Emotionally Focused Therapists in Westlake Village, CA

Photo of Maureen Kaye, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Maureen Kaye
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
Do roadblocks get in the way of living the life you want? Do you and your partner argue over the same issues leaving you feeling disconnected and lonely? Do difficult memories and experiences leave you feeling stuck? Is your teen struggling with behavior, school or relationships? If you answered 'yes' to any of these, I can help. Deciding to seek therapy is not easy - it takes courage! Whether it's yourself, your relationship or your teen struggling, you deserve to feel happy & successful. I can help you get your life/relationships back on track. My clients experience me as a warm, skillful and compassionate therapist. You will too.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
Do roadblocks get in the way of living the life you want? Do you and your partner argue over the same issues leaving you feeling disconnected and lonely? Do difficult memories and experiences leave you feeling stuck? Is your teen struggling with behavior, school or relationships? If you answered 'yes' to any of these, I can help. Deciding to seek therapy is not easy - it takes courage! Whether it's yourself, your relationship or your teen struggling, you deserve to feel happy & successful. I can help you get your life/relationships back on track. My clients experience me as a warm, skillful and compassionate therapist. You will too.
(805) 246-7718 View (805) 246-7718
Photo of Dr. Rachel Chistyakov, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Westlake Village, CA
Dr. Rachel Chistyakov
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PsyD, MA
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
My approach to therapy focuses on healing, connection, and emotional insight to allow individuals, couples, and families to reach their goals and improve their lives. We will work together to tailor your treatment so that whatever may be affecting you can be worked through in a safe, comfortable space. I utilize different treatment modalities like EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy and TRM to bring you the best treatment for your personalized needs. Some of my specialty areas include grief & loss, PTSD, couples and family therapy, depression, and anxiety.
My approach to therapy focuses on healing, connection, and emotional insight to allow individuals, couples, and families to reach their goals and improve their lives. We will work together to tailor your treatment so that whatever may be affecting you can be worked through in a safe, comfortable space. I utilize different treatment modalities like EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy and TRM to bring you the best treatment for your personalized needs. Some of my specialty areas include grief & loss, PTSD, couples and family therapy, depression, and anxiety.
(747) 999-8610 View (747) 999-8610
Photo of Robert Ogner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Robert Ogner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I'm Certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (A beautiful & effective model of therapy) and have specialized in helping couples for 40 years.
Does the distance between you feel unbearable at times? Perhaps you can't find the will or the courage to draw near your partner. Resentment and distrust may have widened the gap. Though reactive fights stand in the way of the tenderness you need, your heartfelt friendship could be just below the surface. Hoping it will get better, we wait to get help, while patterns reinforce distance and a negative view of each other. We become less willing to reveal ourselves or seek comfort and friendship from our most important person. You both really deserve your measure of happiness.
I'm Certified in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (A beautiful & effective model of therapy) and have specialized in helping couples for 40 years.
Does the distance between you feel unbearable at times? Perhaps you can't find the will or the courage to draw near your partner. Resentment and distrust may have widened the gap. Though reactive fights stand in the way of the tenderness you need, your heartfelt friendship could be just below the surface. Hoping it will get better, we wait to get help, while patterns reinforce distance and a negative view of each other. We become less willing to reveal ourselves or seek comfort and friendship from our most important person. You both really deserve your measure of happiness.
(818) 293-8069 View (818) 293-8069
Photo of Donna Toufer Berns, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Donna Toufer Berns
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, DCH
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I am a EFT trained therapist.
My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, empathetic and unique to each individual's personal needs. I believe the most important component of therapy is establishing a genuine, trusting connection. I strive to create a therapeutic environment in which the clients feel respected, supported and understood in order to actively explore deep personal issues and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving about their present and future. During our process, we will explore emotions and relationships that impact your life. Together we will clarify the development of thoughts and feelings and understand how they shape us.
I am a EFT trained therapist.
My approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, empathetic and unique to each individual's personal needs. I believe the most important component of therapy is establishing a genuine, trusting connection. I strive to create a therapeutic environment in which the clients feel respected, supported and understood in order to actively explore deep personal issues and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving about their present and future. During our process, we will explore emotions and relationships that impact your life. Together we will clarify the development of thoughts and feelings and understand how they shape us.
(747) 246-7410 View (747) 246-7410
Photo of Jade Dearing, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Jade Dearing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361
I use EMDR, parts work (IFS informed), Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and I am now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Many of us don’t realize how negative events from our childhood affect the quality of our lives. You wake up most days feeling worthless, angry, fearful, anxious, insecure, and sad. These feelings negatively affect your behavior … you are unmotivated, impulsive, reactive, and take too many risks. These behaviors are negatively affecting every aspect of your life. Bills are piling up, you go from one job to the next, one relationship to the next, and may even be abusing drugs and alcohol. I treat symptoms of childhood developmental trauma/complex PTSD, (i.,e., anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders).
