Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in San Diego

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EFT IN SAN DIEGO

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – strengthening connection through emotional understanding

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a deeply relational, evidence-based approach that helps individuals and couples understand the emotional patterns shaping their relationships. EFT focuses on emotions as the guiding force behind all behaviors, conflict and disconnection. 

We’ll work together to identify the cycles that keep you feeling stuck, distant or misunderstood and learn practical skills to help you gently shift those patterns toward emotional safety, openness and connection. As you begin to be able to express your own emotional needs and understand the emotional needs of your partner, communication naturally improves and conflict usually becomes much easier to navigate, resulting in a more peaceful, loving and fulfilling relationship.

Unlike some couples therapy, EFT is a very non-judgmental and compassionate approach. The goal is not to blame one another or identify one partner as the source of all problems but rather about helping both of you understand each other and step out of old cycles so you can build a stronger, healthier connection.

Headshot of Dana Sockolov OCD Therapist San Diego

THE BENEFITS OF EFT

Why choose Emotionally Focused Therapy for your relationship?

Gain a deeper understanding of your own emotional needs and learn to recognize and respond to your partner’s needs.

Improve communication patterns so both partners feel truly heard, understood and valued in the relationship.

Strengthen your emotional connection with each other, creating a safe and secure bond based on intimacy and trust.

Build a strong foundation for a long-lasting, fulfilling and stable relationship that can weather any challenge together.

What you can expect from Emotionally Focused Therapy in San Diego

HOW THIS WORKS

To begin with, we’ll create a safe and supportive space for you to share your emotions openly. This step is about building trust and safety so that vulnerability can emerge naturally. We’ll identify recurring patterns or cycles in your relationships that keep conflict, distance or misunderstanding alive.

Once these patterns are clear, we’ll explore the core emotions underneath behaviors. Naming and expressing feelings like fear of rejection, longing for closeness or frustration can help you and your partner understand each other better. We’ll then practice new ways of interacting and responding to these emotions. By reshaping how you communicate and connect, you can break old cycles and build more secure, supportive relationships.

Over time, EFT strengthens emotional bonds, trust and intimacy. Most couples or individuals see meaningful improvements within 8-15 sessions. We’ll check in regularly to ensure progress while equipping you with tools to maintain these changes long-term without the need for on-going therapy.

  • I wholeheartedly recommend Dana without reservation. She is a highly skilled couples therapist who supports her clients using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to create lasting, meaningful change. Her lived experiences bring an additional depth to her work, allowing her to connect with clients in a way that feels both compassionate and truly understanding. She brings warmth, empathy, and genuine care into every session, creating a safe and supportive space for growth. Any client would be fortunate to work with her.

    — Colleague

  • I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Dana for over two years, and I continue to be impressed by her skill, warmth, and dedication as a couples therapist. Dana is genuine and compassionate, and really takes the time to understand her clients. In our time collaborating, I’ve seen how thoughtfully she uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and has a natural ability to hold space for both partners. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dana to any couple seeking a therapist who is not only highly skilled but also deeply caring.

    — Colleague

Everything you need to know about starting therapy with me

FEES & FAQs

Head over to my FAQ page to find all the practical information about working with me, such as what to expect, costs, the insurance providers I accept, my working hours, etc.

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Take your first step towards healing

Finding a therapist that really gets you can be tricky - I know! You never know if you’ll actually click with someone until you can speak to them. To help make that process easier for you, I offer a free 15-min online consultation so you can meet me, ask questions and decide for yourself if the vibe is right. 

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