alberta.
At the center of our treatment types is Emotionally Focused therapy, however each of our clinicians are trained in different treatment types and can call on this training to provide you with the type of treatment that is most appropriate to your situation and needs and will lead to the most progress.
We assist clients who are experiencing disordered eating, challenges with body image and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. We accept clients through self referral. Our clients want to heal their relationship with food. This could include a change in preoccupation with weight and/or food, changing strict food rules, breaking free from diet culture, and building a positive body image. We accept clients through self referral. We have locations in West Edmonton, South Edmonton and Downtown Edmonton as well as Southwest Calgary, Alberta.

I am trained in Play Therapy, EFT (emotion-focused therapy), Emotions as Messages therapy, and Breaking the ADHD Code therapy.
Are you a parent of a neurodiverse child seeking support? Do you feel frustrated by cultural shock, adapting to a new reality, or navigating family or workplace turmoil? Are depression, anxiety, mood swings, or anger challenges on your plate? Is your child struggling socially or academically? Are you? Do you crave being heard, accepted, and supported? Are you ready to maximize your strengths while learning to accommodate the areas of need? Would you like to master the dance of interpersonal communication using your emotions as a compass in navigating your relationships? Will you explore your past and present to design your future?
I am trained in Play Therapy, EFT (emotion-focused therapy), Emotions as Messages therapy, and Breaking the ADHD Code therapy.
Are you a parent of a neurodiverse child seeking support? Do you feel frustrated by cultural shock, adapting to a new reality, or navigating family or workplace turmoil? Are depression, anxiety, mood swings, or anger challenges on your plate? Is your child struggling socially or academically? Are you? Do you crave being heard, accepted, and supported? Are you ready to maximize your strengths while learning to accommodate the areas of need? Would you like to master the dance of interpersonal communication using your emotions as a compass in navigating your relationships? Will you explore your past and present to design your future?

I work with an eclectic mix of modalities including ACT, EFT, IFS, focusing, nature-based therapy, somatic, transpersonal and mindfulness-based approaches.
Everyone has the innate capacity to heal and transform. I see my task as offering a safe, skilled and authentic relational space in which that might occur. I offer a highly individualized and integrative approach to help you bring more balance, resilience, meaning and flourishing into your life - to call forth and nurture your true potential. I have over 15 years of experience in individual, couple and group counselling and have worked with all age groups and with many different mental health issues and challenges. However, I see everyone as completely unique and needing their own particular co-created path to healing.
I work with an eclectic mix of modalities including ACT, EFT, IFS, focusing, nature-based therapy, somatic, transpersonal and mindfulness-based approaches.
Everyone has the innate capacity to heal and transform. I see my task as offering a safe, skilled and authentic relational space in which that might occur. I offer a highly individualized and integrative approach to help you bring more balance, resilience, meaning and flourishing into your life - to call forth and nurture your true potential. I have over 15 years of experience in individual, couple and group counselling and have worked with all age groups and with many different mental health issues and challenges. However, I see everyone as completely unique and needing their own particular co-created path to healing.

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist for couples (EFCT) and individuals (EFIT).
The only way out is through. I aim to facilitate your ability to move through your pain, frustrations, despair, loneliness, and stuck points using evidence-based approaches. Together we will reduce the negative impacts of challenging situations, thoughts, and feelings while expanding in ways that will make your life and relationships deeply fulfilling.
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist for couples (EFCT) and individuals (EFIT).
The only way out is through. I aim to facilitate your ability to move through your pain, frustrations, despair, loneliness, and stuck points using evidence-based approaches. Together we will reduce the negative impacts of challenging situations, thoughts, and feelings while expanding in ways that will make your life and relationships deeply fulfilling.

I practice counselling from a strength-based, client-centre perspective. I honor clients' experiences and together we form collaborative relationships to identify healthy coping, and solution-oriented pathways towards clients' goals. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify maladaptive, intrusive thoughts to form adaptive self-concepts. Furthermore, I thoughtfully incorporate Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to work with traumatic life events and emotionally freedom techniques to ground and process strong emotions. I am trained in Play Therapy to work with children and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) to work with couples. I am also Pride certified to work with sexual and gender minority individuals.
I practice counselling from a strength-based, client-centre perspective. I honor clients' experiences and together we form collaborative relationships to identify healthy coping, and solution-oriented pathways towards clients' goals. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify maladaptive, intrusive thoughts to form adaptive self-concepts. Furthermore, I thoughtfully incorporate Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to work with traumatic life events and emotionally freedom techniques to ground and process strong emotions. I am trained in Play Therapy to work with children and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) to work with couples. I am also Pride certified to work with sexual and gender minority individuals.

