Emotionally Focused Therapists in Seattle, WA

Photo of Elizabeth Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Elizabeth Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101  (Online Only)
Elizabeth Hernandez or Liz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master's degree from Lewis and Clark University in Portland Oregon. She has experience working with adults and teens that are looking to reduce anxiety, burnout, and depression and have previously been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. Liz pulls from Emotionally Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused, Narrative, and Attachment-Based Theories. She utilizes collaborative treatment planning to ensure that individuals are part of their therapeutic journey throughout their time working with Liz.
Elizabeth Hernandez or Liz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master's degree from Lewis and Clark University in Portland Oregon. She has experience working with adults and teens that are looking to reduce anxiety, burnout, and depression and have previously been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. Liz pulls from Emotionally Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused, Narrative, and Attachment-Based Theories. She utilizes collaborative treatment planning to ensure that individuals are part of their therapeutic journey throughout their time working with Liz.
(425) 375-7963 View (425) 375-7963
Photo of Brien Wood, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Brien Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98144
I am an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist with 18 years of experience specializing in relationship counseling and trauma, i.e. helping individuals heal from the wounds of a difficult childhood.
I am an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist with 18 years of experience specializing in relationship counseling and trauma, i.e. helping individuals heal from the wounds of a difficult childhood.
(206) 237-6475 View (206) 237-6475
Photo of Eric Evan Embrey, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Eric Evan Embrey
Counselor, MA, LMCH, CMHS, MHP
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109  (Online Only)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Client-Centered (the values of Carl Rogers, respect for clients' story) and Family of Origin work for individuals, and Gottman and Emotionally Focused Counseling (Sue Johnson) for Couples.
I offer authentic, collaborative, compassionate and strengths-based telehealth counseling services for individuals and couples. Common challenges that I work with include identifying and reducing unhelpful patterns, difficultly with making positive changes happen, ongoing sadness, loss (e.g., job, partner), loneliness, excessive worry, adjusting to a new city, or simply trying to cope in an increasingly fast paced, anxiety producing and complex world. I am particularly well-known in the community for assisting young adults build and navigate independent living skills. My style is to listen and to engage with your goals in mind.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Client-Centered (the values of Carl Rogers, respect for clients' story) and Family of Origin work for individuals, and Gottman and Emotionally Focused Counseling (Sue Johnson) for Couples.
I offer authentic, collaborative, compassionate and strengths-based telehealth counseling services for individuals and couples. Common challenges that I work with include identifying and reducing unhelpful patterns, difficultly with making positive changes happen, ongoing sadness, loss (e.g., job, partner), loneliness, excessive worry, adjusting to a new city, or simply trying to cope in an increasingly fast paced, anxiety producing and complex world. I am particularly well-known in the community for assisting young adults build and navigate independent living skills. My style is to listen and to engage with your goals in mind.
(425) 264-8628 View (425) 264-8628
Photo of Lennon Micciulla, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Lennon Micciulla
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
My therapy practice is rooted in attachment theory and experiential therapy, with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and sex therapy interventions.
Do you feel like your partner just doesn’t hear you? Do you have the same fight over and over without resolution? Maybe you’re desperate for more emotional and sexual intimacy and don’t know how to get your needs met. Or perhaps you feel alone even when they’re right beside you. Let’s work together to better your communication, resolve conflict, create a stronger, more secure attachment, and learn how to express and receive your emotional and sexual needs. I support all relationship dynamics and structures, especially LGBTQIA+, kink, BDSM, and polyamorous/ENM.
My therapy practice is rooted in attachment theory and experiential therapy, with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and sex therapy interventions.
Do you feel like your partner just doesn’t hear you? Do you have the same fight over and over without resolution? Maybe you’re desperate for more emotional and sexual intimacy and don’t know how to get your needs met. Or perhaps you feel alone even when they’re right beside you. Let’s work together to better your communication, resolve conflict, create a stronger, more secure attachment, and learn how to express and receive your emotional and sexual needs. I support all relationship dynamics and structures, especially LGBTQIA+, kink, BDSM, and polyamorous/ENM.
