Emotionally Focused Therapists in Winston Salem, NC

Photo of Safe Haven Lighthouse Counseling, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Safe Haven Lighthouse Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27127  (Online Only)
My areas of competence include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT),Compassion Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Eclectic Approach, Emotionally Focused, Interpersonal, Interventions, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Multicultural Informed/Focused, Strength Based, Trauma Informed and Person-Centered.
It is my ethical and moral duty to provide you with services that are person centered and goal oriented. We work as a team together. Therefore, fostering a positive and thriving therapeutic relationship. I received my MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, in May 2007, from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina and my BA degree in Psychology in May 2004 from Bennett College for Women. I am a fully Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I have over 19 years of experience in mental health and have been licensed as a mental health counselor for 10 years.
My areas of competence include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT),Compassion Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Eclectic Approach, Emotionally Focused, Interpersonal, Interventions, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Multicultural Informed/Focused, Strength Based, Trauma Informed and Person-Centered.
It is my ethical and moral duty to provide you with services that are person centered and goal oriented. We work as a team together. Therefore, fostering a positive and thriving therapeutic relationship. I received my MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, in May 2007, from Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina and my BA degree in Psychology in May 2004 from Bennett College for Women. I am a fully Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I have over 19 years of experience in mental health and have been licensed as a mental health counselor for 10 years.
(336) 850-6401 View (336) 850-6401
Photo of Ryan MacLeod, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Ryan MacLeod
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and am pursuing certification.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer a comprehensive, scientifically-based approach to relationship counseling in a supportive and appropriately challenging setting. I help you unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
I have received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and am pursuing certification.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer a comprehensive, scientifically-based approach to relationship counseling in a supportive and appropriately challenging setting. I help you unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
(336) 276-1424 View (336) 276-1424
Photo of Dogwood Counseling Services, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Dogwood Counseling Services
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Waitlist for new clients
Additionally, I am working to obtain certification in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, to assist couples in better understanding one another, in both communication and intimacy.
I enjoy the opportunity to offer clients a trusting and safe environment to process thoughts, recent life events and changes as well as more specific interpersonal challenges and concerns. Additionally, I can provide a non-judgmental and compassionate approach for clients that are seeking a warm, yet goal-directed, therapeutic experience. I work with partners wanting support around communication, premarital work, intimacy, and staying connected through difficult emotional seasons and transitions.
Additionally, I am working to obtain certification in the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy, to assist couples in better understanding one another, in both communication and intimacy.
I enjoy the opportunity to offer clients a trusting and safe environment to process thoughts, recent life events and changes as well as more specific interpersonal challenges and concerns. Additionally, I can provide a non-judgmental and compassionate approach for clients that are seeking a warm, yet goal-directed, therapeutic experience. I work with partners wanting support around communication, premarital work, intimacy, and staying connected through difficult emotional seasons and transitions.
(336) 920-8024 View (336) 920-8024
Photo of Amy Holland, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Amy Holland
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27106
Through a collaborative and personalized approach, I tailor my therapeutic interventions to your unique needs and goals, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Your mental health and well-being matter, and taking the first step toward seeking support is a courageous act of self-care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and heart, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I work with both individuals and couples and my goal is to help you live your best life and enjoy fulfilling and satisfying relationships.
Through a collaborative and personalized approach, I tailor my therapeutic interventions to your unique needs and goals, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Your mental health and well-being matter, and taking the first step toward seeking support is a courageous act of self-care. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and heart, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I work with both individuals and couples and my goal is to help you live your best life and enjoy fulfilling and satisfying relationships.
(336) 895-1857 View (336) 895-1857
Photo of H. M. Humphrey, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
H. M. Humphrey
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27104  (Online Only)
I provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, an attachment-based therapy that helps partners to create corrective emotional experiences in session.
I help couples make sense of how they are getting stuck in conflict. I help them organize their experience, and clarify the good emotional reasons for why they are stuck. Together we identify unmet needs and longings, and work to develop understanding and responsiveness. With greater closeness and trust, partners are able to find solutions to life’s challenges, heal from relationship wounds, and experience love again. I have experience helping couples recover from infidelity/betrayals. When counseling individual clients, I work from a trauma-informed, attachment lens. I help individuals clarify what they need to heal and grow.
I provide Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, an attachment-based therapy that helps partners to create corrective emotional experiences in session.
