The Story of the St. Louis EFT Community
Our Origin Story
The journey of the St. Louis EFT community began years ago in Michigan when Cindy Badamo, our former president, first developed an interest in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). At the time, no Externships were available in St. Louis, so Cindy traveled to Michigan to attend one led by the incredibly dynamic trainer, Debi Scimeca-Diaz. We often joke that you may “date,” be in a “long-term relationship” with, or even “marry” EFT. Cindy fell in love fast and got “hitched” to EFT quickly. Recognizing how special and effective it was, she not only wanted to further her own EFT development but also to bring EFT to her community in St. Louis.
Laying the Foundation
Over the years, Cindy collaborated with Debi to bring regular Externship and Core Skills opportunities to St. Louis. She also received valuable guidance from Debi’s co-trainer, Jeff Hickey, who generously shared his expertise and ideas for growing EFT locally, as he had done in Chicago. Thanks to Cindy’s efforts, ongoing training opportunities flourished, and an informal community of EFT therapists began to grow in St. Louis. Monthly consultation meetings solidified this early foundation. We remain deeply grateful to Cindy and Debi for giving birth to what would become our thriving EFT community.
Becoming an Official EFT Community
In March 2020, Brad Werner became a Certified EFT Supervisor, opening the door for us to become an official EFT community recognized by ICEEFT. Brad's passion and bravery led the way, starting with an open forum that invited anyone interested in EFT to collaborate. This spirit of inclusion and collaboration remains at the heart of our community. From that forum, an official board was formed. The first board members—Cindy Badamo, Brad Werner, Craig Foust, and Judy Koehler—laid the foundation for our community, creating bylaws, a mission statement, a website, financial plans, and a communication system. Our mission has always been to spread EFT by providing consistent, high-quality training and offering support to both new and seasoned EFT therapists. From the beginning, we’ve embraced the motto: “You are never alone in EFT.”
Adapting During COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, connecting virtually became essential. The board hosted regular Zoom trainings featuring leaders in the EFT field, helping members stay connected to EFT and to one another. In 2020, we organized our first community-hosted Externship and Core Skills training focused on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). It was only fitting to invite Debi Scimeca-Diaz, whose influence had been pivotal to EFT in St. Louis. Despite being virtual, both trainings were seamless. Our efforts have always aimed to offer continuous opportunities for EFT education and certification while prioritizing exposure to diverse voices in the EFT field.
Growing In-Person Training Opportunities
In November 2022, we hosted our second Externship with legendary trainer George Faller. For the first time in years, we gathered in person, welcoming 50 participants and 15 facilitators. This event offered an incredible opportunity to reconnect and grow as a community.
A Timeline of Training Milestones
Looking to the Future
Our commitment remains steadfast: to provide free monthly consultation groups, foster social connections, and create safe learning spaces. Recognizing the vulnerability and emotional awareness required of EFT therapists, we strive to ensure no one feels alone in their EFT journey.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to increasing diversity within our EFT community and creating safety for historically marginalized groups. Our initiatives include:
Building Our Future
The sky is the limit for our vibrant St. Louis EFT community. We are excited to continue growing and offering resources and training opportunities to support therapists locally and globally.
Current Board Members
Legacy Board Members
Acknowledgment
This article, written by Courtney Baker, originally appeared in The EFT Community News, Issue 57 (April 2023). It has been adapted, updated, and reformatted for our website by Sarah Howell.
The journey of the St. Louis EFT community began years ago in Michigan when Cindy Badamo, our former president, first developed an interest in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). At the time, no Externships were available in St. Louis, so Cindy traveled to Michigan to attend one led by the incredibly dynamic trainer, Debi Scimeca-Diaz. We often joke that you may “date,” be in a “long-term relationship” with, or even “marry” EFT. Cindy fell in love fast and got “hitched” to EFT quickly. Recognizing how special and effective it was, she not only wanted to further her own EFT development but also to bring EFT to her community in St. Louis.
