Measuring Fidelity in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): A Pilot Test of the EFT Therapist Fidelity Scale

Abstract

Data was drawn from 15 sessions of couple's therapy where clinicians attempted to apply the EFT model. Results provide initial support for the Emotionally Focused Therapy -Therapist Fidelity Scale (EFT-TFS) as a reliable and useful measure of fidelity. In addition, results suggest the measure can discriminate effectively (95% correct classification) between low and high fidelity EFT. The findings suggest that certain in-session therapist behaviors (maintaining session focus on attachment and emotion) may be more predictive of high fidelity EFT. Implications regarding the EFT-TFS as a training and practice tool, as well as direction for future research, are discussed.

Short‐Term and Long‐Term Effects of Training in EFT: A Multinational Study in Spanish‐speaking Countries

“…The fact that the present study generated similar results supports the efficacy of externship training in general, but also to its generalizability outside of the North American context. This is important because the majority of studies of EFT and of EFT training have been conducted in the United States and in English‐speaking Canada (e.g., Montagno et al, ; Palmer‐Olsen et al, ; Sandberg et al, ; Sandberg et al, ). Recently published qualitative findings on EFT training experiences and outcomes corroborate the results of the current study (Sandberg, Rodríguez‐González, Pereyra, Lybbert, Perez, & Willis, ), which suggest that the EFT training model is effective for clinical trainees in Spanish‐speaking countries.…”

“…As was previously mentioned, we suggest that future research on EFT training should include multimodes of assessment, including both self‐report and observational measures. For example, it could be useful to record brief structured intervention role‐plays prior to and immediately following the completion of training, wherein coders might assess the acquisition of specific skills through a measure of EFT fidelity (e.g., EFT‐TFS; Denton et al, ; Sandberg et al, ). Also, future research might consider different ways to measure and track ongoing supervision (e.g., a brief more in‐depth questionnaire about the type of supervision, number of sessions or hours of supervision, modality of supervision, and the credentials of supervisor) to determine which factors related to supervision might promote sustained or improved EFT skills and knowledge acquisition.…”

Measuring the Effectiveness of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship Training in Hungary done through Translation

“…Denton, Johnson, and Burleson (2009) developed a scale that systematically measures the application of EFT in therapy sessions by rating how faithful therapists are to the model. Their Emotionally Focused Therapy Therapist Fidelity Scale (EFT‐TFS) contains skills identified as essential to the practice of EFT (Sandberg et al, 2015). The EFT‐TFS is a training and practice tool where raters evaluate a therapist’s behavior in terms of competency within and adherence to the EFT model during a therapy session.…”

A Review of the Research in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

“…Sandberg et al. () conducted a validation study to assess the scale's reliability and validity. They had six EFT therapists rate 12 therapy sessions with the scale.…”

“…The therapy session would be rated according to these 13 skills to determine the extent to which the therapy session adhered to the EFT model. Sandberg et al (2015) conducted a validation study to assess the scale's reliability and validity. They had six EFT therapists rate 12 therapy sessions with the scale.…”