Emotionally Focused Therapists in Lawrence County, PA

Photo of Gloria Pamela Schweitzer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Gloria Pamela Schweitzer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSCP, LPC
Verified Verified
New Castle, PA 16107
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has provided therapeutic services over the past 10 years in the following settings; A Community Treatment Team; Family Outpatient Services; Art Therapy at a Fine Arts Institution; and an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Facility. I have provided therapy to children, adolescents, adults and their families, helping them with anxiety and depression disorders, substance abuse, trauma, complicated grief, and anger management.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has provided therapeutic services over the past 10 years in the following settings; A Community Treatment Team; Family Outpatient Services; Art Therapy at a Fine Arts Institution; and an Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Facility. I have provided therapy to children, adolescents, adults and their families, helping them with anxiety and depression disorders, substance abuse, trauma, complicated grief, and anger management.
(724) 359-2211 View (724) 359-2211
Photo of Cate Conner, Licensed Social Worker in Lawrence County, PA
Cate Conner
Licensed Social Worker, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or worried? Are you feeling mentally exhausted and emotionally fatigued? I am a Licensed Social Worker with over nine years of experience helping individuals work through their struggles, strengthen their relationships, discover self-love and inner peace. Safety is key! I strive to make clients feel safe, understood, and seen. I value warmth, authenticity and sometimes use a little humor in sessions. I believe a healthy therapeutic relationship is an incredible tool for growth and healing.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled, or worried? Are you feeling mentally exhausted and emotionally fatigued? I am a Licensed Social Worker with over nine years of experience helping individuals work through their struggles, strengthen their relationships, discover self-love and inner peace. Safety is key! I strive to make clients feel safe, understood, and seen. I value warmth, authenticity and sometimes use a little humor in sessions. I believe a healthy therapeutic relationship is an incredible tool for growth and healing.
(724) 862-4788 View (724) 862-4788
Photo of Madison Shira, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lawrence County, PA
Madison Shira
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Castle, PA 16101
Leading with empathy and curiosity, my goal as your therapist is to create a welcoming environment for you to feel comfortable being vulnerable so you can work towards the person you want to be. Therapy can be intimidating and even challenging at times, but it should not be scary. I work to ensure that clients feel recognized and understood in session. Therapy is as unique as you are. and I ensure every session resonates with your individual needs
Leading with empathy and curiosity, my goal as your therapist is to create a welcoming environment for you to feel comfortable being vulnerable so you can work towards the person you want to be. Therapy can be intimidating and even challenging at times, but it should not be scary. I work to ensure that clients feel recognized and understood in session. Therapy is as unique as you are. and I ensure every session resonates with your individual needs
(267) 828-2122 View (267) 828-2122
Photo of Chris Kaselonis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Chris Kaselonis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Waitlist for new clients
I provide services to young adults and adults experiencing issues with anxiety, depression, life transitions, adjusting to new/different life situations, relationships, addiction, and trauma. I focus on identifying existing strengths and unlocking some new ones to move towards a more fulfilling life. If you find yourself having difficulty with managing the day-to-day, finding direction, engaging with what brings you meaning, or feeling at conflict with your values, I believe my diverse background working with individuals, families, and addictions allows me to use a tailored approach to address your needs.
I provide services to young adults and adults experiencing issues with anxiety, depression, life transitions, adjusting to new/different life situations, relationships, addiction, and trauma. I focus on identifying existing strengths and unlocking some new ones to move towards a more fulfilling life. If you find yourself having difficulty with managing the day-to-day, finding direction, engaging with what brings you meaning, or feeling at conflict with your values, I believe my diverse background working with individuals, families, and addictions allows me to use a tailored approach to address your needs.
(724) 414-2338 View (724) 414-2338
Photo of Rebecca A. Nye, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Rebecca A. Nye
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Ellwood City, PA 16117
Do you sometimes feel disconnected from everything and everyone? Are you struggling to love yourself or to maintain healthy connections with the people you care about? Are you struggling with grief, loss, or the negative effects of past experiences? Do you feel anxious, worried and fearful? You are not alone. And the process of therapy can help you make the connections that have gone unacknowledged between your past experience and present struggles, and develop tools and strategies to help you heal the past, learn to cope with the present, and feel prepared to step into your life and relationships happier and healing.
Do you sometimes feel disconnected from everything and everyone? Are you struggling to love yourself or to maintain healthy connections with the people you care about? Are you struggling with grief, loss, or the negative effects of past experiences? Do you feel anxious, worried and fearful? You are not alone. And the process of therapy can help you make the connections that have gone unacknowledged between your past experience and present struggles, and develop tools and strategies to help you heal the past, learn to cope with the present, and feel prepared to step into your life and relationships happier and healing.