(206) 759-2746 View (206) 759-2746
Photo of Nicole Firestone, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Nicole Firestone
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98105  (Online Only)
My approach is based on The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Polyvagal theory.
As a therapist, my goal is to help people feel understood when struggling with issues ranging from communication and connection and intimacy and sexuality. My approach is warm, interactive and direct, guiding you on your journey toward self-awareness and fulfillment. I enjoy working with clients who are undergoing life transitions that impact their relationships, self-esteem and are motivated to change. Sex therapy is a safe place to talk about intimacy issues. Some issues could be premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, female/male low libido, sexual pain problems, and anorgasmia.
My approach is based on The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Polyvagal theory.
As a therapist, my goal is to help people feel understood when struggling with issues ranging from communication and connection and intimacy and sexuality. My approach is warm, interactive and direct, guiding you on your journey toward self-awareness and fulfillment. I enjoy working with clients who are undergoing life transitions that impact their relationships, self-esteem and are motivated to change. Sex therapy is a safe place to talk about intimacy issues. Some issues could be premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, female/male low libido, sexual pain problems, and anorgasmia.
(206) 558-9391 View (206) 558-9391
Photo of Danielle Southern, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Danielle Southern
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, LABA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104  (Online Only)
For Couples, carefully integrating the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy is my approach of choice.
Are you feeling low, empty, or alone and are struggling to recover from this feeling? Are you experiencing heightened stress, anxiety, or mood swings that are making it difficult to manage life and/or relationships? Oftentimes, our internal states can disrupt our ability to function and engage on a daily basis. Have you experienced a personal/professional setback or loss that you have found difficult to recover from? After a loss, it can feel isolating and even challenging to see hope for the future.
For Couples, carefully integrating the Gottman Method and emotionally focused therapy is my approach of choice.
Are you feeling low, empty, or alone and are struggling to recover from this feeling? Are you experiencing heightened stress, anxiety, or mood swings that are making it difficult to manage life and/or relationships? Oftentimes, our internal states can disrupt our ability to function and engage on a daily basis. Have you experienced a personal/professional setback or loss that you have found difficult to recover from? After a loss, it can feel isolating and even challenging to see hope for the future.
(425) 657-3277 View (425) 657-3277
Photo of Rachel Pelander, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Rachel Pelander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98116
I draw from a combination of approaches, rooted in attachment theory & Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).
Our lives are the context for tremendous brokenness and tremendous beauty. I would love to walk alongside you as you tend to the brokenness and discover the beauty. I specialize in supporting individuals and couples towards healing and hope using research based therapy approaches. I provide a safe place to process life changes or relationship challenges. I work from a systems perspective, meaning issues do not exist in isolation but in the context of families, communities, and cultures.
I draw from a combination of approaches, rooted in attachment theory & Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).
Our lives are the context for tremendous brokenness and tremendous beauty. I would love to walk alongside you as you tend to the brokenness and discover the beauty. I specialize in supporting individuals and couples towards healing and hope using research based therapy approaches. I provide a safe place to process life changes or relationship challenges. I work from a systems perspective, meaning issues do not exist in isolation but in the context of families, communities, and cultures.
(206) 202-4167 View (206) 202-4167
Photo of Bob Matthews, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Bob Matthews
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
Our approach is based on the Emotionally Focused Therapy model.
I work together with my wife, Karin, to help couples who are struggling with conflict, emotional distance, or distress. If you're fighting too much, avoiding important issues altogether, or feeling disconnected from your partner, we can help you learn how to better navigate your differences and experience a deeper, more compassionate connection with each other.
Our approach is based on the Emotionally Focused Therapy model.
I work together with my wife, Karin, to help couples who are struggling with conflict, emotional distance, or distress. If you're fighting too much, avoiding important issues altogether, or feeling disconnected from your partner, we can help you learn how to better navigate your differences and experience a deeper, more compassionate connection with each other.
