Emotionally Focused Therapists in Charlotte, NC
See all therapists in Charlotte
Emily Joe Burke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I take a systemic and client-centered approach towards counseling combining aspects of
EFT
and Gottman, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy.
Do you feel stuck and not sure how to move forward in your life or in your relationship? I can help you. I’ve been in your shoes. Couples therapy has been proven to be successful over 75% of the time- but only 19% of couples seek out therapy for help! I hope to change that! I work with couples and individuals. I work couples who are dealing with communication issues, issues of infidelity/betrayal and pre marital therapy. I work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, such as breakups/ divorce and self-exploration. I can also help assist individuals (and couples) navigate divorce and child custody issues.

Dr. Galina Olivera-Celdran
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC-S
Verified
Verified
I am trained in Gottman Method to Couples Counseling, Prepare-Enrich, EMDR (trauma counseling), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems) and
EFT
(
Emotionally Focused
Therapy for marriage counseling).
I offer a gentle approach to treating trauma, anxiety, OCD, depression, and relationship difficulties. If you suffer from PTSD, experienced childhood trauma, relationship break ups, or trauma as an adult - I will help you overcome distress and heal from past traumas. If you experience anxiety and depression, we will take small steps to conquer your fears and worries, help you build meaningful relationships and discover ways to experience joy, peace, and life purpose. If you seek counseling for OCD, I will help you tolerate uncertainty and distress, face your fears, increase your sense of freedom and life satisfaction.

Caroline Bundesman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTA
Verified
Verified
I am a strong believer in healthy relationships. When our relationships shift towards dysfunctional, they can become more stressful than comforting. I work with adults in individual, couple, and family therapy to create more balanced relationships, with themselves and others. Together we explore issues related to intergenerational trauma, dysfunctional relationship patterns, and family issues. These issues often look like disconnection, unresolvable issues, uneven work-life balance, and people pleasing. My clients often identify has Highly Sensitive People (HSP) or as therapists and healers. If this sounds like you, let's chat!

Anne Burkart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFTA, LCASA
Verified
Verified
My training in Gottman Therapy and
EFT
support strengthening couples working through infidelity & marital distress.
Life is challenging at times. Maintaining healthy relationships may feel the like the greatest challenge of all! Our relationships are influenced by our childhood, family, & life experiences. Relationships take work! They can be overwhelming with the intensity of different emotions we experience, and sometimes this leads to make choices that can be unhealthy for us. Isolation, infidelity, & substance use hold us back from having a fulfilling relationship with ourselves & with others. Through exploring our challenges, accepting who we are in this moment, & leaning into the opportunity for growth we can Embrace all life has to offer!

Donna Moore Kanipe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACC, LMFT, LCMHC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
When working with couples, I integrate the evidence based models of
Emotionally Focused
Couples Therapy and Gottman Method.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with pre-marital couples, distressed couples, and individuals (21+). My experience includes counseling pre-marital couples, conflicted couples, trauma survivors, divorce care, women grieving betrayals, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and adjustment after life-altering accidents and medical conditions.

Mickey Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified
Verified
I am trained in
Emotionally Focused
Therapy, PREP, and PREPARE/ENRICH, and often utilize these tools to help couples improve their communication and strengthen their relational connection.
I have experience in working with individuals (i.e. children/preadolescents ages 3-12 and adults) struggling with adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation and behavioral challenges. I work with couples who are seeking premarital or marital counseling and work to promote a safe atmosphere where couples can explore their current challenges, process their emotions, and foster hope. I also work with couples and families to create a nurturing and supportive environment where members can grow as individuals as well as develop healthy relationships.
Waitlist for new clients

Lyle N. F. Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in Gestalt Therapy and
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
).
I became a therapist because I believe in helping people heal from their emotional pain, so they can live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. If you or someone you care about is struggling with: RELATIONSHIP CONFLICT, DEPRESSION, STRESS / ANXIETY, or ANGER I may be the right therapist for you.

Taylor Mayfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW-A
Verified
Verified
I have a cognitive behavioral approach to emphasize the power of our thoughts, feelings, and actions while utilizing methods from the Gottman Institute,
Emotionally Focused
Couple’s Therapy, and Family Systems Theory.
Over the last 5 years, I have experience working with individuals, couples and families struggling with relationships, parenting, and life transitions. I understand the importance of relationships throughout life and utilize my skills to assist parents, couples, and families in building healthy, long-lasting relationships. It is a natural occurrence in all relationships to have periods of highs and lows. Oftentimes the stressors of life make it difficult to heal from the lows and transform your marriage with life’s changing stages.

Dezette Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSWA
Verified
Verified
My expertise includes, but is not limited to: Cognitive Behavior Therapy,
Emotionally Focused
Therapy, and Chakra Therapy.
Affectionally known as Dr. Dee, I am a licensed clinical social work associate. I have a passion for working with people that are surviving in life and not thriving, to help them walk in their greatness. Unexpected circumstances in life, trauma, deaths, depression, anxiety, and unexpected medical diagnosis can be devasting. I use a holistic bio-individuality approach to therapy geared to reduce stressors, improve coping strategies, and develop an understanding of how to build endurance through life stressors. In therapy I can help you navigate the difficult challenges that you face in your life.
Waitlist for new clients

Teri B Hipp
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, RYT
Verified
Verified
Working from the approach known as
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
), I help couples rebuild the trust and safety necessary to have a deeper connection and more satisfying relationship.
I help clients recognize that they do not have to be victims of their circumstances or history. Sometimes we are faced with painful circumstances. Sometimes even everyday life begins to feel overwhelming. The unfortunate reality is that we cannot always control what happens in our lives. We can, however, choose how we respond to the difficult things that occur. I believe that all of us have the ability to grow and to make positive, lasting change in our lives. My role as therapist is to help facilitate this process.