(724) 609-5258 View (724) 609-5258
Photo of Rebecca Martin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Rebecca Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Castle, PA 16105
Not accepting new clients
I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where my clients can feel comfortable sharing their life stressors and experiences. My goal is to meet my client where they are, as every person and their experiences are different and should be treated as such. I work to provide a collaborative approach to treatment with my clients by developing goals that address their needs and what they hope to achieve in therapy.
I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where my clients can feel comfortable sharing their life stressors and experiences. My goal is to meet my client where they are, as every person and their experiences are different and should be treated as such. I work to provide a collaborative approach to treatment with my clients by developing goals that address their needs and what they hope to achieve in therapy.
(724) 200-8544 View (724) 200-8544

Online Therapists

Photo of Schneur Eisenberg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Schneur Eisenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Wexford, PA 15090
With experience in working with children, teenagers, families, and couples, I draw from a variety of proven methods, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT,) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DPT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and, Functional Family Therapy (FFT).
I am currently accepting new clients - in-person in our welcoming office space as well as virtually! I'm a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania. With a client-centered approach, I aim to empower my clients to harness their strengths for lasting improvements. Ready to embark on a journey of positive transformation? Let's work together to unlock your potential and create positive changes in your life. Contact me today to schedule your first session!
With experience in working with children, teenagers, families, and couples, I draw from a variety of proven methods, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT,) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DPT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and, Functional Family Therapy (FFT).
I am currently accepting new clients - in-person in our welcoming office space as well as virtually! I'm a graduate of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania. With a client-centered approach, I aim to empower my clients to harness their strengths for lasting improvements. Ready to embark on a journey of positive transformation? Let's work together to unlock your potential and create positive changes in your life. Contact me today to schedule your first session!
(724) 251-5037 View (724) 251-5037
Photo of Pittsburgh Center for Integrative Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Pittsburgh Center for Integrative Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Murrysville, PA 15668
Our therapists are trained in a variety of therapy techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Somatics, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) among others.
We are an outpatient private practice made up of four licensed therapists. Our mission is to encourage individual and communal healing by staying at the forefront of the therapeutic field and offering the most up-to-date integrative therapy modalities – allowing us to provide the most effective care to every client seeking treatment. We strive to inspire integration in our client’s whole being by invigorating their brain, body, and spirit and encouraging healing across generations and communities. We are centered on our clients and seeing them in the fullness of their humanity–we do not see people as a diagnosis.
Our therapists are trained in a variety of therapy techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Somatics, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) among others.
We are an outpatient private practice made up of four licensed therapists. Our mission is to encourage individual and communal healing by staying at the forefront of the therapeutic field and offering the most up-to-date integrative therapy modalities – allowing us to provide the most effective care to every client seeking treatment. We strive to inspire integration in our client’s whole being by invigorating their brain, body, and spirit and encouraging healing across generations and communities. We are centered on our clients and seeing them in the fullness of their humanity–we do not see people as a diagnosis.
(724) 558-8496 View (724) 558-8496
Photo of Jennifer Tieman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Jennifer Tieman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Waitlist for new clients
My training and experience are multi-faceted with a strong grounding in trauma, attachment and emotionally focused work.
I am a trauma informed clinician who specializes in developmental trauma. I use NARM (neuro-affective relational model) to guide in the rediscovery of lost pieces of the self. My approach is non blaming, strength based and compassionate.
My training and experience are multi-faceted with a strong grounding in trauma, attachment and emotionally focused work.
I am a trauma informed clinician who specializes in developmental trauma. I use NARM (neuro-affective relational model) to guide in the rediscovery of lost pieces of the self. My approach is non blaming, strength based and compassionate.
(412) 564-0600 View (412) 564-0600
Photo of Krissie Jarabeck, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Krissie Jarabeck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Canonsburg, PA 15317  (Online Only)
I utilize a mixture of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Talk Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapeutic modalities depending on client needs.
Licensed in FL, OH, and PA. With over 15 years in the mental health field, I have worked with a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. I support clients in linking how these illnesses can affect peer relationships, self-esteem, and can create barriers to life transitions. My approach to treatment is person-centered, empowering the client to lead sessions at their own pace. My philosophy is that anyone can make a change if they have the proper tools and support, and my goal is to help my clients find paths that set them up for success. I am an EMDR Approved Consultant with EMDRIA.
I utilize a mixture of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Talk Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapeutic modalities depending on client needs.
Licensed in FL, OH, and PA. With over 15 years in the mental health field, I have worked with a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. I support clients in linking how these illnesses can affect peer relationships, self-esteem, and can create barriers to life transitions. My approach to treatment is person-centered, empowering the client to lead sessions at their own pace. My philosophy is that anyone can make a change if they have the proper tools and support, and my goal is to help my clients find paths that set them up for success. I am an EMDR Approved Consultant with EMDRIA.
