EFCT Core Skills
Core training requirement for certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. Next level of training after EFCT Externship completion.
48-hour advanced training.
2025 EFCT Core Skills
with ICEFFT Trainer
Dr. James L. Hawkins II
Training Series Dates:
June 5-7, 2025
September 25-27, 2025
About the Training:
Core Skills Advanced Training is a series of modules aimed to develop your skills as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. Within a safe, supportive community, Core Skills participants engage in in-depth learning of the EFCT model, building skills and growing in confidence as emotionally focused therapists.
​
This small group experience consists of two 3-day workshops. Through didactic instruction, experiential exercises and case presentations, all aspects of the EFT process are covered. The 3-day events are dedicated to specific steps of the model and the therapeutic tasks and interventions characteristic of those steps.
​
The size of each Core Skills cohort is limited to allow for hands-on, individualized guidance from the EFT Trainer and supporting Training Team members and to encourage participants to form lasting connections with each other as they deepen their understanding of the model.
​
Registration is for the entire Core Skills series of two 3-day workshops.
Training dates are:
June 5-7, 2025: Modules 1 & 2 Assessment & Cycle De-escalation
September 25-27, 2025: Modules 3 & 4 Withdrawer Re-engagement & Pursuer Softening
​
Each training day begins at 8:30am and ends at 5:30pm. (Participants will receive a detailed schedule prior to the first module.) 48 CEs are available for completion of the entire series.
Core Skills Advanced Training requires that participants have completed the EFT Externship. This training is appropriate for all licensed mental health providers including Psychologists, Social Workers, Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists as well as students in those disciplines.
About the Trainer:
Dr. James Hawkins, ‘Doc Hawk’, is a Licensed Counsellor with 11 years of experience and an ICEEFT certified trainer, supervisor, and therapist. He obtained a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counselling and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Counseling. He currently 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.
Continuing Education Credits:
Continuing Education for the full series (48 hours total) has been applied for. Details will be provided here as soon as they are available. The one-time cost for CEs will be $35.
Location:
This series will take place in person at The House Next Door at The Link Counseling Center, 348 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Cost:
Advanced Core Skills Training consists of two three-day workshops designed to deepen your expertise and understanding. Each workshop builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive and progressive learning experience. Registration is for the entire series, and there are two payment options available.
Pricing
-
First 3-Day Workshop: $900
-
Second 3-Day Workshop: $900
-
Total Cost: $1,800
Payment Options
Option 1: Split Payment
-
Pay $900 at registration to reserve your spot.
-
Make a second payment of $900 before the first workshop begins.
-
Total Cost: $1,800
Option 2: Pay in Full
-
Pay the full amount at the time of registration and receive a $100 discount.
-
Total Cost: $1,700
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship:
Clinicians who have found cost to be a barrier to continuing their training in EFCT yet are passionate about bringing the power of EFT to under-served populations in the Atlanta area are invited to apply for one of three DEI Scholarships available for this Core Skills series. (Please note that three spots in this series have been set aside for DEI Scholarship recipients; applications submitted by clinicians who are already registered for the series will not be considered.)
Application for the 2025 EFCT Core Skills Scholarship will be open January 1st - 31st.
Scholarship recipients will be announced March 3, 2025.
To apply for the scholarship and learn more about what it includes click here:
​
​
Refunds
Requests to cancel registration must be submitted in writing to atlantaeftcommunity@gmail.com. Cancellation requests received prior to 30 days before the event will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee. Cancellations received 30 days or less before an event will receive a full credit of the paid registration toward a future ACEFT sponsored event, valid for up to 2 years from date of cancellation.
Grievance Policy
ACEFT seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to ACEFT at coretrainingsaceft@gmail.com. Grievances will initially be directed to the training instructor. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.