Take the next step in your journey toward EFT certification with EFCT Core Skills, an intensive training designed to deepen your expertise in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.

Core Skills 1&2- November 12-14, 2026 @ SMCC

Core Skills 3&4- February 4-7, 2027 @ TBD

This Core Skills training is open to mental health professionals who have completed the EFCT Externship and are ready to refine their skills through in-depth instruction, hands-on practice, and individualized feedback.  Core Skills is a series of 2 intensive, three-day trainings with a small group of clinicians designed to deepen your practice of Emotionally Focused Therapy. Each session focuses on specific EFT steps and stages and includes:

• Instruction by certified EFT trainer

• Live case consultation

• Experiential exercises

• Small group supervision

This training follows the standards set by the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT). Completion of an EFT Externship is required to attend. Core Skills Training hours can be applied toward ICEEFT certification. 

What will I learn in “EFCT Core Skills”?

• Deepen your understanding of the EFT model and its application in couple’s therapy.

• Develop EFCT skills through a combination of instructional review, skill demonstrations, and live session observations.

• Engage in hands-on practice of EFT techniques and exercises.

• Receive individual feedback on your EFCT skills development via case presentations.

• Delve deeper into the EFT tango, understanding its application within different stages of therapy.

• Apply the EFT model through role-plays and discussions, aiming towards certification.

About Dr. James Hawkins

Dr. James Hawkins, ‘Doc Hawk’, is a Licensed Counsellor with 11 years of experience and an ICEEFT certified trainer, supervisor, and therapist. Doc Hawk comes to trainings with energy, enthusiasm and his full humanity. He is well known for his clinical mastery and deep theoretical understanding of Emotionally Focused Therapy. He obtained a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counselling and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling. Currently, he serves as a Clinical Coordinator at a non-profit counseling practice in Northwest Arkansas. James is the founder of Healing Conversations, a training program developed to equip organizations and communities to have productive conversations about race. He is the co-host of two podcasts, The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, and The Leading Edge: Transforming Leadership Through Attachment Science. James is a part of the online training program, successinvulnerability.com developed to help EFT therapists and supervisors gain more focus in their clinical work. Doc Hawk brings a passion for helping individuals, couples, families, and communities in relational distress. James is married to his wife, Nicola and together they have five daughters.

Prerequisites & Sequence

EFCT Externship must be completed prior to taking EFCT Core Skills.

Required reading: The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection, 3rd  edition, by Susan M. Johnson, 2020. Routledge.

Recommended reading: Becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist: The Workbook, 2nd  edition, by James L. Furrow, Susan M. Johnson, Brent Bradley, Lorrie L. Brubacher, T. Leanne Campbell, Veronica Kallos-Lilly, Gail Palmer, Kathryn Rheem, Scott R. Woolley, 2022. Routledge.

*CE approval pending*

This is not a virtual event, there will be no recording of the training.

EFT trainings are designed for mental health professionals, therapists, counsellors and trainees. Prospective attendees are required to declare their professional designation upon registration.

**Early Registration Ends July 12, 2026**

Refunds and Cancellations

To cancel your registration, you must submit your request in writing to vice.president@eft-maine.com. Please note the following terms regarding refunds and credits:

Cancellation request received more than 30 days prior to the event, you will receive a refund of your registration fee, minus a $50 administration fee.

Cancellation requests received 30 days or less prior to the event, refunds will not be guaranteed.

**Seats are limited per ICEEFT policy. Register soon to ensure your spot! Once we are sold out, you can join our waitlist. **

Questions? Email vice.president@eft-maine.com