EFT For Couples & Relationships

Like thousands of therapists around the world, come and discover the power of the EFT model in creating secure attachment in loving bonds. Viewing romantic love through the attachment lens, you will experience how EFCT creates moments of change and growth at the relational and individual level. This experiential, attachment-based model prioritises emotions and shapes corrective emotional experiences that restructure the attachment bond. Witnessing change happen before your eyes is truly inspirational.

About EFT for Couples & Relationships Training (EFCT)

ICEEFT-endorsed EFCT training courses:

  • Externship EFCT training includes 24hrs (4 days) of introductory training in EFCT that is endorsed by the International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT).
  • Core Skills of EFCT forms the final training requirement for eligibility for Certification as an EFCT Therapist with ICEEFT. Therapists have the option of completing “Basic” Core Skills which includes 24hrs (4 days) of skills development in EFCT or “Advanced” Core Skills, which includes 48hrs (8 days) of skills mastery in EFCT. Either course is sufficient for ICEEFT Certification as an EFCT Therapist. Which course is available to you will vary by Trainer and region of the world.
  • For all EFCT training events, handouts and a certificate of completion are provided as well as reduced-rate membership to ICEEFT
  • For those who become ICEEFT members, their details will be listed in the ICEEFT therapist directory, and they can choose to   list their practitioner details on the BCEFT Find an EFT Therapist directory.

EFCT therapist training pathway

1. Externship in EFCT

The Externship in EFCT is the first step in becoming a Certified EFT Couple Therapist with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). It contains didactic teaching about the theoretical underpinnings of the EFT model, the evidence-base for EFCT, the 3 stages of the EFCT model (the EFT road map), a comprehensive overview of the key EFT therapist interventions including the EFT Tango, as well as video demonstrations, small-group activities and, where possible, a live demonstration of an EFCT session. Clare has a focus on diversity and inclusion in her training. This means that while covering all of the required content for an Externship in EFCT, this externship looks at applying the EFT model to monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, as well as staying sensitive to cultural context and the impact of minority stress on relational dynamics.

At the end of training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the key elements of the attachment perspective on adult love and bonding, relational distress and creating attachment security in loving relationships
  • Track negative cycles of interaction that lead to disconnection and insecurity in the attachment bond
  • Describe the micro-interventions used by the EFT therapist and use them de-escalate negative interactional patterns
  • Outline the process of change and the elements of the EFT Tango to shape corrective emotional experience, such as affect assembly and choreographing engaged encounters
  • Shape bonding moments in-session that restructure the attachment bond and revise internal working models of self and other

2. Core Skills in EFCT

Basic Core Skills in EFCT is the final training required for becoming a Certified EFT Couple Therapist with the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). This four-day (24hr) course revises and deepens therapists’ understanding of the EFCT model and the interventions used to achieve the three change events identified by process research that move loving relationships from insecurity to security. Core Skills in EFCT focuses on building therapists’ proficiency in specific interventions that aim to stabilise distressed relationships in Stage 1, to restructure the attachment bond in Stage 2, and to consolidate changes in Stage 3. It includes case presentations, video demonstrations, and experiential exercises, as well as providing practical resources for therapists to use with their clients. Clare has a focus on diversity and inclusion in her training. This means that this training looks at applying the EFCT model to monogamous couples and non-monogamous relationships, as well as staying sensitive to cultural context and the impact of minority stress on relational dynamics.

At the end of training, participants will be able to:

  • Use the therapeutic relationship as a powerful attachment-based tool for creating security in loving bonds
  • Intervene successfully to interrupt, track and de-escalate negative interactional patterns
  • Utilize the present moment in session for therapeutic change, using the EFCT interventions and the EFT Tango in a natural and organic way
  • Know and intentionally choose an EFCT intervention or micro-skill from a range of options in order to best achieve the desired outcome in a given moment in-session
  • Work creatively with therapeutic blocks and “stuck” patterns – working within and between to create movement and attachment security between partners
  • Deepen emotional engagement and gain mastery in choreographing engaged encounters (enactments) for on-target, powerful change
  • Shape bonding moments in-session that restructure the attachment bond and revise internal working models of self and other

Prerequisite:

Proof of completion of Externship in EFCT training with an ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer must be provided in order for a participant to be eligible to enroll in a Basic Core Skills in EFCT course.

Upcoming EFT Training events in EFT for couples

Frequently Asked Questions about EFCT

Can I train in EFCT?

In order to undertake training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, individuals, or families, you must be a mental health practitioner such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor, social worker, or psychotherapist. You must have membership to an appropriate professional body (e.g. AHPRA, PACFA, ACA, AASW, RANZCP). School counsellors are permitted to attend if they belong to a professional body that has standards of practice for psychotherapy/counselling. Life coaches are not permitted to attend unless they also belong to one of the mental health professional categories listed above.

You can complete EFT training if you are currently studying for a mental health qualification (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate student) and student discounts are available. For more information on eligibility for EFT training from ICEEFT click here.

While you do not have to be actively seeing couples and relationships to undertake training in EFCT, it is certainly recommended once you commence Core Skills in EFCT, to get the most out of the training.

How do I prepare for my EFCT training?

