Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a short term (8-20 session) structured approach to couple therapy developed in the 1980?s by Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. The conceptual foundation of EFT is attachment theory with its emphasis on the importance of maintaining a secure emotional bond. EFT interventions are unique in that they integrate the experience of individual emotions with systemic interventions that help couples restructure their interaction patterns. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of EFT. Studies find that 70-75% of couples move from distress to recovery and approximately 90% show significant improvement. Research also demonstrates that the results last at least three years. EFT can be used with varied cultural groups and with both traditional and non-traditional couples, including same sex couples. The workshop will provide an overview of both the theory and practice of this therapeutic approach.

CONTACT HOURS:
6 Hours: Certificate Will Be Provided

Gail Palmer, MSW, RMFT

Over the past 20 years, Gail has worked closely with Dr. Susan Johnson, co-creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is one of the Founding Members of the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute, and is co-director of the International Centre of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Gail is a certified supervisor and trainer in EFT, and has conducted workshops and externships across Canada and the US. Gail has developed the use of EFT with families and is co-author of Becoming an Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist: The Workbook. Gail has a Masters in Social Work, is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist in Canada, and is an Approved Supervisor with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she is a couple and family therapy lecturer at the School of Social Work at Carleton University and St. Paul?s University in Ottawa.

Provide participants with an overview of how Emotionally Focused Therapy can be used to help couples deal with a variety of interactional issues.

Objectives: By the end of the workshop, participants will:

1. Have an understanding of couple distress from an attachment perspective
2. Understand how to help partners reprocess emotional responses that maintain distress
3. Understand how to shape new interactions and bonding events
4. Learn EFT therapeutic tasks and interventions

A limited number of rooms at a reduced rate have been reserved at the Homewood Suites which is just to the right of the Expo Center. Because the number of rooms is limited be sure to make your reservation early. Mention VAMFT when making your reservation to ensure you get the reduced rate.

Homewood Suites
540-786-9700