Photo of James C (Jay) Martin, DMin, LMFT, CT, CFS, AAMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
James C (Jay) Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, DMin, LMFT, CT, CFS, AAMFT-S
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80863
For over thirty-five years, I have worked with persons dealing with trauma, divorce, remarriage, co-parenting issues, and partner and family issues. I work with adults, couples, & families. I enjoy working with persons from diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, national, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as sexual orientations.
For over thirty-five years, I have worked with persons dealing with trauma, divorce, remarriage, co-parenting issues, and partner and family issues. I work with adults, couples, & families. I enjoy working with persons from diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, national, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as sexual orientations.
(719) 482-6978 View (719) 482-6978
Photo of undefined - Chris Waters, MA, MBA, LPC, EMDR, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chris Waters
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MBA, LPC, EMDR, NCC
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80866
Problems with work, marriage, or any relationships. Specializes in trauma, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. Certified for EMDR we brings 40 years of care and compassion for individual and business clients' concerns to the practice. Assists clients to better understand their problems and provides a trusting environment to develop solutions. A Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. Chris possesses a Masters of Arts in Psychology and Professional Counseling, and an MBA in Management and Entrepreneurship, He helps individuals, couples, and business owners and their employees solve all problem.
Problems with work, marriage, or any relationships. Specializes in trauma, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. Certified for EMDR we brings 40 years of care and compassion for individual and business clients' concerns to the practice. Assists clients to better understand their problems and provides a trusting environment to develop solutions. A Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. Chris possesses a Masters of Arts in Psychology and Professional Counseling, and an MBA in Management and Entrepreneurship, He helps individuals, couples, and business owners and their employees solve all problem.
(719) 639-0472 View (719) 639-0472
Photo of Ray Jones, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Ray Jones
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80863
All of us face challenging events in our lives, and at times need assistance in finding new insights, new perspectives, and new tools to live a satisfying life. When the stories of our lives no longer meet our needs - it is time for each of us to write a new story leveraging the assistance of a trusted counselor.
All of us face challenging events in our lives, and at times need assistance in finding new insights, new perspectives, and new tools to live a satisfying life. When the stories of our lives no longer meet our needs - it is time for each of us to write a new story leveraging the assistance of a trusted counselor.
(719) 280-5716 View (719) 280-5716
Photo of Joshua Timmons, MS, MFTC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Joshua Timmons
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, MFTC
Verified Verified
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Do you feel disconnected from your loved ones? Do you wonder if you are parenting "the right way"? Does every conversation seem to devolve into conflict? If so, you aren't alone. Families and couples everywhere struggle with these same issues. As a specialist in relationship counseling, my focus in family and couples therapy is to help you discover the emotional gaps between you and your loved ones and build lasting bridges of understanding and empathy for each other. Through this process, you will learn how to repair emotional wounds and find happiness in your relationships.
Do you feel disconnected from your loved ones? Do you wonder if you are parenting "the right way"? Does every conversation seem to devolve into conflict? If so, you aren't alone. Families and couples everywhere struggle with these same issues. As a specialist in relationship counseling, my focus in family and couples therapy is to help you discover the emotional gaps between you and your loved ones and build lasting bridges of understanding and empathy for each other. Through this process, you will learn how to repair emotional wounds and find happiness in your relationships.
(719) 662-3634 View (719) 662-3634
Photo of undefined - Dr. Daniel J. Crampton (Status: Code 4, Inc), PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Daniel J. Crampton (Status: Code 4, Inc)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodland Park, CO 80863
Status: Code 4, Inc. (SC4i) was created following the numerous reports of First Responder suicides across the United States and Canada. First Responders are civilian and military members who perform law enforcement, firefighter, EMS, dispatch and other emergency services. Dr. Crampton retired as a paramedic after 25 years in EMS, which gives SC4i a unique position to intimately understand the stressors associated with being a First Responder. The results of these stressors contribute to a vast number of issues. These issues include depression, anxiety, PTSD, Compassion Fatigue, divorce, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
Status: Code 4, Inc. (SC4i) was created following the numerous reports of First Responder suicides across the United States and Canada. First Responders are civilian and military members who perform law enforcement, firefighter, EMS, dispatch and other emergency services. Dr. Crampton retired as a paramedic after 25 years in EMS, which gives SC4i a unique position to intimately understand the stressors associated with being a First Responder. The results of these stressors contribute to a vast number of issues. These issues include depression, anxiety, PTSD, Compassion Fatigue, divorce, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
(719) 888-3298 View (719) 888-3298

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of J.P. Mertens, MA, MDiv, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
J.P. Mertens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
As a counselor, I seek to create an environment where people feel safe, heard, valued, and honored. My style is very relational, collaborative, encouraging, and empowering using evidence-based models of therapeutic care. I feel that people can bring their frustrations, anger, fears, sadness, anxiety, ambivalence, and dissatisfaction into the counseling process. Throughout my 25 year career, I have been so fortunate to walk thousands of people through painful circumstances to experience necessary hope and healing in life.
