Emotionally Focused Therapists in Kitsap County, WA

Photo of Charles Gross, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Charles Gross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bremerton, WA 98337
Hey there, I can’t wait to hear from you! Teenagers and young adults face unique challenges as they navigate their transformation from childhood to adulthood. Hopelessness is a common feeling that many face, however, I’m here to share with you that there IS hope. Fear of rejection, your self-esteem, difficulty communicating, and sometimes past trauma all contribute to your wellness outcomes. Learning to express your needs, set boundaries, and process feelings can benefit your mental health and future relationships. As you begin to heal, you’ll likely find benefits in many other areas of your life.
Hey there, I can’t wait to hear from you! Teenagers and young adults face unique challenges as they navigate their transformation from childhood to adulthood. Hopelessness is a common feeling that many face, however, I’m here to share with you that there IS hope. Fear of rejection, your self-esteem, difficulty communicating, and sometimes past trauma all contribute to your wellness outcomes. Learning to express your needs, set boundaries, and process feelings can benefit your mental health and future relationships. As you begin to heal, you’ll likely find benefits in many other areas of your life.
(360) 685-7149 View (360) 685-7149
Photo of Giselle Macfarlane, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Giselle Macfarlane
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
As an LMFT serving Bainbridge Island, I utilize a humanistic, evidence-based, emotionally focused perspective with children, youth, and adults with concerns including anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, self-harm, identity, and gender questioning issues. I find Lifespan Integration and Somatic Transformation helpful in resolving trauma. I treat couples and families working through conflict, life transitions, divorce, grief, and loss. Additionally, I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and a Washington State Supervisor offering supervision to associates.
As an LMFT serving Bainbridge Island, I utilize a humanistic, evidence-based, emotionally focused perspective with children, youth, and adults with concerns including anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma, self-harm, identity, and gender questioning issues. I find Lifespan Integration and Somatic Transformation helpful in resolving trauma. I treat couples and families working through conflict, life transitions, divorce, grief, and loss. Additionally, I am an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and a Washington State Supervisor offering supervision to associates.
(206) 557-6559 View (206) 557-6559
Photo of Christi Carlton, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kitsap County, WA
Christi Carlton
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Silverdale, WA 98383  (Online Only)
*Currently accepting new clients* It is not uncommon to feel stuck in unhealthy patterns that feel impossible to break. If you are feeling anxious, discouraged, and unsure of what to do, you are not alone. You deserve a life full of joy and vitality and there is no shame in taking the courageous first step in seeking help. I believe that healing can truly begin when we are in the presence of someone who is deeply committed to understanding us. When we are understood, we feel safe to explore our emotional experiences that often times feel too overwhelming to revisit.
*Currently accepting new clients* It is not uncommon to feel stuck in unhealthy patterns that feel impossible to break. If you are feeling anxious, discouraged, and unsure of what to do, you are not alone. You deserve a life full of joy and vitality and there is no shame in taking the courageous first step in seeking help. I believe that healing can truly begin when we are in the presence of someone who is deeply committed to understanding us. When we are understood, we feel safe to explore our emotional experiences that often times feel too overwhelming to revisit.
(360) 900-1977 View (360) 900-1977
Photo of Leslie Lee, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Leslie Lee
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seabeck, WA 98380  (Online Only)
I utilize EFT Tapping, IFS parts work, mindfulness/grounding, emotional processing, CBT, narrative therapy, and a neuroscience-informed understanding of how the body works.
I work with clients who are looking to improve, adjust to change, heal from difficulties/trauma, and enjoy their lives more. They want to shake the things that keep getting in the way. Often, my clients want to find out how to be more present, increase their confidence, and intentionality in meeting their goals. They want more satisfying, healthy relationships and ways to communicate. Understanding feelings, what they mean, and what to do with them is a skill many of my clients want to expand.
I utilize EFT Tapping, IFS parts work, mindfulness/grounding, emotional processing, CBT, narrative therapy, and a neuroscience-informed understanding of how the body works.
