Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) in Ottawa

At Levity Counselling, Emotion-Focused Therapy is a uniting approach that underpins all our therapy work. We understand how challenging it can be to face your emotions, especially if they have been buried for years. We get it. Each of our therapists provides a supportive and compassionate space where you can safely explore your emotional world. Our therapists are trained to work with a wide variety of emotional challenges, and each of us work in a unique, relatable way.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

What is EFT?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach grounded in the belief that our emotions are essential to understanding and healing from personal difficulties. It is based on the idea that emotions are strongly linked to our personal identity and needs, and when appropriately processed and expressed, can lead to profound healing, growth, and transformation.

EFT is a powerful, evidence-based approach that focuses on helping individuals identify, explore, and make sense of their emotional experiences.

How Does Emotion-Focused Therapy Work?

The EFT Process

In Emotionally Focused Therapy, emotions are seen as messengers that guide us toward what we need in our lives. However, many of us experience emotional pain or distress because we either suppress or avoid emotions, or we don’t know how to manage them in a healthy way. The core goal of EFT is to help you become more emotionally aware and skillful in your emotional responses.

The core principles of this therapy process involves identifying and processing emotions that might be causing confusion, distress, or conflict in your life. This typically looks like a combination of the following:

Awareness

We help you become more aware of your emotions. Many people struggle with identifying what they’re truly feeling, which can lead to confusion or emotional overwhelm. Through EFT, you will learn to recognize your emotions and understand their underlying causes.

Expression

Once you are aware of your emotions, EFT helps you express them in healthy, productive ways. This may involve learning to communicate your feelings to others, or finding ways to safely release emotions that have been suppressed for a long time.

Repair

Over time and work together, we aim to help you transform unhelpful emotions or negative patterns into positive, adaptive emotional responses. EFT helps you reframe your emotional experiences, so you can break free from negative cycles that have kept you stuck in pain or conflict.

Throughout this process, your therapist will work with you to uncover emotional blockages, understand the connections between thoughts and emotions, and guide you towards healthier emotional experiences. With time, EFT can help you develop more self regulation through adaptive ways of responding to difficult emotions.

what benefits you can expect with EFT

Benefits of Emotion-Focused Therapy

Emotion-Focused Therapy offers a wide range of benefits for those seeking personal growth or
healing from emotional difficulties. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Increased Emotional Awareness

EFT helps you become more aware of your emotions and the ways in which they influence your life. This awareness allows you to make better choices and break free from patterns that no longer serve you.

Improved Emotional Regulation

Learning how to regulate emotions is a key component of EFT. With the skills you develop in therapy, you will feel more in control of your emotional responses, leading to less stress and greater emotional stability.

Enhanced Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance

Emotions are strongly linked to our sense of self and decision-making processes, and by processing painful emotions, EFT helps you move toward greater self-acceptance. It allows you to embrace your emotions as an integral part of who you are, rather than rejecting or feeling ashamed of them.

Healthier Relationships

Emotionally focused couples therapy can be incredibly helpful for individuals struggling with relationship issues. By learning to express and process emotions effectively, individuals and couples can communicate more openly, build trust, and deepen their emotional connection.

Relief from Anxiety and Depression

Because emotions like fear, sadness, and shame can contribute to anxiety and depression, Emotional works to address these root causes. As emotional distress is processed and transformed, individuals experience greater peace, balance, and happiness.

Trauma Healing

EFT has shown significant promise in helping individuals heal from trauma by processing suppressed emotions and integrating the emotional experience into a more coherent narrative. Through this healing process, you can free yourself from the grip of past wounds and move forward with renewed strength.

Is Emotion-Focused Therapy Right for You?

Get Started with Emotion-Focused Therapy Today

EFT can be beneficial for individuals who are ready to delve into their emotional world and make meaningful changes. If you feel disconnected from your emotions, experience overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or anger, or if you struggle with self-acceptance or relational difficulties, EFT can help you uncover the root causes of these emotions and find healthier ways to cope. If you are looking for tips, tricks, and quick fixes, EFT alone is probably not for you.

We are here to help you navigate your emotional world and help you develop your relationship with yourself and others. Contact Us to schedule your consultation and learn more about how Emotion-Focused Therapy can support you.

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Let us know how we can help you!