Emotionally Focused Therapy

Sometimes you feel your emotions so strongly that it prevents you from thinking straight. I teach clients to regulate and cope with negative emotions as well as gain awareness of their emotions. Furthermore, I assist with developing a strategy to work effectively with a range of emotions.

Our emotional state shapes the way we think and interpret our life experiences. Discovering there is no emotional experience that does not have a benefit can help you unlock your best life journey.

My primary couple's therapy modality is EFT. EFT is an attachment theory informed modality that focuses on helping couples look under the surface of their recurrent conflict cycles. Couples who find themselves wondering why they are seemingly having the same argument over and over without resolution would be a great fit for EFT.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy, drawing primarily from attachment theory to facilitate the creation of secure, vibrant connection with self and others. Rooted in the science of emotions and attachment, EFT helps clients identify and transform the negative processing and interaction patterns that create distress. It focuses on the development of emotional intelligence and awareness.

I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples in marriage counseling because it is an evidence-based treatment modality. I have advanced training in this effective modality, which research shows has a 90% success rate in helping couples move from distressed relationships to satisfying ones.

Using an integrated EFT approach I help couples and individuals identify their primary emotions, work through maladaptive responses, and develop empathy and compassion for themselves and others.

Life is hard, and we are socialized to suppress our feelings. When we suppress them, they inevitably begin to seep out, such as through our actions. In our sessions, we will dive deeply into your feelings. In my work with couples, because I believe that issues in romantic relationships are primarily due to emotional disconnection, I will facilitate deeper emotional connection through helping you truly hear each other & become more emotionally accessible, responsive, & engaged with each other.

I have specialized training in Emotion-Focused therapy (EFT) which may be defined as the practice of therapy informed by an understanding of the role of emotion in psychotherapeutic change.

My practice focuses more on processing emotions, in a multitude of ways, so people feel better.

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach formulated on the theory that emotions are key to identity, decision making, and relationships. As an EFT therapist, I believe that in order to understand the important information emotions provide, we need our focus to be more on an awareness and acceptance of our emotions rather than attempting to suppress and control our emotions. Using this approach can help uncover the complexities of a relationship in couples counseling.

Do you find you and your partner(s) are getting stuck in the same argument over and over? You know you both care for each other but neither of you feel heard and seen. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, I can help you get in touch with your deeper emotions, address your relational conflict cycle, and build safe & emotionally connected relationships.

I have completed an externship in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotions Focused Therapy for couples and individuals directly from EFT International. Additionally, I have sought out training for using EFT with folks who have a disorganized attachment style/a trauma background from Kathryn Reem and the Professional Education Systems Institute (PESI.com) .

I completed training in EFT with Dr. Silvina Irwin in Los Angeles. I hope to continue my growth as an EFT therapist with advanced training in the coming year. I practice EFT with couples and individuals, and have seen remarkable results in expression of feelings, ability to build connection, and sense of security in relationships. I have been an EFT client myself, and truly believe that this work is a powerful healing tool.

As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I support couples in understanding and overcoming negative cycles in their relationship using the A.R.E. model. Accessibilty (Can I reach you?) Responsiveness ( Do you see that my emotions matter?) Engagement (Will you show up for me?) What is the negative cycle in your relationship? This often shows up in the arguments we have "on repeat" and never really resolve. Even the happiest of couples get stuck! All relationships deserve the hard work!

In my work with couples and families, I primarily utilize an emotionally-focused and Socio-Emotional Relational therapeutic approach, combined with internal family systems language. This means that I am always considering the core attachment needs and influence of social power structures that we carry in this lifetime, how those show up in our interactions with others, and the ways in which we are complex beings with multiple, and sometimes contradictory feelings, thoughts, and needs.

I use a highly experiential approach to therapy. This means I believe that simply thinking or talking about a problem is not enough to create real change. In order for change to occur, we need to go deeper, beyond the thinking mind. Research shows that having a felt experience opens up pathways to new ways of thinking and being. This means we will be working toward having new, felt sense experiences to help you move beyond stuck patterns and ineffective coping strategies and toward real change.

In my work with couples and other relationship configurations, I draw primarily from my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is the gold standard for evidence-based interventions in relationship work; it helps you and your loved ones establish safety and connection. I also weave in interventions from The Gottman Method with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, Collaborative Couples Counseling with Dr. Dan Wile, and Modern Relationships with Esther Perel.