I work with clients who are looking to improve, adjust to change, heal from difficulties/trauma, and enjoy their lives more. They want to shake the things that keep getting in the way. Often, my clients want to find out how to be more present, increase their confidence, and intentionality in meeting their goals. They want more satisfying, healthy relationships and ways to communicate. Understanding feelings, what they mean, and what to do with them is a skill many of my clients want to expand.
(360) 401-8761 View (360) 401-8761
Photo of Ellen Hresko Counseling, PLLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Ellen Hresko Counseling, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
I counsel teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in working with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Anxiety, Depression andtrauma/PTSD.
I counsel teens and their parents, as well as adults and couples who are experiencing a wide range of psychological and relationship difficulties due to parent child conflict, major life transitions, grief and loss and recent or historic trauma. My approach is systemic, meaning that I try to understand human problems in terms of the complex set of psychological and social systems in which they are embedded - family, social, cultural, educational and emotional experiences. I have specialized training and experience in working with Couples using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Anxiety, Depression andtrauma/PTSD.
(206) 458-1695 View (206) 458-1695
Photo of Jenny Wilson Counseling, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Jenny Wilson Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, SUDP, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I pursue continuing education and am currently immersed in the study of emotionally focused therapy.
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, cherished, nurtured, witnessed, engaged, and comforted. People crave connection with one another, relationships fall short, hearts get broken, and our most genuine selves are buried beneath layers meant to defend against further wounding. My passion is helping people find healing and joy after surviving significant disappointment and trauma. I offer clients an invitation to grieve and to challenge defense mechanisms that undermine healthy relationship to self and others. I provide a safe and calm space in which therapeutic integration leads to wholeness and health.
I pursue continuing education and am currently immersed in the study of emotionally focused therapy.
Human beings are born with a desire to be seen, cherished, nurtured, witnessed, engaged, and comforted. People crave connection with one another, relationships fall short, hearts get broken, and our most genuine selves are buried beneath layers meant to defend against further wounding. My passion is helping people find healing and joy after surviving significant disappointment and trauma. I offer clients an invitation to grieve and to challenge defense mechanisms that undermine healthy relationship to self and others. I provide a safe and calm space in which therapeutic integration leads to wholeness and health.
(206) 207-1330 View (206) 207-1330
Photo of Kim Bourgette, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Kim Bourgette
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silverdale, WA 98383
I am most closely aligned with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I am currently accepting new clients ages 7 years and up. For many years now, I have been working with survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and all of the post traumatic symptoms that are experienced in the aftermath of trauma. My hope for your therapeutic process with me is that you experience personal growth and self-compassion, as well as gaining skills to cope with, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and other issues that create difficulty in living your best life.
I am most closely aligned with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I am currently accepting new clients ages 7 years and up. For many years now, I have been working with survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and all of the post traumatic symptoms that are experienced in the aftermath of trauma. My hope for your therapeutic process with me is that you experience personal growth and self-compassion, as well as gaining skills to cope with, and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and other issues that create difficulty in living your best life.
(206) 457-1579 View (206) 457-1579
Photo of Edward Surridge, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Edward Surridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LFMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
My relational therapy specialty is in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families, which focuses on improving the emotional connection between people.
I welcome you to heal and grow from past/present stressful situations in a professional, emphatic and validating therapeutic environment. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Wellness Counseling Inc. with 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am English-Spanish bilingual. I am in network with Bluecross-Blueshield, Kaiser, Lifewise, Premera and Regence.
My relational therapy specialty is in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and Families, which focuses on improving the emotional connection between people.
I welcome you to heal and grow from past/present stressful situations in a professional, emphatic and validating therapeutic environment. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Wellness Counseling Inc. with 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I am English-Spanish bilingual. I am in network with Bluecross-Blueshield, Kaiser, Lifewise, Premera and Regence.
