Photo of Jennifer Olson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Jennifer Olson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98106
I am passionate about working with couples. Working from an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy model, I help couples heal from relationship injuries and build a stronger and deeper connection. This work is deeply satisfying to me and I feel honored to be part of a couple’s healing process. I am also a certified Somatic Experiencing practitioner (SEP) with an interest in treating individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma. My goal is to create a safe and healing environment where my clients can physically experience and process difficult emotions.
I am passionate about working with couples. Working from an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy model, I help couples heal from relationship injuries and build a stronger and deeper connection. This work is deeply satisfying to me and I feel honored to be part of a couple’s healing process. I am also a certified Somatic Experiencing practitioner (SEP) with an interest in treating individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma. My goal is to create a safe and healing environment where my clients can physically experience and process difficult emotions.
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Photo of Megan Maloney, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Megan Maloney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98108  (Online Only)
The goals of therapy are directed toward providing a positive and collaborative forum to ease presenting difficulties; and draw on the individual's strengths and resilience to enable greater contentment and satisfaction in life. The foundation from which I view issues is from a systems approach. Thus, my focus is on the relational context that each individual resides within. Additionally, I borrow ideas from Attachment , Emotionally Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, and EMDR constructs when tailoring goals developed for each person's unique needs.
The goals of therapy are directed toward providing a positive and collaborative forum to ease presenting difficulties; and draw on the individual's strengths and resilience to enable greater contentment and satisfaction in life. The foundation from which I view issues is from a systems approach. Thus, my focus is on the relational context that each individual resides within. Additionally, I borrow ideas from Attachment , Emotionally Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, and EMDR constructs when tailoring goals developed for each person's unique needs.
(833) 945-1761 View (833) 945-1761
Photo of Minhee J Cho, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Minhee J Cho
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, M, Ed, MS
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
I am a trained Emotionally Focused Therapist (Externship) that equips me to work with couples.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with children/teens, individuals, couples, and families. Many are in pain or feel helpless from their struggles: A child/teen shows anxiety; an adult has difficulty in social relationships, or couples/families experience discord in conflict. My passion is to come alongside and help children/teens, couples, and their families with a systemic and holistic approach while they go through life challenges so they can thrive in their lives. 부부 및 가족관계 치료사, 아동 및 청소년 상담치료사로 이민사회에서 불안, 우울증, 관계불화로 갈등하는 분들을 돕고 있습니다. '불안한 아이 및 청소년'을 돕는 상담치료법과 '정서중심적 부부치료' 방법으로 상담치료를 합니다.
I am a trained Emotionally Focused Therapist (Externship) that equips me to work with couples.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work with children/teens, individuals, couples, and families. Many are in pain or feel helpless from their struggles: A child/teen shows anxiety; an adult has difficulty in social relationships, or couples/families experience discord in conflict. My passion is to come alongside and help children/teens, couples, and their families with a systemic and holistic approach while they go through life challenges so they can thrive in their lives. 부부 및 가족관계 치료사, 아동 및 청소년 상담치료사로 이민사회에서 불안, 우울증, 관계불화로 갈등하는 분들을 돕고 있습니다. '불안한 아이 및 청소년'을 돕는 상담치료법과 '정서중심적 부부치료' 방법으로 상담치료를 합니다.
(206) 203-5215 View (206) 203-5215
Photo of Talya Rozenberg, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Talya Rozenberg
Counselor, MEd, LMHCA, CCC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98118  (Online Only)
My practice integrates client-centered therapy with a wide range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, tailored to your unique needs.
It takes a lot of courage to begin therapy. That is why I use a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach. I hope to create a safe therapeutic space to help you feel supported while you take steps towards desired change so you can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I believe in the profound impact of relationships and connection on our lives. Yet, when things aren’t going well in this area it can be all-consuming. Specializing in working with both individuals and couples, I address issues like anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout, and work to enhance intimacy and satisfaction in relationships.
My practice integrates client-centered therapy with a wide range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotionally focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, tailored to your unique needs.
