Emotionally Focused Therapists in 20036
Krysta Michaelides
Counselor, LPC, NCC, MSc, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
In couples therapy, I draw from EFT, IFS, & Sex Therapy.
Ready to heal from past trauma? Work and financial stress impacting your well-being & ready for change? Seeking deeper attachment in your relationships? I work with heterosexual & LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring ways to live that fully meet your needs. I help clients address & alleviate stressors as they explore & resolve past emotional wounds & traumas. I offer couples support to strengthen their relationships & resolve issues preventing emotional & sexual intimacy. I’m licensed in DC/MD/VA. My background incl. Wall Street, the legal industry & journalism.
In couples therapy, I draw from EFT, IFS, & Sex Therapy.
Ready to heal from past trauma? Work and financial stress impacting your well-being & ready for change? Seeking deeper attachment in your relationships? I work with heterosexual & LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring ways to live that fully meet your needs. I help clients address & alleviate stressors as they explore & resolve past emotional wounds & traumas. I offer couples support to strengthen their relationships & resolve issues preventing emotional & sexual intimacy. I’m licensed in DC/MD/VA. My background incl. Wall Street, the legal industry & journalism.
Paul M Higgins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, LMSW, JD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
For couples therapy, I also draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) principles.
I am a psychotherapist in a private practice in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, where I provide individual, couples, and group therapy. I work with adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulties coping with life stressors, emotion regulation, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties. I bring a warm, supportive, non-judgmental, and collaborative style to therapy.
For couples therapy, I also draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) principles.
I am a psychotherapist in a private practice in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, where I provide individual, couples, and group therapy. I work with adults experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulties coping with life stressors, emotion regulation, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties. I bring a warm, supportive, non-judgmental, and collaborative style to therapy.
Sage & Fifth Therapy Place PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
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 & Maryland - 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.
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 & Maryland - 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.
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
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).
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).
Joana Tasi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
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).
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).
Robert G Hartford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, CSW, LSCP, EFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
As 1 of the few ICE EFT, certified EFT therapists in DC - I practice , Emotionally Focused Therapy, a couples method 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 as a Certified EFT - Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist specializing in serving the LGBTQAI+ community.
As 1 of the few ICE EFT, certified EFT therapists in DC - I practice , Emotionally Focused Therapy, a couples method 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 as a Certified EFT - Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist specializing in serving the LGBTQAI+ community.
Jennifer Mostafa
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
Hi there! Congratulations on taking the first step toward engaging in therapy. I have been practicing the art of therapy for over 10 years and believe wholeheartedly in the process of therapy. I utilize an integrative, holistic and practical approach toward achieving client goals and incorporate a variety of techniques such as Person-Centered, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), combined with a reality-based approach that encourages self-acceptance and insight.
Hi there! Congratulations on taking the first step toward engaging in therapy. I have been practicing the art of therapy for over 10 years and believe wholeheartedly in the process of therapy. I utilize an integrative, holistic and practical approach toward achieving client goals and incorporate a variety of techniques such as Person-Centered, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), combined with a reality-based approach that encourages self-acceptance and insight.
I have a passion for working with clients through intrapersonal and relational concerns related to attachment. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I hope to empower my clients with tools to create authentic connections with others, while also prioritizing self-exploration and self-acceptance. I have a special interest in working with couples, burnout, depression and anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and effective communication.
I have a passion for working with clients through intrapersonal and relational concerns related to attachment. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I hope to empower my clients with tools to create authentic connections with others, while also prioritizing self-exploration and self-acceptance. I have a special interest in working with couples, burnout, depression and anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and effective communication.
Huma Sikandar Fatakia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I also provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Interracial Couples Therapy, helping couples create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past traumas, tough life transitions, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences, boundaries with families and the impact of a mental health diagnosis.
We all have a unique journey in life, as individuals and as couples, and I believe that our resilience is as unique as our journey. I work with clients to help them overcome distressing cycles that make them feel stuck and empower them to find stability, create healthier relationships and live an enriched life. Together we explore underlying emotions and find new ways of coping with past traumas, difficult life transitions, loss, relational distress and other mental health issues. While EMDR, mindfulness and cultural sensitivity are at the core of my practice, I also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
I also provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Interracial Couples Therapy, helping couples create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, infidelity, past traumas, tough life transitions, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences, boundaries with families and the impact of a mental health diagnosis.
We all have a unique journey in life, as individuals and as couples, and I believe that our resilience is as unique as our journey. I work with clients to help them overcome distressing cycles that make them feel stuck and empower them to find stability, create healthier relationships and live an enriched life. Together we explore underlying emotions and find new ways of coping with past traumas, difficult life transitions, loss, relational distress and other mental health issues. While EMDR, mindfulness and cultural sensitivity are at the core of my practice, I also integrate Psychodynamic and CBT interventions.
Mengqi Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
My therapeutic framework integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotional Focused Therapy ( EFT), EMDR and Brainspotting.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
Freedom's Flow Pllc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
With relationship issues, I use Attachment theory/ 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!
With relationship issues, I use Attachment theory/ 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!
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My approach to couples therapy is based on EFT, Imago and Gottman Method Therapy.