(206) 309-6432 View (206) 309-6432
Photo of Megan Sater, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kitsap County, WA
Megan Sater
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
My work is rooted in attachment theory and integrates concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Nonviolent Communication, and The Gottman Method.
I provide a different kind of therapy, one that goes beyond the treatment of symptoms and examines the multifaceted layers that comprise human health. My approach is vibrantly holistic. I walk alongside my clients as they cultivate a deeper knowledge of self and examine areas of imbalance and disconnection. I work with individuals and couples from an attachment-based perspective, guided by my belief that healing, joy, and secure attachment are always within reach. I implement Gottman Institute techniques in my work with couples to improve communication and connection and facilitate healing post-infidelity.
My work is rooted in attachment theory and integrates concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Nonviolent Communication, and The Gottman Method.
I provide a different kind of therapy, one that goes beyond the treatment of symptoms and examines the multifaceted layers that comprise human health. My approach is vibrantly holistic. I walk alongside my clients as they cultivate a deeper knowledge of self and examine areas of imbalance and disconnection. I work with individuals and couples from an attachment-based perspective, guided by my belief that healing, joy, and secure attachment are always within reach. I implement Gottman Institute techniques in my work with couples to improve communication and connection and facilitate healing post-infidelity.
(206) 408-1728 View (206) 408-1728
Photo of Shannon Tallon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Shannon Tallon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
Poulsbo, WA 98370
My primary approach is based in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Compassion and humor is what you will experience in my office. I cultivate a safe place for you to be your authentic and vulnerable self as we work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. My clients consist of individuals ranging from 15 years old - 75 years old, with a wide array of issues related to communication, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, conflict management, intimacy, trauma, and stress. My Master's in Counseling and post-graduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy have equipped me to effectively and compassionately work with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
My primary approach is based in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Compassion and humor is what you will experience in my office. I cultivate a safe place for you to be your authentic and vulnerable self as we work together to achieve your therapeutic goals. My clients consist of individuals ranging from 15 years old - 75 years old, with a wide array of issues related to communication, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, conflict management, intimacy, trauma, and stress. My Master's in Counseling and post-graduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy have equipped me to effectively and compassionately work with people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
(360) 233-8072 View (360) 233-8072
Photo of Mary O'Leary, Psychologist in Kitsap County, WA
Mary O'Leary
Psychologist, MA, PhD, MS
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
My Specialties are: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (including PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias), Trauma, Dual Diagnosis (mental health plus substance use problems), Stress Management, Relationship and Couples Counseling (Emotionally Focused Therapy - EFT), Career and Life Transitions, and Personal Growth.
As a Clinical Psychologist with 30+ years of experience, I strive to help you find pathways to enjoy your life, feel more deeply connected to others, and to enhance your sense of meaning in life. My goal is to help you find ways to better cope with the difficulties that bring you to therapy and make healthy changes that enhance the quality of your life. I provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions in a warm, supportive, and professional therapeutic environment. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the personal history and present goals of each of my clients.
My Specialties are: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety (including PTSD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias), Trauma, Dual Diagnosis (mental health plus substance use problems), Stress Management, Relationship and Couples Counseling (Emotionally Focused Therapy - EFT), Career and Life Transitions, and Personal Growth.
As a Clinical Psychologist with 30+ years of experience, I strive to help you find pathways to enjoy your life, feel more deeply connected to others, and to enhance your sense of meaning in life. My goal is to help you find ways to better cope with the difficulties that bring you to therapy and make healthy changes that enhance the quality of your life. I provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions in a warm, supportive, and professional therapeutic environment. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the personal history and present goals of each of my clients.
(206) 743-9943 View (206) 743-9943
Photo of Carrie Stansell Paterson, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Carrie Stansell Paterson
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
I offer holistic client-centered psychotherapy to individuals and couples with: Conflict in relationships, feelings of disconnection, social anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, lack of motivation or satisfaction, postpartum depression and anxiety, excessive worry, generalized anxiety, memory loss, cognitive impairment, dementia, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, chronic medical conditions and pain, substance and behavioral addictions, unwanted habits, and caregiver stress and burnout. I have a passion for social justice, equality and offer affirmative psychotherapy for those identifying within the LGBTQIA community.