I help couples make sense of how they are getting stuck in conflict. I help them organize their experience, and clarify the good emotional reasons for why they are stuck. Together we identify unmet needs and longings, and work to develop understanding and responsiveness. With greater closeness and trust, partners are able to find solutions to life’s challenges, heal from relationship wounds, and experience love again. I have experience helping couples recover from infidelity/betrayals. When counseling individual clients, I work from a trauma-informed, attachment lens. I help individuals clarify what they need to heal and grow.
(336) 606-3861 View (336) 606-3861
Photo of Mary Katherine Burbach, Marriage & Family Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Mary Katherine Burbach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
I am an EMDR & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) trained therapist & also draw from Internal Family Systems & Attachment Theory.
The core of all my work with clients centers around connection. Whether you are an individual who has experienced trauma or is feeling constantly worn out and discouraged, a couple lacking emotional connection or walking through difficult times, I am here to help you. I work with individuals with a wide variety of struggles, including those experiencing stress, trauma, mood disorders, &/or life transitions, as well as couples who are in distress or seeking to rekindle their connection.
I am an EMDR & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) trained therapist & also draw from Internal Family Systems & Attachment Theory.
The core of all my work with clients centers around connection. Whether you are an individual who has experienced trauma or is feeling constantly worn out and discouraged, a couple lacking emotional connection or walking through difficult times, I am here to help you. I work with individuals with a wide variety of struggles, including those experiencing stress, trauma, mood disorders, &/or life transitions, as well as couples who are in distress or seeking to rekindle their connection.
(336) 863-9358 View (336) 863-9358
Photo of Nicole Powell, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Nicole Powell
Counselor, MEd, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Because everyone has unique challenges and goals, I also utilize evidence-based techniques from other frameworks such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, emotionally focused therapy and parent child interaction therapy to best fit my clients' needs.
I believe that every person has the ability to grow, heal and change. As a counselor, I provide a space of nonjudgmental acceptance and authenticity which invites clients to show up exactly as they are and to be valued and supported in all aspects of their identity. I aim to partner with and empower my clients, utilizing the strengths and skills they already possess, to work toward their goals for healing and growth. My counseling orientation is grounded in a family systems approach, though I also draw significantly from attachment theory and person-centered counseling.
Because everyone has unique challenges and goals, I also utilize evidence-based techniques from other frameworks such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, emotionally focused therapy and parent child interaction therapy to best fit my clients' needs.
I believe that every person has the ability to grow, heal and change. As a counselor, I provide a space of nonjudgmental acceptance and authenticity which invites clients to show up exactly as they are and to be valued and supported in all aspects of their identity. I aim to partner with and empower my clients, utilizing the strengths and skills they already possess, to work toward their goals for healing and growth. My counseling orientation is grounded in a family systems approach, though I also draw significantly from attachment theory and person-centered counseling.
(336) 594-2301 View (336) 594-2301
Photo of Kalyn Hamilton, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Kalyn Hamilton
Counselor, MS/EdS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27109
Waitlist for new clients
I am also pursuing more couples/relational work (EFT).
Please allow me to commend you for seeking out therapy: I am very glad that you are recognizing a personal need to find support in a mental health professional. Whether or not you decide that I am a good therapeutic fit for you and your needs, I believe wholeheartedly that every person can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. It can be supremely beneficial to have a caring but impartial perspective in your life to help you heal, grow, and fulfill your own personal needs/goals.
I am also pursuing more couples/relational work (EFT).
Please allow me to commend you for seeking out therapy: I am very glad that you are recognizing a personal need to find support in a mental health professional. Whether or not you decide that I am a good therapeutic fit for you and your needs, I believe wholeheartedly that every person can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. It can be supremely beneficial to have a caring but impartial perspective in your life to help you heal, grow, and fulfill your own personal needs/goals.
(336) 891-9762 View (336) 891-9762
Photo of Katrina Whitaker, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Winston Salem, NC
Katrina Whitaker
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101  (Online Only)
I can help! I practice emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
I counsel couples, and individuals who want to better theor life. Working with couples and trauma I know how important it is to be understood. I am multicultural sensitive and know the importance of self-love. I want to walk on this journey with you. Does it feel like you and your partner are talking in circles? I can help you break this cycle. I want to normalize the fact that we get stuck in negative communication cycles.
I can help! I practice emotionally focused therapy (EFT).
I counsel couples, and individuals who want to better theor life. Working with couples and trauma I know how important it is to be understood. I am multicultural sensitive and know the importance of self-love. I want to walk on this journey with you. Does it feel like you and your partner are talking in circles? I can help you break this cycle. I want to normalize the fact that we get stuck in negative communication cycles.
