Fundamentals of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

“Fundamentals” (also known as “Fundamentals of EFT”, previously known as “Attachment Theory in Practice”) is a training relevant to all EFT streams: EFT for Individuals (EFIT), EFT for Couples (EFCT), and EFT for Families (EFFT).

Overview

This is a one-day (6+ hour) introduction to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment theory for all modalities – individual (EFIT), couple (EFCT), and family (EFFT) therapy. This training will provide an outline of EFT, with an emphasis on attachment and relationships and sense of self, and how the EFT Tango applies to all three modalities.

More than just an EFT introductory course, Fundamentals of EFT provides the overall context of EFT and explains how the original “couple” model applies effectively as psychotherapy to EFFT (e.g., typically engaging with dyads) and EFIT (e.g., working with the individual and a younger/child self, or the individual and the inner experience of another person in their life).

The Fundamentals course is aimed to serve two primary groups of attendees. The first group consists of those new to EFT, providing them with an introduction to its principles and applications across individuals, couples, and families. The second group includes those who have completed more advanced training in one or two modalities. For them, Fundamentals offers a valuable review and an opportunity to expand their knowledge of EFT’s applicability to all three modalities.

What will I learn in “Fundamentals”?

• Summarize the EFT perspective — experiential, growth oriented. 
• Describe the key tenets of attachment theory.
• Describe the goals and stages of EFT across modalities.
• Outline the core EFT interventions as they apply and differ in three modalities: individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and PTSD; distressed couples; and distressed families.
• Specify the strengths of attachment theory and science as a map to a clear understanding of client problems and strengths, guiding every session.
• Utilize attachment science as a moment to moment guide to the shaping of potent systematic change in psychotherapy sessions.
• Define the moves of the EFT Tango and how they differ across modalities.

Who is this training for?

All mental health professionals and students aiming to enhance their practice by understanding the role of attachment in treating individuals, couples, and families. This one-day intensive workshop offers a practical introduction to EFT, underpinned by attachment science, to provide a foundational roadmap for healing through emotional connection. Attendees learn through didactic presentations, recorded sessions, experiential exercises, and an exploration of EFT’s core elements, including the EFT Tango. The course serves as a standalone event or a recommended precursor to further EFT training.

Prerequisites & Sequence

ICEEFT recommends taking Fundamentals prior to any other course. There are no prerequisites for Fundamentals.

An EFCT Externship, or EFIT Essentials, or EFFT Essentials usually follows Fundamentals.

Recommended Readings:

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

“A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT): Cultivating Fitness and Growth in Every Client” by Susan M. Johnson and T. Leanne Campbell, 2022. Routledge.

“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 Fundamentals Events