Emotionally Focused Therapists in 37215

Photo of Marie Turley in 37215, TN
Marie Turley
MA, LSPE, MHSP
Not Verified Not Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Since I believe that therapy is a dynamic, individualized process, I have been trained in and use a variety of modalities in my practice: Talk therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychodrama, Gestalt, EFT Tapping, Matrix Reimprinting, AIT, Adventure Therapy Experiential Therapy and Sound Bath.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming or just plain hard. Do you need someone to walk with you on your individual journey toward healing? If you struggle with affects of trauma, reactivity to difficult life events or people, relationship issues, feeling stuck, self criticism, emotional turmoil, codependency, burn out, or transition, I'd like to face it with you. Together we can look at your challenges and approach them in ways that feel right to you. It's never too late to move toward having the life you really want.
Since I believe that therapy is a dynamic, individualized process, I have been trained in and use a variety of modalities in my practice: Talk therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Psychodrama, Gestalt, EFT Tapping, Matrix Reimprinting, AIT, Adventure Therapy Experiential Therapy and Sound Bath.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming or just plain hard. Do you need someone to walk with you on your individual journey toward healing? If you struggle with affects of trauma, reactivity to difficult life events or people, relationship issues, feeling stuck, self criticism, emotional turmoil, codependency, burn out, or transition, I'd like to face it with you. Together we can look at your challenges and approach them in ways that feel right to you. It's never too late to move toward having the life you really want.
(615) 559-0138 View (615) 559-0138
Photo of Jennifer Mason, Psychologist in 37215, TN
Jennifer Mason
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Waitlist for new clients
I use a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and EFT in my practice.
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
I use a variety of modalities such as CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and EFT in my practice.
Navigating life’s inherent difficulties can be challenging. Sometimes therapy can help. From confronting issues such as loss/grief, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal problems, to facing significant life decisions or struggling with marital/relationship concerns, many factors can prevent any of us from engaging in our lives more fully. Whether you are new to therapy or you're returning to work through a new or lingering issue, creating a safe place to explore, understand, and respond to your concerns is crucial. Utilizing warmth and transparency, I hope to cultivate a trusting partnership with you.
(615) 247-6923 View (615) 247-6923
Photo of Sarah Moats, Pre-Licensed Professional in 37215, TN
Sarah Moats
Pre-Licensed Professional, DPT, MMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Sarah has training in EMDR, EFT and PREPARE/ENRICH.
Sarah’s approach to therapy is founded in her belief that all people have the ability to heal, and she is honored to walk with her clients on their journey towards health. With acceptance, empathy and curiosity, Sarah supports her clients as they uncover, process and heal the emotional wounds at the root of their struggles. She views symptoms through an emotionally focused, attachment-based lens, and utilizes associated evidence-based treatment interventions.
Sarah has training in EMDR, EFT and PREPARE/ENRICH.
Sarah’s approach to therapy is founded in her belief that all people have the ability to heal, and she is honored to walk with her clients on their journey towards health. With acceptance, empathy and curiosity, Sarah supports her clients as they uncover, process and heal the emotional wounds at the root of their struggles. She views symptoms through an emotionally focused, attachment-based lens, and utilizes associated evidence-based treatment interventions.
(615) 510-1991 View (615) 510-1991
Photo of J. Gregory Briggs, Ph.D., LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
J. Gregory Briggs, Ph.D., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral and emotionally focused interventions.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my personal practice is small. My role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral and emotionally focused interventions.
My private practice is different than most therapy practices. First, my personal practice is small. My role as President of The Briggs Institute, Inc. allows me to limit my caseload size. This assures that my clients receive the attention they deserve. Second, my experience in academia places me at the forefront of the field of marriage and family therapy. This means that my practice is informed by scientific research that most private practice therapists can't easily access.
(615) 593-3999 View (615) 593-3999
Photo of James Trone, Counselor in 37215, TN
James Trone
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
I'm trained in EMDR, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I work with individuals and couples around helping change old maladaptive patterns and living in new places of growth. I believe that we have the capacity to break the cycle and live out of our authentic self but we sometimes get stuck. We long to be fully seen and known. The challenge comes in allowing ourselves to be known. My main specialty is are around trauma particularly Complex PTSD and from that anxiety, depression and addiction arises. I have received extensive specialized training in treating trauma and believe learning to sit with ourself is the greatest and most rewarding task in our life.
I'm trained in EMDR, EFT, and Brainspotting.
I work with individuals and couples around helping change old maladaptive patterns and living in new places of growth. I believe that we have the capacity to break the cycle and live out of our authentic self but we sometimes get stuck. We long to be fully seen and known. The challenge comes in allowing ourselves to be known. My main specialty is are around trauma particularly Complex PTSD and from that anxiety, depression and addiction arises. I have received extensive specialized training in treating trauma and believe learning to sit with ourself is the greatest and most rewarding task in our life.
