Your EFT training journey:
Something has sparked your interest in Emotionally Focused Couples/Relationship Therapy and you want to know about the training and certification journey.
EFT Certification is available for working with couples (EFCT), individuals (EFIT) and families (EFFT) - here I am focusing on EFCT.
Let's get started:
ICEEFT - International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy has information for
therapists looking for EFT certification: EFT Certification - ICEEFT
therapists looking for EFT certification: EFT Certification - ICEEFT
What training counts towards certification?
There is a range of EFT training available in Britain and across the world. However, the only training that must be undertaken as part of your eligibility to apply for certification as an EFCT therapist is:
EFCT Externship - a four day immersion in the theory and practice of EFT. It will include one or two live sessions with a couple.
followed by:
EFCT Core Skills - From 2024 there are 2 versions of this course, one of 24 hours and one of 48 hours. I run the 48 hour version which gives more time for you to develop your skills and knowledge. It is an eight day course which includes presentations, video clips, discussion, skills development, and Q&A sessions based on linking to your client work. It is run as 4 x 2 days or 2 x 4 days. Numbers are limited on this course to increase your engagement with the learning. Attendance and active participation are required.
These courses are only run by ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainers.
There is no time limit between attending your Externship and your Core Skills courses but if you have left it a long time you can usually repeat your Externship for a discounted fee.
You do not have to do your courses with the same trainer(s) or even in the same country - the essence of the courses is the same though the style of the trainers will differ.
EFCT Externship - a four day immersion in the theory and practice of EFT. It will include one or two live sessions with a couple.
followed by:
EFCT Core Skills - From 2024 there are 2 versions of this course, one of 24 hours and one of 48 hours. I run the 48 hour version which gives more time for you to develop your skills and knowledge. It is an eight day course which includes presentations, video clips, discussion, skills development, and Q&A sessions based on linking to your client work. It is run as 4 x 2 days or 2 x 4 days. Numbers are limited on this course to increase your engagement with the learning. Attendance and active participation are required.
These courses are only run by ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainers.
There is no time limit between attending your Externship and your Core Skills courses but if you have left it a long time you can usually repeat your Externship for a discounted fee.
You do not have to do your courses with the same trainer(s) or even in the same country - the essence of the courses is the same though the style of the trainers will differ.
How do I get certified as an EFT Therapist?
To be able to apply for certification each therapist must meet certain pre-requisites. These have recently changed to the following:
be a member of a professional counselling/psychotherapy / psychology organisation that has a code of ethics they must abide by e.g. BACP, NCS, UKCP
Courses
You will have completed the Externship and Core Skills courses.
EFT Supervision
You will have at least 8 hours of 1-1 (or 2:1) with a certified or candidate EFT supervisor. These sessions can be counted from when you have completed your Externship. Your supervisor will work with you to develop the skills and knowledge needed for certification and is a key part of the certification process itself. You can find information about EFT supervisors based in Britain here.
Assignments
You will need to complete several pieces of work that will show your ability as an EFT therapist. This includes case study and recordings of couple sessions covering specific criteria. Your supervisor will support you with this process and the details of the requirements are on the ICEEFT website in the members area.
EFT Training is radical - it has a basic framework and then it is up to the therapist to work out how they will learn best. For some therapists the journey to certification will take a year while for others it will take several years. Your supervisor is the best resource to help you identify your strengths and areas for development and to support you in this process.
EFT Certification is radical - it isn't based on specific hours of training and supervision beyond the basics, it isn't based on how many hours of therapy you have done or given. Instead it is entirely based on your competence as a therapist.
Check the ICEEFT website for more details.
- Current clinical therapy practice (must include some couples and/or families).
- License to practise psychotherapy in the state / province / region in which the applicant resides.
- Proof of malpractice insurance.
- Membership in ICEEFT
be a member of a professional counselling/psychotherapy / psychology organisation that has a code of ethics they must abide by e.g. BACP, NCS, UKCP
Courses
You will have completed the Externship and Core Skills courses.
EFT Supervision
You will have at least 8 hours of 1-1 (or 2:1) with a certified or candidate EFT supervisor. These sessions can be counted from when you have completed your Externship. Your supervisor will work with you to develop the skills and knowledge needed for certification and is a key part of the certification process itself. You can find information about EFT supervisors based in Britain here.
Assignments
You will need to complete several pieces of work that will show your ability as an EFT therapist. This includes case study and recordings of couple sessions covering specific criteria. Your supervisor will support you with this process and the details of the requirements are on the ICEEFT website in the members area.
EFT Training is radical - it has a basic framework and then it is up to the therapist to work out how they will learn best. For some therapists the journey to certification will take a year while for others it will take several years. Your supervisor is the best resource to help you identify your strengths and areas for development and to support you in this process.
EFT Certification is radical - it isn't based on specific hours of training and supervision beyond the basics, it isn't based on how many hours of therapy you have done or given. Instead it is entirely based on your competence as a therapist.
Check the ICEEFT website for more details.