As a counselor, I seek to create an environment where people feel safe, heard, valued, and honored. My style is very relational, collaborative, encouraging, and empowering using evidence-based models of therapeutic care. I feel that people can bring their frustrations, anger, fears, sadness, anxiety, ambivalence, and dissatisfaction into the counseling process. Throughout my 25 year career, I have been so fortunate to walk thousands of people through painful circumstances to experience necessary hope and healing in life.
(719) 625-8929 View (719) 625-8929

Online Therapists

Photo of Conrad Prososki, MFTC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Conrad Prososki
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80031
I specialize in Narrative, Emotionally Focused, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help others. Active listening, being empathetic, and showing compassion for others during tough times has always come naturally to me. I strive to bring these natural strengths, as well as the tools I have learned throughout my time as a student, to give the best possible care to each of my clients/families/couples. I believe that a client should be able to leave each therapy session with a greater understanding and self-awareness of how they can navigate through their lives.
I specialize in Narrative, Emotionally Focused, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to help others. Active listening, being empathetic, and showing compassion for others during tough times has always come naturally to me. I strive to bring these natural strengths, as well as the tools I have learned throughout my time as a student, to give the best possible care to each of my clients/families/couples. I believe that a client should be able to leave each therapy session with a greater understanding and self-awareness of how they can navigate through their lives.
(720) 741-6343 View (720) 741-6343
Photo of Jeff Leichtman, LCSW, LAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeff Leichtman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
Evergreen, CO 80439
The human experience can be overwhelming and can leave us feeling alone, invisible, and “stuck.” Therapy can be a fantastic tool in helping those who are ready to make changes move forward towards their authentic selves- the people they want, and enjoy to be. Therapy is not a one-size fits all activity, and I believe that the role of a clinician is to match client needs with eclectic interventions. In my practice, I utilize many different evidenced-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, EMDR, EFT, COSP, Theraplay, mindfulness training, mediation, and more.
The human experience can be overwhelming and can leave us feeling alone, invisible, and “stuck.” Therapy can be a fantastic tool in helping those who are ready to make changes move forward towards their authentic selves- the people they want, and enjoy to be. Therapy is not a one-size fits all activity, and I believe that the role of a clinician is to match client needs with eclectic interventions. In my practice, I utilize many different evidenced-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, EMDR, EFT, COSP, Theraplay, mindfulness training, mediation, and more.
(720) 780-9353 View (720) 780-9353
Photo of Matt Lewandowski, LPC, MA, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Matt Lewandowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
Centennial, CO 80112
And to help couples truly hear each other and reconnect, I use Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr.
My passion is to help you improve your relationships, overcome emotional wounds & trauma, and increase overall well-being. I enjoy working with individuals looking to deepen their understanding of themselves. For couples, my goal is to help you transition from feeling like roommates, living in constant argument or cold silence, to re-establishing the loving bond that brought you together. Imagine what it would feel like to know that your partner's warm acceptance allows you to be truly open and emotionally safe. Bottom line, I am dedicated to helping you understand your relationship cycles so you can learn to reconnect.
And to help couples truly hear each other and reconnect, I use Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr.
My passion is to help you improve your relationships, overcome emotional wounds & trauma, and increase overall well-being. I enjoy working with individuals looking to deepen their understanding of themselves. For couples, my goal is to help you transition from feeling like roommates, living in constant argument or cold silence, to re-establishing the loving bond that brought you together. Imagine what it would feel like to know that your partner's warm acceptance allows you to be truly open and emotionally safe. Bottom line, I am dedicated to helping you understand your relationship cycles so you can learn to reconnect.
