Emotionally Focused Therapists in Ottawa, ON
I am also Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused, Somatic, and Trauma informed.
It's your time now. Seeking to understand yourself better? Wondering what comes next? Feeling weighed down by depression, anxiety, or grief? Throughout our lives we experience challenges that leave us feeling lost, stuck, or untethered. I am here to help you reconnect with your internal wisdom. We'll work on tuning into the messages your emotions are bringing you and identifying the protective strategies that may no longer be serving you. I help you reveal and connect to your true Self to increase clarity and healing. Together we'll explore strategies to help you heal from the past, be in the present, and create the future you want.
I am also Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused, Somatic, and Trauma informed.
It's your time now. Seeking to understand yourself better? Wondering what comes next? Feeling weighed down by depression, anxiety, or grief? Throughout our lives we experience challenges that leave us feeling lost, stuck, or untethered. I am here to help you reconnect with your internal wisdom. We'll work on tuning into the messages your emotions are bringing you and identifying the protective strategies that may no longer be serving you. I help you reveal and connect to your true Self to increase clarity and healing. Together we'll explore strategies to help you heal from the past, be in the present, and create the future you want.
Mandy Joseph
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I draw from current neuroscience and attachment theory, as well as from Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Perhaps you're here because you're struggling with loss, searching for meaning, or navigating a significant change in your life. Maybe you're seeking support due to the overwhelming burden of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Perhaps you feel isolated or disconnected from someone you care about, or you might feel stuck, unsure, and unlike yourself. Sharing your struggles in a safe and supportive environment can bring a profound sense of relief. Together, we can work towards empowering you to navigate life's challenges, reconnect with yourself, and experience a greater sense of peace.
I draw from current neuroscience and attachment theory, as well as from Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Perhaps you're here because you're struggling with loss, searching for meaning, or navigating a significant change in your life. Maybe you're seeking support due to the overwhelming burden of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Perhaps you feel isolated or disconnected from someone you care about, or you might feel stuck, unsure, and unlike yourself. Sharing your struggles in a safe and supportive environment can bring a profound sense of relief. Together, we can work towards empowering you to navigate life's challenges, reconnect with yourself, and experience a greater sense of peace.
Sarah Jackson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I use approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapies ( EFT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with a strength-based focus.
At Ivanova Psychology & Associates, I can help you process emotional and mental toll of separation and divorce, empower you to connect with yourself and your needs and breakthrough unhelpful relationship patterns. If you are a youth or an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationships or communication issues, I can help you identify deeper causes of these issues and find a meaningful path forward.
I use approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapies ( EFT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy with a strength-based focus.
At Ivanova Psychology & Associates, I can help you process emotional and mental toll of separation and divorce, empower you to connect with yourself and your needs and breakthrough unhelpful relationship patterns. If you are a youth or an adult struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationships or communication issues, I can help you identify deeper causes of these issues and find a meaningful path forward.
Lasha Shaw-Korchynski
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, co
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2P
My approach draws from person-centred, emotion-focussed ( EFT/EFFT), somatic, attachment, and parts work/IFS perspectives.
Accepting new clients, Apr 2025. Services for depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. Experienced therapist. Insurance receipts available. - - - Clients usually contact me because they know something is wrong. Some feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Others feel overwhelmed and confused. Many have started to notice problems in their sleep, mood, relationships, or work/school performance. Sometimes they aren't sure what's going wrong and they need help to identify the problem. Sometimes they know what they need to do, but they don't seem to be able to do it.
My approach draws from person-centred, emotion-focussed ( EFT/EFFT), somatic, attachment, and parts work/IFS perspectives.
Accepting new clients, Apr 2025. Services for depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. Experienced therapist. Insurance receipts available. - - - Clients usually contact me because they know something is wrong. Some feel stressed, anxious, or depressed. Others feel overwhelmed and confused. Many have started to notice problems in their sleep, mood, relationships, or work/school performance. Sometimes they aren't sure what's going wrong and they need help to identify the problem. Sometimes they know what they need to do, but they don't seem to be able to do it.
