NANCY H. MCCORD, PSY.D., PC

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST

Nancy H. Mccord, PSY.D., PC

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

I have extensive post-graduate training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), an approach validated by over 25 years of empirical research. EFT’s fundamental assumption is that we are hard-wired to seek and maintain emotional bonds throughout our lives. All humans, regardless of our gender, age, sexual orientation, or cultural background, experience greater health and well-being when we feel embedded in a matrix of secure and loving relationships.  Conversely, disruptions in our closest emotional bonds can be a deeply unsettling.  Our brains can even encode moments of disconnect as being dangerous, thus priming us for heightened physical and emotional reactivity. Understanding these principles sheds much light on how therapists can support romantic partners.

Many couples seek therapy to address a mutual sense of disconnection, repetitive episodes of painful conflict, or simply a vague feeling that their relationship could be and feel better. EFT has given me a keen ear for the patterns that occur in distressed relationships and a map for understanding the vulnerable emotions that often drive cycles of conflict or alienation. Ultimately, the goal is for partners to re-establish their relationship as both an emotional safe haven and a springboard for shared growth, exploration, and play. Much has been written about EFT and I invite you to read and learn more.