Emotionally Focused Couples therapy, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is the most researched of all couples therapies and is empirically proven to be the most successful couples therapy over a long period of time. 90% of couples who undergo EFT report marked satisfaction in the overall satisfaction of their relationship. 70% report complete recovery.

“The most original contributor to couples therapy to come along in the last 30 years..” William Doherty, Ph.D.

EFT Externship

Presented by: Joe X. Cantu, MA MFT

About The Session:

The 4-Day Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy is the first training required for becoming a Certified EFT Therapist. The Externship will introduce attachment theory as the foundation for the EFT model and will explain and demonstrate how the EFT model is applied to work with couples, individuals and families. All 3 Stages and 9 Steps of the EFT model will be presented in detail utilizing handouts, didactic lecture, PowerPoint presentation, videos, role plays and group exercises to teach the EFT model.

Learning Objectives:
• Detect coping strategies adopted by couple in times of relational distress.
• Complete Assessment and identify contraindications to EFT therapy.
• Define relational styles and attachment dynamics in a couple’s relationship.
• Formulate reactive cycle that negatively affects a couple’s relationship.
• Identify vulnerable emotions underlying reactive feelings and behaviors.
• Name and practice all 5 Basic Moves of the EFT Tango.
• Identify client’s attachment fears.
• Name client’s needs required to assuage attachment fears.
• Evaluate client’s ability to share attachment fears and needs with partner.
• Create safe and secure bonding events between clients.

Instructor Credentials:

Joe X. Cantu, MA MFT is a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, Supervisor, and Trainer. Joe currently resides in Austin. He received his Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles and a BFA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Joe is the founder of the Austin Center for EFT, the North Texas EFT Community, and the San Antonio Community.

Joe received his clinical training at The Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, CA, and worked with the Cedars-Sinai Psychological Trauma Center providing group and individual therapy to elementary school children who suffered or had been exposed to severe trauma. Joe currently maintains two practices, one in Austin and one in San Antonio, TX. Joe is English/Spanish bilingual and supervises EFT therapists in the United States and throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Dates: October 31-November 1, 2025 & November 7-8, 2025; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

24 CE Credit Awarded