What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)?
Emotionally Focused Therapy is an approach to couple therapy that is supported by research to be effective in strengthening the bonds between partners and reducing conflict and distance in relationships. It is a strengths-based approach that focuses on slowing down the negative patterns people can find themselves in and uncovering the underlying emotions that are often missed when the same old fight happens again.
How does a therapist get certified as an EFT therapist?
Certification in EFT requires extensive training and supervision in this approach. I have had ongoing training and supervision over the past 7 years in this approach to therapy. The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy awarded me certification as an EFT therapist and supervisor after observing video of my work. Pursuit of certification in EFT requires a commitment to excellence and ongoing learning. Even though I have achieved the designation of a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist, I continue to challenge myself and pursue further learning and advancement of my skills as a therapist.
What if my partner or family member won't come to therapy with me?
I will help in the beginning of therapy to try to engage family members who are reluctant to come to therapy. I know it is daunting to seek help and the therapy office is not always portrayed in a positive way in the media. If family members continue to choose not to engage in therapy, I am happy to work with you individually. As a marriage and family therapist, I think from a systemic perspective, which means that I am always zooming out to look at the bigger picture, especially the relationships in your life. I can help you see the ways in which you might be contributing to problems in your relationships and to develop new ways of interacting that can change those relationships.
What happens if we fight? Do you take sides?
I work hard to interrupt arguments in couple and family sessions so that people aren’t having the same experience in my office that they have at home. I do not take sides and it’s important to me that all parties feel that I am listening to their perspective. I strive to understand how each person in a relationship may be contributing to the negative patterns and to help them communicate and connect in a new way. I believe that we develop ways of interacting and coping that can sometimes be problematic, although our intentions may be good. My goal is to try to uncover the messages that are sometimes lost in the midst of a fight and to help people convey what is most important.
How do I make an appointment to schedule an appointment?
I practically and actively help clients in not only self reflection, but also encourage self reliance outside my office. And, this is what seeds the root of self-confidence as well. I believe that the client and the therapist can work together to find a problem. The painful emotional beliefs and reservations that restrict the individuals from meeting their goals, or following their passion, can be overpowered when the person starts to accept the reality, and let go of the past
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
This helps the clients in not only self reflection, but also encourages self reliance outside my office. And, this is what seeds the root of self-confidence as well. The painful emotional beliefs and reservations that restrict the individuals when the person starts to accept the reality, and let go of the past. I believe we can work together to find a problem, and define and implement a solution.
