Therapist Post: What is EFT Certification?

Written by Chelsea Petersen, LMFT

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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples is the world’s leading couples therapy today. It was developed by Sue Johnson and is founded on the idea that we all need connection with others in life to be truly happy.

EFT is a structured approach to couples therapy; since the 1980’s the EFT model has been heavily researched alongside the science on adult attachment and bonding. This science has helped expand our understanding about what is happening in couple relationships and to guide therapists. In the last fifteen years, Dr. Johnson and her colleagues have further developed and refined the model and completed numerous studies. 

EFT has also been shown to be effective with families and individuals. A substantial body of research outlining the effectiveness of EFT now exists. Research studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvements.

Anyone can say that they work from this approach, however, to be recognized as certified there is a certain path one has to take.

Below are the requirements for certification as required by the governing body:

Requirements for Certification:

·        An ICEEFT endorsed EFT Externship led by a Certified EFT Trainer: 28-30 hours over 4 days.

·        Core Skills Training led by a certified EFT Trainer, 48 hours over four 2-day workshops.  

·        Individual supervision by a Certified EFT Supervisor, Trainer or approved Supervisor Candidate, 8 hours.  Individual supervision may be with two people. 

Application Procedure:

·        A cover letter

·        A summary of previous clinical training and experience – including: the number of cases treated, the clinical setting, and the type of supervision.

·        A current C.V.

·        Three letters of references from professional colleagues

·        A letter of reference from your current EFT Supervisor

·        Copies of all relevant documents from the list of pre-requisites noted above.

·        Documented evidence of completion of the requirements.

·        A case review as described below:

A detailed case presentation, that will be reviewed by a Certified EFT Trainer from ICEEFT. This case presentation must include a 3 page conceptualization, plus two videotapes of two entire sessions (exceptions for submissions for audiotape can be made with a written request to the ICEEFT Board from an EFT supervisor or trainer on behalf of an individual therapist). The 20 minute video segment from Stage 1 process with a distressed couple and a 20 minute video segment from Stage 2 process with a distressed couple. Transcripts of all segments must be included. If more than one couple is presented, a case presentation is required for each couple (ICEEFT.com).

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Basically what that means is that you have to attend specific classes and be under supervision to prove you are providing EFT approved therapy. They watch tapes to determine your capability in the model and to ensure that you are effectively working with couples.

To liken this to a more well-known area of expertise, someone can attend medical school and become a doctor. However, if you are having a heart issue, you don’t go see an orthopedic surgeon, you go see a cardiac specialist. When you are looking for a therapist, there are certain classes or extra levels of training that a therapist can undergo, helping them to be more aware of the specific things that are useful and helpful to specific areas. At Cache Valley Counseling, all of our therapists are either certified or working towards certification in EFT. We love working with couples and know the ins and outs of the complications that relationships often bring. Most importantly, we have the education to back it up.