Emotionally Focused Therapists in Atlanta, GA

Photo of Hadyn Jolly, Pre-Licensed Professional, MAC
Hadyn Jolly
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAC
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30305
I have a heart for caring for people who are struggling and feeling alone. If you are trying to find someone to join into your pain and hurt, whether it's within yourself or within your marriage, I want to walk alongside you to help you work through your emotions. I believe that developing a bond with my clients that makes them feel heard and valued leads to healing from past wounds, things that we all carry around from our experiences in this broken world. I provide a stable, compassionate environment where you can gain insight into yourself and develop more healthy relationships as a result.
I have a heart for caring for people who are struggling and feeling alone. If you are trying to find someone to join into your pain and hurt, whether it's within yourself or within your marriage, I want to walk alongside you to help you work through your emotions. I believe that developing a bond with my clients that makes them feel heard and valued leads to healing from past wounds, things that we all carry around from our experiences in this broken world. I provide a stable, compassionate environment where you can gain insight into yourself and develop more healthy relationships as a result.
(470) 589-5372 View (470) 589-5372
Photo of Melissa Grasso, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
Melissa Grasso
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, which helps clients become aware of and change negative emotional patterns.
Above all treatment modalities, the biggest predictor of success in therapy is a positive relationship between the client and the therapist. As a therapist, I work to create a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic environment in which clients can heal and grow. During our time in therapy together, we will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing, their underlying causes, and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be.
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, which helps clients become aware of and change negative emotional patterns.
Above all treatment modalities, the biggest predictor of success in therapy is a positive relationship between the client and the therapist. As a therapist, I work to create a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic environment in which clients can heal and grow. During our time in therapy together, we will work closely to analyze what struggles you are facing, their underlying causes, and try to change the behaviors and thought patterns that are keeping you from being the person you want to be.
(404) 738-9856 View (404) 738-9856
Photo of Rochelle Marecheau, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Rochelle Marecheau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
9 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
I use Narrative therapy and Emotionally Focused therapy in my work with individuals and couples.
The world feels heavy right now. Personal struggles, relationship tension, and constant global stress can wear you down. Maybe anxiety and depression have been around for a while, or maybe everything just feels like too much lately. Even though you're spending more time with your partner, the connection feels harder to reach. Your go-to tools—deep breaths, journaling, exercise, prayer—aren't helping the way they used to. You're tired. You're ready for something to shift. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
I use Narrative therapy and Emotionally Focused therapy in my work with individuals and couples.
The world feels heavy right now. Personal struggles, relationship tension, and constant global stress can wear you down. Maybe anxiety and depression have been around for a while, or maybe everything just feels like too much lately. Even though you're spending more time with your partner, the connection feels harder to reach. Your go-to tools—deep breaths, journaling, exercise, prayer—aren't helping the way they used to. You're tired. You're ready for something to shift. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
(678) 616-9240 View (678) 616-9240
Photo of Ericka Jones, Counselor, APC, MA, NCC
Ericka Jones
Counselor, APC, MA, NCC
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
These methods, combined with techniques like Attachment, CBT, and EFT, allow me to tailor our work to your specific needs.
Are you struggling with feeling emotionally overwhelmed? Do life transitions, work-life balance, or relationship challenges feel unmanageable? Maybe you just want to regain control over your emotions. I specialize in helping teens, young adults, couples, and families enhance their mental capacity to better navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and conflict. Whether you’re facing challenges in relationships, personal growth, or emotional well-being, we’ll work together to improve communication, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools to cope with life’s challenges for lasting change.
These methods, combined with techniques like Attachment, CBT, and EFT, allow me to tailor our work to your specific needs.
Are you struggling with feeling emotionally overwhelmed? Do life transitions, work-life balance, or relationship challenges feel unmanageable? Maybe you just want to regain control over your emotions. I specialize in helping teens, young adults, couples, and families enhance their mental capacity to better navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and conflict. Whether you’re facing challenges in relationships, personal growth, or emotional well-being, we’ll work together to improve communication, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools to cope with life’s challenges for lasting change.