Guergana (Gerri) Mileva
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, PhD, MEd
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
I use a mix of therapeutic approaches like EFT, IFS, CFT and ACT—yes, all the acronyms!
Are you struggling with life's challenges, especially those tied to anxiety, relationships, fertility, or pregnancy? That's where I come in! I'm deeply invested in helping individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds manage everything from anxiety, relationship issues, IUI/IVF, miscarriage, to the emotional whirlwind of pregnancy and the postpartum period - not to mention the number it does on our relationships! Whether you're grappling with pregnancy loss, relationship issues, or the complex emotions of new parenthood, I'm here to support and guide you to hope and healing.
I use a mix of therapeutic approaches like EFT, IFS, CFT and ACT—yes, all the acronyms!
Are you struggling with life's challenges, especially those tied to anxiety, relationships, fertility, or pregnancy? That's where I come in! I'm deeply invested in helping individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds manage everything from anxiety, relationship issues, IUI/IVF, miscarriage, to the emotional whirlwind of pregnancy and the postpartum period - not to mention the number it does on our relationships! Whether you're grappling with pregnancy loss, relationship issues, or the complex emotions of new parenthood, I'm here to support and guide you to hope and healing.
Sarah Whelan- The Serenity Space
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2C
I often draw on approaches and theories such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE) and mindfulness.
Hello! Welcome to The Serenity Space, I am so glad you are here. At the heart of my work is my value of creating a safe space for us to explore topics together. I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples through conflict in relationships, difficult emotions or past experiences, the postpartum period, or feelings of being constantly stressed or on edge. Whatever season of life you find yourself in, I hope to provide a supportive space to explore it together.
I often draw on approaches and theories such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE) and mindfulness.
Hello! Welcome to The Serenity Space, I am so glad you are here. At the heart of my work is my value of creating a safe space for us to explore topics together. I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples through conflict in relationships, difficult emotions or past experiences, the postpartum period, or feelings of being constantly stressed or on edge. Whatever season of life you find yourself in, I hope to provide a supportive space to explore it together.
Fatima Ibrahim
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1K
Waitlist for new clients
These are the treatment types I use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic-based therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples.
I work with both individuals and couples. I am passionate about working with clients to enhance self-esteem and resilience. Whether you're seeking to improve communication in your relationships, manage anxiety and depression more effectively, heal from childhood trauma, or boost your self-esteem, I'm here to support you every step of the way. I have completed comprehensive training and hold certification in couples therapy, allowing me to effectively help couples build stronger relationships through research-based interventions and tools. Sessions are offered in English and Arabic.
These are the treatment types I use: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic-based therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples.
I work with both individuals and couples. I am passionate about working with clients to enhance self-esteem and resilience. Whether you're seeking to improve communication in your relationships, manage anxiety and depression more effectively, heal from childhood trauma, or boost your self-esteem, I'm here to support you every step of the way. I have completed comprehensive training and hold certification in couples therapy, allowing me to effectively help couples build stronger relationships through research-based interventions and tools. Sessions are offered in English and Arabic.
Rudaina Halabi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1S
Using a client-centered approach, I practice mainly from a psychodynamic lens with support from cognitive, emotion-focused ( EFT), experiential and other therapies.
Perhaps you are carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders and painful stories in your heart. Maybe you feel alone, lost, and uncertain of your path. You may be hurt in your couple relationship or experience it as unfulfilling or lacking an intimate connection. I believe that change and healing happens within a safe and supportive relationship. I will meet you where you are and offer you an empathetic ear and a confidential place, where we can explore your struggles and work together through your process of self-discovery and growth.
Using a client-centered approach, I practice mainly from a psychodynamic lens with support from cognitive, emotion-focused ( EFT), experiential and other therapies.
