Emotionally Focused Therapy or EFT

EFT is a short term (8-20 sessions) structured approach to couple therapy based on attachment theory research. Interventions in EFT integrate a humanistic, experiential approach to restructuring emotional experience and a systemic structural approach to healing interactions. Couples learn how their interactions have gotten stuck, how to slow down, notice, name their underlying emotions in a way that helps bring new awareness and opportunity for bonding and connection.

CREDENTIALS:

Bachelor of Arts, Human Biology, Stanford University Aug. 1980

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Colorado, June 1984

Masters Degree in Counseling with Honors, Denver Seminary, May 2005

EMDR Level II, Jan. 2006

School of Spiritual Direction, Sept. 2006

Emotionally Focused Therapy 2014

Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Colorado #5400

APPROACH TO THERAPY

As a therapist, my goal is to promote the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of every client. Favoring an eclectic theoretical perspective, I interact with each client based on the style in which they are most comfortable. This facilitates the successful formation of a therapeutic relationship, which is the primary tool of change in therapy.

With years of experience working with clients suffering from trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, in addition to other issues, I incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques including EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral, existential and dialectical behavioral therapy, as well as spiritual and physical health therapies, into my sessions.

To learn more about each therapy, read below.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Working with clients to identify their goals, needs, strengths and tools needed to accomplish goals is a high priority. Empowering clients through insights and acquiring skills to manage are a major focus of work in therapy. For those experiencing a sense of being 'stuck' in emotions of their problems, EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an extremely helpful tool to work through these emotions (this is briefly explained in the FAQ section). Though originally developed for those suffering from trauma, EMDR is also effective for many other issues where regulating emotions is difficult.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:

RN Boulder Community Hospital 1985-99

Therapist, Lost and Found Family Counseling Center 2005- 2012

Private Practice Boulder County, 2006 – present

​​Kathy Narum RN LPC ​

Spiritual and Physical Health

With my background in nursing and spiritual direction, I am eager to explore the physical and spiritual dimensions, as clients are open to examining this. My background and experience is in the Christian faith and I welcome any concerns or questions you have regarding this. I also have 14-years of nursing experience and I am comfortable with any physical or medication questions you may have. As organic and complex beings, each facet of our experience impacts the whole. I believe that obtaining optimum wellness requires an integration of each aspect, body, mind and spirit.

Cognitive Behavioral, Existential and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

While drawing from a diversity of theoretical backgrounds, I favor a strong Cognitive Behavioral approach, which provides clients with a tangible tool to evaluate their own behavior and challenge cognitive distortions. Elements of Existential therapy are useful in helping clients deepen their desire for that which gives meaning to life. In recognizing how desire for meaning drives human behavior, the client can learn to guide their actions to achieve what they hunger for, rather than engaging in self-destructive behaviors. I also draw from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help clients with mindfulness and grounding exercises.