I use EMDR, parts work (IFS informed), Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and I am now offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Many of us don’t realize how negative events from our childhood affect the quality of our lives. You wake up most days feeling worthless, angry, fearful, anxious, insecure, and sad. These feelings negatively affect your behavior … you are unmotivated, impulsive, reactive, and take too many risks. These behaviors are negatively affecting every aspect of your life. Bills are piling up, you go from one job to the next, one relationship to the next, and may even be abusing drugs and alcohol. I treat symptoms of childhood developmental trauma/complex PTSD, (i.,e., anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders).
(424) 334-6341 View (424) 334-6341
Photo of Shannon Latson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Shannon Latson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
I have done additional training in relationship issues, such as EFT, PACT, and Developmental Model training through the Couples Institute.
Are you dealing with challenging situations? Sometimes life gets overwhelming & you may want to talk to someone who isn't a friend, coworker or family member. With my training and experience as a therapist, as well as things I've learned by being on this planet for many decades, I would like to help you find yourself and/or your way on this journey of life.
I have done additional training in relationship issues, such as EFT, PACT, and Developmental Model training through the Couples Institute.
Are you dealing with challenging situations? Sometimes life gets overwhelming & you may want to talk to someone who isn't a friend, coworker or family member. With my training and experience as a therapist, as well as things I've learned by being on this planet for many decades, I would like to help you find yourself and/or your way on this journey of life.
(818) 696-5732 View (818) 696-5732
Photo of Elan Litenatsky, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Westlake Village, CA
Elan Litenatsky
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I am an experienced Marriage And Family Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the professional training & coaching industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Family Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Flash and Emotional Intelligence.
I am an experienced Marriage And Family Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the professional training & coaching industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Family Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR, Flash and Emotional Intelligence.
(805) 837-1758 View (805) 837-1758
Photo of Marina Edelman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Marina Edelman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
I have helped numerous couples, individuals & families find happiness, harmony, and coping strategies to life challenges. I use John Gottman's (research based) approach and EFT to help couples understand their strengths & areas that need improvement. By taking an online assessment couples save time & money & I can quickly assess areas of focus & recomend interventions. To help clients with anxiety/depression I challenge distorted beliefs and maladaptive behaviors using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This approach along with other interventions encourages clients to go out of their comfort zone & reduce problamatic symptoms.
I have helped numerous couples, individuals & families find happiness, harmony, and coping strategies to life challenges. I use John Gottman's (research based) approach and EFT to help couples understand their strengths & areas that need improvement. By taking an online assessment couples save time & money & I can quickly assess areas of focus & recomend interventions. To help clients with anxiety/depression I challenge distorted beliefs and maladaptive behaviors using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This approach along with other interventions encourages clients to go out of their comfort zone & reduce problamatic symptoms.
(818) 253-9910 View (818) 253-9910
Photo of Alexa Enyart, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Westlake Village, CA
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy and Gottman Method to resolve interpersonal conflicts, untangle the root of distressing emotions, and develop healthy communication patterns and boundaries.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(323) 396-9818 View (323) 396-9818
Photo of Bernie-Bernadine M Gleason, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Bernie-Bernadine M Gleason
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361
I have helped clients who suffer from trauma using AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing); TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model) & couples (Emotionally Focused Therapy).
Is sharing your life with a stranger comfortable for you? It's not easy for anyone and yet from my own experience and from the testimony of others (clients/friends/family), therapy has proven to be a positive life-changing experience that I would want for you. I count it a privilege to be invited into your life and heart and I wouldn't take that lightly. My goals are to make therapy a "safe place" by welcoming you with empathy, validation, affirmation, assistance and tender care (the way we all want to be treated). Maybe you're suffering from trauma or loss or hurt or...please give me an opportunity to work with you to make your life a new and safe place. I also offer faith-based counseling.
I have helped clients who suffer from trauma using AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing); TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model) & couples (Emotionally Focused Therapy).
Is sharing your life with a stranger comfortable for you? It's not easy for anyone and yet from my own experience and from the testimony of others (clients/friends/family), therapy has proven to be a positive life-changing experience that I would want for you. I count it a privilege to be invited into your life and heart and I wouldn't take that lightly. My goals are to make therapy a "safe place" by welcoming you with empathy, validation, affirmation, assistance and tender care (the way we all want to be treated). Maybe you're suffering from trauma or loss or hurt or...please give me an opportunity to work with you to make your life a new and safe place. I also offer faith-based counseling.
