EFT Core Skills
Learning Objectives

describe the theoretical foundations of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) 

discuss relational distress from an attachment perspective

measure and reframe the couple’s problems in attachment terms

identify the self-reinforcing negative pattern (cycle) which keeps the couple from secure connection

formulate the couple negative pattern of interaction in a non-blaming way

apply their knowledge of core EFT interventions (empathic reflection, validation, reframing, empathic conjecture, and heightening)

demonstrate use of RISSSC (repeating, images, simple, slow, soft, with client words and phrases) to access, expand and deepen emotion

operate the moves of the EFT tango to couples therapy

conduct an assessment to determine a couple’s appropriateness for EFT and to understand key attachment patterns in context

Classify the contraindications for EFT

Integrate an awareness of the impact of culture and social location in the assessment and treatment of couples

Detect the positions of the pursuing and withdrawing partners within a couple’s relational cycle

prescribe stage one enactments for couples to facilitate assessment, reveal blocks, and facilitate moments of emotionally significant interaction

find common EFT reframes

name several purposes for enactments in EFT

calculate the use of EFT de-escalation strategies for pursuers and withdrawers, respectively

locate markers indicating a couple’s readiness to move from stage 1 into stage 2

cite features of withdrawer re-engagement

explain protective features of affective avoidance and suppression. 

trace disadvantages of emotional avoidance

distinguish protective features of pursuing partners’ habitual strategies 

judge strategies for accessing emotion in stage 2

propose features of successful stage 2 enactments

interpolate interventions to “catch the reactivity” 

name key aspects of restructuring a couple’s bond

appraise ways of connecting with angry clients

demonstrate several types of pursuer moves

estimate the ability to catch common pursuer blocks

differentiate features of pursuer softening

specify common nonverbal cues from withdrawers and pursuers

practice guiding a couple through reaching for new responses

compare pursuer longings and needs

estimate the impact of attachment injuries on work with couples