Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) is a treatment approach that recognizes emotions and emotional regulation as the core experience of a person and the biggest factor in how they relate to others. EFT can help you understand the role of emotions and focuses on changing unproductive emotional responses that interfere with your ability to have healthy relationships and social interactions. EFT sessions are usually centered on learning two important skills. First, the therapist guides the client to further understand their emotions through awareness and acceptance of their current situation. Then, the therapist helps the individual learn how to shift their thinking and change their emotions so that they can avoid harmful or unhelpful behaviors in the future.

What to expect.

In EFT, the therapist and client work together and are equal contributors to treatment. EFT was founded with the basic premise that emotions should be used to make healthy, more meaningful decisions and choices.

EFT is provided by a trained therapist who will take a compassionate, reflective, and non-judgmental approach to treatment. The therapist will work with the client to help them understand the problems they are dealing with and establish treatment goals. They will help the client better understand, challenge, and change difficult emotions to further transform their actions.

What are the benefits of EFT? 

The main goals of EFT are strengthening a sense of self, managing emotions, and creating new meaning or priorities for your life. EFT is often used in couple’s therapy but can also address depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. It can treat childhood abuse or neglect, various anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder as well. EFT can help you improve your overall quality of life and ability to function on a daily basis. Studies show that EFT is an evidence-based approach that leads to higher self-esteem, stronger communication skills, and better relationships.

Unlike other therapies, EFT is not designed to treat specific mental health symptoms. So, depending on a client’s diagnosis and symptoms, it may be better used in conjunction with another form of therapy or medication.

This service is available in the following locations:

 

  • Augusta
  • via telehealth statewide

For more information or to enroll in services our Open Access team at (207) 626-3414.

We are required to bill for our services. MaineCare and private insurance will pay for many of our services. Low or no-cost treatment may be available to qualified individuals.

Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Call our Open Acess team at (207) 626-3414.

They will answer your questions, provide information, and help you make an appointment for an initial assessment, where we can learn more about you and your specific needs.