About Peterson Family Therapy

Peterson Family Therapy is a family-owned counseling practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is operated by Ed and Candace Peterson. The practice helps support couples and families in crisis, individuals suffering from trauma and addiction issues, and anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Peterson Family Therapy is a member of The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Ed PetersonEd Peterson, LCSW, MBA

He/Him

Ed is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a couples and family therapist, and a general mental health therapist. Ed is a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapist, and a Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor.

Prior to founding Peterson Family Therapy, Ed was a Founding Partner at The EFT Clinic. Previously, he was the Clinical Director at the Balance House Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program. Prior to that, Ed was a therapist and primary counselor at The Cirque Lodge, a world-renowned drug and alcohol treatment center.

Ed’s style of therapy is a mixture of empathetic and compassionate listening, active confrontation, and treating the entire family system. He works with adults (ages 18 and above) and specializes in the following areas:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals, couples, and families
  • Addiction and recovery therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist & SupervisorEd believes that families need their own programs of recovery and he teaches the skills to improve family communication, improve self-care, and increase personal serenity. He also believes that families can recover from the pain and suffering of codependency if they learn to love appropriately, maintain healthy boundaries, and practice self-care.

Ed is the father of three and happily married to his partner Candace.

“My style is highly empowering and motivational I encourage my clients to get out of their comfort zones and take calculated emotional risks. I believe in inspiring them to do the hard emotional work needed for true recovery. I am passionate about the process of growth and change.”

Ed

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Candace PetersonCandace Peterson, LCSW

She/Her

Candace is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and couples therapist with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She brings over 20 years experience in the field of mental health.

Candace uses the following modalities and interventions in therapy:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
  • Mindfulness
  • Spirituality

Suicide Prevention and Crisis Therapy

Early in her career, Candace worked as a coordinator of volunteers at a suicide and crisis hotline. This profound experience led her to pursue a career in mental health.

Family Therapy

As one of her first jobs in the mental health field, Candace worked as a family preservation worker, meeting with families in their homes 8 hours a week for 6-8 weeks. It was an intensive program designed to help parents and children decrease conflict and increase connection, thus leading to a more healthy and safe environment—emotionally, physically and socially. Many families were at risk of the children being removed. Candace’s goal was to maintain the family unit. This experience helps Candace understand the unique challenges of families in crisis.

Trauma Therapy

Some of Candace’s favorite experiences have been working with active duty military and veterans. Many suffered symptoms of PTSD. This has led to a deeper understanding of trauma and its effects on the human condition. She helps her clients address limiting core beliefs, stuck points, mindfulness, and grief.

Addiction Recovery

Candace has more than a decade of work in addiction recovery, encompassing individual therapy and group therapy. This includes serving as the director of an in-patient detox unit and a mental health hospital. Candace’s clients appreciated her gentle and direct approach.

Couples Therapy

Candace has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the gold standard for couples and family therapy.

Candace’s Four-Step Approach to Therapy

Conduct a thorough assessment of each client, evaluating the presenting problems and complaints and assessing general mental health

Develop a relationship of trust and acceptance with the client, so that the client knows that they are seen and accepted

Therapy begins based on strategy mutually agreed upon between therapist and client

Continually work to fully understand the client emotionally and spiritually

“I believe people have the answers inside themselves to their problems and challenges. My style is highly empathetic and caring, while at the same time pushing clients to stretch and become who they authentically are, instead of living in the false identities that have kept them sick and unhappy. My job is to understand and accept the client 100% the way they are and then to assist them to make the changes they want and need to get he kind of life they want and deserve. It is a huge honor to be a witness to the positive changes that my clients make in their lives. I love what I do!”

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