Betsy Ellis, LCMHC |
(802) 999-9026
It can be difficult to realize that you and your partner may need counseling. You may feel overwhelmed, sad, lonely, scared – or all of the above. Of course you would feel this way – this is most likely the most important relationship in your life. But not dealing with negative feelings can seep into other areas of your life, compounding your distress.
Deciding to get help, and then actually trying to find the right help, can be challenging as well. With the right therapist, couples counseling can transform your relationship.
You’ve come to the right place: I specialize in couples counseling. I see only couples. I offer the most cutting-edge approach to couple’s therapy: Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, or EFT. According to the International Center for Excellence in EFT, “A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists. Research studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements.” I know EFT works because I’ve used it with my own partner. It positively impacts my relationships with my children. Its benefits affect all other relationships in my life, including my family of origin, my in-laws, and my work relationships.
I absolutely love what I do! I love it because it works, and because it enriches my own relationships. I love to see my clients heal and get close again. It enriches my daily work life because I’m able to be myself in our sessions and offer you deep empathy, a fully engaged presence, transparency, safety, balance, and a true desire to heal your relationship.
Your relationship is my client! I work hard in service of your relationship to guide both of you to learn new ways and improve old ways of relating to each other. My goal is to have you finish the 3 stages of EFT and not need counseling anymore. Have you ever heard a therapist say that before? I don’t solve your problems; I teach you the skills to solve your own problems, now and in the future. If you are committed to each other and committed to consistent therapy, together we can make your relationship mutually supportive, wonderfully empathic, deeply loving, joyful, and fun!
Feeling stuck in your relationship can feel very distressing. Sometimes partners feel like they’re growing apart from each other and don’t know how to bridge the gap. Feeling lonely and unheard, not getting your needs met, and feeling like your partner is pulling away are all good reasons to seek counseling. Work, children, and other responsibilities can take over both of your lives. Conversations can lack depth and meaningful resolutions. Years of living like this can take its toll on both of you. It’s a good time to seek help!
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is just that… emotionally focused! You will learn how to have more and more heart to heart conversations that heal the hurts, strengthen your bond and bring joy back into your relationship. You will be able to be emotionally present and be sources of comfort for each other in times of distress. Instead of frequent disconnections, a persistent feeling of connection will be the new normal.
ABOUT BETSY ELLISEveryone has had relationship issues at some point in their lives. It’s universal. I also have been in this rocky place. Once I discovered Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and experienced it for myself, I knew I HAD to get the training and give this gift to other couples. Once I felt my relationship healing and strengthening, I knew we were going to be more than okay. Gradually, we began to be able to have deep and meaningful conversations, both in and outside of therapy. We each felt heard, understood, accepted and safe. It wasn’t easy, but it was so worth the effort. Your mutual participation, honesty, commitment to each other, and openness to the counseling process are all vital factors for the healing process.
