IMPORTANT ADVANCED WORKSHOP FOR EFT THERAPISTS
Advanced Fighting for Connection
Working with Intimate Partner Violence through an Attachment Lens
Building on the foundation of the Fighting for Connection workshop, this advanced training offers a deeper, practice-oriented exploration of how to work with couples where violence and aggression are part of the relational pattern.
While violence is often considered a contraindication for couples therapy, our clinical experience and emerging research suggest a more nuanced reality. Many couples caught in cycles of aggression are not only seeking safety—they are asking for help to stay connected, repair their bond, and build a safer relationship together.
In this advanced training, we revisit and deepen the core principles and clinical roadmap that guide our work with intimate partner violence from an attachment-focused EFT perspective.
What This Advanced Training Offers
Over two days, we return to the essentials—this time with greater depth, precision, and clinical focus:
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- We revisit the core therapeutic stance and guiding principles needed to help both partners show up safely and engage in the therapeutic process.
- We break down all four tasks of Stage 1 in EFT, using detailed analysis of clinical video material.
- We deepen our ability to recognize, access, and work with the attachment meanings of aggression, and how these organize violent interaction patterns.
- Learn how to adress and work with the underlying trauma.
- Deepen the role of shame as an organizing principle in violent patterns rather than an outcome of these behaviors.
- We explore again the key concepts of distance-seeking and proximity-seeking anger, and how they manifest in escalation.
From Understanding to Embodied Clinical Skill
This workshop is not simply a review of earlier material. It is a clinical deepening:
- We work with video analysis, role play, and experiential exercises to strengthen intervention skills.
- There will be a live session and/or live supervision, specifically focused on working with explosive anger and aggression in the room.
- We refine how to de-escalate, structure safety, and guide enactments in high-intensity situations.
Applying the Road Map
In this advanced training, we also extend the model:
- We explore how to work with aggression within EFIT (individual therapy).
- We expand the framework to include parental aggression and family contexts, bridging toward EFFT applications.
Who is this for?
This training is designed for therapists who have taken and are applying the Fighting for Connection workshop and want to develop greater confidence, precision, and depth in working with violence and aggression in therapy. Or, who need a refresher and want more time with Jef in this material.
Aim of this training
To support therapists in moving beyond fear and avoidance, and toward a grounded, structured, and compassionate way of working—where even intense aggression can be understood, organized, and transformed in the service of safety and connection.
About This Online Workshop
EFT 2-Day Virtual Workshop
Monday Sept. 28 & Monday Oct. 19th, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Eastern Time Both Days (1 hour break)
Research shows that intimate partner violence is rather frequent; even more so in couples seeking couple therapy. However, the violence often remains hidden from the therapist. Or due to therapist fears and uncertainty about contraindication, couples seeking therapy are often refused.
In many couples, the underlying strong, heavy negative interaction patterns are paramount in the violence. These patterns form a challenge for many therapists in working with these couples, and often the violence between the partners is central to the therapeutic process. When there is identified violence it is remarkable that couples typically want to work in therapy toward a safer relationship where they can stay together and have the violence stop.
Knowing clients’ desire to heal the relationship be approached when violence is present and meets the criteria for couple therapy is essential for us to provide EFT.
Based on new scientific knowledge about intimate partner violence and their experience, Jef has worked to come to a deeper understanding of this difficult relational drama.
What former participants have said about this training
* “This training is an amazing training! I cannot speak highly enough about Jef and the work he has done with IPV and EFT.” Kenneth Lyman
* “It is a fantastic training and great trainers.” Barbara Slawik
* “I attended the training with Jef last year and it truly shifted by entire mentality and approach to intimate partner violence!” Simi Lichtman
* “This was such a wonderful training. I’m so grateful.” Amberlee Johns
* “This was such a great class!” Rachel Emerson Chiu
* “I love this training! I have done it twice.” Deana Kirkendall
* “Highly recommend!!! This was an excellent training.” Michelle Avigan
* “I also highly recommend this training!!” Naomi Yano
In this advanced workshop you will receive a deeper theoretical and clinical roadmap to help you:
*Assess when and how EFT can be safely applied in relationships impacted by aggression and violence
*Differentiate patterns of intimate partner violence through an attachment and emotion-focused lens
*Recognize the attachment meanings and protective strategies underlying aggression, withdrawal, escalation, and coercive interactions
*Understand how shame, trauma, fear, and disconnection organize violent cycles and maintain relational distress
*Identify and work with proximity-seeking and distance-seeking anger in the therapy room
*Structure safety while maintaining emotional engagement and therapeutic alliance with both partners
*Intervene effectively during high-intensity escalation and explosive anger in session
*Deepen and organize Stage 1 interventions in complex and volatile couple dynamics
*Access and process vulnerable attachment emotions underneath aggression and defensive coping responses
*Work with trauma responses and nervous system activation while maintaining EFT process direction
*Facilitate enactments and corrective emotional experiences in relationships impacted by aggression
*Apply attachment-based principles to EFIT and family contexts involving aggression and relational injury
*Increase therapist confidence, grounding, and clinical clarity when working with conflict, aggression, and violence
Fighting for Connection – Advanced Training (Part 2) includes:
* Engaging instruction and advanced clinical teaching
* In-depth review and analysis of clinical video material
*A live clinical demonstration session and/or live supervision focused on aggression and escalation
*Guided experiential exercises and structured skills practice
*Opportunities for participant dialogue, reflection, and case discussion
* Breakout room practice and small group learning on Zoom
*Integration of EFT theory, attachment science, trauma, and nervous system processes
*Practical interventions for de-escalation, safety structuring, and attachment-focused enactments
*Expanded applications for couples, individuals (EFIT), and family contexts (EFFT)
The Fighting for Connection – Advanced Training (Part 2) workshop offers an expanded clinical roadmap that builds directly on the original Fighting for Connection training and further integrates violence work into the broader EFT model for therapy.
