Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essentials

“EFFT Essentials” (equivalent to EFFT Levels 1 and 2) is a training in the EFT for Families (EFFT) path. There are also equivalent courses in EFT for Couples (EFCT) and EFT for Individuals (EFIT) paths.

Overview

Beginning in 2024, the Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essentials training consolidates the previous Level 1 and Level 2 trainings into a comprehensive 4-day (24hr) program. This training provides a thorough understanding of the EFFT model within an attachment science framework. Through theoretical instruction and experiential exercises, participants are guided to apply the model to families, aiding their development into proficient EFFT therapists.

This program invites participants to explore the principles and interventions of Emotionally Focused Therapy in family settings. It presents a clear framework for understanding family emotional processing and change, based on the empirically-validated EFFT model.

What will I learn in “EFFT Essentials”?

Participants will learn to:

• Understand the empirical support for EFFT.
• Outline the phases of EFFT treatment and key change events.
• Apply key interventions in EFFT through role-play.
• Identify markers and interventions for processing both adaptive and maladaptive emotions within family dynamics.
• Formulate cases using an attachment-based EFFT model.
• Work with emotional regulation strategies within a family context.
• Access and process emotional experience to facilitate transformative change within families.
• Develop a working alliance based on an attachment bond with each family member.
• Utilize the therapist’s relational presence within the family system.
• Develop a treatment plan and guide interventions using EFFT, based on markers and clinically relevant assessment.
• Access emotion to develop corrective emotional experiences that restructure maladaptive emotion schemes within family interactions.
• Work with and resolve fears and blocks to emotional engagement and processing within family dynamics.

Who is this training For?

The EFFT Essentials training is designed as a professional development opportunity to equip mental health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective EFFT practice. Through theoretical teachings, practical exercises, and collaborative learning, this program aims to deepen understanding and application of the EFFT model, enabling participants to positively impact the mental health and well-being of the families they serve.

Prerequisites & Sequence

ICEEFT recommends taking Fundamentals of EFT prior to this course. There are no prerequisites for EFFT Essentials.

EFFT Level 1 + EFFT Level 2 are equivalent to EFFT Essentials. Note: During 2024, EFFT Levels 1&2 will be replaced by EFFT Essentials. Unless you plan on taking EFFT Levels 1 & 2 in quick succession, we strongly recommend that therapists enroll in an EFFT Essentials course.

EFFT Consultation follows EFFT Essentials (or EFIT Level 2).

Required Readings: “Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: Restoring Connection and Promoting Resilience” by James L. Furrow, Gail Palmer, Susan M. Johnson, George Faller, Lisa Palmer-Olsen, 2019. Routledge offers this publication in paperback, hardcover or eBook.

Recommended Readings:

“Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families” by Dr. Susan M. Johnson, 2019. Guildford Press.

“Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook (2nd Edition)” by James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson, Brent Bradley, Lorrie L. Brubacher, T. Leanne Campbell, Veronica Kallos-Lilly, Gail Palmer, Kathryn Rheem, Scott R. Woolley, 2022. Routledge.

Upcoming “EFFT Level 1” Events

Upcoming “EFFT Level 2” Events

Upcoming “EFFT Essentials” Events

This new course is coming in 2024.