Emotionally-Focused Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured, short-term therapeutic approach primarily designed for couples and families. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson in the 1980s, EFT focuses on the emotional bonds between individuals and aims to enhance attachment and emotional connection.
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Assessment and Engagement: The therapist assesses the couple’s relationship dynamics and emotional experiences, helping both partners feel heard and understood.
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Identifying Negative Cycles: The therapist guides the couple in recognizing negative interaction patterns that contribute to emotional disconnection and distress. This often involves understanding how each partner reacts to the other’s emotional needs.
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Accessing Underlying Emotions: EFT encourages partners to access and express their underlying emotions, such as fear, vulnerability, or sadness, which are often masked by anger or withdrawal.
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Creating New Interaction Patterns: The therapist helps couples create new, more positive interaction patterns by fostering emotional responsiveness and support. This involves expressing needs and feelings in a way that invites connection rather than conflict.
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Consolidation and Integration: In the final stages, couples work on consolidating their new patterns of interaction and integrating the skills learned during therapy into their everyday lives, enhancing their emotional bond.
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EFT is effective for various relationship issues, including:
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Couples struggling with communication and intimacy
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Families experiencing conflict or disconnection
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Individuals dealing with attachment-related issues
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Clients coping with trauma or emotional distress affecting relationships
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Improve Communication: EFT helps partners communicate more effectively and openly about their feelings and needs.
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Strengthened Emotional Bonds: The therapy fosters a deeper emotional connection, enhancing intimacy and trust.
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Resolution of Conflict: EFT provides tools to resolve conflicts and reduce cycles of criticism and withdrawal.
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Increased Emotional Awareness: Individuals learn to recognize and express their emotions more effectively, leading to healthier interactions.
Hi, I'm Lisa!
I am an attachment and relational trauma therapist ready to help you get unstuck and build the deeply connected relationship you've always longed for.
As a therapist who has been to therapy, I know you need someone who you can trust & who 'gets it.' Thats why I bring my authentic self into sessions to provide a safe space to heal and evidence-based treatment that works.