We will meet on Zoom and utilize breakout rooms for experiential practice, role play, and small group work.
This advanced training is intended for therapists who have previously completed the original Fighting for Connection workshop and who already have foundational training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Participants will receive selected articles and preparatory materials before the workshop to support familiarity with the core concepts and advanced applications explored during the training.
Approved for 12 APA Continuing Education Units through Alliant International University.
Pricing:
Regular $399
Working with the Underserved $299
Students $299
Extra Early Bird $329 (Ends May 31)
Early Bird $349 (Ends July 27th)
Your Trainer
Jef Slootmaeckers, Certified EFT Supervisor and Trainer
Jef has worked for 16 years with partner violence and specializes in the topic of EFT and Couple Violence. Over the last few years, Jef has trained many teams in working with couples who are highly reactive and violent. Jef has published, with Lieven Migerode several articles about partner violence and couples’ therapy and two books (in Dutch) on EFT and Couple Violence. Jef is the a ICEEFT Board Member and Director of EFT Belgium.
Training Host, Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen
Becca is committed to the development and training of couple therapists learning Emotionally Focused Training.
She has been providing and hosting online training since 2007.
This is the 7th time she is hosting this training because she considers it so important for couple therapists. Each time there are remarkable reviews. The feedback is consistently extremely positive and rated as practice and life changing.
You can watch Jef with Trainer Emeritus Lieven Migerode as guests on Trainer Talk with Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen, which started their journey together.
What Participants said in the early years, when both Lieven and Jef provided the training.
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“I just attended a webinar on this subject with the folks who will be doing a 2-day Online Master Class in October, and they were great! The training is in English, and I think it will be really interesting (it’s 2 full Mondays, October 5 and 19). Unfortunately for us, to make it available to everyone here and in Europe, it will start at 6AM Pacific time (9am Eastern). I am NOT an early riser, but I am doing it anyway!
One fact to share from this morning: given that 25% of all couples experience some type of violence, it is almost a given that we have all had violent couples in our practices, but they might not have felt safe enough to share what is going on. The team today talked about how to help our couples feel secure enough to let us know what is happening.
I wanted to share my impressions about learning from Lieven and Jef. Sometimes I think about doing online or even in person trainings but if I don’t have any direct experience, I don’t know if it will feel like a match (and so worth the time and $$). They are both smart, warm, well-spoken, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about sharing their insights. I felt/feel very attached! (Can you tell I liked how I spent the hour?)”
Annette – Northern California Community for EFT
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| “It WAS great – thank you Becca, Lieven and Jef for a warm and inspirational webinar!” Margaret P. EFT Supervisor |
About CEs – Coming Soon
Approved for 12 CEs, is almost available for purchase here.
Alliant International University Lifelong Learning & Professional Development program is approved by:
- the American Psychological Association to Sponsor Continuing Education for psychologists. Alliant International University Maintains Sole Responsibility For This Program And Its Content.
- the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to provide continuing education for LPCCs, MFTs and LCSWs (provider #PCE234)
- NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4469
TRI EFT Alliant is recognized by:
- the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (provider #MHC-0331) and licensed marriage and family therapists (provider #MFT-0133).
- the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (provider #SW-0844).
- the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists PSY 0286.
There are no known conflicts of interest, and no commercial support, associated with this program.
AI was not used in the creation of this course.
We are not authorized to speak on behalf of any licensing boards. If you have questions, check your licensing board’s website for their approved CE providers (for example, to see if they accept APA- or NBCC-approved CE providers). If you are still not sure, feel free to send what you have found on your licensing board’s website and we can help further clarify.
Additional Information
Cancellation – Six weeks prior to the Workshop
Cancellations are possible, and the fee will be refunded with the exception of the processing and handling fees.
After Sept. 1, 2026
Fees and deposits cannot be refunded.
Note
We are a heartfelt group, which means we understand there may be difficulty in paying in total initially. Please email us if you’re finding it difficult to pay all at once. We want to support your participation on this workshop.
FAQ About our online trainings (webinars)
What’s a Virtual Workshop?
This virtual workshop is a seminar conducted over the internet.
Using Zoom technology you will be able to participate with others enrolled in the course in the main session and in break-out rooms. Course instructors will show video of their work, slide presentation, outline decision points and observations. It provides you an opportunity to see how others are working with this difficult dynamic and “get inside” the trainers head and ask questions.
Do I need any special technology?
All you need is high speed internet, which means a download speed at or above 5 mbps. The attendance links and information will be sent to you the week before the training begins.
How do I know if my internet connection is fast enough?
You can test your internet connection by using this link:
https://www.speedtest.net/
Do I get to view a replay of the course if I can’t attend live, or if I want to review it later?
Yes, after the workshop you will receive a recording link to review the course online for 30 days. You will also be sent instructions to download the session materials.
What do I do after I get the recording links?
After you get to the recording links you will need to sign in with buy generic fioricet the username and password you were given to view them.
Fighting for Connection workshop is designed as a continuing eduction (CE) course for real time observation and participation. However, we know this course is very helpful even after the workshop is over, so we record (technology willing) the whole workshop so you can review the course after its completion.
How many times can I watch the replays?
You have unlimited access to the recordings during the 30-day period following the completion of the course.