(720) 679-5449 View (720) 679-5449
Photo of Alex A. Avila, MA, LPC, LMHC, CSAT, CST, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alex A. Avila
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, CSAT, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Sex Therapy, I help individuals and couples enjoy positive, lasting change.
I'm licensed in Hawaii and Colorado. Are you ready to feel free and live an authentic life? At times we need help from an experienced professional who listens, understands, and believes our pain--someone who can help us overcome and grow through a crisis. Making sure that each client feels safe and comfortable while talking about personal concerns is my fundamental priority. Then, I help people just like you to overcome pain, trauma and negative patterns, and rebuild hope and relationships!
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Sex Therapy, I help individuals and couples enjoy positive, lasting change.
I'm licensed in Hawaii and Colorado. Are you ready to feel free and live an authentic life? At times we need help from an experienced professional who listens, understands, and believes our pain--someone who can help us overcome and grow through a crisis. Making sure that each client feels safe and comfortable while talking about personal concerns is my fundamental priority. Then, I help people just like you to overcome pain, trauma and negative patterns, and rebuild hope and relationships!
(720) 316-7771 View (720) 316-7771
Photo of Eli Schaugh Couples And Cancer, Pre-Licensed Professional
Eli Schaugh Couples And Cancer
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80211
If you are struggling in your relationship, I am here to help you find connection, safety, and security. I work with individuals, couples, and family systems with a special focus on people who are dealing with trauma or life altering experiences. I have a special passion for working with people and relationships impacted by cancer. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based method for working with couples to release negative patterns and increase closeness and connection. I believe that when people feel safe and secure in their relationships, even the most difficult and painful problems can be overcome.
If you are struggling in your relationship, I am here to help you find connection, safety, and security. I work with individuals, couples, and family systems with a special focus on people who are dealing with trauma or life altering experiences. I have a special passion for working with people and relationships impacted by cancer. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based method for working with couples to release negative patterns and increase closeness and connection. I believe that when people feel safe and secure in their relationships, even the most difficult and painful problems can be overcome.
(720) 776-2378 View (720) 776-2378
Photo of Mike Lewis, MA, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mike Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302
You have a calling to know yourself more completely, to make lasting changes in habitual pattens, to engage in the deep healing of unconscious unfinished business, and to integrate awakened insights fully into the body, into relationships, and into your life in the world. We get to know each other to build trust, identify areas for exploration, and then we dive. The therapeutic experience involves transformational epiphanies and the processing of hidden and stuck emotions. I gently challenge my clients to lean into uncomfortable places and build the tolerance for psycho-spiritual unfolding. See my website for more information.
You have a calling to know yourself more completely, to make lasting changes in habitual pattens, to engage in the deep healing of unconscious unfinished business, and to integrate awakened insights fully into the body, into relationships, and into your life in the world. We get to know each other to build trust, identify areas for exploration, and then we dive. The therapeutic experience involves transformational epiphanies and the processing of hidden and stuck emotions. I gently challenge my clients to lean into uncomfortable places and build the tolerance for psycho-spiritual unfolding. See my website for more information.
(720) 802-5511 View (720) 802-5511
Photo of Alan Hale (Accepting New Clients!), MA, LPCC, MFTC
Alan Hale (Accepting New Clients!)
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80215
I utilize emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, Internal family systems, and humor in addressing things such as communication, identity, anxiety/depression, grief, and much more.
Schedule instantly through my website! (Link in profile). As a queer BIPOC individual, my passion is working with other individuals, relationships, and family systems of the queer and or BIPOC community. If you grew up in a culture that viewed mental health as taboo, you may be feeling alone and hopeless. Know that you are not alone in your journey. I believe that people and relationships can thrive if given the proper support, nourishment, and environment. We are all given the same tools, but how helpful can it be if we were never taught how to use them?
I utilize emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, Internal family systems, and humor in addressing things such as communication, identity, anxiety/depression, grief, and much more.
Schedule instantly through my website! (Link in profile). As a queer BIPOC individual, my passion is working with other individuals, relationships, and family systems of the queer and or BIPOC community. If you grew up in a culture that viewed mental health as taboo, you may be feeling alone and hopeless. Know that you are not alone in your journey. I believe that people and relationships can thrive if given the proper support, nourishment, and environment. We are all given the same tools, but how helpful can it be if we were never taught how to use them?