(615) 239-1130 View (615) 239-1130
Photo of Patricia Dean, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Patricia Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, CBP, BASE
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I utilize a mixture of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Brene Brown's, EFT, SE, TEB, TST, BASE, SOM-EX, Brainspotting, Sound, CRM, and EMDR during sessions.
My clients desire change yet don't always know how to get there. My hope is to walk with you during life's challenges, conflicts in relationships, trauma, addictions, and old deep wounds. I love to see my clients heal and grow in ways they did not think possible. In sessions, clients learn their negative interactional patterns, begin to experience real closeness and intimacy with their significant others. My goal is to help you work through life's messes, discover the beauty of forgiveness, mine the depths of true joy, teach the art of grieving well and to help you discover your most authentic self.
I utilize a mixture of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Brene Brown's, EFT, SE, TEB, TST, BASE, SOM-EX, Brainspotting, Sound, CRM, and EMDR during sessions.
My clients desire change yet don't always know how to get there. My hope is to walk with you during life's challenges, conflicts in relationships, trauma, addictions, and old deep wounds. I love to see my clients heal and grow in ways they did not think possible. In sessions, clients learn their negative interactional patterns, begin to experience real closeness and intimacy with their significant others. My goal is to help you work through life's messes, discover the beauty of forgiveness, mine the depths of true joy, teach the art of grieving well and to help you discover your most authentic self.
(615) 610-1732 View (615) 610-1732
Photo of Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Ellen Wilkins Counseling and Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Waitlist for new clients
My techniques include mindfulness, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused therapy.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
My techniques include mindfulness, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused therapy.
Are you struggling with a difficult, significant person in your life? Do you stuff your feelings, trying to keep the peace then, in frustration, overreact? I have a passion for healthy relationships and believe a strong, therapeutic relationship can provide the context for transformative healing & growth. I work well with people who feel stuck in the way they handle conflict-either avoiding it or repeating unhealthy patterns or behaviors. I can help you expand your awareness about how the past is effecting the present so you can respond to those you love without losing yourself.
(615) 203-8110 View (615) 203-8110
Photo of Erica Stegner Dale, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Erica Stegner Dale
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Waitlist for new clients
Erica is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Member of the International Center for Excellence for Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level II, and she is certified in Prepare/Enrich.
Life's difficulties find us all, and they can leave us feeling stuck, confused and alone. It is Erica's passion and privilege to walk alongside others who find themselves in such places. Erica's hope for her clients is to collaboratively create a safe environment that provides the space to wrestle, grow and take steps toward hope and healing.
Erica is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Member of the International Center for Excellence for Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT), has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level II, and she is certified in Prepare/Enrich.
Life's difficulties find us all, and they can leave us feeling stuck, confused and alone. It is Erica's passion and privilege to walk alongside others who find themselves in such places. Erica's hope for her clients is to collaboratively create a safe environment that provides the space to wrestle, grow and take steps toward hope and healing.
(615) 454-9285 View (615) 454-9285
Photo of Winn Thomas Simmons, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Winn Thomas Simmons
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, and emotionally focused interventions.
You are not alone in your struggle. The way you feel does not have to be permanent. Change is possible and you do not have to figure it out alone. Individuals I specialize in providing compassionate, authentic, nonjudgmental therapy in a safe environment, in which clients no longer feel they have to struggle alone. I can help you with anxiety, trauma recovery, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and relationship difficulties. I believe that we are in charge of the story we tell ourselves about the world around us. Change is possible and you do not have to figure it out alone.
I practice an evidence-based approach to therapy that includes cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, and emotionally focused interventions.
You are not alone in your struggle. The way you feel does not have to be permanent. Change is possible and you do not have to figure it out alone. Individuals I specialize in providing compassionate, authentic, nonjudgmental therapy in a safe environment, in which clients no longer feel they have to struggle alone. I can help you with anxiety, trauma recovery, depression, grief, life transitions, parenting and relationship difficulties. I believe that we are in charge of the story we tell ourselves about the world around us. Change is possible and you do not have to figure it out alone.
(615) 492-6777 View (615) 492-6777
Photo of Jessie Omer, Pre-Licensed Professional in 37215, TN
Jessie Omer
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed , NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
I have a passion for counseling children, adolescents, and young adult women. I practice therapy from a client-centered approach while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness Based therapies to provide treatment. The utilization of these techniques allows for a blend of flexibility and structure in therapy while meeting the unique needs of each individual that I work with.
