Emotionally Focused Counselling in London

Photo of Luiza Neumayer, MSc, HCPC-Couns. Psych., Psychotherapist
Luiza Neumayer
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1U
I’m also a Certified EFT Couples therapist.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.
I’m also a Certified EFT Couples therapist.
Hello and welcome. I’m here to help you find the inner strengths you need to unblock what’s troubling you and move on with your life. My clients tell me I’m warm, kind and insightful – which is good, because my main aim is to offer a safe, welcoming place where you feel willing and able to consider making changes. Most of us aren’t used to reaching out for professional support. We’re brought up to think asking for help can be a sign of weakness. But whatever you’re facing, working together with a professional therapist can let you see a way forward.
020 3872 2526 View 020 3872 2526
Photo of Manuela Sapochnik, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Manuela Sapochnik
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London N22
I have 20 years experience as a child and family Clinical Psychologist. I see individuals, couples and families. I worked in multiple NHS settings for 18 years and moved to full time private practice 2 years ago. I am trained in CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, EFT, Mindfulness and family therapy. I have extensive experience with mental and physical health issues and I believe they are deeply connected. I am passionate about delivering good therapy, tailored to each persons unique life and needs. The linking thread in all my work is recognising the lasting impact of traumatic experiences (large and small) on how we feel and function right now.
I have 20 years experience as a child and family Clinical Psychologist. I see individuals, couples and families. I worked in multiple NHS settings for 18 years and moved to full time private practice 2 years ago. I am trained in CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, EFT, Mindfulness and family therapy. I have extensive experience with mental and physical health issues and I believe they are deeply connected. I am passionate about delivering good therapy, tailored to each persons unique life and needs. The linking thread in all my work is recognising the lasting impact of traumatic experiences (large and small) on how we feel and function right now.
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Photo of Luka Hadrych, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Luka Hadrych
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
London N1
Luka is an experienced psychotherapist, intensively trained dialectical behaviour therapist and mindfulness teacher. As part of his commitment to support people in breaking out of stuckness and chronic suffering, he was trained and supervised by some of the leading therapists in the fields of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) for couples and individuals and most recently Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
Luka is an experienced psychotherapist, intensively trained dialectical behaviour therapist and mindfulness teacher. As part of his commitment to support people in breaking out of stuckness and chronic suffering, he was trained and supervised by some of the leading therapists in the fields of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) for couples and individuals and most recently Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
020 3962 0679 View 020 3962 0679
Photo of Natasha Menoni - Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW18  (Online Only)
I have experience using CBT, CFT, ACT, TF-ACT, EFT & ADHD Coaching.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
I have experience using CBT, CFT, ACT, TF-ACT, EFT & ADHD Coaching.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
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Photo of Peter Finlay, PhD, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Peter Finlay
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W1G
I am very mindful of how difficult finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with can be and I offer a calm and compassionate approach, while we gain an understanding of your concerns. My primary therapeutic method is ‘psychodynamic’ but I draw on a variety of ‘models’ to help in whichever way is appropriate: These may include CBT or EFT. Once we have revealed, talked-through and understood the root causes of your concerns we can examine ways of dealing with the issues and moving forward. This is a very much a joint effort where we work together to help you through the troublesome episode and out the other side.
I am very mindful of how difficult finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with can be and I offer a calm and compassionate approach, while we gain an understanding of your concerns. My primary therapeutic method is ‘psychodynamic’ but I draw on a variety of ‘models’ to help in whichever way is appropriate: These may include CBT or EFT. Once we have revealed, talked-through and understood the root causes of your concerns we can examine ways of dealing with the issues and moving forward. This is a very much a joint effort where we work together to help you through the troublesome episode and out the other side.