(984) 213-5109 View (984) 213-5109
Photo of Jake Ottman, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Winston Salem, NC
Jake Ottman
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
My work is supported by my training in the Gottman and EFT models.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples improve their relationship by facilitating crucial conversations and developing healthy ways of communicating that are vulnerable, respectful, and supportive. I help people understand how their habits, beliefs, and expectations affect their individual and relational health. Through this process, clients develop the skills and implement the tools needed to live a fulfilling life and have satisfying relationships.
My work is supported by my training in the Gottman and EFT models.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples improve their relationship by facilitating crucial conversations and developing healthy ways of communicating that are vulnerable, respectful, and supportive. I help people understand how their habits, beliefs, and expectations affect their individual and relational health. Through this process, clients develop the skills and implement the tools needed to live a fulfilling life and have satisfying relationships.
(336) 933-6371 View (336) 933-6371
Photo of Georgie Lazarus, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Winston Salem, NC
Georgie Lazarus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
In over a decade as a therapist, I have helped clients of all backgrounds cope with trauma and improve their lives. My specialties include depression, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, neurodivergence, parenting concerns, and such women's health issues as infertility, maternal depression, and PCOS. My practice also concentrates on stress management, relationships, and navigating issues related to one's family of origin. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness lie at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I value being present in the moment with my clients and their emotions, whatever they may be.
In over a decade as a therapist, I have helped clients of all backgrounds cope with trauma and improve their lives. My specialties include depression, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, neurodivergence, parenting concerns, and such women's health issues as infertility, maternal depression, and PCOS. My practice also concentrates on stress management, relationships, and navigating issues related to one's family of origin. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness lie at the heart of my therapeutic approach. I value being present in the moment with my clients and their emotions, whatever they may be.
(336) 863-8223 View (336) 863-8223
Photo of Weston Smith, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Weston Smith
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QP
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27106
I work with adolescents, young adults, and families who are struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Family Conflict, and stage of life decisions (including “failure to launch”). I believe in the power of experience and self-discovery to lead towards living a better life. I focus on helping clients explore community, family, and other support, as well as developing skills for healthy communications to foster independence and self-confidence. My career has been centered in guiding folks through difficult life transitions, peer issues, family conflict, and challenges in school, home, and in outdoor settings.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and families who are struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Family Conflict, and stage of life decisions (including “failure to launch”). I believe in the power of experience and self-discovery to lead towards living a better life. I focus on helping clients explore community, family, and other support, as well as developing skills for healthy communications to foster independence and self-confidence. My career has been centered in guiding folks through difficult life transitions, peer issues, family conflict, and challenges in school, home, and in outdoor settings.
(336) 396-9112 View (336) 396-9112
Photo of Starkesha Daye, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Starkesha Daye
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27103  (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
(336) 489-4342 View (336) 489-4342
Photo of Harry Lerner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Harry Lerner
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, QS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101  (Online Only)
As a family systems therapist, I believe that individuals are best understood within the context of relationships and through the assessment of our various daily interactions. I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, which depending on the need, may include couples, whole families, or just an individual. Specifically, much of my practice focuses on relationship stress, family issues, couple/marital satisfaction, communication skills, anxiety/depression, child/adolescent disorders and behaviors, and parenting success. (Please visit our website for more detail about our clinicians and specialties)
As a family systems therapist, I believe that individuals are best understood within the context of relationships and through the assessment of our various daily interactions. I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy, which depending on the need, may include couples, whole families, or just an individual. Specifically, much of my practice focuses on relationship stress, family issues, couple/marital satisfaction, communication skills, anxiety/depression, child/adolescent disorders and behaviors, and parenting success. (Please visit our website for more detail about our clinicians and specialties)
(336) 750-6615 View (336) 750-6615
Photo of Rebecca Crabtree, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Rebecca Crabtree
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27106
I recognize the courage it takes to pursue therapy and am truly honored to come along side you on your journey toward emotional health and well being. I believe in treating each individual with respect, kindness, and compassion. I strive to create a safe environment for you to feel heard. It is my goal to empower each person with the self-awareness and self-confidence necessary to express their voice and advocate for themself.
I recognize the courage it takes to pursue therapy and am truly honored to come along side you on your journey toward emotional health and well being. I believe in treating each individual with respect, kindness, and compassion. I strive to create a safe environment for you to feel heard. It is my goal to empower each person with the self-awareness and self-confidence necessary to express their voice and advocate for themself.