You feel overwhelmed and defeated. Regardless of how hard you try, you feel like you aren’t good enough. You struggle to live up to the expectations that you have for yourself and that everyone seems to have for you. These feelings may show up in your relationships with partner(s), family, or friends; in your career; or even in how you relate to your body. Maybe the seeds of self-doubt were planted by a well-meaning person in your life. Maybe they come from your social media feed or societal expectations to be perfect. You wish you could let go of the pressure and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
You feel overwhelmed and defeated. Regardless of how hard you try, you feel like you aren’t good enough. You struggle to live up to the expectations that you have for yourself and that everyone seems to have for you. These feelings may show up in your relationships with partner(s), family, or friends; in your career; or even in how you relate to your body. Maybe the seeds of self-doubt were planted by a well-meaning person in your life. Maybe they come from your social media feed or societal expectations to be perfect. You wish you could let go of the pressure and live a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors

I work primarily with a somatic-based, trauma-informed and attachment-centred process: Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT), EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT).
I provide a safe place to process, heal and change, with an open, warm and practical approach to counselling. Sometimes clients jokingly say, 'I have issues'. Well, we all have 'issues'. When these issues become overwhelming, I help you gain the skills necessary to move forward. I think expressing both "negative" and "positive" emotions are important to well-being. I consider therapy a success when you leave with increased clarity about the issues that you are dealing with, feel hopeful about addressing the challenges holding you back, and feel confident practicing new skills that you have added to your personal skill set.
I work primarily with a somatic-based, trauma-informed and attachment-centred process: Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT), EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT).
I provide a safe place to process, heal and change, with an open, warm and practical approach to counselling. Sometimes clients jokingly say, 'I have issues'. Well, we all have 'issues'. When these issues become overwhelming, I help you gain the skills necessary to move forward. I think expressing both "negative" and "positive" emotions are important to well-being. I consider therapy a success when you leave with increased clarity about the issues that you are dealing with, feel hopeful about addressing the challenges holding you back, and feel confident practicing new skills that you have added to your personal skill set.

I use Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Gottman Therapy to help couples build meaningful interactions with each other.
You have taken a brave step to find support for yourself, or for your child and I hope I can be a good fit for wherever you are on your journey. Taking the first step in seeking support is not easy. However, I'm here to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for healing to begin. I am a Registered Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist and I have worked with adults, couples, children and families for over 13 years. My therapeutic approach is integrative and I use a variety of approaches to meet individual needs.
I use Emotionally Focused Family Therapy and Gottman Therapy to help couples build meaningful interactions with each other.
You have taken a brave step to find support for yourself, or for your child and I hope I can be a good fit for wherever you are on your journey. Taking the first step in seeking support is not easy. However, I'm here to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for healing to begin. I am a Registered Psychologist and Registered Play Therapist and I have worked with adults, couples, children and families for over 13 years. My therapeutic approach is integrative and I use a variety of approaches to meet individual needs.

However depending on the presenting issue, I may draw from other approaches including Brief, Emotionally Focused or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, or stuck while navigating a life change? Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Are you living with a sense of loss or disconnection and seeking a sense of meaning or purpose? As a clinician, I am dedicated to helping individuals like you navigate the ups and downs that life may bring. Why work with me? (1) Collaborative approach: we work together to create a treatment plan that suits your unique needs, values and goals. (2) Relational approach: a non-judgmental space for you to express yourself openly in your integrity. (3) Focused on sustaining meaningful change.
However depending on the presenting issue, I may draw from other approaches including Brief, Emotionally Focused or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Are you feeling anxious, or stuck while navigating a life change? Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Are you living with a sense of loss or disconnection and seeking a sense of meaning or purpose? As a clinician, I am dedicated to helping individuals like you navigate the ups and downs that life may bring. Why work with me? (1) Collaborative approach: we work together to create a treatment plan that suits your unique needs, values and goals. (2) Relational approach: a non-judgmental space for you to express yourself openly in your integrity. (3) Focused on sustaining meaningful change.

I use a variety of modalities including person-centred, ACT, EFT, and attachment-based therapy, through which we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and move toward growth and self-compassion.
I’m so glad you’re here. It takes courage to reach out, especially in a world that can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you’ve felt misunderstood, unseen, or weighed down by the impacts of marginalization, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to helping others live a life of freedom—a life shaped by authenticity, growth, and unapologetic self-expression.
As a qualifying Psychotherapist, I work under the supervision of highly experienced clinicians.
I use a variety of modalities including person-centred, ACT, EFT, and attachment-based therapy, through which we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and move toward growth and self-compassion.
I’m so glad you’re here. It takes courage to reach out, especially in a world that can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you’ve felt misunderstood, unseen, or weighed down by the impacts of marginalization, know that you don’t have to carry it alone. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to helping others live a life of freedom—a life shaped by authenticity, growth, and unapologetic self-expression.
As a qualifying Psychotherapist, I work under the supervision of highly experienced clinicians.

