NEW YORK CENTER FOR EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPY

Learning Objectives

Day 1: Introduction to Couple Distress, Attachment Theory, Process of EFT

• Describe the nature and causes of emotional distress from an attachment perspective

• Describe basic attachment theory and how it informs the EFT model

• Describe the systemic and experiential elements of EFT

• Identify and understand change factors involved in a couple moving from distress to recovery

Day 2: Assessment, Alliance, Stage 1

• Describe and demonstrate assessment skills in EFT

• Identify and describe the nine steps and three stages of EFT

• Describe and demonstrate the basic empathy skills that are central to the therapeutic process in EFT

• Describe and show how to create a therapeutic alliance using empathic attunement, validation, acceptance, and genuineness

• Recognize the emotional responses that maintain the relational distress in each partner

• Recognize and illustrate how to frame the negative cycle emphasizing attachment needs

Day 3: EFT Interventions, Stage 1

• Define and demonstrate use of the basic EFT interventions for working with emotion

• Define and demonstrate the use of RISSSC to heighten emotional experience

• Explain and show how to facilitate interaction between partners by using enactments

• Recognize and transform therapeutic impasses

• Demonstrate the skills needed to reframe reactive emotion to more core unacknowledged emotion

Day 4: EFT Interventions and Change Events, Stage 2/Withdrawers

• Define and describe the three change events in EFT (de-escalation, withdrawer re-engagement, and pursuer softening

• Describe and demonstrate the skills of accessing, exploring and deepening emotion and facilitating acceptance

• Define the steps for withdrawer re-engagement

• Recognize and transform therapeutic impasses

• Demonstrate an ability to shape key bonding events that redefine the relationship as secure

Day 5: Stage 2/Pursuers/Attachment Injuries/ Becoming an EFT Therapist

• Define and explain attachment injuries from an attachment theory perspective

• Define and explain the steps toward resolving attachment injuries, creating forgiveness

• Explain affairs from the perspective of attachment theory

• Illustrate an understanding of the repair of attachment injuries, fostering healing within and between each partner

• Describe an EFT approach to managing comorbidities such as depression and sexual dysfunction