EFFT Essentials Training – Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ page for the Emotionally Focused Family Therapy® (EFFT) Essentials Training, hosted by the Saint Louis EFT Community. We’re so glad you’re considering joining us for this special event!
Who should attend the EFFT Essentials training?
This training is ideal for:
This training is ideal for:
- Child and family therapists
- Therapists working with teens or multi-generational families
- Clinicians looking to expand into family systems work
- Mental health professionals who want to deepen their attachment-focused practice
What are the training dates, times, and location?
- Dates: Wednesday–Saturday, October 1–4, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST each day
- Location: SLU Il Monastero Building, 3050 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103
What does the training schedule include?
- Four full days of training (9 AM–5 PM CST)
- One-hour lunch break each day
- Experiential role-play activities
- Video demonstrations of real EFFT sessions
- Opportunities to observe and engage in the EFFT model in action
Who are the trainers?
The training will be led by Dr. James Furrow and Gail Palmer, MSW, RMFT, two of the original developers of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Both are ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainers and have worked closely with Dr. Sue Johnson in the development of EFFT.
The training will be led by Dr. James Furrow and Gail Palmer, MSW, RMFT, two of the original developers of Emotionally Focused Family Therapy. Both are ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainers and have worked closely with Dr. Sue Johnson in the development of EFFT.
What will I learn during the training?
Participants will gain:
Participants will gain:
- A solid understanding of attachment and family dynamics
- Tools for working with different family systems
- Techniques for engaging parents, caregivers, and children
- Skills for creating emotional safety and deepening emotional bonds
- Creative, experiential interventions tailored to family work
Is this training suitable if I’ve never done family therapy before?
Yes! This training is designed to support therapists at all levels of experience. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap and practical tools for integrating family systems and attachment theory into your clinical work.
Yes! This training is designed to support therapists at all levels of experience. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap and practical tools for integrating family systems and attachment theory into your clinical work.
Is registration open? How do I sign up?
Yes! Registration is now open.
Training Details:
Yes! Registration is now open.
Training Details:
- Dates: October 1–4, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST
- Location: SLU Il Monastero Building, 3050 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103
What are the registration fees?
Early Bird Price: $800 (through July 1, 2025)
We’re committed to making training accessible. If cost is a barrier, please email us at [email protected] to inquire about scholarship options.
Early Bird Price: $800 (through July 1, 2025)
- $400 due at registration
- $400 due by September 24, 2025
- $500 due at registration
- $400 due by September 24, 2025
- $500 for those who have previously completed ICEEFT’s EFFT Essentials training
- $100 discount for students, military personnel, and community health center employees
We’re committed to making training accessible. If cost is a barrier, please email us at [email protected] to inquire about scholarship options.
Do I need prior EFT experience to attend?
No. This training is open to therapists with no prior EFT experience.
That said, ICEEFT recommends the Fundamentals of EFT course for those completely new to the model. If you’re curious but unfamiliar, it’s a great introduction—but not a requirement.
No. This training is open to therapists with no prior EFT experience.
That said, ICEEFT recommends the Fundamentals of EFT course for those completely new to the model. If you’re curious but unfamiliar, it’s a great introduction—but not a requirement.
Can I learn more about EFFT before registering?
Yes! We hosted a free informational webinar in May 2025, led by Maren Whipple, MS Ed, LCPC. The recording is available and offers a helpful overview of the model, how it differs from couple-based EFT, and what to expect from the training.
🎥 Click here to watch the free webinar
Yes! We hosted a free informational webinar in May 2025, led by Maren Whipple, MS Ed, LCPC. The recording is available and offers a helpful overview of the model, how it differs from couple-based EFT, and what to expect from the training.
🎥 Click here to watch the free webinar
Is this relevant to my work with children and families?Absolutely. EFFT is an attachment-based model that is especially helpful in child and family work. It supports:
- Building emotional safety between parents and children
- Helping caregivers become emotional resources
- Addressing trauma and attachment injuries within families
- Working with younger children, teens, and multi-generational units
How should I prepare for the training?No preparation is required—but if you're eager to dive in, here are some recommended resources:
Recommended Reading:
Recommended Reading:
- Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: Restoring Connection and Promoting Resilience (Furrow, Palmer, Johnson, et al., 2019)
- Attachment Theory in Practice by Sue Johnson (2019)
- Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook (2nd edition, 2022)
Where can I learn more about the EFFT model?You can read more about Emotionally Focused Family Therapy on ICEEFT’s website:
🔗 https://iceeft.com/efft/
🔗 https://iceeft.com/efft/
Have more questions?We’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at [email protected]
📧 Email us at [email protected]