​Emotionally Focused Family Therapy® (EFFT) Essentials

EFFT Essentials 2025: Connection in Action

  • From October 1–4, 2025, therapists from across the region gathered at SLU’s Il Monastero for a deeply transformative four-day Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Essentials Training with Dr. James L. Furrow, Ph.D. and Gail Palmer, MSW, RSW, RMFT.
  • Together, we explored how to bring attachment science to life with families - experiencing firsthand the courage, vulnerability, and artistry at the heart of EFT. The energy in the room was palpable as participants leaned into learning, practiced new skills, and supported one another through powerful experiential work.
  • This event marked one of the first in-person EFFT trainings in the Midwest, made possible by the collaboration and heart of our STL EFT Community.

The Ripple of Impact Begins Here

  • What happens in the training room doesn’t stay there - it moves outward.
  • The insights, compassion, and skills refined in these four days will echo through countless therapy sessions, families, and communities.
  • We celebrate every participant who showed up with openness and heart, our helpers who ensured safety and connection, and our trainers who modeled the essence of emotionally focused work.
  • Thank you for contributing to a movement that continues to grow secure bonds, strengthen families, and bring healing through the power of emotion.​
With gratitude,
The STL EFT Community
​​The Saint Louis EFT Community is thrilled to host one of the very first in-person trainings in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy® (EFFT). This training will be led by ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainers James Furrow, Ph.D and Gail Palmer.
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Dates: Wed, Oct 1, Th, Oct 2, Fr, Oct 3, and Sat Oct 4, 2025; 
~9 AM - 5 PM CST
Location: SLU Il Monastero Bldg; 3050 Olive St.; 
​St. Louis, MO 63103
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Click to learn more about EFFT Essentials at the ICEEFT website!
Who Should Attend:
📌 This training is ideal for counselors, therapists, and social workers looking to deepen their practice with families.
✅ No prior experience with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is required.  Note: ICEEFT recommends taking Fundamentals of EFT prior to this course (may be especially helpful for individuals with no prior experience with EFT). However, we encourage you to join us for EFFT Essentials even if you have zero experience with EFT!

About the Training:
​Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is an attachment-based model that integrates systemic and experiential approaches to heal fractured family relationships. EFFT therapists focus on the emotional experiences within families, identifying and transforming problem patterns that block connection and resilience. By fostering emotional accessibility and responsiveness, EFFT helps families create secure bonds, reduce problematic behaviors, and build a foundation for growth and healing.

Through experiential exercises and live demonstrations, this training offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into this transformative approach.
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Registration Fees:
  • 💰 Early Bird Price: $800 (through July 1)
    • $400 due at registration,
    • $400 due by September 24
  • 💰 Regular Price: $900 (after July 1)
    • $500 due at registration,
    • $400 due by September 24
🔹 $500 anytime rate for individuals who have previously completed ICEEFT's EFFT Essentials training
🔹 $100 discount for students,  military personnel, and community health center employees
🔹 Scholarships Available: We are committed to making training accessible. If cost is a barrier, please reach out about scholarship options by emailing us at [email protected].
👉 Reserve Your Spot Today!
Do you have Additional Questions?
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made before September 26, 2025, will receive credit toward future STL EFT Community training.
Cancellations made on or after September 26, 2025, are non-refundable.

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