This 3-hour training will explore 2 types of couples: high conflict and emotionally avoidant. These couples have unique struggles in communication, trust, motivation, and emotional intimacy. These couples can be challenging for couples’ counselors. This workshop will provide participants with several theoretical frameworks to understand how to assist these couples in having more productive conflicts, develop and/or rebuild trust with one another, create deeper levels of emotional intimacy and closeness, and understand specific types of family of origin issues that often create these types of couple-pairs.  

This training equips clinicians with a deep understanding of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and its application to distressed couple dynamics, with a focus on both high-conflict and emotionally avoidant presentations. Participants will learn to identify and transform negative interaction cycles, work effectively with primary and secondary emotions, and foster secure attachment. The course also integrates complementary approaches—including Gottman Method, DBT, and insight-oriented therapies—to enhance emotional regulation, communication, and relational safety. Special attention will be given to trauma-informed strategies that promote vulnerability, healing, and meaningful reconnection.

Counselors will leave this workshop having specific strategies to assist their counseling work with these couples. Counselors will learn how to accurately assess and treat these couples in counseling. This training will also address how to help couples who appear stuck in their problematic patterns to stay motivated and work towards healing.

Attendance and Location Details

Date and Time

**This is a 3-CE online seminar delivered virtually in real-time via an industry-standard webinar platform**

Friday, September 12, 2025

10:00am – 1:00pm CST / 11:00am – 2:00pm EST / 8:00am – 11:00am PST

*Live Webinar Attendees: Zoom link and course materials will be made available to you 24-48 hours prior to event date

Agenda:

10:00am – 10:10am: Introduction
10:10am – 10:45am: Theoretical overview
10:45am – 11:05am: Differentiate between high conflict and emotionally avoidant couples and review specific strategies to work with each type
11:05am – 11:35am: Learn specific skills for mapping and disrupting negative interaction cycles
11:35am – 12:00pm: Learn complementary therapeutic approaches to support emotional safety with couples
12:00pm – 12:20pm: Apply trauma-informed interventions to support vulnerability and reconnection between couples
12:20pm – 12:45pm: Recorded role play of couple
12:45pm – 12:55pm: Process role play
12:55pm – 01:00pm: Conclusion

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the core principles of emotional focused therapy (EFT) and their application to couple dynamics.

b). After completing this training, participants will be able to differentiate between high-conflict and emotionally avoidant couple presentations.

c). After completing this training, participants will be able to demonstrate skills for mapping and disrupting negative interaction cycles.

d). After completing this training, participants will be able to integrate complementary therapeutic approaches to support emotional safety and connection.

e). After completing this training, participants will be able to apply trauma-informed interventions to support vulnerability and reconnection.

Target Audience:

Mental Health Clinicians & Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors, School Personnel, Youth Development Workers; Healthcare Workers

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Katherine Helm, PhD

Material Author(s): Katherine Helm, PhD

Katherine Helm, PhD is a Professor of Psychology and Director of Graduate Programs in Counseling at Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. She is also a practicing psychologist in part-time private where she sees individuals and couples. Katherine has authored several publications about racial and cultural issues in mental health, couples’ issues, and pedagogy in multicultural courses and has an extensive background facilitating counselor trainings. Katherine has had several media appearances on radio and video and is a TEDx speaker. She is a sought-after author, presenter, public speaker, professional trainer, and clinical supervisor.

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

Course Materials & Delivery Method:

• Course Materials (including the link to view the scheduled live webinar) are made available to all registered attendees 24-48 hours before the event start time. 
• This training is interactive and provides opportunities to ask direct questions to the trainer as well as request immediate help from staff if needed. The attendee will view the presentation in real-time from their connected device via an industry-standard internet webinar platform.

CE Approvals:

Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.

Other Helpful Information:

• Registration Deadline – Please register at any time prior to the advertised start time of this live webinar training.
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