Emotion Focused Couples Therapy | Knoxville, TN

What is Emotion Focused Couples Therapy?

Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) is an evidence-based model that pulls from attachment theory, systemic therapy, and experiential therapy. EFCT guides couples in identifying negative patterns of interacting and assisting them in vulnerably sharing their deeper emotions that drive negative behaviors. In EFCT, couples go deeper than learning “I” statements; they experience turning towards each other in ways they have never experienced before, deeply and vulnerably sharing their feelings and needs.
Rushing Mountain Waterfull surrounded by pine trees - peaceful nature scene for Breaking Free Therapy

My Approach to Couples Therapy

I help couples in Knoxville, Tennessee (and via telehealth in Colorado) break free from negative interaction cycles and build a more secure, loving bond using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). 
 
I work with dating, premarital, and long-term committed and married couples. With over a decade of experience and advanced training in EFCT, I have found the most success when each partner is also engaged in individual therapy, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves before and during couples work. Due to my intensive systemic experience, I prefer working with the entire system — doing individual attachment work with each partner while also addressing the negative pattern together as a couple. By working with the whole system, I gain a deeper understanding of each partner and can reduce reactivity by addressing the individual issues that get triggered. When both partners are in the room, I use EFCT to de-escalate conflict, reach deeper levels of communication, and create a safe and secure bond.

Issues Addressed in Couples Therapy

  • Couples experiencing the same fight over and over again
  • Dating couples working to understand if they can move forward in marriage/long term commitment or if they need to break up
  • Couples that are willing to work on repairing after a betrayal or affair
  • Couples looking to deepen their bond and build a stronger connection
It is unethical and unsafe for me to work with couples experiencing domestic violence. Safety must be established before couples work can begin. I also do not work with couples where an active affair is occurring or where an affair has not yet been disclosed.

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