The experience of learning Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Measuring the Effectiveness of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship Training in Hungary done through Translation

Our study adds to the rising field of dissemination and implementation research on Emotionally Focused Therapy. We evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian EFT-KACS, examined the impact of the EFT Externship training done through translation on Hungarian therapists, and we investigated how therapist background characteristics related to outcomes. A total of 340 Hungarian professionals completed the questionnaires (N = 152 in 2016; and N = 188 in 2018) at three data collecting points-prior to (N = 329), after the training (N = 254), and 6 months later (N = 101). Results suggest the Hungarian EFT-KACS has similar psychometric properties as the original English version and shows high internal consistency. The 4-day EFT Externship trainings done through translation provided significant, lasting increases in perceived EFT-specific knowledge and competency, and in alliance, similar to findings in English- and Spanish-speaking countries. Externship outcomes were also found to be related to specific therapist experience and background characteristics.

The Experience of Learning EFT in Spanish-speaking Countries: A Multi-National Replication Study

This study is a multi-national follow-up to the original (Sandberg and Knestel (2011) Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 37, 393-410) article on the process of learning Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). A total of 102 clinicians from nine Spanish-speaking countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and El Salvador) participated in the study. A comparison of results across the two studies revealed more similarities than differences. However, a few notable differences emerged from responses to qualitative questions, namely a heightened sense of appreciation for and resonance with the focus on core emotion in EFT and less frequent reports of difficulty learning and adapting to the model among Spanish-speaking therapists. These differences were consistent with common cultural values and forms of expression in Latin America and Spain. Results are discussed in terms of training, supervision, and future research as well.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Training in EFT: A Multinational Study in Spanish-speaking Countries

This study seeks to validate the cross-cultural effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFT) training in a sample of Spanish-speaking clinicians. The 28-hr formalized training for EFT was offered in six different Spanish-speaking countries, covering Europe, North America, Central America, and South America. Two hundred and seven therapists of 14 different Spanish-speaking nationalities completed pre-training assessments, 153 of them completed post-training assessments, and 92 therapists also completed the follow-up assessment. Using multilevel growth modeling (MLM), results indicated that therapists experienced significant and positive changes in terms of EFT competence (knowledge and skill acquisition), mature empathy, self-compassion, and attachment over time. Implications for transnational EFT training, specifically in Spanish-speaking countries, are discussed.

A Tool for Connection: Using the Person-of-the-Therapist Training (POTT) Model in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Supervision

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) was developed based on the premise that couples get stuck in negative cycles fueled by their underlying primary emotions and unmet attachment needs (Johnson [2004], Creating connection: The practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy). EFT therapists need to stay in touch with and regulate their own emotions when the tension rises in the sessions, while still staying open and vulnerable to their clients. Person-of-the-Therapist Training model (Aponte & Kissil [2016], The person of the therapist training model: Mastering the use of self) aims to increase therapists' understanding, awareness, and acceptance of their own personal issues to create a more empathic connection with their clients. In this manuscript, the authors create a roadmap for EFT supervisors to use the POTT model in supervision as a tool to enhance their supervisees' connection to their clients and effectiveness of their interventions.

A Review of the Research in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) is a brief evidence-based couple therapy based in attachment theory. Since the development of EFT, efficacy and effectiveness research has accumulated to address a range of couple concerns. EFT meets or exceeds the guidelines for classification as an evidence-based couple therapy outlined for couple and family research. Furthermore, EFT researchers have examined the process of change and predictors of outcome in EFT. Future research in EFT will continue to examine the process of change in EFT and test the efficacy and effectiveness of EFT in new applications and for couples of diverse backgrounds and concerns.

A Content Analysis of Quantitative Research in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy: A 10-Year Review

We examined the trends of quantitative research over the past 10 years in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT). Specifically, within the JMFT, we investigated the types and trends of research design and statistical analysis within the quantitative research that was published in JMFT from 2005 to 2014. We found that while the amount of peer-reviewed articles have increased over time, the percentage of quantitative research has remained constant. We discussed the types and trends of statistical analysis and the implications for clinical work and training programs in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Experiences of family therapists working with families in a transitional homeless community

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and observations of marriage and family therapists (MFTs) conducting an empirically supported parenting program at a transitional homeless community. A diary method was used in recording five MFTs' observations and reactions to implementing the psychoeducational groups. Fifty-one recordings were collected from three different parenting groups over the course of 20 weeks. Constant comparative method was used to identify themes related to MFTs' experiences of conducting the parenting program. These themes included the needs of at-risk families, confidentiality, and role ambivalence and boundary ambiguity. We provide recommendations for best practices and an example of therapists' decision-making process using Kitchener's (1984) model.

Supervising emotionally focused therapists: a systematic research-based model

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an empirically validated relational therapy that recognizes the complexity of couple's therapy and supports the need for specialized training of therapists. Until now, there has been little research on effective methods for EFT supervision and no systematic model for conducting EFT supervision. The findings of a qualitative study of certified EFT therapists' experiences with EFT supervision and training are presented in this study, along with a systematic model of EFT supervision. The model of EFT supervision is based on the findings of this study, relevant research regarding effective clinical supervision, and the authors' experiences with EFT supervision. This model of EFT supervision is isomorphic to the clinical practice of EFT, in that it is theoretically grounded in attachment theory and emphasizes experiential and emotionally based processes.