Certification

A Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy Therapist is one whose expertise and professional practice of the method is recognized by ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy).

The primary goals of certification are to promote quality in the practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and to ensure that the appropriate standard in supervision and training in the method is maintained.

the road to certification

Entry level - externship

The entry level of Emotionally Focused Therapy (Externship), which is a 4-day training (30 hours), is the first level of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training. Its completion is a prerequisite to becoming a certified EFT therapist.

At this level the mental health professionals are trained in the basic clinical skills they will need to become competent emotionally focused therapists.

The Entry level (Externship) combines theoretical lectures, practical exercises in clinical skills, observation of therapy sessions - videotaped and/or live, and also includes study and discussion of specific clinical cases and bibliography.

Main objectives

Yes Increase the competence of participants to be able to:

• Gain a clear understanding of the basic Systems Principles and the Experiential Approach in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
• Understand couple tension and relationship strengthening through the lens of Attachment and Emotion Theory.
• Assist partners to re-evaluate those emotional reactions that maintain tension in their relationship.
• They help partners to build new patterns of interaction and create positive moments of connectedness.
• Gain expertise to deal with therapeutic blockages when working with couples.

Who can participate ?

Entry level is recommended for all professionals who counsel couples - marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, general practitioners doctors, psychiatric nurses, counsellors and those training in these professions.

Participants are advised to read "Creating Connection." by Dr. Sue Johnson before signing up to participate in the Beginning Level.

specialised level "core skills"

The specialised level Core skills is the second level of Emotionally Focused Therapy training and is also prerequisite to becoming a certified EFT therapist.

The training "Core Skills" is conducted in small groups (of about 12 people) and it is designed to hone the clinical skills needed for the nine steps of EFT. A deeper understanding of the model and further engagement in it through active participation and personal guidance from the trainer.

This level combines training information, practical exercises, real demonstrations from paired sessions, and supervision and counselling on specific cases of the trainee.

The training takes the form of 4 two-day sessions, with a total duration of 48 hours. It is spread over one or two years. To be able to participate in the "Basic Skills", candidates must have completed the Entry Level EFT Externship and be able to present their own work with video or audio presentation.