It takes a lot of courage to begin therapy. That is why I use a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach. I hope to create a safe therapeutic space to help you feel supported while you take steps towards desired change so you can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I believe in the profound impact of relationships and connection on our lives. Yet, when things aren’t going well in this area it can be all-consuming. Specializing in working with both individuals and couples, I address issues like anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout, and work to enhance intimacy and satisfaction in relationships.
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Photo of Mayra Vasquez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Mayra Vasquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-BPS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98118  (Online Only)
With a unique clinical toolkit with a focus on rich neuro-experiential modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) 'Parts Work', Emotionally Focused Individual and Couples Therapies (EFIT & EFCT), including advanced Brainspotting and EMDR techniques, we specialize in guiding and transforming clients through intricate trauma in their emotional landscapes.
Welcome to MINDplexcity, led by Mayra Vasquez, a dedicated LMFT, is your safe haven for healing and growth. Our focus? Supporting all individuals and couples, particularly within the BIPOC community, through the complexities of trauma and attachment wounds. Our space is crafted to be a sanctuary of non-judgment, embracing the richness of your intersectional identity - and every facet of who you are in our caring environment, including a journey towards self-acceptance and beyond. Our services are tailored to address the deep-seated layers of intergenerational trauma, abuse, intersectionality, and attachment injuries.
With a unique clinical toolkit with a focus on rich neuro-experiential modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) 'Parts Work', Emotionally Focused Individual and Couples Therapies (EFIT & EFCT), including advanced Brainspotting and EMDR techniques, we specialize in guiding and transforming clients through intricate trauma in their emotional landscapes.
Welcome to MINDplexcity, led by Mayra Vasquez, a dedicated LMFT, is your safe haven for healing and growth. Our focus? Supporting all individuals and couples, particularly within the BIPOC community, through the complexities of trauma and attachment wounds. Our space is crafted to be a sanctuary of non-judgment, embracing the richness of your intersectional identity - and every facet of who you are in our caring environment, including a journey towards self-acceptance and beyond. Our services are tailored to address the deep-seated layers of intergenerational trauma, abuse, intersectionality, and attachment injuries.
(206) 558-9218 View (206) 558-9218
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 Christy D Hofsess, Psychologist in Seattle, WA
Christy D Hofsess
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98117  (Online Only)
I'm trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Three fundamental values guide my practice: 1) I value relationships and believe that feeling connected in relationships is essential to overall health and well-being. 2) I value diversity. I believe that the environment within which people live impacts overall health. As such, I respect and work with all aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,). 3) I value a holistic approach. I believe that attending to all aspects of a person's life - emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological - is an important part of healing. These are the interconnections within each one of us, within ourselves.
I'm trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
Three fundamental values guide my practice: 1) I value relationships and believe that feeling connected in relationships is essential to overall health and well-being. 2) I value diversity. I believe that the environment within which people live impacts overall health. As such, I respect and work with all aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,). 3) I value a holistic approach. I believe that attending to all aspects of a person's life - emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological - is an important part of healing. These are the interconnections within each one of us, within ourselves.
(253) 248-4496 View (253) 248-4496
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 Jean A Frinak in Seattle, WA
Jean A Frinak
MDiv, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98107
Susan Johnson (Emotionally Focused Couple's Therapy), Dr.
Hi. I have been a therapist in private practice for over 30 years. Experience matters in this field! Also I have continued to keep up with the very latest developments, methods and skills that continue to evolve in both individual and couple's work. I have a passion for this learning and contribution. I love my work. Some of the areas that I work with are: anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin, grief, work and career transitions, sexuality, conflict, communication, chronic pain and other health challenges, aging, spirituality, creativity, desire for more aliveness and joy...I also teach, facilitate groups, and teach dance.
Susan Johnson (Emotionally Focused Couple's Therapy), Dr.