(661) 276-8826 View (661) 276-8826
Photo of Hehn Dimand, Pre-Licensed Professional in Westlake Village, CA
Hehn Dimand
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91359
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy when supporting clients.
Hi, my name is Hehn (they/them), and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker at Dr. McCurdy-McKinnon & Associates: Eating Disorders & Wellness Clinic. I draw on my own experiences as a non-binary person living in this world to support, validate, and understand the issues that other trans and non-binary folx are facing. I join with motivated and engaged individuals to help them better understand how their past influences their present, and how dysphoria and other experiences present in relationship to body and self. Together, we will work towards finding the answers and solutions that exist on the other side of life struggles.
I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy when supporting clients.
Hi, my name is Hehn (they/them), and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker at Dr. McCurdy-McKinnon & Associates: Eating Disorders & Wellness Clinic. I draw on my own experiences as a non-binary person living in this world to support, validate, and understand the issues that other trans and non-binary folx are facing. I join with motivated and engaged individuals to help them better understand how their past influences their present, and how dysphoria and other experiences present in relationship to body and self. Together, we will work towards finding the answers and solutions that exist on the other side of life struggles.
(562) 561-1531 View (562) 561-1531
Photo of Shira Mehrnia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Shira Mehrnia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91359  (Online Only)
My treatment approach includes an eclectic blend of mindfulness, depth psychology, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
My goal is to help my clients expand their capacity for trust and intimacy in relationships and improve their overall quality of life. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship issues and women suffering from prepartum and postpartum depression. I have extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders and body image issues.
My treatment approach includes an eclectic blend of mindfulness, depth psychology, EMDR, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
My goal is to help my clients expand their capacity for trust and intimacy in relationships and improve their overall quality of life. I help people struggling with depression, anxiety, low self esteem, relationship issues and women suffering from prepartum and postpartum depression. I have extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders and body image issues.
(805) 954-9633 View (805) 954-9633
Photo of Sue Mandel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Sue Mandel
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
For over 30 years, I've helped adults, couples, children, and parents move past hurdles that got in the way of having better lives and stronger, more loving relationships. My clients are often successful, with lives that look good and in many ways, are good. But so often underneath are feelings of unworthiness, perfectionism, chronic stress, ineffectiveness, loneliness, and a need to please. We'll get to know you and your needs; understand early experiences that drive many of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and take advantage of your brain's natural ability to "rewire" itself as you move toward change.
For over 30 years, I've helped adults, couples, children, and parents move past hurdles that got in the way of having better lives and stronger, more loving relationships. My clients are often successful, with lives that look good and in many ways, are good. But so often underneath are feelings of unworthiness, perfectionism, chronic stress, ineffectiveness, loneliness, and a need to please. We'll get to know you and your needs; understand early experiences that drive many of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and take advantage of your brain's natural ability to "rewire" itself as you move toward change.
(818) 920-8919 View (818) 920-8919
Photo of TNT Anger Management Services in Westlake Village, CA
TNT Anger Management Services
CAMF, LVN
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
After a history and intake is completed clients would be involved in a self assessment which would be broken down into weekly goals and treatment. If probation or court is mandated we can completed the number of hours as indicated. If consultation is a Voluntary basis "completion" is based on feedback of the individual.
After a history and intake is completed clients would be involved in a self assessment which would be broken down into weekly goals and treatment. If probation or court is mandated we can completed the number of hours as indicated. If consultation is a Voluntary basis "completion" is based on feedback of the individual.
(818) 824-6968 View (818) 824-6968
Photo of Dr. Sue Sakuei, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Dr. Sue Sakuei
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91361
My focus is on deepening my patients' understanding of their own behaviors, improving their communication and coping skills, increasing confidence and self-image, and moving toward a healthier and more satisfying level of functioning. I am fluent in both English and Farsi.
My focus is on deepening my patients' understanding of their own behaviors, improving their communication and coping skills, increasing confidence and self-image, and moving toward a healthier and more satisfying level of functioning. I am fluent in both English and Farsi.
(805) 409-3912 View (805) 409-3912
Photo of Debra Warner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Debra Warner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Waitlist for new clients
If you are looking for a change from talk therapy to help you achieve your goals, please contact me. I specialize in use of Brain Based Therapies and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and EEG informed Neurofeedback. Brain-based therapies are one of the fastest-growing areas in psychological health and combine the strength of brain-based, somatic and talk therapies into a powerful healing process. Together we can accelerate the ability for your brain to activate its own natural healing.
