International Society for Emotion-Focused Therapy

Training Standards for Certification of EFT for Couples Training Program

In order to meet standards, for certification in EFT-C, therapists will need to have completed a combination of didactic/experiential trainings and supervision.

To begin, therapists must have a professional training in some form of psychotherapy, either systemic or individual models and be an accredited practitioner. Note this includes Master’s level or above.

Didactic/experiential trainings will include:

• Introduction to basics of theory including emotion theory, and systemic/interactional theory.
• Discussion of 3 systems (attachment, identity, attraction/liking) underlying couple interactions.
• Distinguishing and working with attachment and identity. 
• Empathic attunement to affect
• Working with alliance issues in couples.
• Discussion of different types of cycles.
• Thorough and detailed discussion of 5 stage, 14 step model.
• Working with emotional injuries, betrayal and forgiveness.
• Self-soothing.

Level A - Completion of Basic EFT for Couples Training

1. Didactic/experiential: the equivalent of 8 days of instruction.
2. Supervision: (a) At least 3 days group supervision (with presentation of at least one couple for 1 hour); or (b) five hours of one-on-one supervision of own work with at least 2 couples.

Level B - Completion of EFT for Couples Supervised Practice.

1. Basic Level A.
2. Direct Personal Supervision of own work (review of recordings of sessions): minimum of 16 hrs, with at least 2 couples, in group or individual format. Up to 6 hours of EFT for individual supervision can be counted toward Level B supervision.
3. Carry out a total of at least thirty EFT-C sessions of EFT including work with at least two different couples.

Level C. - Certified EFT for Couples Therapist

1. EFT Level B: Completion of EFT for Couples Supervised Practice
   
2. Evaluation of EFT Therapist Skills
• Each training programme will decide if it wishes to certify therapists, which would be a level between Completion of EFT Supervision and Certified EFT-C Supervisor. 
• Certification attests to the fact that a therapist’s practice has been evaluated and judged to be competent by an EFT supervisor
• Trainees who have completed this certification process will be listed on the training programme website and in the ISEFT website as Certified EFT Therapist
• Evaluation of EFT skills is based on demonstration in at least:
• (a) Two videotaped sessions (involving two different couples) with competent work demonstrated (Translate/transcribe where necessary)
• (b) Brief case description, including a competent case formulation that accurately describes cycle,
• (c) One certified EFT supervisor listens to and rates for competence on the EFT Therapist Evaluation Form