Megan Montgomery Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have extensive training in family therapy (
Emotionally Focused
Therapy), adoptive/foster families and adoptees (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), and trauma (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2, EMDR, and Brainspotting).
I believe in creating therapeutic relationships with my clients that promote the healing of heart, mind, and soul. I enjoy working with individuals (21+) and families. Particular areas of interest for me include Christian counseling, parenting support, and women's issues. I am comfortable working with people from all religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and ethnicities. I see clients from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tuesdays are only virtual. Virtual is only available to NC residents due to state licensure restrictions, but in person is available to both NC and SC residents.
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Anna Merkley
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified
Verified
Whether you are dating and thinking of marriage or have been married 25 years, I'd love to help! I have over 7 years of specialized training in couples therapy, including
Emotionally Focused
Couples Therapy and Gottman Level 2 certified.
Have you lost the physical or emotional connection in your marriage? Have you experienced infidelity? Or maybe you just want to communicate better and need some quick tools to improve your relationship? Whatever the reason, nourishing your relationship is one of the best investments you can make. A strong marriage takes work and I'm here to help you put in that work. I am passionate about helping marriages thrive and work to ensure both partners feel validated in our sessions. I also enjoy working with women who want help with anxiety, depression, life transitions, motherhood, grief, self esteem, and work/life balance.

Christopher A. Cook
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MA, LCMHC
Verified
12 Endorsed
Verified
12 Endorsed
Everyone faces challenges in life, and at some point we all need help. My approach to counseling provides a supportive, growth-oriented professional relationship. I help you access your own strengths and resources in order to cope with overwhelming problems, as well as teaching new skills that can add new dimensions to your ability to heal, grow, and change. Recognizing this, I seek to create an individualized approach to helping your with your problems. While each case is unique, it is also important to use evidence-based treatment approaches. I use a wholistic approach that takes mind, body, and soul into consideration.

Will Wadsworth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified
Verified
Sometimes, we get stuck. A problem that may seem small at first just seems to get worse and before you know it, you have gotten lost in a dark place and can't figure out how to get out. As a therapist, I want to be a flashlight that can guide you through. It takes courage to reach out for help, and doing so shows you are ready to find your way back- or to a new, better place! I meet my clients with understanding, non-judgment, and collaboration. Whether it's depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions- you deserve to find peace, and I look forward to helping you meet your full potential and reach achievable goals.

Vivian Peralta-Mesa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
EFT
is the most researched couples therapy, with 90% of couples experiencing significant improvement, and 70-75% no longer experiencing relationship distress.
Struggling with communication and feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner? Let me help you transform your relationship with
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
). Together, we'll work towards overcoming negative communication patterns and meeting each other's emotional needs, leading to a more secure, loving, and intimate bond. I help individuals work through past experiences, regulate emotions, and build resilience. Discover the power of emotions with
EFT
and experience the transformation it can bring to your life.

Brooke Szitas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCAS
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I use attachment-based approaches, motivational interviewing,
emotionally focused
therapy, sex therapy, and Gottman Method Therapy to facilitate change, improve communication, foster intimacy, and improve sexual functioning.
Life is full of transitions and challenges that can lead to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and family problems. You may feel frustrated, anxious, and disappointed leading to your desire to seek help. I believe everyone needs a person that supports, advocates, and listens to them. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I strive to build a space of acceptance to promote your growth and honor your strengths. I believe everyone has their own unique experiences and therefore, I adapt my approach to fit your needs and goals.

Talley Mortara
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I tailor my therapeutic approach to the unique needs of my clients using an integrative style of evidence based therapies (
EFT
, Solution Focused, Narrative, etc) .
I’d like to take a moment to congratulate you on the strength and courage it takes to embark on the journey of finding a therapist. Perhaps you are a couple looking to navigate conflict, address unmet needs, or overcome disconnection. Or maybe you are an individual who would like to improve your self esteem, manage anxiety or depression, or navigate a major life transition. Whatever your reason, know that you have taken an important step towards prioritizing your mental health and well-being.

Breta M. Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am also extensively trained in
Emotionally Focused
Therapy (
EFT
).
Life and love can be messy. Our 24/7 world can make otherwise successful people get out of balance in their lives and in their relationships. The good news is: quality, research-based counseling works for couples and individuals. Together, we can help you and/or your relationship feel better.

Scott Alan Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CSAT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I have a master's degree in Christian counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have been working as a therapist since 2012, helping couples, individuals, and groups with relationship, substance abuse, and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, grief and loss, dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders), and personality disorders. My clinical graduate experience also includes working at a long-term care facility with Carolinas Healthcare System and Forest Hill Church, where I worked extensively with pre-marital and married couples.

Diana Levitt
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, NCC, LCMHC-S, BC-TMHP
Verified
Verified
I applaud you for taking the first and most important step in reaching out for help, especially during these difficult times. The major focus of my practice is assisting adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma, whether that is a singular episode or prolonged complex trauma. I also work with Depression, Anxiety, Grief, and major life transitions. I meet the client where their current needs are through various treatment modalities and approaches. I have expertise in CBT, DBT,
EFT
, and TF-CBT. I only provide individual therapy, so please do not contact me for couples/marital counseling.
See more therapy options for
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.