I offer holistic client-centered psychotherapy to individuals and couples with: Conflict in relationships, feelings of disconnection, social anxiety, depression, low-self-esteem, lack of motivation or satisfaction, postpartum depression and anxiety, excessive worry, generalized anxiety, memory loss, cognitive impairment, dementia, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, chronic medical conditions and pain, substance and behavioral addictions, unwanted habits, and caregiver stress and burnout. I have a passion for social justice, equality and offer affirmative psychotherapy for those identifying within the LGBTQIA community.
(206) 279-1063 View (206) 279-1063
Photo of Christine Havens, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Christine Havens
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  (Online Only)
For 28 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
For 28 years, I've worked with clients to support healing around trauma, marriage/partnering, sexuality, grief, depression/anxiety, addictions. Using Somatic Experiencing, family of origin, meditation/movement work, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I work with clients to help them develop a deeper sense of self, to face life's inevitable challenges with clarity and resources. Clients can repair their marriages/partnerships. Emphasized is the capacity to stay emotionally present, to attune, differentiate, have healthy boundaries, practice dual awareness and have clarity about attachment issues.
(206) 759-7147 View (206) 759-7147
Photo of Hanna Emerson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Kitsap County, WA
Hanna Emerson
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Port Orchard, WA 98366  (Online Only)
I may utilize attachment concepts, EFT, EMDR, IFS, and Gottman methods in session.
Immediate Availability. Relationships can be complicated. My goal is to help you build the skills to unlock more fulfilling connections with those you care about. Our work together will focus on helping you explore thoughts, emotions, patterns, memories, and limiting belief systems that may be impacting your relationships, even your relationship with yourself. Join me for individual, couples/polycules, or family sessions.
I may utilize attachment concepts, EFT, EMDR, IFS, and Gottman methods in session.
Immediate Availability. Relationships can be complicated. My goal is to help you build the skills to unlock more fulfilling connections with those you care about. Our work together will focus on helping you explore thoughts, emotions, patterns, memories, and limiting belief systems that may be impacting your relationships, even your relationship with yourself. Join me for individual, couples/polycules, or family sessions.
(509) 550-7691 View (509) 550-7691
Photo of Alice Grutman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Alice Grutman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Port Orchard, WA 98367  (Online Only)
I use EFT, Gottman Method, and specialized training in trauma, affair recovery, and navigating polyamory.
Couples therapy in California and Washington. Are you and your partner struggling with communication? Maybe it feels like you're having the same fight over and over again. Do you find yourself walking on eggshells, waiting for the next big fight? Perhaps trust has been broken and you're not sure how to repair it. Maybe you're feeling exhausted- Unable to concentrate at work or home. At the end of the day, one thing is for sure: You're ready for some relief. You're ready to repair hurts in a meaningful way. Most of all, you're ready to move forward with your partner with security and love.
I use EFT, Gottman Method, and specialized training in trauma, affair recovery, and navigating polyamory.
Couples therapy in California and Washington. Are you and your partner struggling with communication? Maybe it feels like you're having the same fight over and over again. Do you find yourself walking on eggshells, waiting for the next big fight? Perhaps trust has been broken and you're not sure how to repair it. Maybe you're feeling exhausted- Unable to concentrate at work or home. At the end of the day, one thing is for sure: You're ready for some relief. You're ready to repair hurts in a meaningful way. Most of all, you're ready to move forward with your partner with security and love.
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Photo of Jacqueline May, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Jacqueline May
Counselor, LMHC , MA, NCC
Verified Verified
Poulsbo, WA 98370  (Online Only)
My work with couples uses the framework of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Sue Johnson).
