Foundations Counseling in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor offers emotionally focused therapy (EFT) to help adults address a variety of issues in their intimate relationships. This therapeutic method is based on studies around how adults love, and how couples bond (or attach) to each other. Emotionally focused therapy can also be used in family counseling.  

For example, you and your partner might argue regularly about household chores. Emotionally focused therapy would teach you how to express the deeper emotions behind the frustration, which could be a lack of trust, a power imbalance, feelings of inadequacy, or something else entirely. Your therapist will show you both how to connect on deeper levels, communicate better, and understand each other emotionally. 

Whether you’re part of a couple or a member of your family seeking guidance, our counselors are familiar with the dynamics of adult relationships. They know how difficult it can be to express your emotions, and they also empathize with how difficult it can be to understand those emotions as they relate to a partner or family member and your behavior toward each other. 

What you can expect with Emotionally Focused Therapy

Foundations Counseling offers emotionally focused therapy in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor. No two experiences are the same, but this type of therapy uses a strategic set of steps to help you identify and cope with attachment-related insecurities. 

Phase One: Cycle De-Escalation

Step 1: First, you’ll identify the conflict and areas of concern between you and your partner.

Step 2: Next, identify the behavior patterns that lead to or increase conflict.

Step 3: Now, your therapist will help you discover previously unacknowledged fears and negative emotions related to the attachment behind behavior patterns.

Step 4: Your therapist helps you look at issues differently, framing them in terms of each person’s underlying emotions, fears, needs, and how those lead to negative interactions.

Phase Two: Changing How You Interact

Step 5: Your therapist will help you express your emotions and attachment needs. 

Step 6: You’ll learn how to express acceptance, empathy, and understanding of your partner’s voiced emotions and attachment needs.

Step 7: At the end of phase two you’ll both learn how to talk to each other about your needs and feelings, creating deeper bonds. 

Phase Three: Consolidation & Integration

Step 8: Learning new ways of communicating will help you solve old problems in new, healthier ways. 

Step 9: During the final step the couple or family will learn how to use the skills they’ve learned in therapy in their regular lives. 

Essentially, emotion focused therapy techniques will show you and your partner how to develop new, healthier interaction patterns with each other. 

When to Ask for Help

If you’re experiencing distress in an intimate relationship, emotionally focused therapy (EFT) can help. Whether you fight constantly, can’t seem to break through with each other, or feel like you’re speaking different languages when you try to communicate, this structured form of therapy has the power to reshape your relationship. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your partner, which will make it easier to interact with each other in a more loving and emotionally connected ways. 

Set up a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know would benefit from emotionally focused therapy, please contact Foundations Counseling in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor to arrange a free consultation.