Everette Coffman, PhD, assistant professor in the USF Marriage and Family Therapy program, represented the university at the Association for Humanistic Counseling Conference in Safety Harbor, Florida, delivering two presentations focused on relational approaches to trauma and addiction.
In the first session, Coffman and Monica Lamie, a graduate of USF’s Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program, introduced a trauma-informed model that integrates emotionally focused individual therapy into emotionally focused couples therapy. Designed for couples impacted by adverse childhood experiences, the model supports individual healing within relational growth.
In a second session, Coffman partnered with Gelawdiyos Haile, PhD, from Liberty University, to present a federally funded training program that incorporates attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy into addiction counseling. The program offers practical strategies for addressing relational trauma, fostering secure attachment, and improving treatment outcomes in both individual and group therapy settings.
These presentations highlight USF’s commitment to advancing trauma-sensitive, attachment-based practices that empower clinicians and strengthen relationships.