If you are looking for a change from talk therapy to help you achieve your goals, please contact me. I specialize in use of Brain Based Therapies and offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting and EEG informed Neurofeedback. Brain-based therapies are one of the fastest-growing areas in psychological health and combine the strength of brain-based, somatic and talk therapies into a powerful healing process. Together we can accelerate the ability for your brain to activate its own natural healing.
(805) 214-6608 View (805) 214-6608
Photo of Katie Elizabeth Hutchinson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Katie Elizabeth Hutchinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
If you are ready to get better, I am here to help you! I am extremely empathic which is great for clients (not so great for me, ha) I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders and couples therapy, I can help you to better understand yourself. Without even being aware of it, many of us recreate the same destructive patterns in life over and over again. Through the process of therapy, these patterns can be broken and a new and happy you can take hold. But you won't feel better without first understanding what makes you do the things you do. I do zoom, phone and in-person sessions. I look forward to speaking with you!
If you are ready to get better, I am here to help you! I am extremely empathic which is great for clients (not so great for me, ha) I specialize in depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders and couples therapy, I can help you to better understand yourself. Without even being aware of it, many of us recreate the same destructive patterns in life over and over again. Through the process of therapy, these patterns can be broken and a new and happy you can take hold. But you won't feel better without first understanding what makes you do the things you do. I do zoom, phone and in-person sessions. I look forward to speaking with you!
(424) 265-9562 View (424) 265-9562
Photo of Brianne Billups Hughes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Brianne Billups Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91362  (Online Only)
Your relationship has gotten to a place where you’re both unhappy. All the responsibilities have piled up since having kids and you hardly have meaningful conversations let alone have fun together anymore. You’re tired of the constant bickering and the resentment you have built up over time. You’re wondering.. is this.. it? You’ve worked so hard to build a family and a life together but you’re finding that most of the time you’re exhausted, angry, and feel really alone. Perhaps, there is also some old stuff related to how you grew up that is coming up again as well. You just want to fight less and feel close to your partner again.
Your relationship has gotten to a place where you’re both unhappy. All the responsibilities have piled up since having kids and you hardly have meaningful conversations let alone have fun together anymore. You’re tired of the constant bickering and the resentment you have built up over time. You’re wondering.. is this.. it? You’ve worked so hard to build a family and a life together but you’re finding that most of the time you’re exhausted, angry, and feel really alone. Perhaps, there is also some old stuff related to how you grew up that is coming up again as well. You just want to fight less and feel close to your partner again.
(805) 399-7016 View (805) 399-7016
Photo of Jackson Sousa, Marriage & Family Therapist in Westlake Village, CA
Jackson Sousa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, CSAT-S, CST, CATC-IV
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Counseling Center for Sexual Health focuses on the clinical treatment of sexuality-related issues among individuals and couples. Located in Westlake Village, CCSH provides intensive outpatient programs and therapy for sex addiction/sexually problematic behaviors, sexual health concerns and partners impacted by sex addiction in Westlake Village. Jackson Sousa, director of CCSH holds a California Alcohol and Drug Educator certificate and is a certified sexual addiction therapist (CSAT ) and certified sexual addiction therapist supervisor (CSAT-S). Jackson also is an AASECT certified sex therapist (CST), and works with issues such as sexual disorders and dysfunctions, gender identity confusion, and a variety of sexually-related problems.
Counseling Center for Sexual Health focuses on the clinical treatment of sexuality-related issues among individuals and couples. Located in Westlake Village, CCSH provides intensive outpatient programs and therapy for sex addiction/sexually problematic behaviors, sexual health concerns and partners impacted by sex addiction in Westlake Village. Jackson Sousa, director of CCSH holds a California Alcohol and Drug Educator certificate and is a certified sexual addiction therapist (CSAT ) and certified sexual addiction therapist supervisor (CSAT-S). Jackson also is an AASECT certified sex therapist (CST), and works with issues such as sexual disorders and dysfunctions, gender identity confusion, and a variety of sexually-related problems.
(805) 288-7782 x1 View (805) 288-7782 x1
Photo of Ivone Umar Phd, Psychologist in Westlake Village, CA
Ivone Umar Phd
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional, relational, or other phase of life changes. The way I do this is sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. As we work together in a safe, non judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives.
I specialize in working with clients who want to resolve emotional, relational, or other phase of life changes. The way I do this is sharing therapeutic practices that serve to overcome emotional distress which, in turn, leads to unhealthy behaviors that interfere with current life goals and values. As we work together in a safe, non judgmental therapeutic relationship, negative thoughts and behaviors can be changed and replaced allowing clients to free themselves from discouragement, harmful attachments, fearful thoughts, excessive worry or feeling like they are losing control of their emotions and their lives.
(805) 585-3887 View (805) 585-3887

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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.