01376 313350 View 01376 313350
Photo of Gulya Diyarova, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Gulya Diyarova
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W1K
I am fully qualified Relationship and Psychosexual therapist trained as a Medical Doctor in my 1st career. I help people who come stuck in distress, to change their destructive patterns of ‘blame-distance’ or 'attack-withdraw' into safe emotional connection, repair their relationships and learn to resolve differences. I work mainly in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) model, integrating other approaches when needed, with different and challenging life stage transitions and all kinds of relationships, or individuals. I am founding director of Re-connect. EFT Clinic in Central London leading a team of experienced EFT practitioners.
I am fully qualified Relationship and Psychosexual therapist trained as a Medical Doctor in my 1st career. I help people who come stuck in distress, to change their destructive patterns of ‘blame-distance’ or 'attack-withdraw' into safe emotional connection, repair their relationships and learn to resolve differences. I work mainly in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) model, integrating other approaches when needed, with different and challenging life stage transitions and all kinds of relationships, or individuals. I am founding director of Re-connect. EFT Clinic in Central London leading a team of experienced EFT practitioners.
020 3856 4258 View 020 3856 4258
Photo of Roice Durand, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Roice Durand
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N7
I'm also trained in: Grief Recovery Method, Intrgrative psychotherapy, and NVR-Non Violent Resistance, and EFT- Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am a qualified Systemic and Family therapist, and a Grief Recovery Specialist providing a collaborative empathic tailored support for individuals, couples, and families who wish to relate differently to past life experiences or proactively explore future life decisions. I am experienced in a diverse range of services having supported those in need of help understanding their life relating to cultural difference, identity, grief, ambiguous loss, racial trauma, community trauma, anxiety, depression, and those experiencing significant life transitions (parenthood, relationship changes, diagnosis etc)
I'm also trained in: Grief Recovery Method, Intrgrative psychotherapy, and NVR-Non Violent Resistance, and EFT- Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am a qualified Systemic and Family therapist, and a Grief Recovery Specialist providing a collaborative empathic tailored support for individuals, couples, and families who wish to relate differently to past life experiences or proactively explore future life decisions. I am experienced in a diverse range of services having supported those in need of help understanding their life relating to cultural difference, identity, grief, ambiguous loss, racial trauma, community trauma, anxiety, depression, and those experiencing significant life transitions (parenthood, relationship changes, diagnosis etc)
020 4572 0033 View 020 4572 0033
Photo of Luka Hadrych - Mind-Reframed Team, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Mind-Reframed Team
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
London N1
We also offer skills training in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and relationship effectiveness; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and a range of other evidence-based therapies for depression, anxiety or panic attacks.
We specialise in supporting people who are highly sensitive and experience difficulties regulating emotions. Our intensive programme in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy equips people, whose challenges get described as “borderline personality disorder" in the medical world, with robust skills to recognise and manage overwhelming emotions and impulsive behaviours. Mentalization-Based Therapy is another twice weekly programme we offer which is of particular relevance to those who would like to identify and work through thinking and behavioural patterns of relating to themselves and others that no longer serve them.
We also offer skills training in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and relationship effectiveness; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and a range of other evidence-based therapies for depression, anxiety or panic attacks.
We specialise in supporting people who are highly sensitive and experience difficulties regulating emotions. Our intensive programme in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy equips people, whose challenges get described as “borderline personality disorder" in the medical world, with robust skills to recognise and manage overwhelming emotions and impulsive behaviours. Mentalization-Based Therapy is another twice weekly programme we offer which is of particular relevance to those who would like to identify and work through thinking and behavioural patterns of relating to themselves and others that no longer serve them.
020 3962 2353 View 020 3962 2353
Photo of Michael Henry, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Michael Henry
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London N7
I utilise other modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples and Family) or EMDR (trauma) dependent on your needs.
you have ended up here... so let me just say that whatever you are going through can be surmounted... whatever need, issue or goal you have, you have all the resources you need to reach there... and I am confident that I can collaborate with you and help you get to that 'place' on the other side whereas this need, issue or goal can either be gone, managed or achieved...