Perhaps you are carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders and painful stories in your heart. Maybe you feel alone, lost, and uncertain of your path. You may be hurt in your couple relationship or experience it as unfulfilling or lacking an intimate connection. I believe that change and healing happens within a safe and supportive relationship. I will meet you where you are and offer you an empathetic ear and a confidential place, where we can explore your struggles and work together through your process of self-discovery and growth.
, EFT, ACT, CBT) to best meet your unique needs.
Everyone needs support at times. In my practice, I work with clients aged 16+ who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, ADHD, disordered eating, and/or substance use issues. I also support clients in improving communication, managing stress, and enhancing overall emotional wellbeing. Together we will help you understand your "stuck" points and shift out of old cycles that are no longer serving you, so you can live a life that feels authentic and meaningful for you.
, EFT, ACT, CBT) to best meet your unique needs.
Everyone needs support at times. In my practice, I work with clients aged 16+ who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, ADHD, disordered eating, and/or substance use issues. I also support clients in improving communication, managing stress, and enhancing overall emotional wellbeing. Together we will help you understand your "stuck" points and shift out of old cycles that are no longer serving you, so you can live a life that feels authentic and meaningful for you.
Some of their therapy approach includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); family of origin, attachment in family therapy (AFT); Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) with emphasis on creating secure attachments within the relationship.
CCCG offers you the following choices: Choice of expertise (individual, couple and family therapy), Choice of language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian. Choice of location: Ottawa, Downtown, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Orleans, Manotick, Barrhaven, ONLINE, all accessible through one central phone number.
Some of their therapy approach includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); family of origin, attachment in family therapy (AFT); Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) with emphasis on creating secure attachments within the relationship.
CCCG offers you the following choices: Choice of expertise (individual, couple and family therapy), Choice of language (English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian. Choice of location: Ottawa, Downtown, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Orleans, Manotick, Barrhaven, ONLINE, all accessible through one central phone number.
My approach combines psychodynamic principles with internal family systems (IFS), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), somatic practices, and mindfulness, all tailored to you.
Hi there! Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to find someone who truly sees and hears you. If you identify as queer, neurodiverse, feel disconnected from family, or struggle to fit in, we might be a good match. My hope is to support you in finding meaning, fulfillment, and purpose—whether that involves healing past wounds, understanding your identity, or navigating life transitions. You don’t need to have all the answers; often, exploring the questions can be a powerful part of the journey.
My approach combines psychodynamic principles with internal family systems (IFS), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), somatic practices, and mindfulness, all tailored to you.
Hi there! Choosing the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to find someone who truly sees and hears you. If you identify as queer, neurodiverse, feel disconnected from family, or struggle to fit in, we might be a good match. My hope is to support you in finding meaning, fulfillment, and purpose—whether that involves healing past wounds, understanding your identity, or navigating life transitions. You don’t need to have all the answers; often, exploring the questions can be a powerful part of the journey.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Anupama Estarla
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MSc, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2J
I use a blend of proven techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure of where to turn for support? Whether it’s your child
struggling in school, a teen navigating tough emotions, or an adult facing personal challenges, life can sometimes feel too much to handle. You might feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about how to move forward. It’s okay to ask for help, and therapy can be a space to start fresh, find understanding, and build a path to feeling better.
You don't have to go through this alone. I believe in the power of therapy to help people make lasting changes, and I'm committed to being there with you every step of the way.
I use a blend of proven techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure of where to turn for support? Whether it’s your child
struggling in school, a teen navigating tough emotions, or an adult facing personal challenges, life can sometimes feel too much to handle. You might feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about how to move forward. It’s okay to ask for help, and therapy can be a space to start fresh, find understanding, and build a path to feeling better.
You don't have to go through this alone. I believe in the power of therapy to help people make lasting changes, and I'm committed to being there with you every step of the way.
I draw on person-centered, emotionally focused, existential, and other therapies, and a belief in the importance of collaborative process.
