The USF Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, in collaboration with EFT Tampa Bay, hosted a three-day Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Core Skills training from Aug. 21–23, drawing more than 40 participants for a weekend of learning, growth, and connection.
Led by International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)-certified trainers James Hawkins, PhD, and Lisa Palmer Olsen, LMFT, the training featured live therapy demonstrations, case discussions, and hands-on practice designed to engage both seasoned professionals and those new to the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model.
Among the attendees were three recent graduates of USF’s MFT program — a reminder of the program’s mission to prepare the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled therapists.
More than 40 professionals participated in the training session.
Thanks to community support, USF students received $1,600 scholarships, making the advanced training more accessible and underscoring the program’s investment in students’ growth and the future of the field.
The event was made possible through the leadership of Department of Child and Family Studies faculty members Ryan Henry, PhD, LMFT, program director, and Everette Coffman, PhD, LMFT, LMHC, assistant professor of instruction and field placement coordinator. Their leadership fostered the partnership between academia and the professional EFT community, creating a vibrant learning environment that strengthened both clinical skills and professional connections.
For the MFT program, the training was more than just a weekend event. It reflected an ongoing commitment to offering transformative opportunities for students while strengthening the broader mental health community.