“Emotional dependency is not immature or pathological; it is our greatest strength.” - Sue Johnson
My Approach
I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals and Couples
Emotionally Focused Therapy is an evidence-based modality that has been proven to:
Reduce depression and anxiety symptoms
Improve relationships in both individual therapy and couples therapy
Lead to lasting change
While I will incorporate somatic, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic techniques, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as my guiding theoretical approach to therapy.
What does “Emotionally Focused” therapy entail for individuals?
Emotionally Focused Therapy believes in the power of connection.
Whether we are working together in individual or couples therapy, I believe our relationship is foundational for change. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I aim to be fully present in sessions to accompany you in whatever we might explore. My approach is warm, direct, and honest.
Initially, we work together to track what protective emotional and relational strategies you have developed over time. As children, we develop strategies for managing our feelings and relating to others. Some of these strategies include:
Overthinking, spiraling, worrying about the past or future
Shutting down, withdrawing, making yourself small
Perfectionism
Overworking
Criticism
Substance Use
Although these strategies may have helped us cope, they can often become patterns that limit our relationships and emotional wellbeing now as adults and can lead to depression and anxiety.
Awareness of our patterns is only the first step towards change.
Once we build awareness of your emotional and relational patterns, we will use experiential interventions to help you slow down and transform your negative emotions and patterns in session. We may use exercises such as role-play and parts work (i.e: “inner child”) to help you access and process core emotional experiences that may previously have felt overwhelming, confusing, or inaccessible. Through our work in the “here and now”, you will gain more emotional flexibility and choice when responding to stressors and triggers.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)
EFCT believes that our adult romantic relationships are fundamental for our well-being. When we are stuck in a cycle of disconnection with our partners, it can feel devastating.
Does this sound like you and your partner?
One attacks, one retreats
One wants to talk, one wants things to be okay
“Neither of us wants to talk about it because it is too hard”
“We keep going around and around with no resolution”
“We can’t get over something that happened, and whenever we fight, we always end up talking about it”
Couples get stuck in repetitive, predictable cycles of disconnection. Litigating “who is right, who is wrong” will only lead couples to fall back into the same place next time they fight.
EFCT offers an alternative to problem-solving or quick communication tips. I will help you two to uncover the underlying attachment needs and wants that are keeping the conflict alive. We will work together to strengthen your relationship to not only reduce conflict but also increase intimacy and enjoyment.