(206) 673-2457 View (206) 673-2457
Photo of Claire Spurlock-Cohen Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Claire Spurlock-Cohen Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy with individuals, couples, and families.
We are influenced by the families that we grow up in and our adult love relationships. These important relationships shape how we respond to the complexities and challenges in our lives and can sometimes leave us feeling lonely, frustrated, or disconnected from ourselves and those who are most important to us. Most of us want to feel connection, closeness, and security in our important relationships and sometimes we don't know the path to get there. Stronger, more secure relationships increase confidence, emotional security, and emotional well being in the face of life's stressors.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy with individuals, couples, and families.
We are influenced by the families that we grow up in and our adult love relationships. These important relationships shape how we respond to the complexities and challenges in our lives and can sometimes leave us feeling lonely, frustrated, or disconnected from ourselves and those who are most important to us. Most of us want to feel connection, closeness, and security in our important relationships and sometimes we don't know the path to get there. Stronger, more secure relationships increase confidence, emotional security, and emotional well being in the face of life's stressors.
(206) 460-1437 View (206) 460-1437
Photo of LaDonna Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
LaDonna Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
LaDonna specializes in supporting women through life-stage transitions, those who have experienced trauma, couples seeking to develop a meaningful connection in their relationships, those with chronic illness, and helping clients integrate spirituality into the challenges of life. LaDonna enjoys assisting clients in unpacking through collaboration to bring renewed hope, healing, and restoration. This approach then helps clients differentiate between thoughts and feelings, to learn behaviors and skills to overcome life difficulties.
LaDonna specializes in supporting women through life-stage transitions, those who have experienced trauma, couples seeking to develop a meaningful connection in their relationships, those with chronic illness, and helping clients integrate spirituality into the challenges of life. LaDonna enjoys assisting clients in unpacking through collaboration to bring renewed hope, healing, and restoration. This approach then helps clients differentiate between thoughts and feelings, to learn behaviors and skills to overcome life difficulties.
(253) 242-8654 x101 View (253) 242-8654 x101
Photo of Alison A. Mim Mack, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Alison A. Mim Mack
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
In my work, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help clients identify and express their underlying emotions and foster greater emotional intimacy in their relationships.
I am a systemic and attachment-based therapist that works with individuals, couples, families, and other multisystem clients. My passion lies in working with those with queer, trans, and gender non-conforming identities, as well as interests or concerns surrounding sex, intimacy, kink, and polyamorous/non-traditional relationships. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for clients to explore their identities and relationships. I recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals within marginalized communities and am committed to providing culturally competent care within my therapeutic practice.
In my work, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help clients identify and express their underlying emotions and foster greater emotional intimacy in their relationships.
I am a systemic and attachment-based therapist that works with individuals, couples, families, and other multisystem clients. My passion lies in working with those with queer, trans, and gender non-conforming identities, as well as interests or concerns surrounding sex, intimacy, kink, and polyamorous/non-traditional relationships. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for clients to explore their identities and relationships. I recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by individuals within marginalized communities and am committed to providing culturally competent care within my therapeutic practice.
(206) 669-4336 View (206) 669-4336
Photo of Joseph Losi Certified EFT Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Joseph Losi Certified EFT Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109
As a fully certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, and a Level 2 EFT Individual Therapist Joseph's approach is rooted in Attachment Theory. Joseph assists his clients to become fully aware of unrecognized, unshared, connective primary emotions and reactive, disconnecting secondary emotions. He helps couples, men, and women cultivate greater awareness and acceptance of emotion. With empathic support he will help you develop the ability to communicate primary and secondary emotion in powerful ways that will foster increased intimacy with partners, spouses, and others.
As a fully certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, and a Level 2 EFT Individual Therapist Joseph's approach is rooted in Attachment Theory. Joseph assists his clients to become fully aware of unrecognized, unshared, connective primary emotions and reactive, disconnecting secondary emotions. He helps couples, men, and women cultivate greater awareness and acceptance of emotion. With empathic support he will help you develop the ability to communicate primary and secondary emotion in powerful ways that will foster increased intimacy with partners, spouses, and others.