(720) 923-8580 View (720) 923-8580
Photo of Lukas Schafer, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lukas Schafer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80222  (Online Only)
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples/relationships.
I work best with clients who are looking inward to illuminate their path forward. I'm passionate about working with couples/relationships to navigate conflict, create connection, build emotional/physical intimacy, heal relationship injuries, decide when to stay together or gracefully separate, and to help new relationships build bonds that will help them thrive. I am also excited to work with individuals by helping them discover themselves and find healing. I believe that our pain and struggles, as well as healing, are often connected to our relationships – with ourselves, our partners and families, and the cultures we live in.
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples/relationships.
I work best with clients who are looking inward to illuminate their path forward. I'm passionate about working with couples/relationships to navigate conflict, create connection, build emotional/physical intimacy, heal relationship injuries, decide when to stay together or gracefully separate, and to help new relationships build bonds that will help them thrive. I am also excited to work with individuals by helping them discover themselves and find healing. I believe that our pain and struggles, as well as healing, are often connected to our relationships – with ourselves, our partners and families, and the cultures we live in.
(720) 707-3062 View (720) 707-3062
Photo of Alan Hieu Hoa Hale, MA, LPCC, MFTC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alan Hieu Hoa Hale
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC, MFTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Parker, CO 80134  (Online Only)
I utilize emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, person-centered and humor in addressing things such as communication, identity, anxiety/depression, grief, and much more.
As a queer BIPOC individual, my passion is working with other individuals, relationships, and family systems of the queer (LGBTQIA+) and or BIPOC community. If you grew up in a culture that viewed mental health as taboo, you may be feeling alone and hopeless. Know that you are not alone in your journey. I believe that people and relationships can thrive if given the proper support, nourishment, and environment. We are all given the same tools, but how helpful can it be if we were never taught how to use them? With some direction, non-judgement, and unconditional positive regard I believe people are capable of incredible things.
I utilize emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral, person-centered and humor in addressing things such as communication, identity, anxiety/depression, grief, and much more.
As a queer BIPOC individual, my passion is working with other individuals, relationships, and family systems of the queer (LGBTQIA+) and or BIPOC community. If you grew up in a culture that viewed mental health as taboo, you may be feeling alone and hopeless. Know that you are not alone in your journey. I believe that people and relationships can thrive if given the proper support, nourishment, and environment. We are all given the same tools, but how helpful can it be if we were never taught how to use them? With some direction, non-judgement, and unconditional positive regard I believe people are capable of incredible things.
(303) 997-1547 View (303) 997-1547
Photo of Alexander Lee Clark, LPCC, ACSC, Counselor
Alexander Lee Clark
Counselor, LPCC, ACSC
Verified Verified
Lafayette, CO 80026
I use relational, emotionally focused, attachment style therapy with pieces of other modalities woven in.
I aim to provide a space where you feel safe and comfortable. People have skills and the desire to feel better, be better. Here we can explore your strengths and systems, developing them while finding new ways to pursue emotional health. In the room, I bring warmth and relational connection. I am endlessly curious and love to follow you while still maintaining our path. I utilize humor, metaphors, creativity, fun, drawings, and activities when appropriate. I help organize thoughts, draw connections, and guide us to realizations. I want to understand your story and help you write it even more beautifully going forward.
I use relational, emotionally focused, attachment style therapy with pieces of other modalities woven in.
I aim to provide a space where you feel safe and comfortable. People have skills and the desire to feel better, be better. Here we can explore your strengths and systems, developing them while finding new ways to pursue emotional health. In the room, I bring warmth and relational connection. I am endlessly curious and love to follow you while still maintaining our path. I utilize humor, metaphors, creativity, fun, drawings, and activities when appropriate. I help organize thoughts, draw connections, and guide us to realizations. I want to understand your story and help you write it even more beautifully going forward.
(720) 794-5435 View (720) 794-5435
Photo of Mark Cadlaon, MA, LPC, NCC, BCN, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mark Cadlaon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, BCN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lakewood, CO 80227
I am an EFT & neurofeedback therapist who is passionate about helping young adults navigate the unfamiliar roads of life transitions.
