Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
In-person Essentials - 4 day Immersion
March 2nd-5th 2026
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) extends the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy to mend and fortify familial bonds. The core objective is to cultivate secure family patterns, where attachment, caregiving responses, and emotional bonds are effective. EFFT centralizes on stabilizing negative interaction patterns, restructuring parent-child interactions, and consolidating the felt security through new connection patterns. Following attachment science, it guides families to experience swift progress as members become more responsive and engaged, uncovering and addressing previously unrecognized attachment-related emotions and needs, thus fostering individual growth and intergenerational relationship enhancement.
A four-day immersive training for Counsellors, Therapists, Psychotherapists and Psychologists.
Beginning in 2024, the Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essentials training consolidated the previous level 1 and level 2 trainings into a comprehensive 4-day (24hr) program. This training provides a thorough understanding of the EFT model within an attachment science framework. Thorough theoretical instruction and experiential exercised, participants are guided to apply 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.
This Essentials Course provides the first stage of formal EFFT training.
What will I learn in an “Externship”
By the end of the Externship, participants will:
Programme Overview
Date & Schedule
Our training is split into 4 days of total training on March 2nd-5th
Format
Presentations, clips from client sessions, ‘live’ sessions by one or more trainers, discussions, small groups & role plays
Accreditation
ICEEFT – endorsed EFFT Essentials
Eligibility
Advanced trainee counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, systemic psychotherapists or other mental health professionals. 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.
Cost
Early Bird Fee £700 (to be paid by 31st December 2025)
Full price £800 (applicable from 1st January 2026 onwards)
Widening participation reduced rates available
ICEEFT recommends taking Fundamentals of EFT prior to this course. There are no prerequisites for EFFT Essentials.
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 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.
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.
Do I need prior EFT experience?
No — this Essentials 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. Click here to learn more about ICEEFT Certification
What do I need to attend?
We advise bringing something to take notes – a pen and notepad for example.
Can I record?
No – the use of audio, video recording and photography is strictly prohibited. Please note, the training will not be recorded
Venue