(253) 777-1620 View (253) 777-1620
Photo of Eliza Cady, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Eliza Cady
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98119
I enjoy working with couples, adults, and teens to guide healing, positive change, and growth. Couples: I support couples from all backgrounds to improve communication, conflict patterns, and heal from relational wounds. My work is grounded in the Gottman Method, Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), and tailored to the unique needs of each relationship.
I enjoy working with couples, adults, and teens to guide healing, positive change, and growth. Couples: I support couples from all backgrounds to improve communication, conflict patterns, and heal from relational wounds. My work is grounded in the Gottman Method, Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), and tailored to the unique needs of each relationship.
(206) 278-1311 View (206) 278-1311
Photo of Dream Again Therapy, LLC, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Dream Again Therapy, LLC
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I've worked extensively with trauma survivors to help them find healing from their past, and to begin creating a life worth living for themselves in the present. I became a therapist because I wanted to work with clients who had experienced trauma, and while I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, I have worked successfully with clients from numerous backgrounds.
I've worked extensively with trauma survivors to help them find healing from their past, and to begin creating a life worth living for themselves in the present. I became a therapist because I wanted to work with clients who had experienced trauma, and while I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, I have worked successfully with clients from numerous backgrounds.
(206) 589-8549 View (206) 589-8549
Photo of Kristen Moss, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Kristen Moss
Counselor, DMin, LMHC, CPC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
Psychodynamic formation as well as training in EMDR, IFS, FOT, DBT, EFT, CBT, SFT, NLP, and other approaches guide sessions.
Whether you would like to: process trauma or burdens and possibly release them; grow towards less shame and more self-love; increase understanding of next steps that are most congruent and life-giving for your personal and or professional life; or discuss tools to support the most effective communication and relating in your relationships; all are welcome. I draw from more than 14 years in psychotherapy, education and spirituality; and I bring respect for all identities, histories, heritages and overall social locations including the path of immigrants, individuals with H-1B visas, refugees and asylum seekers.
Psychodynamic formation as well as training in EMDR, IFS, FOT, DBT, EFT, CBT, SFT, NLP, and other approaches guide sessions.
Whether you would like to: process trauma or burdens and possibly release them; grow towards less shame and more self-love; increase understanding of next steps that are most congruent and life-giving for your personal and or professional life; or discuss tools to support the most effective communication and relating in your relationships; all are welcome. I draw from more than 14 years in psychotherapy, education and spirituality; and I bring respect for all identities, histories, heritages and overall social locations including the path of immigrants, individuals with H-1B visas, refugees and asylum seekers.
(206) 203-0871 View (206) 203-0871
Photo of Dominique Walmsley, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Dominique Walmsley
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy because of its focus on attachment in couples, and the unique needs they have.
I use a person-centered approach, in which the client's unique set of values and interests guides me in shaping the path for growth and change. To support this collaboration, I provide knowledge of relaxation techniques, behavioral modification, exploration of childhood experiences, and philosophical or spiritual frameworks that give structure to enduring change. I specialize in couples therapy, guiding them toward reliance on one another, and fulfillment of personal goals. With individuals, I look for their motivational direction, and help them form a satisfying life around their own interests. I aim to be clear and connective, as well as efficient.
I use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy because of its focus on attachment in couples, and the unique needs they have.
I use a person-centered approach, in which the client's unique set of values and interests guides me in shaping the path for growth and change. To support this collaboration, I provide knowledge of relaxation techniques, behavioral modification, exploration of childhood experiences, and philosophical or spiritual frameworks that give structure to enduring change. I specialize in couples therapy, guiding them toward reliance on one another, and fulfillment of personal goals. With individuals, I look for their motivational direction, and help them form a satisfying life around their own interests. I aim to be clear and connective, as well as efficient.