(678) 990-5564 View (678) 990-5564
Photo of Catherine Hawkins, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Catherine Hawkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30342
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) which is an attachment-based approach designed to help you and your partner understand the patterns that may disconnect you and to integrate new ways of being with one another.
Have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed and at a loss about how to navigate life with the person you love? Do you ever wonder why everything feels so much harder than it used to? Has having kids or raising kids created disconnection in the relationship? Are you hoping to reconnect with your partner and establish more connection and intimacy?
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) which is an attachment-based approach designed to help you and your partner understand the patterns that may disconnect you and to integrate new ways of being with one another.
Have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed and at a loss about how to navigate life with the person you love? Do you ever wonder why everything feels so much harder than it used to? Has having kids or raising kids created disconnection in the relationship? Are you hoping to reconnect with your partner and establish more connection and intimacy?
(470) 536-8378 View (470) 536-8378
Photo of Carrie Beck, Counselor, APC, NCC, CFMHC
Carrie Beck
Counselor, APC, NCC, CFMHC
8 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I have additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Christian Sex Therapy, IFS level 1, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing.
Therapy should be more than just talking about what’s not working. I cultivate a meaningful relationship with each of my clients and create a safe space to explore your story. That is only the beginning. We find out what is getting you stuck and create new pathways to healing and resiliency. I specialize in helping clients who struggle with the lingering effects of childhood and complex trauma, the impact of addiction, intimacy issues, life transitions, boundaries, codependency, and self-esteem. I enjoy working with men, women and couples of all stages of life who want to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
I have additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Christian Sex Therapy, IFS level 1, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing.
Therapy should be more than just talking about what’s not working. I cultivate a meaningful relationship with each of my clients and create a safe space to explore your story. That is only the beginning. We find out what is getting you stuck and create new pathways to healing and resiliency. I specialize in helping clients who struggle with the lingering effects of childhood and complex trauma, the impact of addiction, intimacy issues, life transitions, boundaries, codependency, and self-esteem. I enjoy working with men, women and couples of all stages of life who want to improve their relationships with themselves and others.
(678) 293-9047 View (678) 293-9047
Photo of Ari Garvett - Ari Garvett | Couples Therapist Expert, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, EdS
Ari Garvett | Couples Therapist Expert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd, EdS
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I warmly welcome couples of all orientations & offer a therapeutic approach rooted in EFT, the Gottman Method, & Esther Perel’s work to enhance communication, trust, intimacy, and emotional connection.
Through our work together, you'll learn practical skills and techniques to manage conflicts, deepen emotional intimacy, and reignite the spark in your relationship. My space invites tears, laughter, new perspectives, and self-compassion; an environment where you can freely express your feelings and concerns without fear of judgement or criticism.
I warmly welcome couples of all orientations & offer a therapeutic approach rooted in EFT, the Gottman Method, & Esther Perel’s work to enhance communication, trust, intimacy, and emotional connection.
Through our work together, you'll learn practical skills and techniques to manage conflicts, deepen emotional intimacy, and reignite the spark in your relationship. My space invites tears, laughter, new perspectives, and self-compassion; an environment where you can freely express your feelings and concerns without fear of judgement or criticism.
(470) 748-3137 View (470) 748-3137
Photo of Jordan C Alvarez, Counselor, MA, LAPC
Jordan C Alvarez
Counselor, MA, LAPC
Atlanta, GA 30309
As partners we will utilize solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and emotionally focused therapy techniques to help you work through the difficulties you're experiencing.
Hi, I'm happy to see you taking the next step towards a more fulfilling and empowering life with me! I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and professional concerns, and self-esteem challenges. Integrating my years of professional experience with insights from my own personal life allows me to strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to explore what brought you here and find ways to positively move forward.
As partners we will utilize solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and emotionally focused therapy techniques to help you work through the difficulties you're experiencing.
Hi, I'm happy to see you taking the next step towards a more fulfilling and empowering life with me! I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and professional concerns, and self-esteem challenges. Integrating my years of professional experience with insights from my own personal life allows me to strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to explore what brought you here and find ways to positively move forward.