I have a passion for counseling children, adolescents, and young adult women. I practice therapy from a client-centered approach while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness Based therapies to provide treatment. The utilization of these techniques allows for a blend of flexibility and structure in therapy while meeting the unique needs of each individual that I work with.
(615) 709-7257 View (615) 709-7257
Photo of Tiffany Phillips, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Tiffany Phillips
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
I am the owner of Restoring Hope Therapy, a Certified EMDR Therapist, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
"Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone" -- Fred Rogers. This is exactly what the therapeutic relationship provides.
I am the owner of Restoring Hope Therapy, a Certified EMDR Therapist, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
"Anything that's human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone" -- Fred Rogers. This is exactly what the therapeutic relationship provides.
(615) 857-3755 View (615) 857-3755
Photo of Alyssa Birmingham, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Alyssa Birmingham
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
My approach to therapy is informed by the latest research, and includes emotionally focused, narrative, cognitive, trauma informed, somatic, and attachment based interventions.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
My approach to therapy is informed by the latest research, and includes emotionally focused, narrative, cognitive, trauma informed, somatic, and attachment based interventions.
There is something beautiful about becoming the most authentic version of yourself. My passion lies in helping individuals and couples work to uncover what is keeping them stuck and develop a more fulfilling life. Through therapy, we will develop a relationship where you feel heard, understood, and respected while working to recognize and change the unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns in your life that are no longer serving you. Our sessions will feel like a conversation, where I will offer a fresh perspective and tangible ways to achieve your therapy goals.
(615) 784-5752 View (615) 784-5752
Photo of Sara Jane Tinker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 37215, TN
Sara Jane Tinker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, SEP®
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
For underlying issues we'll compound Attachment, EFT, EMDR, Psychodynamic, and Self Psychology therapies.
I'm a Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapist specializing in the Whole Person: Mind, Body, and Spirit when assisting in the healing journey. I can help with very specific needs such as recovering from the stress or trauma of an accident, illness, assault, chronic pain & stress disorders, loss of loved one, infidelity, or relationship breakup; easing specific symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, PTSD & Complex Trauma,or addictive behaviors. I work with personality disorders and mood disorders such as Schizoaffective, Bipolar, as well as dissociative disorders.
For underlying issues we'll compound Attachment, EFT, EMDR, Psychodynamic, and Self Psychology therapies.
I'm a Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapist specializing in the Whole Person: Mind, Body, and Spirit when assisting in the healing journey. I can help with very specific needs such as recovering from the stress or trauma of an accident, illness, assault, chronic pain & stress disorders, loss of loved one, infidelity, or relationship breakup; easing specific symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, PTSD & Complex Trauma,or addictive behaviors. I work with personality disorders and mood disorders such as Schizoaffective, Bipolar, as well as dissociative disorders.
(615) 488-6131 View (615) 488-6131
Photo of Dr. Renee Doe, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Dr. Renee Doe
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, SEP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
Sometimes life's challenges can overwhelm us and exceed our capacity to work through them on our own. My practice is focused on providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to help those who need support moving past difficult life events and trauma experiences. I use a culturally sensitive lens and practice from a strengths based perspective to support those who have difficulty accessing their emotional self, are neurodivergent and who have experienced stressful or painful situations that involve spirituality or faith.
Sometimes life's challenges can overwhelm us and exceed our capacity to work through them on our own. My practice is focused on providing a safe, non-judgmental environment to help those who need support moving past difficult life events and trauma experiences. I use a culturally sensitive lens and practice from a strengths based perspective to support those who have difficulty accessing their emotional self, are neurodivergent and who have experienced stressful or painful situations that involve spirituality or faith.
(615) 805-6206 View (615) 805-6206
Photo of Leah Linn, Licensed Professional Counselor in 37215, TN
Leah Linn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients - Please feel free to request an initial appointment via my website through my secure client portal. My mission is for each client to find their true self and voice and see that so many of our negative storylines and scripts are just programming we have picked up throughout our lives. My heart is to follow each client's lead on where he or she needs to go versus my own agenda and / or preferences. I believe that it is in allowing space for our experiences of our full humanity that we realize that at our most fundamental level our essence is actually good and true.
Accepting new clients - Please feel free to request an initial appointment via my website through my secure client portal. My mission is for each client to find their true self and voice and see that so many of our negative storylines and scripts are just programming we have picked up throughout our lives. My heart is to follow each client's lead on where he or she needs to go versus my own agenda and / or preferences. I believe that it is in allowing space for our experiences of our full humanity that we realize that at our most fundamental level our essence is actually good and true.