Laying the Foundation
Over the years, Cindy collaborated with Debi to bring regular Externship and Core Skills opportunities to St. Louis. She also received valuable guidance from Debi’s co-trainer, Jeff Hickey, who generously shared his expertise and ideas for growing EFT locally, as he had done in Chicago. Thanks to Cindy’s efforts, ongoing training opportunities flourished, and an informal community of EFT therapists began to grow in St. Louis. Monthly consultation meetings solidified this early foundation. We remain deeply grateful to Cindy and Debi for giving birth to what would become our thriving EFT community.
Becoming an Official EFT Community
In March 2020, Brad Werner became a Certified EFT Supervisor, opening the door for us to become an official EFT community recognized by ICEEFT. Brad's passion and bravery led the way, starting with an open forum that invited anyone interested in EFT to collaborate. This spirit of inclusion and collaboration remains at the heart of our community. From that forum, an official board was formed. The first board members—Cindy Badamo, Brad Werner, Craig Foust, and Judy Koehler—laid the foundation for our community, creating bylaws, a mission statement, a website, financial plans, and a communication system. Our mission has always been to spread EFT by providing consistent, high-quality training and offering support to both new and seasoned EFT therapists. From the beginning, we’ve embraced the motto: “You are never alone in EFT.”
Adapting During COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, connecting virtually became essential. The board hosted regular Zoom trainings featuring leaders in the EFT field, helping members stay connected to EFT and to one another. In 2020, we organized our first community-hosted Externship and Core Skills training focused on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT). It was only fitting to invite Debi Scimeca-Diaz, whose influence had been pivotal to EFT in St. Louis. Despite being virtual, both trainings were seamless. Our efforts have always aimed to offer continuous opportunities for EFT education and certification while prioritizing exposure to diverse voices in the EFT field.
Growing In-Person Training Opportunities
In November 2022, we hosted our second Externship with legendary trainer George Faller. For the first time in years, we gathered in person, welcoming 50 participants and 15 facilitators. This event offered an incredible opportunity to reconnect and grow as a community.
A Timeline of Training Milestones
- 2020/2021 - EFCT Externship and EFCT Core Skills with Debi Scimeca-Diaz
- Fall 2022 - EFCT Externship with George Faller
- Winter/Spring 2023 - EFCT Core Skills with Ryan Rana
- Fall 2023 - EFCT Externship with Jim Furrow
- Winter/Spring 2024 - EFCT Core Skills with George Faller
- Spring 2024 - Sex Training with George Faller
- Spring 2024 - xxxx with Debi Scimeca-Diaz
- Fall 2024 - EFCT Externship with James Hawkins (“Doc Hawk”)
Looking to the Future
Our commitment remains steadfast: to provide free monthly consultation groups, foster social connections, and create safe learning spaces. Recognizing the vulnerability and emotional awareness required of EFT therapists, we strive to ensure no one feels alone in their EFT journey.
- Our next Core Skills, scheduled for winter/spring 2025, will feature James Hawkins (“Doc Hawk”).
- In the fall of 2025, we are thrilled to welcome world-renowned trainers Jim Furrow and Gail Palmer for Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essentials.
- We are also organizing specialized trainings on topics such as Hold Me Tight® Workshops and Self-of-the-Therapist.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to increasing diversity within our EFT community and creating safety for historically marginalized groups. Our initiatives include:
- Consult Groups led by and for therapists from marginalized communities.
- Scholarships for therapists from underrepresented groups, ensuring EFT is accessible to all.
- Diverse Representation among event facilitators.
- Trauma-Focused Trainings addressing systemic oppression and its impact on attachment and relationships.
Building Our Future
The sky is the limit for our vibrant St. Louis EFT community. We are excited to continue growing and offering resources and training opportunities to support therapists locally and globally.
Current Board Members
- Sue Verble, President
- Maren Whipple, Treasurer
- Sherri Moore, Secretary
- Courtney Baker, President Elect
- Kathi Miller, Assistant Treasurer
- Sarah Howell, Communication Specialist
Legacy Board Members
- Cindy Badamo
- Brad Werner
- Craig Foust
- Judy Koehler
- Lauren Eisleben
Acknowledgment
This article, written by Courtney Baker, originally appeared in The EFT Community News, Issue 57 (April 2023). It has been adapted, updated, and reformatted for our website by Sarah Howell.
