This one-day (6 hour) in-person workshop offers a practical and thought-provoking exploration of the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals (EFIT), as relevant to working with neurodivergent clients. Presented by an ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer from New Zealand, Heike McCahon, this workshop provides a sensitive and respectful exploration of human diversity, specifically focusing on how the EFIT model can embrace all brain styles.

Heike's training-style is infused with warmth, humour and structure as she aims to cater for participants’ different learning styles. Her goal is always to create a learning environment where people feel safe, heard, and seen and are able to build connection with each other.

There will be assumed knowledge of the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model as we explore the concepts through didactic presentations and by viewing recorded live therapy sessions. Attendees will learn through didactic presentations, recorded sessions, practical exercises, and an exploration of EFT’s core elements, including the EFT Tango, as applied and adjusted to work effectively with neurodivergent people.

Learning goals of this training:

⭐️ Gain an in-depth understanding of the world of neurodivergent people.
⭐️ Learn how to be neuro-affirmative when working with different brain styles.
⭐️ Learn about different sorts of trauma neurodivergent people can carry as a result of living in a mostly neurotypical world.
⭐️ Practise leaning into clients’ neurodiversity and using the EFIT model to help create a solid alliance and stabilisation.
⭐️ Gain understanding of how to work with neurodivergent clients using both the attachment framework and the EFT Tango.
⭐️ See several video examples of Heike’s work with a client, showing EFT Tango Moves 1-5

Assumed Knowledge:

All therapists and students are welcome to attend this training, regardless of experience level. However, in order to maximise the value of the specific knowledge shared, Heike will not be providing an introduction or overview of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Model. Therefore, in order to get the most out of the training, we encourage participants to ensure they have general knowledge of this model (e.g. via attendance at an EFT externship or relevant EFT reading).

About the Trainer:

Heike McCahon – ICEEFT trainer, supervisor and therapist. M.A., Dip Counselling, Dip. Teaching, MNZAC.  

"I have been an educator and therapist all my adult life, and it is my passion to help both my supervisees and clients to work and live in a securely attached way. Before I embarked on my therapist training in 1990 in New Zealand, I gained a M.A. and a Diploma in Teaching in Germany. Working as an EFT trainer now combines my skills of teaching and therapy beautifully. In my trainings I work with warmth, humour and structure and aim to cater for participants’ different learning styles. My goal is always to create a learning environment where people feel safe, heard, and seen and are able to build connection with each other."

Tickets:

Full Price - Practicing Therapists $350
Full Price - Student/Financial hardship/Marginalised client group - self selected $250
Early Bird* - Practicing Therapists $300
Early Bird* - Student/Financial hardship/Marginalised client group - self selected $200

Tickets are limited to 30 participants due to venue size and style of the workshop.  

* Early Bird tickets are on sale until 31st March or until sold out.

Event Details:

Join QCEFT & BCEFT at the beautiful Kelvin Grove Campus of QUT!
Date: Saturday 31 May 2025
Time: 9.00AM – 5.00PM AEST
Location: QUT, Room U2.08, Psychology Clinic, 44 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove

Morning and afternoon tea will be provided, along with tea, coffee and water.

Lunch will not be provided as part of your ticket. Ample time to purchase and eat lunch will be provided, with a number of different food outlets available in the immediate area. Alternatively you can bring your own lunch, with a fridge and microwave available. This decision was made based on our committment to providing cost effective training, as well as awareness of individual dietary requirements which may not be able to be catered for.