(470) 863-1630 View (470) 863-1630
Photo of Ursula Austin, Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APC, NCC
Ursula Austin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APC, NCC
7 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I take an integrative approach that blends many evidence-based methods, including emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) and person-centered methods, focusing on your unique life story.
Welcome to the journey of self-discovery and healing! Taking the brave step to seek therapy signifies a commitment to growth, and I am genuinely excited to join you on this transformative path. You deserve a safe, judgment-free environment to explore, heal, and flourish. Please send me an email, I would love to connect.
I take an integrative approach that blends many evidence-based methods, including emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) and person-centered methods, focusing on your unique life story.
Welcome to the journey of self-discovery and healing! Taking the brave step to seek therapy signifies a commitment to growth, and I am genuinely excited to join you on this transformative path. You deserve a safe, judgment-free environment to explore, heal, and flourish. Please send me an email, I would love to connect.
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Photo of Chris Hunter DeVinney, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CST, NCC
Chris Hunter DeVinney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CST, NCC
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, trauma, mindfulness, and substance use recovery.
I work with adults seeking to optimize intimate relationships and embrace the vitality that comes when we express our full sexual selves. I believe in the healing power of authenticity, secure connection, and self-acceptance. My passion and focus is working with clients to strengthen emotional and physical intimacy and healthy engagement by improving communication, building or rebuilding trust, releasing shame, and embracing self-acceptance. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients as well as clients struggling with anxiety and depression. I am sex-positive, kink-, queer-, trans-, and consensual non-monogamy-friendly.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, trauma, mindfulness, and substance use recovery.
I work with adults seeking to optimize intimate relationships and embrace the vitality that comes when we express our full sexual selves. I believe in the healing power of authenticity, secure connection, and self-acceptance. My passion and focus is working with clients to strengthen emotional and physical intimacy and healthy engagement by improving communication, building or rebuilding trust, releasing shame, and embracing self-acceptance. I have experience working with neurodiverse clients as well as clients struggling with anxiety and depression. I am sex-positive, kink-, queer-, trans-, and consensual non-monogamy-friendly.
(470) 264-6094 View (470) 264-6094
Photo of Jackie Faass, Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Jackie Faass
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) as treatment models.
Though I work with a wide range of clients and a variety of presenting issues, I am particularly drawn to creative individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. I practice with a feminist lens, striving for equality, advocacy, and equity between all clients and their relationships. My previous experience as an art teacher and artist grants me a deep love for the arts as a tool for healing, which I often use in my practice. I enjoy working as an ally and advocate for equitable treatment for all who walk through my door. My clients include older adolescents (13+ yrs) and adult individuals.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and Emotion Focused Therapy ( EFT) as treatment models.
Though I work with a wide range of clients and a variety of presenting issues, I am particularly drawn to creative individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. I practice with a feminist lens, striving for equality, advocacy, and equity between all clients and their relationships. My previous experience as an art teacher and artist grants me a deep love for the arts as a tool for healing, which I often use in my practice. I enjoy working as an ally and advocate for equitable treatment for all who walk through my door. My clients include older adolescents (13+ yrs) and adult individuals.
(404) 737-6466 View (404) 737-6466
Photo of Allison Ruth Caffyn - The Couples College, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CHT, LCSW
The Couples College
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CHT, LCSW
Atlanta, GA 30345
Our Training includes: The Gottman Technique, Hakomi Institute technique, Terry Real, EFT and Tammy Nelson and Maci Daye Sex Therapy.
Whether you are entering into a serious relationship or have been with your partner for years, Couples College provides support to strengthen your relationship. We offer private marriage counseling, a partner skills-training course and individual counseling. Our work is designed for every age, ability, orientation and relationship stage. Twice a year the Couples College offers "When Love is Not Enough" - a course where couples work together to create a partnership for life. Beginning in September and February every year.
Our Training includes: The Gottman Technique, Hakomi Institute technique, Terry Real, EFT and Tammy Nelson and Maci Daye Sex Therapy.
Whether you are entering into a serious relationship or have been with your partner for years, Couples College provides support to strengthen your relationship. We offer private marriage counseling, a partner skills-training course and individual counseling. Our work is designed for every age, ability, orientation and relationship stage. Twice a year the Couples College offers "When Love is Not Enough" - a course where couples work together to create a partnership for life. Beginning in September and February every year.