(336) 815-4621 View (336) 815-4621
Photo of Ashley Rabon, Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Ashley Rabon
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
It can be intimidating to trust someone with the pain, heartache, and uncertainty in your life. My hope is for counseling to be a place that feels safe enough for you to grow in the ability to trust and feel safe in your body. I want you to find a place where you can be seen, heard, and have your story held with dignity and honor. Whether that is with me or another therapist, I hope you can find someone to walk alongside you as you rest, grow in strength, and face the challenges in your life.
It can be intimidating to trust someone with the pain, heartache, and uncertainty in your life. My hope is for counseling to be a place that feels safe enough for you to grow in the ability to trust and feel safe in your body. I want you to find a place where you can be seen, heard, and have your story held with dignity and honor. Whether that is with me or another therapist, I hope you can find someone to walk alongside you as you rest, grow in strength, and face the challenges in your life.
(336) 866-0876 View (336) 866-0876
Photo of Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Seeking help is a sign of strength and health, not weakness or shame. You have a story and it matters. As an experienced mental health therapist, I feel honored to listen to your story and work together toward change and healing. My style is warm, supportive, emotions-focused and collaborative. I place the utmost importance on developing a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. You deserve to live a full, complete life. Make an investment to improve the most influential relationships of your life. I can help. I am grounded in person-centered counseling, which emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and acceptance in relationship.
Seeking help is a sign of strength and health, not weakness or shame. You have a story and it matters. As an experienced mental health therapist, I feel honored to listen to your story and work together toward change and healing. My style is warm, supportive, emotions-focused and collaborative. I place the utmost importance on developing a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. You deserve to live a full, complete life. Make an investment to improve the most influential relationships of your life. I can help. I am grounded in person-centered counseling, which emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and acceptance in relationship.
(336) 742-0779 View (336) 742-0779
Photo of Forsyth Family Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Forsyth Family Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
Our licensed therapists have extensive training and experience in issues affecting adults, couples, children, adolescents and their families. We specialize in treating a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment, addiction, grief, women/men's issues, ADHD, oppositional/defiance, trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, and much more. We also offer extensive effective parenting training if your child is oppositional, defiant, and sometimes even aggressive.
(336) 750-6021 View (336) 750-6021
Photo of Tonjia Kiara Armstrong, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Tonjia Kiara Armstrong
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27104
Today is your day to make the decision to be a better you! Are you just existing and not living? Do you feel like something is missing? Do you feel like you are free falling? Is there an elephant in the room that you have not addressed? Are you losing a battle with your mind everyday? Do you feel stuck? Allow me to help guide you through these things. Just know that you are not alone and even the toughest warriors need strategy to fight through the war. Together, we can face these battles and find victory in blooming into the person you are meant to be.
Today is your day to make the decision to be a better you! Are you just existing and not living? Do you feel like something is missing? Do you feel like you are free falling? Is there an elephant in the room that you have not addressed? Are you losing a battle with your mind everyday? Do you feel stuck? Allow me to help guide you through these things. Just know that you are not alone and even the toughest warriors need strategy to fight through the war. Together, we can face these battles and find victory in blooming into the person you are meant to be.
(336) 585-8653 View (336) 585-8653
Photo of Choey Gilreath, Licensed Professional Counselor in Winston Salem, NC
Choey Gilreath
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Winston Salem, NC 27101
Confronting & coping with challenges can be extremely difficult in this culture filled with pretension. You ever feel like you aren’t allowed to hurt, experience weakness or failure? Feeling trapped & stagnated by your fear? Worried & stressed out? Your confidence seems non-existent? Maybe, you're feeling defeated & overcome by what seems like unending pain. You’re not alone. I have been there too. One great thing about hurt, weakness & failure is that they are a part of the human experience & they can be limited. Instead of allowing challenges to paralyze your life, what if you could heal, grow & capitalize on them?
Confronting & coping with challenges can be extremely difficult in this culture filled with pretension. You ever feel like you aren’t allowed to hurt, experience weakness or failure? Feeling trapped & stagnated by your fear? Worried & stressed out? Your confidence seems non-existent? Maybe, you're feeling defeated & overcome by what seems like unending pain. You’re not alone. I have been there too. One great thing about hurt, weakness & failure is that they are a part of the human experience & they can be limited. Instead of allowing challenges to paralyze your life, what if you could heal, grow & capitalize on them?
(336) 396-7572 View (336) 396-7572

See more therapy options for Winston Salem

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.