It is possible to find resilience and meaningful new paths - even with difficulties such as anxious or depressed feelings, crises with relationship, LGBTQIA2S+ issues, and coming to terms with aging, loss, and grief. I care that women find ways to go out into the world to fulfill themselves, that being queer is defined by the story of self, and that those who are growing older continue to explore self-growth and self-development.
I draw on person-centered, emotionally focused, existential, and other therapies, and a belief in the importance of collaborative process.
It is possible to find resilience and meaningful new paths - even with difficulties such as anxious or depressed feelings, crises with relationship, LGBTQIA2S+ issues, and coming to terms with aging, loss, and grief. I care that women find ways to go out into the world to fulfill themselves, that being queer is defined by the story of self, and that those who are growing older continue to explore self-growth and self-development.
Jeanne Kankindi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, blending attachment-based strategies with client-centered approaches to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
Feeling stuck in painful cycles or desperate for meaningful change? You’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Black, first-generation immigrant in an interracial marriage, I understand the complexities of living between worlds. I’ve experienced the weight of cultural expectations, the loneliness of feeling misunderstood, and the emotional toll of navigating relationships across differences—all while carrying the burden of unresolved trauma. I know how identity struggles and past pain can deeply affect your mental health. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, I’m here to support you.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, blending attachment-based strategies with client-centered approaches to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
Feeling stuck in painful cycles or desperate for meaningful change? You’re not alone and you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a Black, first-generation immigrant in an interracial marriage, I understand the complexities of living between worlds. I’ve experienced the weight of cultural expectations, the loneliness of feeling misunderstood, and the emotional toll of navigating relationships across differences—all while carrying the burden of unresolved trauma. I know how identity struggles and past pain can deeply affect your mental health. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, I’m here to support you.
Anna Earle Green
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, RMFT, C HYP, EMDR
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1Y
My body-mind holistic practice offers an eclectic blend of Spiritual counselling and Energy healing through modalities such as clinical hypnosis, ART, EMDR, EFT, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga, Cranio-sacral therapy.
As a trauma-trained hypnotherapist, I use ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Re-processing), schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, somatic focusing and release work to aide trauma recovery. I am a registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Registered Marital Family Therapy (RMFT) in Ontario.
My body-mind holistic practice offers an eclectic blend of Spiritual counselling and Energy healing through modalities such as clinical hypnosis, ART, EMDR, EFT, Somatic Experiencing, Yoga, Cranio-sacral therapy.
As a trauma-trained hypnotherapist, I use ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Re-processing), schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, somatic focusing and release work to aide trauma recovery. I am a registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Registered Marital Family Therapy (RMFT) in Ontario.
I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and emotionally focused techniques to support individuals and couples.
Do you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating life as a neurodivergent person? Are you and your partner struggling to communicate, feeling disconnected, or facing ongoing conflict? It can be exhausting to feel like you’re constantly misunderstood or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you.
I provide a warm, non-judgmental space where individuals and couples can explore their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you feel supported, heard, and empowered every step of the way.
I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and emotionally focused techniques to support individuals and couples.
Do you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating life as a neurodivergent person? Are you and your partner struggling to communicate, feeling disconnected, or facing ongoing conflict? It can be exhausting to feel like you’re constantly misunderstood or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you.
I provide a warm, non-judgmental space where individuals and couples can explore their experiences, gain insight, and create meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you feel supported, heard, and empowered every step of the way.
Michael Holuj
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1R
Waitlist for new clients
I am a trauma-trained and attachment-focused therapist that uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing influence from Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Existential, ACT, DBT, CBT, CPT for trauma, Somatic, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and more.
No matter your situation, my goal is to help you feel heard and accepted, and to understand your experience the way it happens for you. I aim to create a safe place and a strong alliance so we can understand where you are now, define your goals, and how we can achieve them. With a focus on developing confidence and a positive mindset, we will connect your triggers, emotions, and actions, make corrective experiences, and align your actions with your values and needs so you can thrive. As we do this, we'll address any inner-child wounds, and develop emotional intelligence. I primarily work with individuals (16+) and couples.