You moved to Colorado for a fresh start, but you're still looking for happiness, purpose, and connection. Past disappointments still follow you despite all you've done to create distance. Instead, you feel overwhelmed, directionless, and alone. Having lived in multiple cities across the U.S. and Europe, I know how daunting it is to navigate major, sudden, or unforeseen life transitions—to start over in an unfamiliar place, to cope with the loss of “what could have been,” or to question your belief system, your choices, or your very self.
I am an EFT & neurofeedback therapist who is passionate about helping young adults navigate the unfamiliar roads of life transitions.
You moved to Colorado for a fresh start, but you're still looking for happiness, purpose, and connection. Past disappointments still follow you despite all you've done to create distance. Instead, you feel overwhelmed, directionless, and alone. Having lived in multiple cities across the U.S. and Europe, I know how daunting it is to navigate major, sudden, or unforeseen life transitions—to start over in an unfamiliar place, to cope with the loss of “what could have been,” or to question your belief system, your choices, or your very self.
(720) 460-0999 View (720) 460-0999
Photo of Duane A Boyd, MFTC
Duane A Boyd
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, MFTC
Verified Verified
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Duane received his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University in 2019 and has completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, and Structural Therapy.
Duane counsels people of all ages utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques. His passion is helping people be the best version of themselves. He does this by accepting clients for who they are and ensuring they maintain their autonomy. He is interested in helping people develop self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction in their lives. In addition, he is skilled at drawing on each person’s resourcefulness. He helps clients connect with their loved ones and unite together to solve problems. With couples and families, Duane identifies core strengths in the relationship(s) and brings clarity to ineffective communication patterns
Duane received his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University in 2019 and has completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, and Structural Therapy.
Duane counsels people of all ages utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques. His passion is helping people be the best version of themselves. He does this by accepting clients for who they are and ensuring they maintain their autonomy. He is interested in helping people develop self-esteem, confidence, and satisfaction in their lives. In addition, he is skilled at drawing on each person’s resourcefulness. He helps clients connect with their loved ones and unite together to solve problems. With couples and families, Duane identifies core strengths in the relationship(s) and brings clarity to ineffective communication patterns
(720) 741-7791 View (720) 741-7791
Photo of John Oh (Known Counseling), LPCC, MA, Counselor
John Oh (Known Counseling)
Counselor, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80241
I Support Couples Stuck in Cycles of Conflict and Disconnection? My approach focuses on 3 Core Areas: 1) Healthy & Honest Communication Skills 3) Couples Conflict Resolution and 3) Cultivating a Deep Fulfilling Friendship. My Counseling is based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, to Build Trust and Connection. Let's Work together to Rebuild the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted.
I Support Couples Stuck in Cycles of Conflict and Disconnection? My approach focuses on 3 Core Areas: 1) Healthy & Honest Communication Skills 3) Couples Conflict Resolution and 3) Cultivating a Deep Fulfilling Friendship. My Counseling is based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method, to Build Trust and Connection. Let's Work together to Rebuild the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted.
(720) 580-4944 View (720) 580-4944
Photo of Charlie Huntington, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Charlie Huntington
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80210
I use therapies backed by solid scientific evidence, drawing primarily on cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and emotionally focused techniques.
It takes a great deal of courage and humility to seek out a therapist. If your own life, your romantic relationship, or both are leaving you unsatisfied, stuck, or unhappy, I commend you for considering outside help. The support of people whom I trust and who care for me – including my own therapist – has been instrumental to my own healing and growth. I would be honored to provide you with that same partnership in your journey of change. When we combine my training in therapy with your knowledge of who you are and where you want to go, we can identify meaningful goals together and help you progress toward them.
I use therapies backed by solid scientific evidence, drawing primarily on cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and emotionally focused techniques.
It takes a great deal of courage and humility to seek out a therapist. If your own life, your romantic relationship, or both are leaving you unsatisfied, stuck, or unhappy, I commend you for considering outside help. The support of people whom I trust and who care for me – including my own therapist – has been instrumental to my own healing and growth. I would be honored to provide you with that same partnership in your journey of change. When we combine my training in therapy with your knowledge of who you are and where you want to go, we can identify meaningful goals together and help you progress toward them.
(720) 408-5477 View (720) 408-5477

See more therapy options for Woodland Park

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.