Emotionally Focused Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
This includes emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), internal family systems (IFS), and narrative therapy.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, systemic thinker, and Certified Sex Therapist with 20+ years of experience, I work with clients who are curious and open to meaningful change, even if they feel stuck or uncertain. You might be facing relationship stress, emotional disconnection, or sexual concerns that are hard to name. Whether you come as an individual or a couple, I offer a space grounded in compassion and collaboration. Together, we’ll explore what’s shaped your story and work toward greater clarity, connection, and authenticity.
This includes emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), internal family systems (IFS), and narrative therapy.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, systemic thinker, and Certified Sex Therapist with 20+ years of experience, I work with clients who are curious and open to meaningful change, even if they feel stuck or uncertain. You might be facing relationship stress, emotional disconnection, or sexual concerns that are hard to name. Whether you come as an individual or a couple, I offer a space grounded in compassion and collaboration. Together, we’ll explore what’s shaped your story and work toward greater clarity, connection, and authenticity.
Life can be tough, whether you’re a child working through trauma, a young adult navigating transitions, or an adult managing stress, anxiety, or past experiences. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood as we work together toward healing and growth.
I come from a background that understands firsthand how difficult these struggles can be, and I believe that with the right support, everyone has the ability to shift from striving to thriving and create positive change when provided with the resources for basic needs being met as well.
Life can be tough, whether you’re a child working through trauma, a young adult navigating transitions, or an adult managing stress, anxiety, or past experiences. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood as we work together toward healing and growth.
I come from a background that understands firsthand how difficult these struggles can be, and I believe that with the right support, everyone has the ability to shift from striving to thriving and create positive change when provided with the resources for basic needs being met as well.
Welcome! Contacting a therapist can be your first step to a happier, more balanced life. Whether you've been struggling with a painful past or are unsure of your current path in life, I provide practical, nonjudgmental feedback in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Welcome! Contacting a therapist can be your first step to a happier, more balanced life. Whether you've been struggling with a painful past or are unsure of your current path in life, I provide practical, nonjudgmental feedback in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
I enjoy the diversity of my clients, walking with adults of all ages and backgrounds. In 2011 I turned into the joys of psychotherapy as a second career. I see my main job as listening carefully, mirroring your process with empathy and helping you move toward the goals you set, whether they are about reaching deeper inside or moving into the practical steps you need to take next week. My experience and spirituality are assets you can rely on, but they will not direct your own process of understanding, healing and maturation.
I enjoy the diversity of my clients, walking with adults of all ages and backgrounds. In 2011 I turned into the joys of psychotherapy as a second career. I see my main job as listening carefully, mirroring your process with empathy and helping you move toward the goals you set, whether they are about reaching deeper inside or moving into the practical steps you need to take next week. My experience and spirituality are assets you can rely on, but they will not direct your own process of understanding, healing and maturation.
My approach to therapy begins by creating welcoming and honest space in which I can get to know my clients as people. I strive to collaboratively explore their challenges and difficulties, as well as their joys and successes. I believe deeply in each person’s capacity for resilience and healing. I believe that healing happens in supportive relationships. I enjoy building such connections with clients to support them working towards becoming the version of themselves they want to be.
My approach to therapy begins by creating welcoming and honest space in which I can get to know my clients as people. I strive to collaboratively explore their challenges and difficulties, as well as their joys and successes. I believe deeply in each person’s capacity for resilience and healing. I believe that healing happens in supportive relationships. I enjoy building such connections with clients to support them working towards becoming the version of themselves they want to be.
I seek to help clients gain insight and process experience working from an emotion-focused therapy ( EFT) approach with elements integrated from narrative & existential therapy.
I believe that it is necessary to interact with clients as feeling, thinking, and embodied beings; therapy must address each person holistically and relationally in all aspects: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. Therapy can help us make sense of our selves, our world, our relationships, our personal stories and the paths we take - other words, how to live life as our best, fulfilling selves. A former high school and university teacher, I have a passion for working with adolescents & young adults. I also have a keen interest in working on men's issues, helping men and those close to them to live more in-touch and connected lives.
