Emotionally Focused Therapists in Washington, DC
See all therapists in Washington
Jennifer Mostafa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with clients to reach their therapeutic goals and bring peace and a desired balance into their lives by utilizing an integrative, holistic and practical approach toward achieving client goals. I incorporate a variety of techniques such as Person-Centered,
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Neurobiology & Mindfulness combined with a reality-based approach that encourages self-acceptance and insight. I believe in the essence of holistic health and working together to create a lasting positive impact in overall well-being.

Compass Counseling and Psychotherapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS, NCC
Verified
Verified
Our clinicians have training in
Emotionally Focused
therapy CBT, DBT and TF-CBT.
"Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving , we get stronger and more resilient" Steve Maraboli. If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. At Compass we understand that it is important for you to feel understood, heard and supported. When we all are working as a team, those things will be automatic. Our approach is direct yet very compassionate. Our goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. We would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness.

Angela Fowler-Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a certified therapist and supervisor in
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
) and use this model when working with couples and families to bring healing and connection to relationships.
As a relationally focused and trauma informed therapist, I have a passion for helping clients feel more connected, grounded and safe in their lives and relationships. Every person has the ability to move toward connection and healing, even in the face of difficult, challenging or traumatic experiences. I work with couples, individuals and families to help them reconnect with the healthiest and most grounded parts of themselves and to restore and rebuild connection and safety within themselves and with others. I use research based, experiential models to keep us focus on your goals and healing process.

Sonja Harrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
In addition to traditional talk therapy to glean how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors inform your process, I use mind-body awareness,
emotionally focused
therapy and provide psychoeducation about the neuroscience of trauma to help you understand, identify, and achieve optimal well-being.
I believe that everyone has the capacity to accomplish their goals. My role is to help you uncover and understand the obstacles and trauma that are getting in the way of achieving what you desire, and then help you tap into your inner resources to succeed. With empathy and authenticity, I work alongside my clients to promote healing and discovery of their power to change. Whether you are experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss; problems with relationships, parenting, or self-esteem; or a general sense of disconnectedness – whatever it is – I recognize that therapy is self-work, and it's not easy.

Sage & Fifth Therapy Place PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified
Verified
We also offer
Emotionally Focused
Couples Therapy (
EFT
), Interracial Couples Therapy, and Perinatal Therapy for Couples to help couples repair and strengthen their connection when dealing with tough life transitions, communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past trauma, postpartum issues, parenting struggles and conflicts in integrating cultural differences.
Accepting new clients in DC & MD - Our resilience is as unique as our journey, as individuals and couples. We empower our clients to break out of the distressing cycles they feel stuck in and help them overcome anxiety, depression, relationships difficulties, past trauma, life transitions, pregnancy issues & postpartum issues. We specialize in holistic psychotherapy with a focus on mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, EMDR and somatic body interventions to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to live a more enriched life. We also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.

Olesya Van Dijck
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ATR-P, LGPC
Verified
Verified
Helping clients access underlying emotions in their individual work and recognizing the power of connection is what drew me to specializing in
Emotionally Focused
Couples Therapy.
Trauma and attachment issues can impact our body in ways that make us feel disconnected, often stuck in cycles of distress and suffering leading to anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and addictions. As a trauma-informed therapist and life-long yogini and artist, I help my clients to explore suppressed emotions and reconnect with their authentic selves through creative and embodied practices that reach beyond words. I use an integrative holistic approach to guide and empower my clients to strengthen their mind-body connection, activate their inner resources, and overcome unhealthy patterns to create more fulfillment and joy.

Joana Tasi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
If life is so much better when shared with someone, why does having a loving and healthy relationship sometimes seem so hard? The more you try to make things better, the worse it gets. Any cry for help only leads to more distance, more conflict. You live with your frustration and hope that change will come but nothing happens. You’ve felt the pull of hopelessness, isolation is not an option, and you’ve run out of the usual coping strategies. As a Certified
Emotionally Focused
therapist, my goal is to help you find your way out of the maze and create stronger and healthier relationships with your loved one(s).

Laura Luna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am an experienced therapist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. I provide treatment for a variety of issues, including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. Through the use of evidence-based interventions including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
Emotionally Focused
Therapy and play therapy techniques I help client identify their triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage their emotions and deal with life stressors.
Waitlist for new clients

Stacy Notaras Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, EMDR-C
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I am a Certified Emotionally-Focused (
EFT
) therapist, a credential requiring several years of training and supervision to integrate attachment-focused repair tools into my relationship work.
Whether in person or via telehealth during the pandemic, I am passionate about helping people facing relationship struggles that manifest as anxiety, depression, and difficulty with intimacy. My experience and training (
EFT
: Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, Imago, PACT) taught me that most emotional challenges are tied to how we function in our personal relationships. I've been told that my real strength is helping people feel safe and reflective enough to recognize, think through, and either accept or change the way they approach the relationships that matter most.