(412) 737-0990 View (412) 737-0990
Photo of Elyse Milliron, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Elyse Milliron
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15241
Waitlist for new clients
I'm an EMDR-HAP trained EMDR therapist who utilizes a variety of techniques (mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, EFT tapping, breath work) to help you, starting exactly where you are today, in achieving your goals.
Clients who work best with me tend to yearn awakening and change. I welcome the challenge to help clients connect with higher versions of themselves. Trauma, difficult emotions, relationships and the stress of life often lead to feeling stuck, feeling out of control of yourself, your emotions and reactions. My goal is to show you that there is a better way. A way to live with intention and purpose, guided by the best version of you! (Please note I do not have evening or weekend availability and my office is located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh- I will ask you to complete a brief phone consult to ensure I am a good fit)
I'm an EMDR-HAP trained EMDR therapist who utilizes a variety of techniques (mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, EFT tapping, breath work) to help you, starting exactly where you are today, in achieving your goals.
Clients who work best with me tend to yearn awakening and change. I welcome the challenge to help clients connect with higher versions of themselves. Trauma, difficult emotions, relationships and the stress of life often lead to feeling stuck, feeling out of control of yourself, your emotions and reactions. My goal is to show you that there is a better way. A way to live with intention and purpose, guided by the best version of you! (Please note I do not have evening or weekend availability and my office is located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh- I will ask you to complete a brief phone consult to ensure I am a good fit)
(412) 838-3534 View (412) 838-3534
Photo of Jessica Everly, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Jessica Everly
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Hello, and welcome. I am a counselor who works with individuals and couples ages 17 and up. I treat depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, OCD, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship distress. My approach is integrative, combining emotionally focused therapy, behavioral therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques. I am a LPC and I have a doctorate with over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology. Sessions with me tend to be semi-structured, with us working towards your goals while leaving space for timely stressors that arise. Warmth, support and curiosity are always present in my sessions.
Hello, and welcome. I am a counselor who works with individuals and couples ages 17 and up. I treat depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, OCD, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship distress. My approach is integrative, combining emotionally focused therapy, behavioral therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques. I am a LPC and I have a doctorate with over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology. Sessions with me tend to be semi-structured, with us working towards your goals while leaving space for timely stressors that arise. Warmth, support and curiosity are always present in my sessions.
(412) 693-6197 View (412) 693-6197
Photo of Chris Burd, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lawrence County, PA
Chris Burd
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, PA 15202
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), centered on the belief that all of us are wired to seek attachment and belonging in our lives.
I specialize in working with adults - as individuals and as couples, particularly those who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Clients dealing with grief, relationships, identity issues, body image challenges, or career uncertainty will also find a safe space with me to explore, heal, and grow. If you are a client seeking to better understand yourself or to better understand your partner, we can explore and learn together.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), centered on the belief that all of us are wired to seek attachment and belonging in our lives.
I specialize in working with adults - as individuals and as couples, particularly those who may be dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Clients dealing with grief, relationships, identity issues, body image challenges, or career uncertainty will also find a safe space with me to explore, heal, and grow. If you are a client seeking to better understand yourself or to better understand your partner, we can explore and learn together.
(412) 534-5106 View (412) 534-5106
Photo of Margot Groenfeldt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Margot Groenfeldt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
I utilize EFT and Eco systemic structural family therapy with couples and families, modalities that help improve communication, repair hurt, connect more deeply, and change cycles that keep arguments and conflict going.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner and Founder of Yellow Rose Counseling. For over 10 years, I've worked with couples, families, and individuals, in both community mental health and private practice settings. I emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, viewing you in context of your larger system. I believe in working towards change in a way that pays attention to generational and family patterns, your life story, and your larger environment.
I utilize EFT and Eco systemic structural family therapy with couples and families, modalities that help improve communication, repair hurt, connect more deeply, and change cycles that keep arguments and conflict going.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner and Founder of Yellow Rose Counseling. For over 10 years, I've worked with couples, families, and individuals, in both community mental health and private practice settings. I emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, viewing you in context of your larger system. I believe in working towards change in a way that pays attention to generational and family patterns, your life story, and your larger environment.
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Photo of Maya L Andlig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Maya L Andlig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Ambridge, PA 15003  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
These are difficult times. As so much is in flux it may seem like too much to address on your own. You may be confronting things at this time that have been nagging at you for a while. You may want to better express yourself or have more satisfying relationships. You may have a sense of not accomplishing what you would like to accomplish, or that you could use some support in order to succeed. You may be facing a difficult time in your life and recognizing that you can't go it alone. We can work together to explore your past and what possible impact it is having on your present situation. We can create new options.