I utilise other modalities like Emotionally Focused Therapy (Couples and Family) or EMDR (trauma) dependent on your needs.
you have ended up here... so let me just say that whatever you are going through can be surmounted... whatever need, issue or goal you have, you have all the resources you need to reach there... and I am confident that I can collaborate with you and help you get to that 'place' on the other side whereas this need, issue or goal can either be gone, managed or achieved...
020 8167 3627 View 020 8167 3627
Photo of Dr Caroline Douglas-Pennant, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Caroline Douglas-Pennant
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW3
My special interest is working with couples and families using systemic training as well as Terry Neal, Ester Perel and Dr Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I have worked in the NHS for 25 years, across a variety of settings and am currently undertaking an MA in Family Therapy. Neuro-biology and Somatic psychology are also areas that inform my practice. This includes helping individuals to understand choices around mental health medication, how the body and mind are 'one' and are both informed by the 'fight or flight' response, attachment styles and survival strategies. I use NVR (Non-Violent Resolution) to support families and young people with challenging behaviours.
My special interest is working with couples and families using systemic training as well as Terry Neal, Ester Perel and Dr Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I have worked in the NHS for 25 years, across a variety of settings and am currently undertaking an MA in Family Therapy. Neuro-biology and Somatic psychology are also areas that inform my practice. This includes helping individuals to understand choices around mental health medication, how the body and mind are 'one' and are both informed by the 'fight or flight' response, attachment styles and survival strategies. I use NVR (Non-Violent Resolution) to support families and young people with challenging behaviours.
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Photo of Bêne Otto, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Bêne Otto
Psychologist, MA, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W1S  (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Bêne (pronounced as Beanie). I am a counselling psychologist practicing online. I am honoured to work with adults and couples facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I'm particularly interested in thanatology (focusing on loss, grief, terminal illness, and end-of-life care) and working with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT). Whatever brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, empathetic space for exploring yourself, nurturing relationships, and navigating the complexities of life's challenges.
Welcome, my name is Bêne (pronounced as Beanie). I am a counselling psychologist practicing online. I am honoured to work with adults and couples facing a variety of life challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, burnout, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I'm particularly interested in thanatology (focusing on loss, grief, terminal illness, and end-of-life care) and working with couples using Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT). Whatever brings you to therapy, I provide a safe, empathetic space for exploring yourself, nurturing relationships, and navigating the complexities of life's challenges.
024 7542 0766 View 024 7542 0766
Photo of Magdalena Rybarczyk, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Magdalena Rybarczyk
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SE1
My clinical interests include Psychoanalytic and Attachment approaches, EMDR, DBT and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I hope that the information you can find here will help you to initiate positive changes in your life. I offer therapy for clients struggling with their emotions, experiencing a crisis, relationship difficulties or career and work related concerns. I am experienced in providing effective therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, self esteem problems, body image concerns, as well as medically unexplained symptoms, sexual and intimacy problems and other psychological challenges. My way of working is emphatic, flexible and receptive to your individual needs.
My clinical interests include Psychoanalytic and Attachment approaches, EMDR, DBT and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
I hope that the information you can find here will help you to initiate positive changes in your life. I offer therapy for clients struggling with their emotions, experiencing a crisis, relationship difficulties or career and work related concerns. I am experienced in providing effective therapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, self esteem problems, body image concerns, as well as medically unexplained symptoms, sexual and intimacy problems and other psychological challenges. My way of working is emphatic, flexible and receptive to your individual needs.
020 3763 5265 View 020 3763 5265
Photo of Dr Hannah Jenkins, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Hannah Jenkins
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW2  (Online Only)
My name is Hannah and I offer a kind, safe, highly specialised space for couples counselling and individual sessions. My couples work uses Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT). This focuses on unpicking the types of disagreements couples find themselves in again and again, getting to the heart of the issue and creating meaningful change within the relationship. My individual work can be structured (for example, using strategies and techniques), more exploratory or a blend of both. The purpose of all of the therapies I use is to develop your understanding of your problems, break unhelpful behaviours and build better coping strategies.