I seek to help clients gain insight and process experience working from an emotion-focused therapy ( EFT) approach with elements integrated from narrative & existential therapy.
I believe that it is necessary to interact with clients as feeling, thinking, and embodied beings; therapy must address each person holistically and relationally in all aspects: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. Therapy can help us make sense of our selves, our world, our relationships, our personal stories and the paths we take - other words, how to live life as our best, fulfilling selves. A former high school and university teacher, I have a passion for working with adolescents & young adults. I also have a keen interest in working on men's issues, helping men and those close to them to live more in-touch and connected lives.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I gained clinical experience at the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, working with children ages 2–5, and later served as an outpatient therapist supporting individuals and families. I specialize in depressive disorders, anxiety, oppositional and conduct disorders, disrupted attachment, and adjustment and trauma-related concerns. I focus on helping clients and families strengthen communication, build coping skills, and regulate emotions in a productive, healthy way.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I gained clinical experience at the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, working with children ages 2–5, and later served as an outpatient therapist supporting individuals and families. I specialize in depressive disorders, anxiety, oppositional and conduct disorders, disrupted attachment, and adjustment and trauma-related concerns. I focus on helping clients and families strengthen communication, build coping skills, and regulate emotions in a productive, healthy way.
I incorporate a blend of holistic approaches which include somatic, emotionally focused, spiritual and goal-oriented solutions.
Shalom! Welcome to my holistic safe space where you are free to finally relieve yourself of any burdensome grief or stress you've been holding on to.
I incorporate a blend of holistic approaches which include somatic, emotionally focused, spiritual and goal-oriented solutions.
Shalom! Welcome to my holistic safe space where you are free to finally relieve yourself of any burdensome grief or stress you've been holding on to.
Everyone needs an ally in their corner, and first and foremost that is what Catrin will be for you. Catrin’s approach starts with radical acceptance and unfolds from there.
Maybe you are struggling with intrusive thoughts and excessive rumination. Perhaps you struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you feel full of self-doubt, hopelessness, or feel misunderstood, unseen or alone. Perhaps external stresses, societal pressures, discrimination, past trauma, or relational distress are interfering with your wellbeing. Above all, she values you and your unique process. The only expectations will be those you set for yourself.
Everyone needs an ally in their corner, and first and foremost that is what Catrin will be for you. Catrin’s approach starts with radical acceptance and unfolds from there.
Maybe you are struggling with intrusive thoughts and excessive rumination. Perhaps you struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you feel full of self-doubt, hopelessness, or feel misunderstood, unseen or alone. Perhaps external stresses, societal pressures, discrimination, past trauma, or relational distress are interfering with your wellbeing. Above all, she values you and your unique process. The only expectations will be those you set for yourself.
Hi! My name is Melissa and I come to my role as a therapist through my own lived experience of how hard it is to be a human being. Through my own (ongoing) healing journey, I have found deep transformation in spaces where I am invited to say the unsayable. When our lived experiences are held and witnessed with compassion for the sacred experiences they are, transformation is possible. It is a privilege for me to hold space as a therapist for those seeking to deepen their relationship with themself in the context of the reality of their life.
Hi! My name is Melissa and I come to my role as a therapist through my own lived experience of how hard it is to be a human being. Through my own (ongoing) healing journey, I have found deep transformation in spaces where I am invited to say the unsayable. When our lived experiences are held and witnessed with compassion for the sacred experiences they are, transformation is possible. It is a privilege for me to hold space as a therapist for those seeking to deepen their relationship with themself in the context of the reality of their life.
Are you facing challenges in your relationships - romantic or otherwise? Do you want to better understand yourself and improve your interactions with others? I'll work with you to help you develop 1) an awareness of your current thought processes, and 2) a deeper knowledge of how your life experiences have influenced the way you think. I'll offer you concrete tools to help you modify ways of coping that no longer serve you. My goal is to empower you to make the meaningful, positive changes you're seeking. (I use HIPAA-compliant video only. I do not offer in-person sessions.)
