Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is often associated with couples. But, as the popularity of this modality continues to grow, it’s becoming clearer that it can help individuals with a variety of conditions, as well.

EFT focuses heavily on attachment and the need for secure relationships, but that goes well beyond couples and families. Those issues can impact who you are as an individual. If you struggle with attachment issues or feelings of security, those problems can spill over into other areas of your life.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some common issues emotionally focused therapy can help with, so you can develop a deeper understanding of whether it’s the right solution for your needs.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety impacts everyone differently, but it can make you feel like you’re not in control of your own thoughts and emotions. Because EFT helps you become more aware of your emotions, it can also help with self-regulation over anxious thoughts.

Unfortunately, anxiety can often feel like a vicious cycle. The more your worried thoughts take over, the more anxious you’ll feel. The more anxious you feel, the easier it is for your worried thoughts to take complete control.

EFT serves as a source of empowerment when you’re struggling with anxiety. You can get in touch with what you are actually feeling, differentiate between helpful and unhelpful emotions, which puts you in control rather than the invasive thoughts. When you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s easier to regulate your emotions and feel less consumed with worry or fear.

When it comes to depression, EFT helps you get in touch with the feelings that may be turned inward (and not felt or expressed) that is causing your depression. EFT allows you to experience which emotions you are feeling in your body which helps you free the stuck, unprocessed pain from your body, thereby reducing or eliminating your depression.

man sitting alone on a white sandy beach watching the wavesEating Disorders

Eating disorders can be difficult to work through because there are so many possible triggers and causes. But many of them begin in an effort to avoid other emotions, or to establish a sense of “control.” Unfortunately, more often than not, eating disorders can spiral out of control. Then, you have to struggle with both the mental and physical effects.

People who go through eating disorders often have difficulties regulating their emotions or even really identifying what they’re feeling. EFT can help them to recognize difficult emotions and process them in healthier ways. An EFT therapist can help those with eating disorders to replace unhealthy and destructive emotions with positive ones that will encourage self-soothing.

Communication Issues

It’s hard to communicate effectively with the people in your life when you feel like you can’t adequately express your emotions or you feel “detached” somehow.

EFT will help you learn how to express your emotions in healthy ways, while improving your empathy for others so you can become a better active listener as well as a better communicator. Not only will those skills benefit your close relationships, but they can also make you more comfortable when it comes to meeting new people or collaborating with others at work.

These issues are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how emotionally focused therapy can help you. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to set up an appointment, feel free to contact me at 561/866-6607. EFT has seen a lot of growth for a reason, and if you’ve had a hard time regulating your emotions—or even fully understanding them — this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.