Completion of an EFT Externship is a prerequisite for this course.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Core Skills Training consists of four, two-day workshops that offer an in-depth opportunity to develop the core skills essential to the practice of EFT. This is a small group experience designed to allow participants to deepen their understanding and application of the skills through hands-on guidance in a supportive learning environment. Each segment includes instruction, role play, observation of a live interview, and consultation. To complete the course, each participant will present a short video clip of their own work.
Session 1 will address assessment and identifying the cycle; Session 2 will be on Cycle De-escalation; Session 3 will be on Withdrawer Re-engagement; Session 4 will be on Pursuer Softening.
Learning Objectives:
- How to interview for the negative cycle of interaction
- How to deepen emotion with partners/spouses who share significantly different views of their relationship
- How to help clients experience success and connection in their vulnerability
Prerequisite:
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- All participants must complete an EFT externship before enrolling in this course.
Presenters:
Elana Katz, LCSW, LMFT, is a Trainer and Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy and a senior faculty member here at Ackerman. She is also a graduate of the Train-the-Trainer Residency in Race and Racial Equity with Dr. Ken Hardy at The Eikenberg Institute. Elana has presented nationally and internationally, most frequently offering ongoing trainings in the Midwest and Israel. She is a Co-Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at NYCEFT (New York Center for EFT) where she served on the Executive Board for 12 years. Elana has also applied her knowledge of emotions and disrupted attachment to help clients and their professional teams intercept the recurring patterns that shape high conflict divorce. Her private practice is in New York.
George Faller, LMFT is an Emotionally Focused Therapy Trainer and Supervisor. He merges his backgrounds as a retired Lieutenant of the NYC Fire Department and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (in NY & CT). George embodies the calm, precise & strategic approach of a first responder and the mindful, compassionate and nuanced manner of a seasoned clinician. George was trained by the leaders of couples therapy, including Susan Johnson, John Gottman & Harville Hendrix, as he worked front-line to help support and heal families in the profound aftermath of 9/11. George is an Approved Supervisor for the American Association Of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT), Founder and President of the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Director of Training at the Center for Hope and Renewal in Greenwich, CT, Board Member of the Porter Cason Institute for the Family at Tulane University in New Orleans, and teaches courses at The Ackerman Institute in New York City. He specializes in trauma, family therapy (EFFT), and self-of-therapist issues.
Date / Time:
Thursdays and Fridays, October 30, 31, November 13, 14, December 11, 12, 2025; January 8, 9, 2026
Thursdays | 9:00 am–4:30 pm (ET)
Fridays | 9:00 am–3:30 pm (ET)
Zoom link will be provided in advance of the workshop.
Continuing Education:
48 CE Contact Hours
Completion of an EFT Externship is a prerequisite for this course.
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Core Skills - Extended Training [2025-2026]
October 30, 2025 - January 9, 2026
9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Elana Katz, LCSW, LMFT and George Faller, LMFT
48 CE Contact Hours
Online