(206) 627-4710 View (206) 627-4710
Photo of Alexandra Szablya, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Alexandra Szablya
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98121
I work with individuals and couples who are looking to get more out of their lives. Choosing the right therapist for you is important - email, text or call to set up a free consult to see if we're a good match to work through your issues. With couples, I help increase communication and understanding of each other using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman. My areas of focus for individuals include work issues, depression and anxiety, grief, navigating American culture, and sexual issues that get in the way of committed relationships.
I work with individuals and couples who are looking to get more out of their lives. Choosing the right therapist for you is important - email, text or call to set up a free consult to see if we're a good match to work through your issues. With couples, I help increase communication and understanding of each other using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman. My areas of focus for individuals include work issues, depression and anxiety, grief, navigating American culture, and sexual issues that get in the way of committed relationships.
(206) 981-5260 View (206) 981-5260
Photo of Ashley Fleit - South Seattle Therapy, Pre-Licensed Professional in Seattle, WA
Ashley Fleit - South Seattle Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118
I utilize the following theories in our work: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Attachment Theory, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, and Somatics.
I am a relationship and sex therapist who works with couples, groups, and individuals. I offer therapy in person in Seward Park, and online. My goal is to create an warm environment that centers your unique lived experience - you are the expert of your life. I hope to support your goals for therapy such as increasing connection, intimacy, knowledge of self, acceptance, growth, and healing. I work with all gender, sexual, romantic and relationship identities. I am sex positive and HAES-aligned.
I utilize the following theories in our work: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Attachment Theory, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, and Somatics.
I am a relationship and sex therapist who works with couples, groups, and individuals. I offer therapy in person in Seward Park, and online. My goal is to create an warm environment that centers your unique lived experience - you are the expert of your life. I hope to support your goals for therapy such as increasing connection, intimacy, knowledge of self, acceptance, growth, and healing. I work with all gender, sexual, romantic and relationship identities. I am sex positive and HAES-aligned.
(206) 401-8276 View (206) 401-8276
Photo of Sara Kisko, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Sara Kisko
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98125  (Online Only)
You may be struggling to see and believe in the goodness of yourself and others. You desire a change in these relationships. I support my clients in finding a compassionate and just relationship with themselves and the world around them by exploring implicit and explicit material in their historical and current narratives. I engage and help clients in an emotionally-focused and somatically-present space. We take our biggest steps to healing when we feel cared for, loved, and heard.
You may be struggling to see and believe in the goodness of yourself and others. You desire a change in these relationships. I support my clients in finding a compassionate and just relationship with themselves and the world around them by exploring implicit and explicit material in their historical and current narratives. I engage and help clients in an emotionally-focused and somatically-present space. We take our biggest steps to healing when we feel cared for, loved, and heard.
(206) 237-4825 View (206) 237-4825
Photo of Shirley Chapman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Shirley Chapman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, RN
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112
The core of which is Humanistic and built on Attachment needs and based in EFT; exploring beliefs, staying present, recognizing emotions, increasing compassion of self/others, and reframing past (-) events.
I believe we are all worthy of love, understanding, and belonging Although it can be one of life's biggest challenges to give and receive love in this way. It is my honor, to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients can feel seen and heard within their own unique circumstances. We will explore negative core beliefs and the negative thoughts and emotions accompanying them. As well as challenge protective habits that are no longer effective or helpful. I treasure working with couples and individuals as they reclaim themselves, find clarity, and gain more meaning in their lives & their relationships.
The core of which is Humanistic and built on Attachment needs and based in EFT; exploring beliefs, staying present, recognizing emotions, increasing compassion of self/others, and reframing past (-) events.
I believe we are all worthy of love, understanding, and belonging Although it can be one of life's biggest challenges to give and receive love in this way. It is my honor, to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive space where clients can feel seen and heard within their own unique circumstances. We will explore negative core beliefs and the negative thoughts and emotions accompanying them. As well as challenge protective habits that are no longer effective or helpful. I treasure working with couples and individuals as they reclaim themselves, find clarity, and gain more meaning in their lives & their relationships.
(253) 353-7856 View (253) 353-7856
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.