Emotionally Focused Therapists in Charlotte, NC

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy in my practice.
Are you and your partner constantly arguing, stuck in the same loop, and struggling to find connection? Both blaming each other and full of hurts. Are you in a relationship, but you both feel lonely and want to be closer? Or are you an individual that is feeling sad, confused, anxious, angry, lonely, or disconnected from someone? Are you ready for therapy, but your partner isn't? Or are you a parent who needs help repairing the relationship with your adult child? Families go through so many transitions. Sometimes it is difficult to navigate all the busyness of life and find time to connect with one another.
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy in my practice.
Are you and your partner constantly arguing, stuck in the same loop, and struggling to find connection? Both blaming each other and full of hurts. Are you in a relationship, but you both feel lonely and want to be closer? Or are you an individual that is feeling sad, confused, anxious, angry, lonely, or disconnected from someone? Are you ready for therapy, but your partner isn't? Or are you a parent who needs help repairing the relationship with your adult child? Families go through so many transitions. Sometimes it is difficult to navigate all the busyness of life and find time to connect with one another.

I find it an honor to participate in a client’s journey and do not take for granted the courage & bravery it takes to enter counseling. I enjoy working with clients from all backgrounds, creating a trusting collaborative relationship that encourages respect, vulnerability, & willingness. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), an attachment-based, experiential therapy. My goal is to help couples & individuals who feel distant from each other wanting to work towards awareness, communication & connection. I’m certified Premarital Counselor & as well as experience with grief & loss, as I spent time working with hospice.
I find it an honor to participate in a client’s journey and do not take for granted the courage & bravery it takes to enter counseling. I enjoy working with clients from all backgrounds, creating a trusting collaborative relationship that encourages respect, vulnerability, & willingness. I practice Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), an attachment-based, experiential therapy. My goal is to help couples & individuals who feel distant from each other wanting to work towards awareness, communication & connection. I’m certified Premarital Counselor & as well as experience with grief & loss, as I spent time working with hospice.

Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.

Rooted in attachment science, I love integrating various therapeutic approaches ( EFT, ACT, IFS, CBT, & Narrative) depending on what each client needs.
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.
Rooted in attachment science, I love integrating various therapeutic approaches ( EFT, ACT, IFS, CBT, & Narrative) depending on what each client needs.
Life can be incredibly painful. We can find ourselves feeling stuck, confused, lonely, anxious, despairing, or lost. We want to make sense of our past & present circumstances, map out a path forward, all in a way that feels true to our values and honors the pain we experience. My clients often struggle with issues like depression & anxiety, grief & loss, trauma & abuse, identity & meaning formation, sexuality & pornography, spiritual distress & relationship strife. Whether highly motivated or exhausted and on the verge of giving up, I am honored to meet each client where they are and walk with them step by step toward change.

Lynn Conner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28209
Waitlist for new clients
I pull from many different treatment modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and Attachment Theory to create a treatment style that is individualized to your specific needs.
Reaching out for help can be hard. I commend you on taking the courageous first step to support your mental health. In our work together, it is my goal to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for you to share your story and explore what may be holding you back. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with clients through life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, trauma, self-worth, and body image concerns. I see adults and couples looking to create meaningful change in their lives.
I pull from many different treatment modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and Attachment Theory to create a treatment style that is individualized to your specific needs.
Reaching out for help can be hard. I commend you on taking the courageous first step to support your mental health. In our work together, it is my goal to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for you to share your story and explore what may be holding you back. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with clients through life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, trauma, self-worth, and body image concerns. I see adults and couples looking to create meaningful change in their lives.

Rhonda J Huthmacher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28211
I have had advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and actively pursuing full certification.
When going through struggles in life, you do not have to suffer in silence nor do you have to endure the journey alone. I will actively pursue the fulfillment of your therapeutic goals by listening, collaborating with you, and offering suggestions to foster positive change. Each session is conducted with an impartial approach which ensures that everyone in the session feels heard and understood. My clinical areas of focus include, but are not limited to grief & loss, relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and supporting the highly sensitive person (HSP).
I have had advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and actively pursuing full certification.
When going through struggles in life, you do not have to suffer in silence nor do you have to endure the journey alone. I will actively pursue the fulfillment of your therapeutic goals by listening, collaborating with you, and offering suggestions to foster positive change. Each session is conducted with an impartial approach which ensures that everyone in the session feels heard and understood. My clinical areas of focus include, but are not limited to grief & loss, relationship challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, and supporting the highly sensitive person (HSP).

