Learning emotion-focused therapy: certified emotion-focused therapists’ perspectives

ABSTRACT Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is an increasingly popular form of humanistic therapy that is spreading internationally through standard training curricula. The empirical investigations of training in EFT have, however, received little attention. This study investigated certified EFT therapists’ experience of learning EFT, including their experience of didactic training, experiential exercises, supervision, and self-study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 certified EFT therapists, respectively. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data were analyzed using a descriptive and interpretive approach. Results showed that therapists had both positive and challenging experiences during their learning process: the therapy proved complex to learn, experiential exercises (chair work) were challenging but important for learning, self-study played an important role, experiencing different trainers was valuable, and the role of structured supervision to scaffold learning was emphasized. In conclusion, learning EFT is a rewarding yet challenging process for therapists to go through.