Vanessa Akello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6R
My training includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (couples and families), EMDR trauma therapy, Narrative theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy.
We desire healthy relationships and want to feel heard, understood, and accepted. Healing and hope start here. In sessions, you will find a safe space to address communication issues, unfaithfulness/betrayal, not feeling seen or heard anymore, or drifting apart concerns. Together, we re-establish your connection. I support those struggling to find joy, their way back to each other, or those who are struggling with negative thoughts and beliefs: couples and families, and individually with adults, teens, responders, and other clinicians.
My training includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (couples and families), EMDR trauma therapy, Narrative theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Solutions-Focused Therapy.
We desire healthy relationships and want to feel heard, understood, and accepted. Healing and hope start here. In sessions, you will find a safe space to address communication issues, unfaithfulness/betrayal, not feeling seen or heard anymore, or drifting apart concerns. Together, we re-establish your connection. I support those struggling to find joy, their way back to each other, or those who are struggling with negative thoughts and beliefs: couples and families, and individually with adults, teens, responders, and other clinicians.

I rely on an integrative approach to therapy that combines elements of CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT and EMDR.
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. My approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of confronting our painful emotions and experiences from a place of safety, curiosity, and honesty. I work with individuals and couples as well as teens and youth. I also have a special interest in working with men. I believe that men are often under resourced when it comes to accessing, expressing, and understanding their emotions, often leading to painful, yet avoidable, experiences.
I rely on an integrative approach to therapy that combines elements of CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT and EMDR.
I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Alberta. My approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of confronting our painful emotions and experiences from a place of safety, curiosity, and honesty. I work with individuals and couples as well as teens and youth. I also have a special interest in working with men. I believe that men are often under resourced when it comes to accessing, expressing, and understanding their emotions, often leading to painful, yet avoidable, experiences.

For couples work I use Emotionally focused couples therapy.
Individual clients come to see me when there is recognition of loss of control of their moods and behaviors. Difficulty with boundaries, honesty and building secure attachments create a lonely and isolated life. Depression and anxiety can be so overwhelming and we often don't want to feel like a burden to friends or family so we keep it to ourselves. I help my clients find themselves and find hope. I work with couples who are experiencing breakdowns in communication, loss of trust due to infidelity or other secrets and help them navigate the way through the repair process.
For couples work I use Emotionally focused couples therapy.
Individual clients come to see me when there is recognition of loss of control of their moods and behaviors. Difficulty with boundaries, honesty and building secure attachments create a lonely and isolated life. Depression and anxiety can be so overwhelming and we often don't want to feel like a burden to friends or family so we keep it to ourselves. I help my clients find themselves and find hope. I work with couples who are experiencing breakdowns in communication, loss of trust due to infidelity or other secrets and help them navigate the way through the repair process.

Michelle Emmerling
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T5J
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialized training in Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) for Eating Disorders/Body Image concerns from some of the world's leading experts.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of extensive professional training in working with a diverse range of individual, couple, and family issues from a holistic and client focused perspective. This means I tailor my work to your unique experience and concerns so that we can work together to help you become aware of different aspects of your experience and areas where you may be stuck. I believe in building a caring, genuine, and supportive therapeutic relationship where you can feel safe to explore your concerns and together we can work towards helping you live a more fulfilling life.
I have specialized training in Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) for Eating Disorders/Body Image concerns from some of the world's leading experts.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years of extensive professional training in working with a diverse range of individual, couple, and family issues from a holistic and client focused perspective. This means I tailor my work to your unique experience and concerns so that we can work together to help you become aware of different aspects of your experience and areas where you may be stuck. I believe in building a caring, genuine, and supportive therapeutic relationship where you can feel safe to explore your concerns and together we can work towards helping you live a more fulfilling life.

Rachel Pharo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edmonton, AB T6E
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, Emotionally focused therapy, among other therapies.
Beginning to start working through our own personal stress and distress can be overwhelming and intimidating. Working with clients to find new ways of coping, process past experiences and trauma, managing anxiety, and establishing healthy boundaries are some of the ways I can help.
I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, Emotionally focused therapy, among other therapies.
Beginning to start working through our own personal stress and distress can be overwhelming and intimidating. Working with clients to find new ways of coping, process past experiences and trauma, managing anxiety, and establishing healthy boundaries are some of the ways I can help.
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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.