As a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, I work most often from this empirically validated modality to understand relational conflict and to help couples and families create stronger emotional bonds in relationships with their loved ones.
I believe that we are created to thrive, and this happens when we have strong and secure relationships with ourselves and others. Whether we are married, in a relationship with a partner or single, we all have close relationships which inform how we see ourselves, how much we can trust others, and which either help or hinder us in our journey towards our ability to flourish in our lives. I believe that growth can happen when the security and strength of our closest relationships is improved, and it is my joy to support my clients as they work to accomplish this.
As a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, I work most often from this empirically validated modality to understand relational conflict and to help couples and families create stronger emotional bonds in relationships with their loved ones.
I believe that we are created to thrive, and this happens when we have strong and secure relationships with ourselves and others. Whether we are married, in a relationship with a partner or single, we all have close relationships which inform how we see ourselves, how much we can trust others, and which either help or hinder us in our journey towards our ability to flourish in our lives. I believe that growth can happen when the security and strength of our closest relationships is improved, and it is my joy to support my clients as they work to accomplish this.

I believe in creating a non-judgmental and open context that will often draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Mindfulness-based strategies.
I specialize in working with couples, children, intimacy/sexuality, and spiritual exploration. My counseling experiences include issues of anxiety, depression, communication, physical illness, mixed-orientation marriages, sexuality, spirituality, loss/grief, adjustment after gastric surgery, trauma, childhood abuse, infidelity, and separation/divorce issues.
I believe in creating a non-judgmental and open context that will often draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Mindfulness-based strategies.
I specialize in working with couples, children, intimacy/sexuality, and spiritual exploration. My counseling experiences include issues of anxiety, depression, communication, physical illness, mixed-orientation marriages, sexuality, spirituality, loss/grief, adjustment after gastric surgery, trauma, childhood abuse, infidelity, and separation/divorce issues.

Breta M. Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28203
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.
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.

Anne Hancock
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28211
At Wellness every therapist uses Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT); the most effective science-based method available.
At Wellness, we specialize in relationship issues and couples counseling. If you find it difficult to communicate with your partner or you are frustrated when s/he walks away, your relationship is likely in a negative cycle. All our therapists have experienced advanced training in working with couples and we would be happy to discuss what we do and how we can help. Week-to-week services are available in-office or online. 1-Day and 2 1/2-Day Intensives and Retreats are available in-office only.
At Wellness every therapist uses Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy ( EFT); the most effective science-based method available.
At Wellness, we specialize in relationship issues and couples counseling. If you find it difficult to communicate with your partner or you are frustrated when s/he walks away, your relationship is likely in a negative cycle. All our therapists have experienced advanced training in working with couples and we would be happy to discuss what we do and how we can help. Week-to-week services are available in-office or online. 1-Day and 2 1/2-Day Intensives and Retreats are available in-office only.

Erika Marie Brinley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
I am trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, am a Prepare and Enrich Facilitstor and working toward Gottman level 1.
We all have different seasons in our lives where we may feel a pull or a need for change and growth. My hope is to help those on their individual journeys find a place that feels good for them and their families. I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard and validated and thus I provide that in my therapy room, and help other family members develop that for one another.
I am trained in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, am a Prepare and Enrich Facilitstor and working toward Gottman level 1.
We all have different seasons in our lives where we may feel a pull or a need for change and growth. My hope is to help those on their individual journeys find a place that feels good for them and their families. I believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, heard and validated and thus I provide that in my therapy room, and help other family members develop that for one another.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Therapists

Karen Rogich
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, MAC, MEd
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28204
Karen is trained in EMDR, EFT, Nutrition and integrative Mental Health Counseling, and Somatic Attachment Therapy.
Karen Rogich is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate practicing in the heart of Charlotte, NC. Karen’s therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, which is insight-oriented. This model explores how our early life experiences relate to current life functioning and relationships to offer choices for change. In her practice, therapy is tailored to each individual. Karen utilizes an integrative model incorporating somatic work, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, health and nutrition, to help clients make lasting changes for meaningful life. Karen enjoys working with adults and couples.
Karen is trained in EMDR, EFT, Nutrition and integrative Mental Health Counseling, and Somatic Attachment Therapy.
Karen Rogich is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate practicing in the heart of Charlotte, NC. Karen’s therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, which is insight-oriented. This model explores how our early life experiences relate to current life functioning and relationships to offer choices for change. In her practice, therapy is tailored to each individual. Karen utilizes an integrative model incorporating somatic work, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, health and nutrition, to help clients make lasting changes for meaningful life. Karen enjoys working with adults and couples.