Are you facing challenges in your relationships - romantic or otherwise? Do you want to better understand yourself and improve your interactions with others? I'll work with you to help you develop 1) an awareness of your current thought processes, and 2) a deeper knowledge of how your life experiences have influenced the way you think. I'll offer you concrete tools to help you modify ways of coping that no longer serve you. My goal is to empower you to make the meaningful, positive changes you're seeking. (I use HIPAA-compliant video only. I do not offer in-person sessions.)
Throughout a woman’s life there are many emotional shifts and it takes strength to reach out for support! I understand the many challenges and stress that sometimes might have you not feeling like yourself. Do you feel alone, anxious, tired, sad, angry, irritable, or stressed? I work with women who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, grief and loss, fertility, miscarriage, transition to motherhood, and other life changing events. I have specialized training in anxiety, maternal mental health (pregnancy, birth, postpartum, motherhood), child development, and eating disorders.
Throughout a woman’s life there are many emotional shifts and it takes strength to reach out for support! I understand the many challenges and stress that sometimes might have you not feeling like yourself. Do you feel alone, anxious, tired, sad, angry, irritable, or stressed? I work with women who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, grief and loss, fertility, miscarriage, transition to motherhood, and other life changing events. I have specialized training in anxiety, maternal mental health (pregnancy, birth, postpartum, motherhood), child development, and eating disorders.
I blend Gottman Method techniques with Emotionally Focused and Solution-Focused approaches.
Does this sound familiar? You start talking about something small, like weekend plans or a chore, and somehow it spirals into that same old fight. Before you know it, you're both frustrated, nobody feels heard, and you're wondering how you got here... again. That distance between you keeps growing, and despite loving each other, you can't seem to break the cycle. Whether you're a couple preparing for marriage, navigating midlife challenges, or entering retirement, or an individual seeking clarity during life transitions, you want to move beyond feeling stuck. You're looking for practical tools to create meaningful change.
I blend Gottman Method techniques with Emotionally Focused and Solution-Focused approaches.
Does this sound familiar? You start talking about something small, like weekend plans or a chore, and somehow it spirals into that same old fight. Before you know it, you're both frustrated, nobody feels heard, and you're wondering how you got here... again. That distance between you keeps growing, and despite loving each other, you can't seem to break the cycle. Whether you're a couple preparing for marriage, navigating midlife challenges, or entering retirement, or an individual seeking clarity during life transitions, you want to move beyond feeling stuck. You're looking for practical tools to create meaningful change.
At the core, I believe we all want to feel loved, heard, and understood. However, there may be things getting in the way of what we want, such as trauma, family influences, and societal messaging. My goal is to co-create a space with you (and your partner) that is affirming of your unique background and experiences. We can explore where you’re feeling stuck and how to create new opportunities for healing, intimacy, and connection. I work with individuals and couples of all backgrounds but have particular interest and experience in the queer, poly/CNM, and Black communities.
At the core, I believe we all want to feel loved, heard, and understood. However, there may be things getting in the way of what we want, such as trauma, family influences, and societal messaging. My goal is to co-create a space with you (and your partner) that is affirming of your unique background and experiences. We can explore where you’re feeling stuck and how to create new opportunities for healing, intimacy, and connection. I work with individuals and couples of all backgrounds but have particular interest and experience in the queer, poly/CNM, and Black communities.
Are you a teen, young adult, or working professional seeking practical solutions to life's challenges? Look no further. I'm James, a clinical therapist specializing in CBT with a holistic twist. In search of a compassionate guide who truly understands the complexities of modern life? Juggling the pressures of life, or relationships, or do you just want to become the best you? Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, addressing immediate concerns while delving deeper into the underlying root of your struggles. Together we will explore, heal, and thrive!
Are you a teen, young adult, or working professional seeking practical solutions to life's challenges? Look no further. I'm James, a clinical therapist specializing in CBT with a holistic twist. In search of a compassionate guide who truly understands the complexities of modern life? Juggling the pressures of life, or relationships, or do you just want to become the best you? Together, we'll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, addressing immediate concerns while delving deeper into the underlying root of your struggles. Together we will explore, heal, and thrive!