(404) 445-1232 View (404) 445-1232
Photo of Grace Guyton, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Grace Guyton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
To empower and support my clients, I use a mix of therapy models including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
Relationships are core to who we are as human beings- the relationship with yourself, a partner, family member, friend, etc. Our overall well-being is greatly impacted by the quality of these relationships, which makes maintaining them so important. But, there are times in life when these relationships leave us feeling uncertain, disconnected, frustrated, stuck, or overwhelmed. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Together, we can help you navigate your current life struggles, get your relationships back on track, and feel like the "you" you want to be.
To empower and support my clients, I use a mix of therapy models including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Gottman Method.
Relationships are core to who we are as human beings- the relationship with yourself, a partner, family member, friend, etc. Our overall well-being is greatly impacted by the quality of these relationships, which makes maintaining them so important. But, there are times in life when these relationships leave us feeling uncertain, disconnected, frustrated, stuck, or overwhelmed. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Together, we can help you navigate your current life struggles, get your relationships back on track, and feel like the "you" you want to be.
(478) 209-2633 View (478) 209-2633
Photo of Sophie Newman, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, BS, AMFT
Sophie Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, BS, AMFT
4 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30324
While grounded in Experiential Family Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), I also utilizes creative interventions (i.e. art, meditation, writing) to foster emotional congruence and identify cycles of interaction.
Life is full of transitions, my hope is that my clients don't feel alone on their unique journeys through those changes. As your guide, I will use an active, creative, directive, & systemic approach to help you access healing. I seek to empower clients to author and share their own meaning of life’s experiences, while challenging them through compassion, curiosity, & humor. I hope to be a resource and collaborator each step of the way. In my work, I strive to provide an environment where humans from all walks of life feel welcome and safe. There is a space in the world and my office for you.
While grounded in Experiential Family Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), I also utilizes creative interventions (i.e. art, meditation, writing) to foster emotional congruence and identify cycles of interaction.
Life is full of transitions, my hope is that my clients don't feel alone on their unique journeys through those changes. As your guide, I will use an active, creative, directive, & systemic approach to help you access healing. I seek to empower clients to author and share their own meaning of life’s experiences, while challenging them through compassion, curiosity, & humor. I hope to be a resource and collaborator each step of the way. In my work, I strive to provide an environment where humans from all walks of life feel welcome and safe. There is a space in the world and my office for you.
(470) 613-2486 View (470) 613-2486
Photo of Grace Jiyoon Choi, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
Grace Jiyoon Choi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT
5 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
My approach to therapy is attachment-based and emotionally focused.
You are feeling disconnected and distant in your relationship, and you are experiencing a stuck place. You hope to receive support with reconnecting and feeling secure in your relationship. You are here to find a therapist who can help you repair your relationship. I can walk alongside you and your partner to help foster healing and growth during this difficult time.
My approach to therapy is attachment-based and emotionally focused.
You are feeling disconnected and distant in your relationship, and you are experiencing a stuck place. You hope to receive support with reconnecting and feeling secure in your relationship. You are here to find a therapist who can help you repair your relationship. I can walk alongside you and your partner to help foster healing and growth during this difficult time.
(470) 228-4368 View (470) 228-4368
Photo of Davin Cobb, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Davin Cobb
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
7 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30339
I use both person-centered and evidence-based practices ( EFT, Narrative,CBT ) to support those who might need assistance with coping.
Whatever life has thrown at you that brings you to therapy, I'm proud of you for taking a step towards healing by looking for a therapist. I know how daunting it can be to begin the therapy journey, so I want to reassure you that the journey will be challenging but rewarding. Have you experienced any form of loss that has left you trying to pick up the pieces? Do you struggle with relationships and maintaining boundaries? Do you need a safe space to express yourself without judgment? I'm here to help you navigate the transitions of life.Normalizing care within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) & LGBTQ communities.
I use both person-centered and evidence-based practices ( EFT, Narrative,CBT ) to support those who might need assistance with coping.