To get the most from your EFCT training, we recommend completing some pre-reading. Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals, Couples and Families (Johnson, 2019) and Becoming an EFT Therapist: The Workbook (Furrow et al, 2022) are excellent foundational texts for all EFT modalities (EFCT, EFIT and EFFT). If you are attending an Externship in EFCT, we recommend reading the latest edition of The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection (Johnson, 2019).

Why is there a 24hr version and a 48hr version of Core Skills in EFCT?

Traditionally, Core Skills in EFCT has been a 48hr (8-day) training program. In responding to feedback about the accessibility of EFCT training, ICEEFT has decided to offer a shorter version of Core Skills, called Basic Core Skills, which is run over 4 days (24hrs). In some parts of the world, trainers are keen to maintain the 48hr Core Skills, so this has been permitted by ICEEFT and is called Advanced Core Skills. Trainees are asked to choose either the 48hr option or the 24hrs option and are not able to swap pathways mid-way. EFT Trainer, Clare Rosoman is offering Basic Core Skills (24hrs).

Feedback from Clare's EFCT training participants

Clare was extremely knowledgeable and skilled in delivering the content in a compassionate and engaging way. She made an intentional effort to engage everyone, ensuring that every question was heard and addressed thoughtfully. The selection of material for the 24-hour format was excellent, and I feel that each section was carefully chosen to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts.

Overall, the training exceeded my expectations. It was not only incredibly insightful but also provided me with practical tools that I can immediately apply in my work. I felt supported throughout the entire process, and Clare’s care and expertise were evident at every turn. I would absolutely recommend this training to others, especially those looking to deepen their understanding of EFCT.

Aicha

NEW SOUTH WALES - BASIC CORE SKILLS PARTICIPANT

Clare’s authentic style is warm and engaging; I witnessed Clare make everyone in that group feel like what they had to say was important; it was magic. I learnt so much from Clare, and the Core Skills program over those 4 – days; it literally has joined the dots for me now and I’m feeling more confident in my practice. It was a great experience.

Mark

QUEENSLAND - BASIC CORE SKILLS PARTICIPANT

Inclusive, engaging and very worthwhile! Clare is an excellent instructor and facilitator, offering pedagogical skill and quality material in the delivery of well designed and extremely clear and practical training in core EFCT skills. Clare was well supported by trainers-in-training which helped to keep the breakout sessions focused. The format worked well for me as a practicing counsellor – 4 days in one week with a day’s break in the middle. The newly fashioned Basic Core Skills training with Clare is both tight and comprehensive and is very well paced.

Mark

VICTORIA - BASIC CORE SKILLS PARTICIPANT

This course was just what I needed. I’ve learned that I am actually using many of the skills in my sessions, I just needed some help putting it all together. I think I was lost in the steps and stages – almost overthinking it. Now I feel like I have a road map that I understand and can put into practice.  I believe it is the kind, gentle and dynamic way that Clare teaches the model that has brought it to life for me. 

Melanie

CANADA - BASIC CORE SKILLS PARTICIPANT

Thank you for delivering such a wonderful and impactful EFCT Externship training. Clare is an exceptional facilitator, and I really appreciated how structured and well thought out the program was, and how engaging both the theory and practical components were. I walked away feeling both excited to continue my pathway in EFCT, but also feeling confident to begin implementing some of the basic tools of EFT. 

Joanna

NEW SOUTH WALES - EXTERNSHIP PARTICIPANT

It was deeply heart warming for me to see a demo video with a same gender couple. Similarly, a case demonstration that was centering an ND/NT relationship without pathologizing one partner… I’m not sure I can express how personally moved I was by that. Sincerest thanks for including, centering and demonstrating with these two cases. Clare’s way of being in the world and her dedication to creating safe spaces for all humans shines like a beacon of hope – For all people, not just us marginalized folx.

Jess

NEW SOUTH WALES - CORE SKILLS PARTICIPANT

I had the most memorable training with Clare. She is an amazing EFT-certified  trainer who is very knowledgeable and willing to share her knowledge about EFT. Also, she held this safe space during an EFCT training I had with her that honors a very fruitful cross-cultural discussion between participants from different regions of the world in sharing how EFCT makes sense in their respective places. Many participants from that training resonated strongly with how culturally inclusive the training was for us. It was my first experience of having a trainer who so deeply values and honors each person’s culture.  Dr Clare is such an important figure who helped so much through this journey of learning EFT, even in my PhD.  She was also kind enough to offer a discounted rate for students like me, making training more affordable and more accessible. Thank you so much, Clare!

Jun Wei

MALAYSIA - EXTERNSHIP PARTICIPANT

It was brilliant overall! It was a well balanced course, which included discussions, videos, role plays, breaks, information. Thank you for an exceptional experience of EFT!

Rebecca

QUEENSLAND - EXTERNSHIP PARTICIPANT

Thank you, I really appreciate the learning. The part that stands out for me is Clare’s generosity and her willingness to share whatever she has to offer in an attempt to help us all become better therapists. Whether this be her expert knowledge/skills or resources she has personally made. It feels like nothing is held back. Whatever she has, she will give. I hope to work more like this myself. I am quite impacted by this element of the training. She answers all questions with care and a willingness to try to help all participants. I felt very safe, included and comfortable to share.

Jack

NEW SOUTH WALES - EXTERNSHIP PARTICIPANT

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