Healing is a lifelong journey, and it is not one you have to do alone. You are taking a courageous first step towards realignment with yourself. By untangling the past, we can begin to heal these wounds and reclaim the narrative of our lives. I companion clients navigating trauma, relational distress, gender and sexuality exploration, sexual concerns, and neurodivergence. In and out of the therapy space, I am sex-positive, sex worker friendly, poly-friendly, kink aware & affirming, and Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned.
Healing is a lifelong journey, and it is not one you have to do alone. You are taking a courageous first step towards realignment with yourself. By untangling the past, we can begin to heal these wounds and reclaim the narrative of our lives. I companion clients navigating trauma, relational distress, gender and sexuality exploration, sexual concerns, and neurodivergence. In and out of the therapy space, I am sex-positive, sex worker friendly, poly-friendly, kink aware & affirming, and Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned.
I draw from Narrative Therapy, EFT, and IFS to support clients through relational struggles and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally humble approach.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low self-esteem, or the stress of major changes in your life? Whether you're navigating social pressures, relationship challenges, or concerns around substance use, I offer a compassionate, collaborative space to help you make sense of your experiences and move toward healing. I specialize in working with individuals facing Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and self-worth concerns. I’m also experienced in supporting clients through relational difficulties and life transitions, helping them build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
I draw from Narrative Therapy, EFT, and IFS to support clients through relational struggles and life transitions, always with a trauma-informed and culturally humble approach.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low self-esteem, or the stress of major changes in your life? Whether you're navigating social pressures, relationship challenges, or concerns around substance use, I offer a compassionate, collaborative space to help you make sense of your experiences and move toward healing. I specialize in working with individuals facing Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and self-worth concerns. I’m also experienced in supporting clients through relational difficulties and life transitions, helping them build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals experiencing a broad range of challenges - trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, addiction, relationship concerns, infertility and adoption. While each person brings their own unique experiences and concerns to therapy, my ultimate goal is to help my clients gain clarity, cultivate greater trust in themselves, and discover new ways of feeling and being in the world.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals experiencing a broad range of challenges - trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, addiction, relationship concerns, infertility and adoption. While each person brings their own unique experiences and concerns to therapy, my ultimate goal is to help my clients gain clarity, cultivate greater trust in themselves, and discover new ways of feeling and being in the world.
Going to therapy challenging, I remember when I first went and I was fortune enough to have someone that honored all the parts of me. As a therapist I honor all the parts of you! Struggling to be your authentic self? Feeling anxiousness, worried, or sadness? Burnout from work? Beginning a new relationship or wanting to strengthen one? Getting engaged or married? Struggling with intimacy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are ready to take the next step so let's talk about how to help!
Going to therapy challenging, I remember when I first went and I was fortune enough to have someone that honored all the parts of me. As a therapist I honor all the parts of you! Struggling to be your authentic self? Feeling anxiousness, worried, or sadness? Burnout from work? Beginning a new relationship or wanting to strengthen one? Getting engaged or married? Struggling with intimacy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are ready to take the next step so let's talk about how to help!
Are you navigating relationships that extend beyond traditional boxes? Do you sometimes struggle to name and share the complexity of the connections in your life? I support clients who are in or exploring relationships rooted in polyamory, kink, queerness, and more. Together, we will approach these experiences with care and curiosity, quieting the noise of what “should” be and creating space for you to feel seen, supported, and more at ease in your relationships. Whether you show up with more questions than answers or with specific goals in mind, my approach blends compassion and curiosity to create warmth and depth in our work.
Are you navigating relationships that extend beyond traditional boxes? Do you sometimes struggle to name and share the complexity of the connections in your life? I support clients who are in or exploring relationships rooted in polyamory, kink, queerness, and more. Together, we will approach these experiences with care and curiosity, quieting the noise of what “should” be and creating space for you to feel seen, supported, and more at ease in your relationships. Whether you show up with more questions than answers or with specific goals in mind, my approach blends compassion and curiosity to create warmth and depth in our work.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Elkins Park
- Lansdowne
- Manayunk
- Merion Station
- Narberth
- Penn Valley
- Upper Darby
- Wyncote
- Wynnewood
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.