Ed Peterson
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor
EFT Certified Therapist
Jungian Therapist

Therapy with CouplesContact Us

Move your relationship
from conflict to
loving connection.

Candace Peterson, LCSW

Therapy with CouplesTherapy for Addiction

Start your journey
toward healing.

Ed Peterson
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor
EFT Certified Therapist
Jungian Therapist

Therapy with CouplesContact Us

Move your relationship
from conflict to
loving connection.

Candace Peterson LCSW

Therapy with CouplesTherapy for Addiction

Start your journey
toward healing.

Effective Therapy for Families in Crisis

“Ed’s been great to work with. He has helped us get our marriage back.”

When we first went to see Ed our marriage was a mess. Now things are getting better. Ed is helping us rekindle our friendship and our romance. The EFT therapy that Ed uses is bringing us closer together. We love working with Ed.”

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

Contact Ed

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!”

Contact Candace

Therapy for Couples & Families

Couples

Unfortunately, 40%-50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. When your marriage is in crisis, it may feel hopeless. But the good news is that the right therapy can be game-changer. At Peterson Family Therapy, we often recommend and facilitate a technique called Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the fastest growing models of couples therapy / marriage counseling available today. With EFT, 70-75% of couples report moving from distress to recovery and approximately 90% of couples show significant improvements*.

How Does Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Help Relationships?

Research indicates and clients report that EFT can help:

• Diffuse conflict, reduce ongoing tensions
• Feel closer and more connected to your partner
• Develop healthier, more satisfying communication

• Improve emotional and sexual intimacy
• Resolve old problematic issues in your relationship
• Deal with negative patterns and create deeper connections

How Long Has EFT Been in Use?

EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy formulated in the 1980’s and has developed alongside the science on adult attachment and bonding to expand our understanding about what is happening in couples’ relationships and to guide therapists.

An Example of the Change Process with EFT

In a therapy session, a husband’s numb withdrawal expands into a sense of helplessness, a feeling of being intimidated. He begins to assert his need for respect and, in doing so, becomes more accessible to his wife. He moves from “There is no point in talking to you. I don’t want to fight.” to “I do want to be close. I want you to give me a chance. Stop poking me and let me learn to be there for you.” His wife’s critical anger then expands into fear and sadness. She can now ask for and elicit comfort. She moves from “You just don’t care. You don’t get it.” to “It is so difficult to say – but I need you to hold me – reassure me – can you?”

New cycles of bonding interactions occur and replace negative cycles such as pursue-withdraw or criticize-defend. These positive cycles then become self-reinforcing and create permanent change. The relationship becomes a safe haven and a healing environment for both partners.

If you would like to learn more about the research about EFT, visit the website for The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

Dr. Sue Johnson provides a brief summary of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This leading edge, empirically validated form of therapy which is taught all over the world. EFT is based on the last 50 years of scientific research on bonding: bonding between mother and child and romantic bonds between partners. EFT provides a map to what matters in intimate relationships: how they work, how they go wrong, and what is needed to put them right.


* The International Centre For Excellence In Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

At Peterson Family Therapy, we believe that every relationship is unique. That’s why our goal is to treat you and your partner/spouse as unique people with unique needs. We would like to discuss your specific needs and goals in a brief consultation. Just reach out to us.

Contact Us

From The Blog

Effective Therapy for Addiction

“When we went to see Ed our marriage was a mess. Now things are getting better. He is helping us find our lost romance and the therapy is bringing us closer emotionally. We love working with Ed.”

“Ed is an awesome therapist. He used Emotionally Focused Therapy to assist my husband and I to get our love and connection back. I am so grateful my friend recommended Ed to us!”

Therapy for Addiction

Addiction

Addiction strikes people from a variety of backgrounds. People who suffer from addictions are often creative, very emotionally connected, and highly empathetic. But, addiction steals their lives and their joy. It can rip apart individuals and families.

Common addictions can include:

  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs: Cocaine, Cannabis (marijuana), Methamphetamine (known as meth), Opioids (such as heroine), Phencyclidine (known as PCP or Angel Dust)
  • Prescription drugs (Oxycontin (Oxycodone) sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics like sleeping pills and tranquilizers
  • Nicotine
  • Hallucinogens
  • Kleptomania (compulsive stealing)
  • Gambling
  • Food (eating)
  • Sex
  • Pornography (attaining, viewing)
  • Technology & Social Media
  • Video games
  • Workaholism
  • Excessive Exercising
  • Cutting
  • Shopping

Addictive thinking is a key aspect of any addiction. Some examples of addictive thinking are:

Justification

“I drink or use drugs for a good reason and I deserve to feel better”

Denial

“I don’t have a bad problem; or, other people are much worse in their addiction; or, I am doing well at work, so I am not addicted, etc.”

Resentment/Blaming

“Other people are the cause of my drinking”

Anger

“The world is not fair so I rage”

Our Approach to Addiction Therapy

Step 1: We conduct an assessment to determine the level of addiction and to evaluate the client’s needs, which can range from:

  • Detoxification
  • Residential Treatment
  • Intensive Outpatient Therapy
  • Outpatient Therapy once a week with Ed in his office

Step 2: We formulate a plan that includes family participation

Step 3: We begin therapy

We then develop a relationship of trust and openness with the client. Once a solid therapist-client relationship has been established, we will:

  • Bring in the family to support the client and to help the client see the effects of the addiction on loved ones
  • Encourage the client to go to 12 step meetings (Such as Alcoholics Anonymous) right away to begin developing a social network of people that will be supportive of their recovery
  • Begin helping the client to gain awareness of his/her addictive thinking (denial, justification, resentment, lack of accountability, etc.)
  • Push the client to take action to move into healing
  • Challenge cognitive distortions
  • Start therapy for trauma that can be a trigger for addictive acting out
  • Work on assertive living and assertive communication (often addicts act and talk in a passive-aggressive way
  • Give assignments
  • Teach the skills of recovery

Our Philosophy About Recovery From Addiction

We believe, as psychologist Carl Rogers did, that for people to heal they need:

  • Genuineness (openness and self-disclosure)
  • Acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard)
  • Empathy (being listened to and understood)

We apply this philosophy by possessing a genuine desire to understand each client’s process and his/her struggle and pain. We try to ensure each client knows he/she is seen and heard, respected, and honored.

We express acceptance for each client where he or she is in the moment, and assure the client both verbally and non-verbally that he/she is important and accepted, We validate the client’s feelings and thoughts. This doesn’t mean approving of the addictive behavior, but rather helping the client understand that that the emotionally protective behavior (part of addiction) is a natural response to proposed change.

We pride ourselves on our natural empathy for others and we use active empathy as an intervention

We apply evidence-based interventions in our addiction therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Recovery from an addiction is about rebirth. It is about reconnecting to a true self that has been lost. We believe that clients are naturally healthy. Our job is to assist them as they heal and to guide them to develop their own internal therapist. This will help them reclaim their lives and master their thoughts and feelings.

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Therapy for Depression/Anxiety

Depression / Anxiety

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