Couples therapy has the reputation of being the most difficult therapy modality to master. The common pitfalls and challenges of couples therapy may be avoided using the right skills, which can also help clinicians move into a more confident, engaged, and masterful practice. 



In this two-hour web conference, internationally recognized bestselling author and innovator Dr. Sue Johnson will demonstrate how therapists can make sense of the drama of distress and see the dilemmas partners create for themselves and each other. 



Dr. Johnson will also describe how clinicians can make clear goals based on what an optimal relationship looks like. Dr. Johnson will explain how to establish a clear set of interventions to transform interactional patterns, inner awareness, and relational experience, as well as facilitate more secure bonding and prevent relapse.



This intermediate instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians: 




  1. Outline potential challenges of providing couples therapy.

  2. Apply the attachment model to relationship distress and create a secure bond.

  3. Practice interventions that shape safety in sessions, contain negative interactions, and transform reactive or blocked off emotion.

  4. Describe how to gradually move a couple into secure bonding interactions.

  5. Design clear goals for clients based on creating optimal relationships.



If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy.org with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable. 



To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the web conference center using a computer or device (smartphone or tablet with internet access) and calling in to the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via their computer or device. Attendees who are logged in to the event center will be able to see live streaming video and/or document sharing. Alternatively, attendees may dial in to the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions. 



At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in the GoodTherapy.org Member's Area. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start and end codes announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate instantly. 



For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here


Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

Meet the Presenter

Sue Johnson, EdD

Sue Johnson, EdD is the leading developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa, Distinguished Research Professor in the Marital & Family Therapy Program at Alliant University in San Diego, Director of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Director of the Ottawa Couple and Family Institute Inc.



Sue received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She is a registered psychologist in the province of Ontario, Canada, and a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, and the Journal of Family Psychology.



Dr. Johnson has received a variety of awards acknowledging her development of EFT and her significant contribution to the field of couple and family therapy and adult attachment. Her numerous honors include the Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Couple and Family Therapy Award from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.



Dr. Johnson has numerous publications in the field of couple therapy. One of her recent articles, "Soothing the Threatened Brain: Leveraging Contact Comfort through Emotionally Focused Therapy" (PLOS ONE), included a brain scan study showing how contact with a loving partner mitigates threat and fear responses. Dr. Johnson’s current book, Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science in Romantic Relationships, outlines the new understanding of why and how we love based on scientific evidence and cutting-edge research. 



Dr. Johnson's other publications include:





For more information about Dr. Sue Johnson, please visit www.drsuejohnson.com or The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy website at www.iceeft.com.



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