Learning Objectives

Introduction to Attachment Theory & the Process of EFT

• Outline attachment science as a guide to psychotherapy ― EFiT, EFcT, EFFT.
• Describe the nature and causes of relationship distress.
• Understand basic Attachment Theory and how it informs working with couples, dyads and individuals in EFT.
• Understand and describe the systemic and experiential elements of EFT and the EFT Tango.
• Understand and describe change factors involved in moving from distress to recovery.
• Understand and describe the three Stages of EFT (refer to nine process Steps).
• Learn and practice basic empathy and reflection of inner and between dramas that are central to the therapeutic process in EFT.

Stage One ― Assessment & Alliance

• Understand and practice assessment skills in EFT.
• Understand and practice how to create a therapeutic alliance using: empathic attunement, validation, acceptance, genuineness, and Stage One of the EFT Tango.
• Understand and practice how to enter experience of partners to find out how each constructs his/her experience of their relationship.
• Understand and practice how to track and frame the sequences of interaction that perpetuate distress and disconnection.
• Understand and practice how to frame the negative cycle (e.g., pursue/withdraw) emphasizing attachment needs (e.g., closeness, connection, importance of the other, fear of loss).
• Understand assessment and the EFT Tango as used with individuals in Stage One.

Stage Two ― EFT Interventions and Change Events

• Understand and describe systemic and experiential theories that underlie EFT interventions.
• Learn and practice the basic EFT interventions for assembling and deepening emotion, and micro interventions: reflection, validation, evocative responding, empathic conjecture, and heightening.
• Learn and practice how to use RISSSC to heighten emotional experience.
• Learn and practice how to facilitate Stage Two interaction between partners by using enactments.
• Learn how to put the interventions together to facilitate change events.
• Be able to describe the three change events in EFT for couples: de-escalation, withdrawer engagement and pursuer
• Practice the skills of evoking, assembling, and deepening
• Practice the skills of facilitating acceptance (Move 4 of the EFT Tango).
• Learn to choreograph Stage Two change events using.

Becoming an EFT Therapist, Attachment Injuries

• Learn the EFT Tango as applied to individuals in EFiT.
• Understand attachment injuries from an Attachment Theory perspective.
• Understand the steps toward resolving attachment injuries, creating forgiveness.
• Describe key interventions with escalated couples.
• Learn and practice EFT skills toward resolving attachment injuries.
• Understanding an EFT approach to managing co-morbidities such as depression and sexual dysfunction.
• Outline the process of becoming an EFT Therapist.