THE WASHINGTON BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOR EFT
Welcome to the Washington Baltimore Community for EFT
Our goal and mission is to train local mental health professionals in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). We aim to build our local EFT community through ongoing introductory and advanced trainings, supervision groups and opportunities to connect and network with other therapists growing in this model.
We are affiliated with the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) originated by Sue Johnson, Ed.D.
EFT is a dynamic, empirically validated, humanistic psychotherapeutic approach to working with couples, families and individuals. It is informed by attachment theory and an understanding of the role of emotion in human connection and relationship. EFT is simultaneously intuitive yet complex. We seek to support therapists seeking to learn and grow in this highly effective approach to therapy.
Please look through our various training and community events and consider joining our network. We look forward to connecting with you.
Upcoming Events
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EFCT with Sexual and Gender Minority Clients: Some Techniques and Considerations
with David Avruch, LCSW-C
January 15, 2025
1pm-3pm EST
Virtual via Zoom
Attachment longings are universal, but diversity is increasingly the norm among couples seeking EFCT. During this training, we will draw from attachment theory, published research, the EFCT toolbox, David's experience serving LGBTQ+ couples, and some taped EFCT sessions. Our goal is to explore how clinicians can serve sexual and gender minority couples respectfully and effectively within a changing landscape - whether we emerge from the LGBTQ+ community or not.
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Working with Trauma with Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
with Dr. T. Leanne Campbell Registered Psychologist and ICEEFT Certified Trainer
January 17, 2025
12pm-4:15pm EST
Virtual via Zoom
This workshop will focus on and provide a brief introduction to the theory and practice of EFT in working with individuals who are struggling with the echoes of trauma. The focus will be on understanding the impacts of trauma and core models of health and dysfunction from an attachment perspective, the primacy of emotion and the foundational requisite of creating a safe haven alliance in transforming trauma.
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Working with Ambivalence in EFT
with Dr. Ting Liu, ICEEFT Certified Trainer
February 7, 2025
9am-4:40pm EST
Live, In-Person in Falls Church VA
Clients bring ambivalence to therapy in different ways. For example, they may not comply with treatment, they may blame the therapist unreasonably, or they may not agree on therapy goals or the future of their relationships. Typical EFT process and intervention may lead to more uncertainty, frustration, or hopelessness. In this workshop, participants will learn to distill ambivalence through an attachment lens, identify the signs of relationship and therapy ambivalence, de-escalate the cycle of ambivalence, address impasses when working with ambivalence.
Diversity and Inclusion
WBCEFT is committed to being an organization of diversity and belonging and that incorporates anti-racism practices. As a community of EFT Therapists, we promote healthy relationships and secure connections. We recognize that safety- emotional, physical and psychological-- is the foundation and is essential to creating connections. We acknowledge that the EFT community has not been responsive and attuned enough to Black, Indigenous, Latino and other People of Color, LGBTQIA+ communities and the Disability community. We understand that this lack of responsiveness and attunement has at times caused harm and lack of safety. Here at WBCEFT we believe in the inherent value and worth of every person and strive to create an environment where we are culturally responsive, encouraging of open dialogue and consistent humble learners of humankind.