Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is an effective and powerful way to address fractured or conflicted relationships among family members. The goal of EFFT counseling is to identify the negative patterns and cycles that keep the family from being the place of security and connection that we all need. It is useful when a child or adolescent presents with problematic behavior, parents have parenting issues, or when a family presents with interactional difficulties, such as constant bickering or fighting. Families are particularly vulnerable during times of crisis or change (like when children go through the developmental stages of adolescence and teenage years). I first meet with the whole family and then have follow up appointments with the identified client or a couple of family members as needed (for example, mom and teenager).
Goals of Emotionally Focused Family Counseling and Therapy
My hope with Emotionally Focused Family therapy is to be able to help family members articulate and express their emotions directly but gently so that the family can dialogue. The problem is framed as the negative cycle the family has gotten into, NOT one particular family member or the “identified client.” The work is to help the family members connect so they can access and reorganize their emotional experience with each other. EFFT helps families reduce negative interactional cycles, heighten their strengths and build more cohesive, flexible, nurturing family relationships.
I have seen distant and defiant teenagers and upset parents come to understand that they are struggling through a difficult stage. They are able to move through Emotionally Focused Family therapy and emerge with an independent teen and as flexible, supportive parents who have learned how to cope with change and emerge with a deeper sense of connection.
If your family is struggling and hurting, contact me or call me at 561/866-6607 for an appointment. I would be happy to meet with you and see if Emotionally Focused Family therapy can help your family become the safe haven you want it to be. I provide this counseling to help family members feel loved and connected and provide the secure home base for children to grow in. I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with your family.
Elizabeth Pankey-Warren