Emotion-Focused Therapy

In-person in Davis & Online throughout California

Imagine feeling a long-lasting connection with others

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is an attachment type of therapy that helps individuals, couples, and families improve relationships through both the physical and emotional bonds that can cause distress in those relational connections.

Restoring emotional bonds gives partners the strength and ability to be both physically and mentally more responsive and move them through conflicts in ways that were not possible before. EFT also helps support and heal old wounds, or trauma injuries in one or both people’s lives. The approach is gentle and supportive.

The therapist focuses on identifying unmet attachment needs to increase closeness that lies under primary emotions presented to the outer parts of the self. EFT focuses on these needs and creating a secure attachment bond to strengthen the goals of individuals, couples, or families.

Let us join you in supporting you on your path to healing.

How EFT works

Most EFT therapists meet with their clients weekly. History is gathered and the therapist works to understand patterns within the relationship. The therapist may be listening for unspoken fears and insecurities that drive negative interactions between the individuals in the relationship.

After several sessions, the therapist will share the negative cycle, or patterns of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts that take place over and over again in the relationship. Most people find this process fascinating but are encouraged to be active participants in making corrections or changes within the pattern.

Our bonds with others are built in our brains and often built connections of old relationships or patterns that no longer serve us. Many times these old patterns repeat themselves without us knowing it. Because of neuroplasticity we now know that the brain is capable of so much more change and growth than originally believed.

EFT was originally created to treat couples but has now been expanded and the approach can treat individuals and families.

What we’ll work on

EFT therapy can help you:

  • Build strong emotional bonds

  • Increase healthy communication

  • Create more secure attachment moments

  • Reduce the frequency of negative reactions

  • Increase intimacy

  • Express your emotional needs and desires to your partner

Find calm & connection that you never imagined was possible

You are not alone. We are here to help.

FAQS

Common questions about Emotion-focused therapy

  • Most couples see improvements within 8 to 20 sessions, weekly.

  • Not really. Because our brains process emotions in a matter of microseconds, it’s important for us to move slowly in healing vulnerable parts of ourselves. If we move too fast, we may miss retaining the new skills or healed parts of ourselves.

  • Contact our office and we will match you with an EFT-trained therapist.