The overall goal of the Core Skills Training is to take the overview knowledge gained in reading EFT literature and in an EFT Externship and turned it into a procedural map for intervention for the therapist. Additionally, Core Skills Training provides EFT immersion in a small group with a minimum of 10 participants (one trainer) and a maximum of 16/17 participants can be accommodated if there is a trainer and a certified EFT supervisor. Training occurs on the following levels:

1. Instruction and review of the EFT model.
2. Demonstration of skills through video recording, role-play and/or live session.
3. Practice of skills through exercises and role-plays.
4. Individual feedback of EFT skills development through case presentation.
5. Discussion of cases as relevant to the context material of each workshop.
6. A deeper look at the macro intervention, the EFT tango, in each stage.

The EFT Core Skills Training consists of 4 2-day modules (training) followed by a 1 - day module of participant presentations and is designed to follow the EFT Externship.  
In the Core Skills training, participants spend more time learning the EFT stages and interventions. Each of the training modules is 2-day - 12 hours and consists of instruction by a certified ICEEFT trainer.  In the first two modules, participants deepen their understanding of Stage #1 of EFT - Deescalation. In the second two modules, participants will learn how to restructure interactions and create bonding moments for their couples creating second order change.  At the fifth module, participants come together and present a small 15 minute video or audio of their work (couple or family) with an EFT Certified Supervisor and is a necessary module for EFT certification.

The Core Skills material is taught with a variety of teaching methods including lecture, interactive discussions, role plays, video demonstrations and live session consultations and follows the learning guidelines set out by the Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).  This is a 54-hour training course and is a further step to becoming a Certified EFT Therapist.  Participants are required to commit to all five modules in order to create a cohesive group that is a safe and secure place to learn and explore, take risks and have fun! 

5th Module - Each participant is required to bring a small section of video of their work to view for trainer/group supervision.  This requirement is to help clinicians begin to video their sessions and watch their own work, which is a key way of learning EFT.  It is not about showing perfect EFT!  Please contact Robin Hellendoorn if you have questions or concerns about this.

It is our main goal to create a safe and secure place to explore, take risks, be vulnerable and learn!

In her new book, 'Attachment Theory in Practice', Sue Johnson states the EFT tango is the basic intervention that the therapist employs again and again in all stages and forms of EFT (Johnson - 2019).

Participants of the Core skills will spend time learning the 5 moves of the tango, watching it being executed in EFT videos and a live session and practice the intervention in role-plays.

This training is for mental health practitioner interested in learning the EFT model including Psychologists, Psychoanalysts, Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists, Social Workers, MFTs, RMFTs, Counsellors, Abuse and Addiction Counsellors.

Module One - September 30 and October 1, 2022 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM (EST)

Stage One of EFT – Cycle De-escalation | Relationship Stabilization
Steps One – Alliance and Assessment
Step Two –Identifying negative cycle and attachment issues

Skills training:
1. Building a positive alliance
Method: didactic, handouts, video demonstration
2. Assessment
Method: didactic, handouts, video demonstration, live role-play; practice
3. Treatment planning/the EFT map
Method: didactic, handouts, video demonstration, live role-play, practice, presentations
4. Identifying negative cycle
Method: didactic, video demonstration, live role-play, practice
5. EFT interventions
Method: didactic, handouts, video demonstrations

Module Two - November 11/12, 2022 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM (EST)


Stage One of EFT– De-escalation | Relationship Stabilization
Step Three–Access underlying attachment emotions
Step Four – Reframe problem as the cycle that takes over them over

Skills training:
1. Elements of Emotion
Method: didactic, video demonstration, small group practice
2. Heightening and RISSSC
Method: didactic, video demonstration, live role-play, practice
3. Enactments
Method: didactic, video demonstration, live role-play, practice
4. Negative Cycle Reflections and Reformulations
Method, didactic, video demonstration, live role-play, practice
5. Assessing for Cycle De-escalation
Method: didactic, video demonstration, practice, group discussion


Module Three - December 9/10, 2022 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM (EST)


Stage Two - Restructuring the bond focusing on Withdrawer Reengagement
Steps Five - Access implicit needs, fears, models of self
Steps Six - Promote acceptance by other – expand dance
Steps Seven - Structure reach and respond – express attachment needs – create bonding interactions

Skills training:
1. Evocative Responses to expand emotion
Method: didactic, video demonstration, practice, role play, transcript
2. Promoting acknowledgment and acceptance
Method: didactic, video demonstration, practice, working with parts of self
3. Choreographing a withdrawer's reach
Method: didactic, video demonstration, live role-play practice, exercises

Module Four - January 27/28, 2023 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM (EST)


Stage Two - Restructuring the bond focusing on Pursuer Softening
Steps Five - Access implicit needs, fears, models of self
Steps Six - Promote acceptance by other – expand dance
Steps Seven - Structure reach and respond – express attachment needs – create bonding interactions

Stage III– Consolidation and integration
Steps Eight - Facilitating new solutions
Steps Nine - Consolidate new positions, cycles, stories of secure attachment

Skills training:

1. Understand key elements of blamer softening
Method: didactic, video demonstration, practice
2. Process and distilled blamer's fears and longings
Method: didactic, video demonstration, practice, assisted role-play
3. Consolidation
Method: didactic, handouts, small group exercises, consolidating therapist's goals and progress utilizing the EF T fidelity scale

Module Five - March 11, 2023 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (EST)
Case Presentations with ICEEFT Supervisor, Dr. Herman Chow

Each participant will bring a small section of video of their work to view for group supervision. This requirement is to help clinicians begin to video their sessions and watch their own work which is a key way of learning EFT. It's not about showing perfect EFT!
Please contact Robin Williams Blake if you have any questions.

16-17 Participant maximum

Total cost for Training $2115 (CANADIAN)

Payment Breakdown

$470 for each module 1, 2, 3 and 4.

$235 for 5th module
(Participant's Presentations)

Taxes Included where applicable.

Payment Schedule

$500 deposit to hold your spot.

Deposit includes $100 X 5 prepayment for each module and is non refundable after August 15th.

$370 for each module 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Payment due one month before each module.

$135 for 5th module

Workshops begin on Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM (1/2 hour lunch and two small breaks)

Location: ONLINE

Please fill out the registration form and make a deposit payment to hold your spot!

REGISTRATION FORM