Transforming Addiction through Attachment and EFT

LEVEL: Intermediate

PREREQUISITE: EFT externship or other basic EFT training; must be a licensed (or licensed-eligible) mental health professional

​BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This dynamic 2-day immersive training is designed for therapists who want to strengthen their Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFcT) skills while learning to navigate the complex and often disruptive presence of addiction in couple dynamics.
Using a highly experiential format—including lecture, role play, video demonstrations, and structured exercises—participants will gain practical strategies for integrating EFCT interventions in cases where addiction (substance use or process addictions such as pornography, gambling, or compulsive eating) complicates the therapeutic process.
EFCT, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is a research-backed, attachment-based model for helping couples heal relational distress by fostering secure emotional bonds. But when addiction becomes a “third entity” in the relationship, it can erode trust, hijack emotional safety, and stall therapeutic progress—leaving couples stuck in pain and clinicians searching for direction.
This training will offer a roadmap for adapting the EFCT model to work more effectively with couples impacted by addiction. Participants will learn how to hold addiction in an attachment frame, identify its impact on the couple’s negative cycle, and respond with interventions that foster both emotional engagement and recovery-oriented stability.
Whether you’re an experienced EFT therapist or newer to the model, you’ll leave with tools you can immediately apply in clinical practice—along with a deeper comprehension of how to support couples where addiction, trauma, shame, and disconnection intersect.

Michael Barnett, LPCC is an ICEEFT certified trainer, addiction specialist, podcast host, and author Michael Barnett is a leading voice in the EFT community. Known for his warmth, clarity, and decades of experience integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy with addiction treatment, he brings over 30 years of clinical wisdom to his teaching.
Michael is the co-founder and director of the EFT Center of Los Angeles and maintains a private practice in Pasadena. Previously, he founded and directed the Atlanta Center for EFT, where he trained hundreds of clinicians over a span of 17 years.
Michael’s roots are in addiction work and prior to discovering EFT, he spent nearly a decade working in inpatient and outpatient addiction programs and training clinicians nationwide. Since becoming certified as an EFT trainer in 2008, he has led more than 100 trainings across North America and internationally—focusing on the integration of attachment science, trauma-informed care, and experiential psychotherapy, for both mental health providers and corporate leaders.
In 2010, Michael led a groundbreaking research initiative embedding EFT into a residential addiction treatment center—paving the way for a more compassionate, attachment-based approach to addictive behaviors. His work shifts the clinical lens from pathology and control to one of connection, meaning, and emotional healing.
Michael was honored to be elected as co-presenter with Dr. Gabor Maté at the 2022 International EFT Summit, offering powerful insight into addiction’s emotional roots and the path to deeper recovery.

Now, following the release of his groundbreaking (New Harbinger, 2024), Michael is devoted to guiding individuals in recovery toward deeper emotional healing, connection, and wholeness.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUND POLICY

Less than 7 days notice - 25% refund on your registration fee
7 - 21 days' notice - 50% refund on your registration fee
21+ days' notice - full refund minus flat $75 administrative fee* Registration refund amounts are based on our fixed costs and contractual obligations. When you enroll, it is with the understanding that you will attend. If an "Act of G-d" or nature requires SFCEFT to cancel or postpone this event, we will apply your fee to the make-up date which will likely be within 6 mos. time. If you can't attend the make-up date, you will receive a 75% refund. If SFCEFT can't secure a make-up date, you will receive a full refund. All travel related costs will be subject to your own contractual agreement directly with the hotel, car rental company, airline, etc. (It is advised to book refundable/changeable travel; however, this is entirely up to your discretion). All other registration refund requests will be provided to you minus the fees presented above. If you qualified for a scholarship, due to limited amounts, please notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend so that scholarship funds can open up for someone else. All refunds must be requested in writing via email to [email protected]. The date/time of your email will be the "timestamp" with which the above refund information applies to you.

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Host or Publisher South Florida Community for EFT (SFCEFT)