Frequently Asked Questions re: EFFT
We will be updating this FAQ page as questions are received regarding our upcoming EFFT Essentials Training in St. Louis, MO, October 1-4, 2025. If you have a question not already addressed, please email us at [email protected] and we will work on getting you an email response quickly.
Q: I’m not sure if EFFT is right for me—how can I learn more before committing to the full training?
A: Great question! If you’re curious about Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) but aren’t quite ready to commit to the full externship, we invite you to attend our FREE informational webinar on May 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST. Led by Maren Whipple, MS Ed, LCPC, the webinar will introduce the EFFT model, explore how it differs from couple-focused EFT, and offer a chance to ask questions. It’s the perfect opportunity to see if this training is a good fit for you! Click Here to register for the webinar!
Q: I am a child therapist that has been looking for a way to gain skills in working with children and families. Is this training something that would apply to this population?
A: Yes, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is highly applicable to working with children and families. It is an attachment-based model designed to help families create secure, lasting emotional bonds by addressing relational patterns and deepening emotional connections.
Below are some ways EFFT can benefit your work with children & families:
✔️ Helps parents and caregivers become emotional resources for their children
✔️ Supports families in navigating distress and improving communication
✔️ Addresses attachment injuries and trauma within family dynamics
✔️ Can be used with younger children, adolescents, and parents.
Come join us! No prior experience with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is required!
Q: How should I prepare for the training?
A: No preparation prior to the training is necessary. Great news, right?! If you are so inclined and want to explore prior to the training, below are some resources we have pulled together.
A: Great question! If you’re curious about Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) but aren’t quite ready to commit to the full externship, we invite you to attend our FREE informational webinar on May 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM CST. Led by Maren Whipple, MS Ed, LCPC, the webinar will introduce the EFFT model, explore how it differs from couple-focused EFT, and offer a chance to ask questions. It’s the perfect opportunity to see if this training is a good fit for you! Click Here to register for the webinar!
Q: I am a child therapist that has been looking for a way to gain skills in working with children and families. Is this training something that would apply to this population?
A: Yes, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is highly applicable to working with children and families. It is an attachment-based model designed to help families create secure, lasting emotional bonds by addressing relational patterns and deepening emotional connections.
Below are some ways EFFT can benefit your work with children & families:
✔️ Helps parents and caregivers become emotional resources for their children
✔️ Supports families in navigating distress and improving communication
✔️ Addresses attachment injuries and trauma within family dynamics
✔️ Can be used with younger children, adolescents, and parents.
Come join us! No prior experience with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is required!
Q: How should I prepare for the training?
A: No preparation prior to the training is necessary. Great news, right?! If you are so inclined and want to explore prior to the training, below are some resources we have pulled together.
- Recommended Reading:
- Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: Restoring Connection and Promoting Resilience by James L. Furrow, Gail Palmer, Susan M. Johnson, George Faller, Lisa Palmer-Olsen, 2019. Routledge offers this publication in paperback, hardcover or eBook.
- Other Readings:
- Attachment Theory in Practice: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Individuals, Couples, and Families by Susan M. Johnson, 2019. Guildford Press.
- Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook, 2nd edition, by James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson, Brent Bradley, Lorrie L. Brubacher, T. Leanne Campbell, Veronica Kallos-Lilly, Gail Palmer, Kathryn Rheem, Scott R. Woolley, 2022. Routledge.
Learn more about our upcoming EFFT Training in St. Louis, MO on October 1-4, 2025!