I am a trauma-trained and attachment-focused therapist that uses an integrative approach to therapy, drawing influence from Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Existential, ACT, DBT, CBT, CPT for trauma, Somatic, Narrative Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, and more.
No matter your situation, my goal is to help you feel heard and accepted, and to understand your experience the way it happens for you. I aim to create a safe place and a strong alliance so we can understand where you are now, define your goals, and how we can achieve them. With a focus on developing confidence and a positive mindset, we will connect your triggers, emotions, and actions, make corrective experiences, and align your actions with your values and needs so you can thrive. As we do this, we'll address any inner-child wounds, and develop emotional intelligence. I primarily work with individuals (16+) and couples.
I work with a variety of modalities such as: Attachment, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic.
Now adding clients to the waitlist. Book a consultation directly on my website. I offer a non-judgmental space where you can express yourself and feel seen. If you've noticed that you have trouble understanding your emotions, or navigating relationships, I can help. I offer support to those who struggle with anxiety, low moods, emotional dysregulation and trauma. My approach is always trauma-informed and person-centered. I also work from an attachment lens and can support your understanding of current patterns in order to forge new ones. I would be honoured to support you as your enter into your healing journey.
I work with a variety of modalities such as: Attachment, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic.
Now adding clients to the waitlist. Book a consultation directly on my website. I offer a non-judgmental space where you can express yourself and feel seen. If you've noticed that you have trouble understanding your emotions, or navigating relationships, I can help. I offer support to those who struggle with anxiety, low moods, emotional dysregulation and trauma. My approach is always trauma-informed and person-centered. I also work from an attachment lens and can support your understanding of current patterns in order to forge new ones. I would be honoured to support you as your enter into your healing journey.
Rosalind J Gilchrist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2E
Such as EFT, Systems, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, & Somatic Experiencing.
I treat a variety of emotional issues and parenting challenges. These include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, gaming/internet addiction, trauma, bullying, relationship conflict, and disordered eating. I work with ages 9 to 99. Our goal at Mental Health & Addictions Services Ottawa is to support and strengthen your investment in your self and your relationships to best manage the challenges of daily life. Monday and Tuesday Evening appointments. Monday to Thursday day time appointments.
Such as EFT, Systems, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, & Somatic Experiencing.
I treat a variety of emotional issues and parenting challenges. These include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, gaming/internet addiction, trauma, bullying, relationship conflict, and disordered eating. I work with ages 9 to 99. Our goal at Mental Health & Addictions Services Ottawa is to support and strengthen your investment in your self and your relationships to best manage the challenges of daily life. Monday and Tuesday Evening appointments. Monday to Thursday day time appointments.
Sara Katanforoush
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, CCC, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
In Couples Therapy, I utilize the Gottman method and EFT to enhance the effectiveness of my interventions.
Drawing on years of experience, I support clients navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, addiction, racial trauma, relationship issues, relationship traumas, infidelity, couples finances, OCD, financial anxiety, existential crisis and more. As a psychotherapist, I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, behaviours, and relationships, empowering you to tap into your inner strength for meaningful growth.
Alongside individual, couple and family therapy, I also offer group therapy for those who are dealing with burnout, anxiety, life after separation, etc,
In Couples Therapy, I utilize the Gottman method and EFT to enhance the effectiveness of my interventions.
Drawing on years of experience, I support clients navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, addiction, racial trauma, relationship issues, relationship traumas, infidelity, couples finances, OCD, financial anxiety, existential crisis and more. As a psychotherapist, I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, behaviours, and relationships, empowering you to tap into your inner strength for meaningful growth.
Alongside individual, couple and family therapy, I also offer group therapy for those who are dealing with burnout, anxiety, life after separation, etc,
See more therapy options for Ottawa
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Ottawa
- Carleton Place
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Kanata
- Manotick
- Navan
- Nepean
- Orleans
- Rockcliffe
- Russell
- Stittsville
- Vanier
Emotionally Focused Counsellors
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.