I am an attachment focused therapist, who holds space for individuals and couples. I work with folks (20+) experiencing anxiety, depression, challenges with confidence, boundaries, CPTSD, attachment issues, grief, adjustment and relationship distress. I'm also honored to hold individuals throughout their fertility journey (pregnant / postpartum people, birthing people experiencing mood challenges, and couples going through the transition to parenthood). My practice is an informed, safe place for highly sensitive people, military veterans/spouses/couples.
My work with couples uses the framework of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Sue Johnson).
I am an attachment focused therapist, who holds space for individuals and couples. I work with folks (20+) experiencing anxiety, depression, challenges with confidence, boundaries, CPTSD, attachment issues, grief, adjustment and relationship distress. I'm also honored to hold individuals throughout their fertility journey (pregnant / postpartum people, birthing people experiencing mood challenges, and couples going through the transition to parenthood). My practice is an informed, safe place for highly sensitive people, military veterans/spouses/couples.
(360) 583-6897 View (360) 583-6897
Photo of Daniel Rusco, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Daniel Rusco
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Silverdale, WA 98383
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next steps in your life? Have you grown tired of shoving it all down and not dealing with things? Are you ready to prioritize your well-being and embark on a journey of self-discovery? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're in the right place. As a therapist, I am here to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where we can explore your unique experiences, set meaningful goals, and work towards positive change. Let's start a conversation about your needs and aspirations.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next steps in your life? Have you grown tired of shoving it all down and not dealing with things? Are you ready to prioritize your well-being and embark on a journey of self-discovery? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're in the right place. As a therapist, I am here to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where we can explore your unique experiences, set meaningful goals, and work towards positive change. Let's start a conversation about your needs and aspirations.
(206) 759-2037 View (206) 759-2037
Photo of Julie Franks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Julie Franks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, DSW, MTS
Verified Verified
Hello! My name is Dr. Julie. I'm a maternal mental health therapist and founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood, a therapy practice that is especially for women who are facing infertility or are pregnant, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood. I have advanced training and experience in perinatal mental health, and I specialize in making therapy relevant and effective for women in these powerful stages of life. My style is kind, empathic, judgment-free and centered on your experience. I understand how challenging things can feel, and I'm here to support you through it.
Hello! My name is Dr. Julie. I'm a maternal mental health therapist and founder of Nurturing the Sisterhood, a therapy practice that is especially for women who are facing infertility or are pregnant, postpartum, and the early years of motherhood. I have advanced training and experience in perinatal mental health, and I specialize in making therapy relevant and effective for women in these powerful stages of life. My style is kind, empathic, judgment-free and centered on your experience. I understand how challenging things can feel, and I'm here to support you through it.
(206) 678-0935 View (206) 678-0935
Photo of Patricia Garcia Mulligan, Counselor in Kitsap County, WA
Patricia Garcia Mulligan
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bremerton, WA 98310
Waitlist for new clients
I can help you build healthy relationships, heal trauma, cope with life stress and worry, healthy parenting, identity exploration and coming out, and gender transition. I value direct communication, as well as humor, to build trust in the therapy relationship. I look forward to talking to you to see if we might be a good fit.
I can help you build healthy relationships, heal trauma, cope with life stress and worry, healthy parenting, identity exploration and coming out, and gender transition. I value direct communication, as well as humor, to build trust in the therapy relationship. I look forward to talking to you to see if we might be a good fit.
(360) 443-5392 View (360) 443-5392
Photo of Crissy Anderson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kitsap County, WA
Crissy Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bremerton, WA 98311
Connection is critical to our well-being, as are the experiences of feeling seen, understood and valued for who we truly are. My role is to help create an environment in which you experience these things, from which I can offer individualized therapy based on your specific problems and goals.
Connection is critical to our well-being, as are the experiences of feeling seen, understood and valued for who we truly are. My role is to help create an environment in which you experience these things, from which I can offer individualized therapy based on your specific problems and goals.
(206) 981-5930 View (206) 981-5930

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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.