Are you seeking deeper attachment? I collaborate with couples and individuals to increase your inner awareness of self to share with others. I help clients process life-changing events including job growth and relocation, loss and grief, chronic health diagnoses, and adoption. 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'm licensed in DC/MD/VA. My diverse background includes working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Main Street.
My approach to couples therapy is based on EFT, Imago and Gottman Method Therapy.
Are you seeking deeper attachment? I collaborate with couples and individuals to increase your inner awareness of self to share with others. I help clients process life-changing events including job growth and relocation, loss and grief, chronic health diagnoses, and adoption. 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'm licensed in DC/MD/VA. My diverse background includes working in Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Main Street.
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.
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.
David O. Avruch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Hi, I'm David. Mostly I am a couples therapist, but I also serve individuals. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (an evidence-based practice for couples), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychedelic-assisted therapies. In my career I've seen a lot and worked with many different kinds of people; hence, I'm professional and nonjudgmental. I enjoy being a social worker and therapist for all types of humans, but I specialize in serving queer and trans couples. Additionally, I am now offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for individuals and couples. My belief is, being a person is hard, but good relationships heal.
Hi, I'm David. Mostly I am a couples therapist, but I also serve individuals. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (an evidence-based practice for couples), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychedelic-assisted therapies. In my career I've seen a lot and worked with many different kinds of people; hence, I'm professional and nonjudgmental. I enjoy being a social worker and therapist for all types of humans, but I specialize in serving queer and trans couples. Additionally, I am now offering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for individuals and couples. My belief is, being a person is hard, but good relationships heal.
Angela Fowler-Hurtado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
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.
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.
Paul B. Sheesley, MA, LPC, LCPC, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
My work with individuals, couples and families is drawn from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive behavioral theories using a variety of thoughtful and targeted interventions.
Therapy is not education or advice-giving. People are unique, so elements of therapy are tailored because healing is different for everybody. My treatment approach is an atmosphere were you can speak your mind safely, to someone who listens, listens intelligently, and cares is important. I believe a successful counseling experience depends on the therapists ability to understand and respect the unique concerns, background, and context of each patient. I am committed to achieving such an understanding in every counseling relationship.
My training includes AEDP (Level 2), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) for clients who want to explore their substance use.
I believe that deep down our thoughts and feelings make sense. And that while life can sometimes feel overwhelming, real change is possible. My therapeutic process integrates strength-based modalities that are tailored to the unique needs of each client and centers on identifying our untapped sources of strength and resilience to break through doubt, shame and fear. With care and curiosity, we will begin the process of exploring and healing the often hidden wounds inflicted by our experiences, families and society. Working together, we can change old patterns of feeling and thinking in order to empower your authentic, evolving self.
My training includes AEDP (Level 2), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) for clients who want to explore their substance use.
I believe that deep down our thoughts and feelings make sense. And that while life can sometimes feel overwhelming, real change is possible. My therapeutic process integrates strength-based modalities that are tailored to the unique needs of each client and centers on identifying our untapped sources of strength and resilience to break through doubt, shame and fear. With care and curiosity, we will begin the process of exploring and healing the often hidden wounds inflicted by our experiences, families and society. Working together, we can change old patterns of feeling and thinking in order to empower your authentic, evolving self.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I 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. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness. My goal is to help you find relief from emotional distress. Over the past 20 years, I have had extensive training in EFT, CBT, DBT , TF-C
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I 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. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness. My goal is to help you find relief from emotional distress. Over the past 20 years, I have had extensive training in EFT, CBT, DBT , TF-C
Yuko C Constas
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy, MSMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be challenging. Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your marital or relational issues. Maybe, you are feeling hopeless after the loss of a loved one or job. When you need help and direction most, therapy can guide you through challenges. I believe that anyone can excel with sufficient guidance and support. My areas of concentration are couples’ issues, family conflicts, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, emotional healing, spiritual issues, and more. Also, I use EMDR to help you with trauma and childhood experiences.
Life can be challenging. Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your marital or relational issues. Maybe, you are feeling hopeless after the loss of a loved one or job. When you need help and direction most, therapy can guide you through challenges. I believe that anyone can excel with sufficient guidance and support. My areas of concentration are couples’ issues, family conflicts, life transitions, self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, emotional healing, spiritual issues, and more. Also, I use EMDR to help you with trauma and childhood experiences.
Diane E Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
With over 16 years of experience, I have advanced training, and experience teaching and supervising other therapists, in an emotionally focused therapy (or EFT) called ISTDP.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you stuck and wondering what is keeping you stuck? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or begin the process of separation? Are you searching for lasting and tangible results in therapy? Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and have had significant success working with men.
With over 16 years of experience, I have advanced training, and experience teaching and supervising other therapists, in an emotionally focused therapy (or EFT) called ISTDP.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in a relationship? Are you stuck and wondering what is keeping you stuck? Are you considering couples therapy and whether you want to remain together or begin the process of separation? Are you searching for lasting and tangible results in therapy? Together, we will work to uncover and undermine what is driving your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, relationship and communication issues, medically difficult to explain symptoms, & self-sabotaging behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, and have had significant success working with men.
See more therapy options for 20036
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.