These are difficult times. As so much is in flux it may seem like too much to address on your own. You may be confronting things at this time that have been nagging at you for a while. You may want to better express yourself or have more satisfying relationships. You may have a sense of not accomplishing what you would like to accomplish, or that you could use some support in order to succeed. You may be facing a difficult time in your life and recognizing that you can't go it alone. We can work together to explore your past and what possible impact it is having on your present situation. We can create new options.
(412) 387-6012 View (412) 387-6012
Photo of Joanne R Bissell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Joanne R Bissell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCM, CMIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I utilize evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
I believe in a holistic approach which respects the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My client base includes individuals with chronic illness and pain, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stage of life issues.
I utilize evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
I believe in a holistic approach which respects the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. My client base includes individuals with chronic illness and pain, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and stage of life issues.
(412) 214-7114 View (412) 214-7114
Photo of Jeff Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Jeff Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
I work through a multimodality system including Emotionally Focused therapy, Gottman, CBT, EMDR, Systemic and structural theories.
With over 20 years of mental health experience and 14 years practicing therapy, I have learned to specialize in relationship/couples therapy and work as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life and circumstantial issues. If you are looking to repair, strengthen, regain connection, improve intimacy, or generally work on your relationships or your mental health I can help you find that path. My experience has also led me to work with trauma in a systemic and experiential way and utilize EMDR, mindfulness and trauma informed interventions.
I work through a multimodality system including Emotionally Focused therapy, Gottman, CBT, EMDR, Systemic and structural theories.
With over 20 years of mental health experience and 14 years practicing therapy, I have learned to specialize in relationship/couples therapy and work as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other life and circumstantial issues. If you are looking to repair, strengthen, regain connection, improve intimacy, or generally work on your relationships or your mental health I can help you find that path. My experience has also led me to work with trauma in a systemic and experiential way and utilize EMDR, mindfulness and trauma informed interventions.
(724) 932-6276 View (724) 932-6276
Photo of Melissa Pilarski, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lawrence County, PA
Melissa Pilarski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Butler, PA 16001
After graduation I chose to have additional training in EMDR Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Clients will feel a sense of caring and unconditional positive regard when in session with me. I recognize there is a delicate balance between being an empathetic listener and expert coach of skills; I hope to bring a collaborative approach to our work together. Clients have told me they feel supported by me without feeling that I have an “agenda” for them. I am most passionate about supporting individual adults through relational concerns, attachment issues, traumatic experiences, and symptoms of anxiety/depression. I also enjoy working with children and their parents utilizing play therapy interventions.
After graduation I chose to have additional training in EMDR Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Clients will feel a sense of caring and unconditional positive regard when in session with me. I recognize there is a delicate balance between being an empathetic listener and expert coach of skills; I hope to bring a collaborative approach to our work together. Clients have told me they feel supported by me without feeling that I have an “agenda” for them. I am most passionate about supporting individual adults through relational concerns, attachment issues, traumatic experiences, and symptoms of anxiety/depression. I also enjoy working with children and their parents utilizing play therapy interventions.
(412) 668-1314 View (412) 668-1314
Photo of Carli C. King, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lawrence County, PA
Carli C. King
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and active listening, and draws from a rich tapestry of therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method to tailor my support to your unique needs and aspirations.
Hey, I’m Carli, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping people improve their relationships and mental health. If you're feeling stuck in cycles of conflict or uncertainty, I can help you find meaningful connections with yourself and others.
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and active listening, and draws from a rich tapestry of therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method to tailor my support to your unique needs and aspirations.
Hey, I’m Carli, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping people improve their relationships and mental health. If you're feeling stuck in cycles of conflict or uncertainty, I can help you find meaningful connections with yourself and others.
(878) 302-0103 View (878) 302-0103
Photo of Brianna Hill, Pre-Licensed Professional in Lawrence County, PA
Brianna Hill
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
Brianna uses multiple therapies, including cognitive behavioral (CBT), solution-focused, emotionally focused (EFT), and mindfulness.
Brianna Hill is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 6 years of experience in mental health. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Duquesne University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Carlow University. Brianna has been working within a private practice framework, providing counseling services to clients coming from all walks of life. Each client has a unique set of goals and expectations during their time in therapy, which is why she uses a personalized and collaborative therapeutic approach to help them meet their goals.
Brianna uses multiple therapies, including cognitive behavioral (CBT), solution-focused, emotionally focused (EFT), and mindfulness.
Brianna Hill is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 6 years of experience in mental health. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Duquesne University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Carlow University. Brianna has been working within a private practice framework, providing counseling services to clients coming from all walks of life. Each client has a unique set of goals and expectations during their time in therapy, which is why she uses a personalized and collaborative therapeutic approach to help them meet their goals.
(412) 775-3941 View (412) 775-3941

See more therapy options for Lawrence County

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.