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults through Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Emotionally Focused Expressive Arts Mindfulness-Based (MBCT and Expressive Therapy.
For clients who are interested, I am pleased to offer Christian counseling, integrating faith-based principles into the therapeutic process to support spiritual as well as emotional growth
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults through Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Emotionally Focused Expressive Arts Mindfulness-Based (MBCT and Expressive Therapy.
For clients who are interested, I am pleased to offer Christian counseling, integrating faith-based principles into the therapeutic process to support spiritual as well as emotional growth

Anna Merkley
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 8 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.
I have over 8 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.

My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Adlerian Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Child and Parent Psychotherapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to provide tailored, compassionate care for each client.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience, licensed in North Carolina, Alabama, and Oregon. As a deaf professional, I exclusively serve deaf and hard of hearing clients. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals as well as addressing family conflicts and resolving various personal issues.
My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Adlerian Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Child and Parent Psychotherapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to provide tailored, compassionate care for each client.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience, licensed in North Carolina, Alabama, and Oregon. As a deaf professional, I exclusively serve deaf and hard of hearing clients. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals as well as addressing family conflicts and resolving various personal issues.

I specialize in helping couples and families for 15+ years. I've studied and incorporates tools from the highly reputable Emotionally Focused Therapy program as well as person-center approaches that provide the most flexibility for you as a couple. I welcome all relationships and specialize in helping couples who are fighting all the time, need communication support, have experienced an affair, or who are experiencing intimacy challenges.
I specialize in helping couples and families for 15+ years. I've studied and incorporates tools from the highly reputable Emotionally Focused Therapy program as well as person-center approaches that provide the most flexibility for you as a couple. I welcome all relationships and specialize in helping couples who are fighting all the time, need communication support, have experienced an affair, or who are experiencing intimacy challenges.

Scott Alan Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28226
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the STate of South Carolina. I have a master's degree in Christian counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have been working as a therapist since 2012, specializing in helping couples and individuals with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, relationships, and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the STate of South Carolina. I have a master's degree in Christian counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have been working as a therapist since 2012, specializing in helping couples and individuals with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, relationships, and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss.

I specialize in Gestalt Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT),and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T).
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I help clients heal from emotional and relationship concerns. I believe in the values of happiness, health, and purpose. If you or someone you care about is struggling with relationship conflict, depression, stress / anxiety, or anger; and you are ready for change to happen, I may be the right therapist for you.
I specialize in Gestalt Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT),and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T).
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I help clients heal from emotional and relationship concerns. I believe in the values of happiness, health, and purpose. If you or someone you care about is struggling with relationship conflict, depression, stress / anxiety, or anger; and you are ready for change to happen, I may be the right therapist for you.

Christopher Bordelon
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I work with evidence-based practices, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) (trauma-informed), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and allow the client space to have a say in their treatment.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. Many of my clients feel anxious, stuck, or unsure, wanting change but uncertain where to start. I create a warm, welcoming space where all parts of you are invited. We’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface, at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional blocks, or simply feeling off, I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and supported.
I work with evidence-based practices, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) (trauma-informed), and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and allow the client space to have a say in their treatment.
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. Many of my clients feel anxious, stuck, or unsure, wanting change but uncertain where to start. I create a warm, welcoming space where all parts of you are invited. We’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface, at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional blocks, or simply feeling off, I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and supported.

Bethany McGuire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
My post-graduate training includes EMDR, Gottman Level 1, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (externship and core skills), and Prepare-Enrich Premarital Assessment.
I know it takes great courage to reach out and begin this journey. In my office you will find a safe place to explore your hurts and struggles and find healing and hope. I believe as humans we are holistic in nature, and wellness includes the body, mind, soul and spirit. I am specifically trained to offer Christian counseling, but I also utilize EMDR as a primary mode of helping clients deal with past and present traumas. These traumas can manifest in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relational issues, PTSD, or physical sickness/pain. If so desired, we can dive deep into holistic approaches to dealing with your symptoms.
My post-graduate training includes EMDR, Gottman Level 1, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (externship and core skills), and Prepare-Enrich Premarital Assessment.
I know it takes great courage to reach out and begin this journey. In my office you will find a safe place to explore your hurts and struggles and find healing and hope. I believe as humans we are holistic in nature, and wellness includes the body, mind, soul and spirit. I am specifically trained to offer Christian counseling, but I also utilize EMDR as a primary mode of helping clients deal with past and present traumas. These traumas can manifest in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relational issues, PTSD, or physical sickness/pain. If so desired, we can dive deep into holistic approaches to dealing with your symptoms.
See more therapy options for Charlotte
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Charlotte
- Belmont
- Harrisburg
- Huntersville
- Indian Trail
- Marvin
- Matthews
- Mint Hill
- Mount Holly
- Newell
- Pineville
- Stallings
- Weddington
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.