My name is Hannah and I offer a kind, safe, highly specialised space for couples counselling and individual sessions. My couples work uses Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT). This focuses on unpicking the types of disagreements couples find themselves in again and again, getting to the heart of the issue and creating meaningful change within the relationship. My individual work can be structured (for example, using strategies and techniques), more exploratory or a blend of both. The purpose of all of the therapies I use is to develop your understanding of your problems, break unhelpful behaviours and build better coping strategies.
01639 506731 View 01639 506731
Photo of Leili Alikhani, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Leili Alikhani
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W13
I have 20 years of experience working with local authorities and the NHS (at the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service), supporting individuals, couples, and families, using EFT; I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to think about what has brought you to therapy, as well as my extensive experience in trauma-focused work with complex PTSD, including EMDR.
I am a Systemic therapist working with Couples, Families, and Individuals. Systemic therapy can often be described as relational psychotherapy. Working with relationships can be a great strength and resource in our lives. Resolving our 'stuck' relationships can massively improve our lives. I also have extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR.
I have 20 years of experience working with local authorities and the NHS (at the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service), supporting individuals, couples, and families, using EFT; I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to think about what has brought you to therapy, as well as my extensive experience in trauma-focused work with complex PTSD, including EMDR.
I am a Systemic therapist working with Couples, Families, and Individuals. Systemic therapy can often be described as relational psychotherapy. Working with relationships can be a great strength and resource in our lives. Resolving our 'stuck' relationships can massively improve our lives. I also have extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR.
020 4539 4551 View 020 4539 4551
Photo of Janet Hull, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Janet Hull
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SW6
My specialist training is in cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and art therapy (IATE).
If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety and depression, or grappling to balance your own needs with those of others, in relationships, work or family, I can support you to regulate your emotions and manage your behaviours. If you are lacking in confidence and self-worth, I can work with you to build self-awareness and respect. If you are suffering the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, a marriage, I can support you through your sadness and confusion. If you are feeling at risk of abuse or self-harm, I can work with your trauma to help you find clarity and direction. I offer therapy to adults and couples of all ages.
My specialist training is in cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and art therapy (IATE).
If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety and depression, or grappling to balance your own needs with those of others, in relationships, work or family, I can support you to regulate your emotions and manage your behaviours. If you are lacking in confidence and self-worth, I can work with you to build self-awareness and respect. If you are suffering the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, a marriage, I can support you through your sadness and confusion. If you are feeling at risk of abuse or self-harm, I can work with your trauma to help you find clarity and direction. I offer therapy to adults and couples of all ages.
07767 823602 View 07767 823602
Photo of Kasia Cole, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Kasia Cole
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London SW5
I'm Kasia Cole, psychotherapist, the founder and coach behind Balance Psychotherapy, a specialist wellbeing trauma and relationships clinic. Please don't hesitate to book an enquiry call or a longer consultation via the Online Booking on my website. This gives us a space to talk about how I can help and what Balance Psychotherapy can offer, with its emotional processing tools, such as EFT tapping, EMDR in combination with traditional approaches. All of these to get ready for the colder months ahead!
I'm Kasia Cole, psychotherapist, the founder and coach behind Balance Psychotherapy, a specialist wellbeing trauma and relationships clinic. Please don't hesitate to book an enquiry call or a longer consultation via the Online Booking on my website. This gives us a space to talk about how I can help and what Balance Psychotherapy can offer, with its emotional processing tools, such as EFT tapping, EMDR in combination with traditional approaches. All of these to get ready for the colder months ahead!
020 3984 9152 View 020 3984 9152
Photo of Holly Simon - queens counselling , MBACP, Counsellor
queens counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London E4
I am a fully qualified and insured Integrated Psychotherapist, specialising in Trauma, Addiction and Relationships. I have a person-centred approach, whereby the understanding of the client, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the focus, as opposed to any 'labels' that they may have been told or feel that they carry. I am also qualified in EFT ('Tapping') Integrated Energy Techniques and Hypnotherapy, which are safe and effective ways to manage strong feelings, whether in the body or mind, and process difficult experiences, memories and situations.