Hi. I have been a therapist in private practice for over 30 years. Experience matters in this field! Also I have continued to keep up with the very latest developments, methods and skills that continue to evolve in both individual and couple's work. I have a passion for this learning and contribution. I love my work. Some of the areas that I work with are: anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin, grief, work and career transitions, sexuality, conflict, communication, chronic pain and other health challenges, aging, spirituality, creativity, desire for more aliveness and joy...I also teach, facilitate groups, and teach dance.
(206) 735-3561 View (206) 735-3561
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 Morris ., Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Morris .
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, MA-CFT, MA-AQR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98115  (Online Only)
I often blend IFS, Somatic, EFT, Gottman, and Sex therapy techniques to support our work.
I am a queer relationship, individual, and sex therapist. I offer a collaborative, holistic, hands-on approach to therapy. I enjoy working with various relationships and adult individuals. I primarily focus on serving the LGBTQIA2+ community, women, non-binary, and genderfluid folks, those looking for increased connection in their relationships, those who want to explore their sexuality and enrich their sexual selves. I recognize that it takes a lot of courage to start therapy. I aim to provide a space for you to feel genuinely heard, understood, and seen – no matter what you are dealing with.
I often blend IFS, Somatic, EFT, Gottman, and Sex therapy techniques to support our work.
I am a queer relationship, individual, and sex therapist. I offer a collaborative, holistic, hands-on approach to therapy. I enjoy working with various relationships and adult individuals. I primarily focus on serving the LGBTQIA2+ community, women, non-binary, and genderfluid folks, those looking for increased connection in their relationships, those who want to explore their sexuality and enrich their sexual selves. I recognize that it takes a lot of courage to start therapy. I aim to provide a space for you to feel genuinely heard, understood, and seen – no matter what you are dealing with.
(206) 472-1370 View (206) 472-1370
Photo of Kat Allen, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Kat Allen
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98136
Waitlist for new clients
Experienced and insightful, I help clients find their way back to themselves and their relationships by increasing curiosity, compassion, and insight through the ability to self-reflect. Employing mindfulness, emotionally-focused and body-awareness therapies along with traditional talk therapy, I share ways to recognize ineffective patterns, increase somatic and emotional intelligence, understand and develop new coping skills, and enhance empathy and positivity.
Experienced and insightful, I help clients find their way back to themselves and their relationships by increasing curiosity, compassion, and insight through the ability to self-reflect. Employing mindfulness, emotionally-focused and body-awareness therapies along with traditional talk therapy, I share ways to recognize ineffective patterns, increase somatic and emotional intelligence, understand and develop new coping skills, and enhance empathy and positivity.
(206) 745-6322 View (206) 745-6322
Photo of Jen Farnham, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA
Jen Farnham
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
My therapeutic influences come largely from Gottman Couple's Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), internal family systems, art therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Wherever you are in your therapeutic journey, my first goal is to offer a warm, empathetic space where you can be comfortable exploring the questions that brought you here. I welcome individuals, couples, kids, teens, and families and I am a long-practicing ally to BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ communities.
My therapeutic influences come largely from Gottman Couple's Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), internal family systems, art therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Wherever you are in your therapeutic journey, my first goal is to offer a warm, empathetic space where you can be comfortable exploring the questions that brought you here. I welcome individuals, couples, kids, teens, and families and I am a long-practicing ally to BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ communities.
(425) 400-2840 View (425) 400-2840
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 Jenny Leung, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Jenny Leung
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103
Couple Counseling Only! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Working exclusively with couples, I help partners to uncover underlying emotions and to communicate more effectively for attention, understanding, compassion and caring. The result is greater warmth, trust, safety and emotional connection. Honest and direct in my approach yet gentle and patient, I am committed to creating compassionate and authentic relationships where each partner feels deeply supported, understood, and seen. I work frequently with couples where one or both partners are of Asian ancestry.