(615) 502-4130 View (615) 502-4130
Photo of Maryam Abdallah, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 37215, TN
Maryam Abdallah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
Overwhelmed and stressed by the thought of being "Superwoman" again? Time after time, you find yourself rescuing others and putting others before you. Leaving absolutely no time for yourself. Tired of constantly being the "Strong One?" Leaving yourself feeling drained and unfulfilled. At work, you go above and beyond but it goes unnoticed. At home, your days are filled with tasks that take up your entire day but you still feel unappreciated. Personally, you have told yourself that staying busy, overextending yourself and being the "Strong One" equals your success, value and worth.
Overwhelmed and stressed by the thought of being "Superwoman" again? Time after time, you find yourself rescuing others and putting others before you. Leaving absolutely no time for yourself. Tired of constantly being the "Strong One?" Leaving yourself feeling drained and unfulfilled. At work, you go above and beyond but it goes unnoticed. At home, your days are filled with tasks that take up your entire day but you still feel unappreciated. Personally, you have told yourself that staying busy, overextending yourself and being the "Strong One" equals your success, value and worth.
(615) 237-7520 View (615) 237-7520
Photo of Drea Pryor, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Drea Pryor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
It's my belief that within relationships we are both hurt and healed. I practice from a relational approach, specifically Attachment Theory. Attachment shapes how we view ourselves and others, and influences how we "do" close relationships. We may unconsciously carry feelings of anxiety, pain, humiliation, or even abandonment from our relationships. For example, early childhood experiences of sexual abuse, neglect, grief, loss, or vicarious trauma impact one's perception of safety and security. As a result, we may find it difficult to form satisfactory relationships in adulthood. Navigating through this process alone can be hard.Thankfully, you don't have to do it alone.
It's my belief that within relationships we are both hurt and healed. I practice from a relational approach, specifically Attachment Theory. Attachment shapes how we view ourselves and others, and influences how we "do" close relationships. We may unconsciously carry feelings of anxiety, pain, humiliation, or even abandonment from our relationships. For example, early childhood experiences of sexual abuse, neglect, grief, loss, or vicarious trauma impact one's perception of safety and security. As a result, we may find it difficult to form satisfactory relationships in adulthood. Navigating through this process alone can be hard.Thankfully, you don't have to do it alone.
(615) 903-0735 View (615) 903-0735
Photo of Shannon Frazier, Marriage & Family Therapist in 37215, TN
Shannon Frazier
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
Shannon is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working towards emotional healing in couples and individuals, specifically in the area of relational distress. Shannon focuses on minimizing stress, addressing unresolved trauma, and identifying emotional barriers in order to help clients move past their "stuck places" and into healthier lives and relationships.
Shannon is Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working towards emotional healing in couples and individuals, specifically in the area of relational distress. Shannon focuses on minimizing stress, addressing unresolved trauma, and identifying emotional barriers in order to help clients move past their "stuck places" and into healthier lives and relationships.
(615) 471-7774 View (615) 471-7774
Photo of Ron Smith, Pre-Licensed Professional in 37215, TN
Ron Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I offer support to individuals, couples & families navigating through the issues of life. Tools and strategies are key in helping them through the process toward growth, healing, and total wholeness. I am here to partner as clients seek to become the best version of themselves.
I offer support to individuals, couples & families navigating through the issues of life. Tools and strategies are key in helping them through the process toward growth, healing, and total wholeness. I am here to partner as clients seek to become the best version of themselves.
(615) 488-8272 View (615) 488-8272
Photo of Kary Valdes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 37215, TN
Kary Valdes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating children and adolescents. I have been working with children for over 20 years and truly enjoy seeing children move from timid and anxious to confident and self assured. I can help kids deal with divorce, death, abuse, anxiety and many other issues that affect children and adolescents. I will help them to be better at dealing with life as it comes to them and to be more assured when things get hard. I am a Consultant with EMDR which is trauma therapy. I also see adults for EMDR as well with children and adolescents.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating children and adolescents. I have been working with children for over 20 years and truly enjoy seeing children move from timid and anxious to confident and self assured. I can help kids deal with divorce, death, abuse, anxiety and many other issues that affect children and adolescents. I will help them to be better at dealing with life as it comes to them and to be more assured when things get hard. I am a Consultant with EMDR which is trauma therapy. I also see adults for EMDR as well with children and adolescents.
(615) 282-5138 View (615) 282-5138
Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

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

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

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

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

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

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

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