Couples Therapy

In couples therapy, partners are helped to identify their negative interactional patterns and the negative emotions that are generated by these patterns. Dr. Chris Michaels predominantly utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is a style of therapy shown to be highly effective with couples.

The goal of EFT is to help partners create a healthy, strong connection. Emotionally Focused Therapy is a short term (8-20 sessions), structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the early 1980s by Drs. Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. According to the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists, and  research studies find that, through EFT, 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements. For more information on EFT, click here.

Educated and trained to work with individuals, couples, and families, Dr. Michaels earned a Ph.D. in Professional Psychology and Family Therapy and received further post-graduate training in couples therapy at the Center for Family Learning (CFL).

Discounted Sessions: With written consent, taping of a couple's sessions has been found to be very useful. A review of the session can produce valuable information not easily attained in a fast moving session. A reduced fee is available for this type of work and an assurance and guarantee are provided that the tape will only be viewed by Dr. Michaels for his review or a consulting supervisor when deemed necessary. If you wish to participate in this program, please feel free to contact Dr. Michaels to discuss the arrangements by calling 973.984.7510 or by sending an email.