Emotion-Focused Therapy
for Couples
Comprehensive Seminar Series in Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C)
with Rhonda Goldman
Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) is one of the most well-established and effective approaches in couples therapy today.
In this seminar series (Levels 1 & 2), participants will have the opportunity to learn the model in depth, working in a small group with Rhonda Goldman, one of the co-developers of the approach.
Each level is 4 days in duration. The full training cycle forms the foundation for certification in couples therapy by the International Society of Emotion-Focused Therapy (ISEFT).
The EFT-C Model
Emotion-Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT-C) is a short-term (8–20 sessions), structured approach to couples’ therapy. Research suggests that EFT can move couples from distress to recovery within 10–12 sessions.
The approach is grounded in a clear understanding of the role of emotion in marital distress, with well-defined change strategies and interventions. EFT has been validated by over 30 years of empirical research, including studies on the process of change and predictors of therapeutic success.
EFT focuses on working with emotion, changing negative interaction patterns, and repairing emotional bonds between partners.
This model views marital distress as maintained by absorbing states of negative affect and constricted patterns of interaction such as criticize/withdraw and pursue /distance. These patterns prevent the safe emotional engagement necessary for secure bonding.
Intimate relationships are understood along two key dimensions:
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Attachment/ security, involving closeness and distance
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Identity/autonomy, involving dominance and submission
This training workshop presents ways of working with affect regulation in relation to both attachment and identity (dominance) issues in relationships.
Through discussion and video demonstrations, participants will explore how to work with emotions related to power and identity, as well as intimacy and attachment, in order to transform vicious cycles into more constructive, secure patterns of interaction.
The following emotional domains are addressed:
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Attachment-related emotions: anxiety and sadness (threats to attachment security)
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Identity-related emotions: fear, shame and anger (threats to identity, status or power)
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Pleasant emotions: warmth, love, caring, joy and excitement (related to intimacy)
Goals of Emotion Focused Therapy
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To expand and re-organize key emotional responses
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To create shifts in partner’s interactional positions and initiate new cycles of interaction.
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To foster the creation of an emotional bond between partners.
This program will focus on in-depth skills training through a combination of lectures, video-demonstrations, role-playing practice and supervision.
Learning Objectives
This seminar series is designed to help you:
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Understand marital distress in the context of emotion and its role in intimacy and attachment as well as influence and identity
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Differentiate between adaptive attachment- and identity- oriented emotions and negative emotional reactions
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Learn steps to promote forgiveness, letting go, and reconciliation
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Foster a more secure emotional bond between partners
Level One Seminar
Level One provides a comprehensive introduction to the EFT model, focusing on understanding couple distress through emotion and interaction patterns.
Key topics and skills
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The 5-stage framework
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The role of emotion in relationship distress and affect regulation
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Understanding attachment and identity dimensions in couples (and their emotions)
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Identifying and working with negative interaction cycles
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Self and other soothing
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Working with emotional injuries: betrayal, affairs, and forgiveness
Level Two Seminar
Level Two deepens clinical practice by refining the application of EFT stages and advancing therapeutic skills.
Key topics and skills
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In-depth work across the 5 stages of EFT
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Identifying and de-escalating negative cycles
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Assessment of sensitivities and vulnerabilities
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Working with blocks and enactments
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Working on specific emotions: fear, sadness, anger, shame, positive emotions
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Exploring and restructuring underlying emotional processes
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Supporting new interaction patterns and integration
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Advanced work with betrayal, affairs, and forgiveness
Who is this for
The seminar series is intended for mental health professionals (psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists) who have already been trained in a therapeutic approach, as well as for trainee therapists in the final years of their studies. It is also open to graduates of postgraduate programs in counseling or clinical psychology.
No prior training in Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals is required.
Dates
Level 1: October 1–4, 2026
Level 2: February 25–28, 2027
Hours
10:00 to 17:30
Place
Hellenic Institute of Emotion-Focused Therapy
44 Dimitsanas Street, 11522, Athens, Greece
Language
English
Cost
Full Training Cycle (Levels 1 & 2)
Until June 30, 2026: €1,300 + VAT*
July 1 – August 31, 2026: €1,400 + VAT
From September 1, 2026: €1,500 + VAT
Individual Level 1 (Subject to availability)
Until June 30, 2026: €650 + VAT*
July 1 – August 31, 2026: €700 + VAT
From September 1, 2026: €750 + VAT
Important Information
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Priority will be given to participants enrolling in the full training cycle (Level 1 & 2)
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Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
* A deposit of €250 is required to secure your place and the early registration fee. The remaining balance can be paid in installments.
Cancellation policy
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In case of cancellation up to 6 weeks before the start of the seminar, the amount paid will be refunded minus the deposit.
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In case of cancellation between 6 and 3 weeks before the start, 50% of the total seminar fee will be refunded. (If the amount already paid exceeds this percentage, the difference will be refunded.)
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In case of cancellation less than 3 weeks before the start, no refund will be issued.
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The deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.
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It is possible to transfer your place to another participant, upon prior arrangement.
For more information and registration please contact here , at agathilakioti@gmail.com, or at 6944964300
Trainer
Rhonda Goldman, Ph.D.
Rhonda Goldman, PhD, is one of the primary co-developers of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals and couples. She is a Professor at The Chicago School and a visiting professor at the University of Lausanne (2026–2027). She also directs the Emotion-Focused Therapy Institute in Chicago.
She has extensive experience in research, clinical practice, and training in EFT. She has co-authored several key texts in the field, including Learning Emotion-Focused Therapy, Deliberate Practice in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Clinical Handbook of Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy, and has published numerous articles on empathy, vulnerability, depression, and emotion.
She is a founding board member of the International Society of Emotion-Focused Therapy (ISEFT) and a former editor of the journal Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies. She has taught and trained professionals internationally across Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Her research focuses on therapist processes, as well as Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples, with particular emphasis on emotions such as shame and tenderness.
The Institute is recognized by the International Society of Emotion Focused Therapy (ISEFT)