I am a fully qualified and insured Integrated Psychotherapist, specialising in Trauma, Addiction and Relationships. I have a person-centred approach, whereby the understanding of the client, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the focus, as opposed to any 'labels' that they may have been told or feel that they carry. I am also qualified in EFT ('Tapping') Integrated Energy Techniques and Hypnotherapy, which are safe and effective ways to manage strong feelings, whether in the body or mind, and process difficult experiences, memories and situations.
020 3835 5625 View 020 3835 5625
Photo of Sedef Oral - Sedef Oral Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sedef Oral Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W1U
Hello! I'm Sedef. I am a BACP Accredited, EMDR Europe Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Registered Relationship Therapist, and Advanced Level EFT Therapist working with adults, couples, and adult families in Turkish and English. While reading this page, maybe you are sad, angry, or anxious. Maybe you feel hurt, alone, overwhelmed, helpless, or inadequate. Maybe you are feeling ok; yet you just need to feel better about yourself, your relationship with a partner, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself and your loved ones? If yes, then I’d love to help you in this process.
Hello! I'm Sedef. I am a BACP Accredited, EMDR Europe Accredited Psychotherapist, COSRT Registered Relationship Therapist, and Advanced Level EFT Therapist working with adults, couples, and adult families in Turkish and English. While reading this page, maybe you are sad, angry, or anxious. Maybe you feel hurt, alone, overwhelmed, helpless, or inadequate. Maybe you are feeling ok; yet you just need to feel better about yourself, your relationship with a partner, a family member, a friend or a colleague. Would you like to improve your relationship with yourself and your loved ones? If yes, then I’d love to help you in this process.
020 3319 1371 View 020 3319 1371
Photo of Cinzia Frederick, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Cinzia Frederick
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London NW8
I’m also trained in Emotionally Focused couple Therapy and Internal Family Systems, both evidence-based modalities.
People consider starting therapy for a variety of challenges. Sometimes you may find yourself repeating patterns from the past, getting stuck in relationships which may not be helpful to you or you might be overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety. I offer an attachment-based psychoanalytic approach to therapy, which has at its core an understanding of the importance of relationships throughout life and how problems and distress in the present may be related to early experiences. Making sense of your feelings and experiences will help you develop your own choices and resources to change your life.
I’m also trained in Emotionally Focused couple Therapy and Internal Family Systems, both evidence-based modalities.
People consider starting therapy for a variety of challenges. Sometimes you may find yourself repeating patterns from the past, getting stuck in relationships which may not be helpful to you or you might be overwhelmed by feelings of depression or anxiety. I offer an attachment-based psychoanalytic approach to therapy, which has at its core an understanding of the importance of relationships throughout life and how problems and distress in the present may be related to early experiences. Making sense of your feelings and experiences will help you develop your own choices and resources to change your life.
020 3835 6444 View 020 3835 6444
Photo of Manuel Navarro, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Manuel Navarro
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London SE15  (Online Only)
I am a systemic and family psychotherapist with 18 years of experience working in mental health services in the NHS.. I have experience working with children and adults who suffer from mental health or emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety and panic, and eating disorders. I also work with couples who are looking to improve their relationship, and I am registered with the Emotionally Focused Therapy Institute (ICEEFT). My approach to therapy recognises that the individual, as well as their family members all have strengths and strategies which can be used to overcome symptoms and difficulties.
I am a systemic and family psychotherapist with 18 years of experience working in mental health services in the NHS.. I have experience working with children and adults who suffer from mental health or emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety and panic, and eating disorders. I also work with couples who are looking to improve their relationship, and I am registered with the Emotionally Focused Therapy Institute (ICEEFT). My approach to therapy recognises that the individual, as well as their family members all have strengths and strategies which can be used to overcome symptoms and difficulties.
020 3962 0348 View 020 3962 0348
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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.