Whatever life has thrown at you that brings you to therapy, I'm proud of you for taking a step towards healing by looking for a therapist. I know how daunting it can be to begin the therapy journey, so I want to reassure you that the journey will be challenging but rewarding. Have you experienced any form of loss that has left you trying to pick up the pieces? Do you struggle with relationships and maintaining boundaries? Do you need a safe space to express yourself without judgment? I'm here to help you navigate the transitions of life.Normalizing care within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) & LGBTQ communities.
(770) 874-7564 View (770) 874-7564
Photo of Samuel Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Samuel Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Are you facing some big life changes and worried about what's coming next? Are you feeling lost, depressed, lonely or disconnected? Feeling overwhelmed by difficult thoughts, feelings or situations? Have you tried everything that you, your family or your well-meaning friends think will make things better but it’s just not working well or even working at all? Are you longing for some relief or even just some hope? If that's you, I'd love to help.
I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Are you facing some big life changes and worried about what's coming next? Are you feeling lost, depressed, lonely or disconnected? Feeling overwhelmed by difficult thoughts, feelings or situations? Have you tried everything that you, your family or your well-meaning friends think will make things better but it’s just not working well or even working at all? Are you longing for some relief or even just some hope? If that's you, I'd love to help.
(678) 528-0082 View (678) 528-0082
Photo of Emma Rowell, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APC
Emma Rowell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APC
Atlanta, GA 30339
I specialize in relationship issues, and couples and family counseling, through my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), one of the field's most effective, evidence-based methods.
I believe we all have unique and complex stories that revolve around the important relationships in our lives. Unraveling these stories can often feel overwhelming, so I aim to create a calm and accepting atmosphere to help you feel safe identifying and addressing your concerns, as well as cultivating your strengths. Our work together could be brief and focus on a few distinct issues, or it could be longer-term and focus on processing deeper concerns.
I specialize in relationship issues, and couples and family counseling, through my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), one of the field's most effective, evidence-based methods.
I believe we all have unique and complex stories that revolve around the important relationships in our lives. Unraveling these stories can often feel overwhelming, so I aim to create a calm and accepting atmosphere to help you feel safe identifying and addressing your concerns, as well as cultivating your strengths. Our work together could be brief and focus on a few distinct issues, or it could be longer-term and focus on processing deeper concerns.
(678) 922-4273 View (678) 922-4273
Photo of Laurie Bradley, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Laurie Bradley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Atlanta, GA 30309
As a Marriage and Family Therapist I work clinically from Family Systems, Attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Experiential Theories, integrating Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with a range of problems from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, impulse control, family/sibling relational issues, parent-child relational and attachment issues, co-parenting, grief and loss, adoption issues, ADHD, substance abuse and major life transitions. I believe in taking a non-directive, client-centered approach, and creating a warm and non-judgmental space where I can help my clients to uncover what is keeping them from moving forward so they can lead happier and healthier lives.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist I work clinically from Family Systems, Attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Experiential Theories, integrating Mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with a range of problems from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, impulse control, family/sibling relational issues, parent-child relational and attachment issues, co-parenting, grief and loss, adoption issues, ADHD, substance abuse and major life transitions. I believe in taking a non-directive, client-centered approach, and creating a warm and non-judgmental space where I can help my clients to uncover what is keeping them from moving forward so they can lead happier and healthier lives.
(770) 766-8151 View (770) 766-8151
Photo of Leah Rydel, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Leah Rydel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
2 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30309
My modalities include CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Strength Based Counseling and Mindfulness Approach to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults. With children, I practice Child Centered Play Therapy and integrative Filial (Family) Therapy. With adolescents and adults, I focus on understanding their unique viewpoint through the use of Emotionally Focused Therapy and CBT techniques to support them through their unique journeys.
My modalities include CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Strength Based Counseling and Mindfulness Approach to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and trauma.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults. With children, I practice Child Centered Play Therapy and integrative Filial (Family) Therapy. With adolescents and adults, I focus on understanding their unique viewpoint through the use of Emotionally Focused Therapy and CBT techniques to support them through their unique journeys.
(404) 328-7242 View (404) 328-7242

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Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.