Couple Counseling Only! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Working exclusively with couples, I help partners to uncover underlying emotions and to communicate more effectively for attention, understanding, compassion and caring. The result is greater warmth, trust, safety and emotional connection. Honest and direct in my approach yet gentle and patient, I am committed to creating compassionate and authentic relationships where each partner feels deeply supported, understood, and seen. I work frequently with couples where one or both partners are of Asian ancestry.
(206) 966-4172 View (206) 966-4172
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 Jordan Brand, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Jordan Brand
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98117
Our stories contain places of profound beauty and great pain, and so often relationships are where we experience the deepest joys and wounding. It’s my hope that through building a trusting relationship, we can work together to bring greater flourishing and healing in your relationships with self and others. I enjoy working with couples, families, teens, and adults from an attachment-oriented and trauma-informed framework, and my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) guides the way I hold the experiences and emotions that my clients bring with them and gives us a roadmap of where to go based on your goals.
Our stories contain places of profound beauty and great pain, and so often relationships are where we experience the deepest joys and wounding. It’s my hope that through building a trusting relationship, we can work together to bring greater flourishing and healing in your relationships with self and others. I enjoy working with couples, families, teens, and adults from an attachment-oriented and trauma-informed framework, and my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) guides the way I hold the experiences and emotions that my clients bring with them and gives us a roadmap of where to go based on your goals.
(206) 589-5611 View (206) 589-5611
Photo of Amie Shipley in Seattle, WA
Amie Shipley
MSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
I specialize in Inner Bonding, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and PCIT.
I see therapy as an opportunity to work toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. I believe that people come to me not only with where they may be stuck or hurting, but also with incredible strengths and abilities. Through warmth, collaboration, and direct communication I hope to help uncover patterns that are getting in the way of living well. I use an experiential, emotion + body focused approach along with art therapy and practical tools to develop new ways of experiencing and approaching the hard stuff in life.
I specialize in Inner Bonding, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and PCIT.
I see therapy as an opportunity to work toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. I believe that people come to me not only with where they may be stuck or hurting, but also with incredible strengths and abilities. Through warmth, collaboration, and direct communication I hope to help uncover patterns that are getting in the way of living well. I use an experiential, emotion + body focused approach along with art therapy and practical tools to develop new ways of experiencing and approaching the hard stuff in life.
(425) 310-4095 View (425) 310-4095
Photo of Bil Kareta, Counselor in Seattle, WA
Bil Kareta
Counselor, MAPC, LMHC, SD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98117
Life is a difficult and confusing journey for all of us. Occasionally we get "stuck" along the path. Sometimes that growth is blocked because of issues, patterns and behaviors from the past which affect the way we feel, do or react in the present. If you are experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship concerns. I can offer you: a combination of heart, skill, and understanding to help you find your own solutions to these problems that face you. Through the use of solution-oriented, emotionally focused, and reality based techniques, can help you and your relationships overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Life is a difficult and confusing journey for all of us. Occasionally we get "stuck" along the path. Sometimes that growth is blocked because of issues, patterns and behaviors from the past which affect the way we feel, do or react in the present. If you are experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship concerns. I can offer you: a combination of heart, skill, and understanding to help you find your own solutions to these problems that face you. Through the use of solution-oriented, emotionally focused, and reality based techniques, can help you and your relationships overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
(206) 557-6792 View (206) 557-6792
Photo of Bill Aloe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Seattle, WA
Bill Aloe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, JD
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98109
Sessions with me will include open and honest conversations about your past and present while of course exploring and helping you to create your hopes for the future. I begin helping you, or you and your partner, from an understanding that growth and change can be both scary and exciting. I meet my clients wherever they are, and work with them in a non-judgmental and supportive manner to build a life of meaning, both in relationship to themselves and in relationship to others.
Sessions with me will include open and honest conversations about your past and present while of course exploring and helping you to create your hopes for the future. I begin helping you, or you and your partner, from an understanding that growth and change can be both scary and exciting. I meet my clients wherever they are, and work with them in a non-judgmental and supportive manner to build a life of meaning, both in relationship to themselves and in relationship to others.
(360) 997-0471 View (360) 997-0471
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.