Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

Online Externship - 4 day Immersion

April 27th-28th & May 7th-8th (12-19:30 GMT)

What is EFT?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr Sue Johnson, is a collaborative and structured therapeutic approach for individuals, couples and families. Drawing on the science of emotion, attachment theory, humanistic and systemic principles, EFT supports the transformation of negative patterns of interaction into safe, secure emotional bonds. By guiding clients from distress toward recovery, it helps build resilient relationships and enables individuals and family members to flexibly manage their emotional lives. EFT’s evidence-based focus on emotional connection makes it a powerful path to stronger, healthier and more fulfilling bonds.

Immerse yourself in EFT for Couples

A Four-Day Immersive Training for Counsellors, Therapists Psychotherapists and Psychologists.

Learn the principles, processes, and practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples in this experiential online Externship, endorsed by the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

This course is ideal for counsellors, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of attachment dynamics and strengthen their work with couples.

Why attend this EFT Externship?

  • Gain a solid grounding in the EFT model and its research foundations
  • Observe live couple sessions with skilled trainers
  • Practise interventions through experiential exercises and small group work
  • Build confidence and competence in working with emotional processes
  • Join a supportive learning community of like-minded practitioners

This Externship provides the first stage of formal EFT training, required for certification with ICEEFT.

What will I learn in an “Externship”

By the end of the Externship, participants will:

  • Obtain a clear understanding of the basic experiential systemic concepts of an “Emotionally Focused” approach to therapy.
  • Be able to view clients in the web of their interpersonal attachments and conceptualise relationship distress and repair based on theories of attachment and emotion.
  • Take account of the impact of discrimination and oppression on individuals and their relationships, including distress and resilience.
  • Develop skills in sharing and maintaining an engaged, open and collaborative alliance with clients
  • Develop skills in the 5 moves of the basic macro-intervention, the EFT Tango – in order to change patterns of affect regulation, models of self and other, strategies for engaging others and interactional patterns.
  • Develop skills in EFT micro interventions taken from experiential and attachment systemic models of intervention.
  • Participants will develop skills in overcoming common blocks and impasses in couple therapy and so shape core corrective emotional experiences that lead to constructive dependency and what Rogers termed ‘existential living.’

Programme Overview

Date & Schedule

Our training is split into 4 days of total training (12-19:30) on April 27th-28th & May 7th-8th

Format

Presentations, clips from client sessions, ‘live’ sessions by one or more trainers, discussions, small groups & role plays

Venue

Virtual (via Zoom)

Accreditation

ICEEFT – endorsed EFT externship

Eligibility

Qualified advanced trainee counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists or other mental health professionals

Cost

Early Bird Rate £700 (if registered and paid before 02/03/26)

Full price £800

Widening participation reduced rates available

Required reading

Required reading: The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection, 3rd  edition, by Susan M. Johnson, 2020. Routledge.

Recommended reading: 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.

Accessibility & Diversity

We actively welcome participants from diverse backgrounds and communities. 

We recognise that being a member of one or more minority groups and/or working for minority groups may result in the cost of the course being prohibitive. We offer several widening participation reduced fee places and invite you to find our if you are eligible and how to apply.

Meet the trainers (page coming soon!)

Helene Igwebuike

How to Apply

 

  • Complete online application form and make payment or (if required) complete widening participation application. 
  • If you have queries, submit by clicking the button below
  • Secure your place early. Spaces are limited and fill up quick!

FAQ’s

Do I need prior EFT experience?

No — this Externship is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Do I need to attend all of the sessions?

Yes, participants are required to attend all of the training sessions. If you are unable to attend part of the course, you may need to redo some or all of the training.

Does it count towards ICEEFT certification?

Completion of the Externship is one of the requirements of certification.

What do I need to attend?

A stable internet connection, a computer with camera and microphone, and a quiet, private space for learning where you are able to give the course your undivided attention.

Can I record?

No – the use of audio, video recording and photography is strictly prohibited.

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