Matt Sosnowsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, MSW, MAPP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Thanks for visiting my profile! I specialize in adults (ages 18 - 40's) dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career challenges, trauma, and family conflicts—among other struggles. My approach is to work together to find a clinical modality that addresses your style and needs; such modalities include CBT, emotion-focused therapy (
EFT
), Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), and mindfulness. In addition, I'm trained in the field of Positive Psychology, a.k.a. the scientific study of happiness. As such, my goal is to help clients both overcome challenges and optimize passion & well-being in their lives.
Waitlist for new clients

Cindy Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As your therapist, my goal is to help you recognize and become your best self. Together, we will come to a greater understanding of the fear, anxieties, and challenges you face and work towards discovering solutions. I specialize in working with couples in distress using
Emotionally Focused
Couple Therapy, created by Sue Johnson. We all get stuck in negative patterns of communication from time to time. When the destructive cycle takes permanent residence, it can feel horribly scary, isolating, and hopeless. But I've witnessed firsthand how
EFT
can be effective even with couples on the brink of despair.
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Freedom's Flow Pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
With relationship issues, I use
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
).
New you, new flow! Have you been able to process how your nervous system is adjusting to life's stressors? I take an empathetic and affirming approach and I acknowledge that doing the inner work can be difficult. I'm proud of you for considering & investing in yourself. I work with clients who are BI&POC-Black Indigenous and People of Color. I enjoy empowering clients as they explore how their nervous system is responding to past and current experiences. Your relationships, career and dreams are evolving and when you win, I win!

John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified
Verified
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and
emotionally focused
couples therapy (
EFT
).

Caroline McKenna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
I utilize ARA and
EFT
to help individuals and couples explore emotions and identify how cycles of misunderstanding have evolved, how to interrupt them, and how to connect with one-another in a new way.
In my work with individuals and couples, I support clients through stressors that arise, and assist them in tapping into their internal resources and self-discovery to navigate through these challenging times. I create a safe and supportive environment to work with clients to heal relational wounds, foster understanding, create closeness, and support each other through change and growth.

Carolyn Bell
Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA, MBA
Verified
Verified
My approach to couples therapy is based on
EFT
, Imago and Gottman Method Therapy.
Are you seeking deeper attachment? I work with couples and individuals increasing your awareness in daily moments. In a trusting environment, I help clients process life-changing events including loss and grief, chronic health diagnoses, adoption, and job growth and relocation. I offer support for couples who want to strengthen their relationships and resolve issues preventing emotional and sexual intimacy. Where appropriate, I offer intensive therapy to bring clarity and begin the healing process of life experiences. I am licensed in DC and VA.

Erika L Bond
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LCMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have advanced training in the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) and
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
).
I believe healthy, trusting, connected relationships are the cornerstones of strong mental strength. Whether you’re coming in for couples counseling or individual therapy, I approach everything from a relational lens. When you feel fulfilled and empowered in your interpersonal relationships, you’re better equipped to handle the many stressors life presents.

Nailah Turner
Pre-Licensed Professional, PC-I
Verified
Verified
My techniques are rooted in cognitive-behavioral, person-centered,
emotionally focused
, solution-focused, and psychodynamic theories and therapies.
I am a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Northwestern University. I am passionate about creating an atmosphere where you can thrive in the world in a loving, healthy manner. I help clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life and relationship challenges. I also enjoy working with couples with communication and parenting styles. My techniques are rooted in cognitive-behavioral, person-centered,
emotionally focused
, solution-focused, and psychodynamic theories and therapies.

Robert G Hartford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, CSW, LSCP, EFT
Verified
Verified
As 1 of 5 certified
EFT
therapists in DC - by the International Center for Excellence ICEEFT, this couples method, I practice
Emotionally Focused
Therapy, developed by Sue Johnson, a research driven model, with findings that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery with approximately 90% showing significant improvements.
As the only Licensed Systems-Centered Therapist in the DC area, together we will explore how to get more of what you want. In a supportive, safe environment, you'll learn methods to reduce anxiety, depression and identify patterns that likely served you at one time but are no longer effective. Initially, sessions will be focused on: Exploring the issues that are important to you - determine goals you want to achieve. We will begin to develop trust, respect, and a personal connection so that you feel safe and understood. Also specializing in marriage/couples work I am a Certified
EFT
-
Emotionally Focused
Couples Therapist.

Natalie V Setliff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Her therapeutic approach is integrative, with its roots in systemic family therapy, solution-focused models, motivational interviewing/mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and
emotionally focused
therapy.
Your search for inner peace is closer to fulfillment than you may realize. You have just made the first step toward healing, by looking for information that can help you make life changes and live the life you desire. Most of us expect to have a life surrounded by loving, intimate and meaningful relationships. Sometimes our expectations do not meet the reality of our lives. I will help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. I am here to listen and work with you during your journey towards healing and living the life you want.

Rachael Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
For couples therapy, I also draw from
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
) and Gottman Couples Therapy approaches.
I believe in the power of therapy to tap into our existing strengths, foster growth and connection, shift patterns, and move us toward living a more fulfilling life.
Washington, DC 20011
& Online
See more therapy options for
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.