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Summer Semester MFT546: Human & Family Development (Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy), Tuesdays 9am-12pm PST
Tuesdays 9am-Noon Pacific Standard Time, Spring Semester 05/10/2026-07/30/2026 (12 three-hour classes)
Professor: Alex Vaz
Human & Family Development provides a comprehensive introduction to Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), one of the most empirically supported models for addressing relational distress. Grounded in attachment theory, the course trains students to understand and intervene in the emotional and interactional cycles that underlie couple conflict. Students learn the full EFCT model, including its three stages and nine steps, and the “EFT Tango” map of therapist interventions. Learning is supported by extensive analysis of video-recorded therapy sessions, where students are taught to identify core emotional processes, track attachment dynamics, and assess therapist interventions. Students also engage in deliberate practice exercises targeting a wide range of EFCT skills, including emotion deepening, cycle de-escalation, attachment-focused reframing, and facilitating engaged partner responses, often using clinical vignettes that reflect common challenges such as emotional withdrawal and escalation. By integrating conceptual maps, video analysis, and experiential roleplays, the course helps students build foundational competence in conducting emotionally focused work with couples.
Sentio University is now offering a limited number of spots for licensed therapists and graduate students from other institutions to audit select semester-long courses. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the innovative Sentio Deliberate Practice curriculum, experienced faculty, and dynamic learning environment—without the commitment of full enrollment.
Learn cutting-edge methods grounded in Deliberate Practice and experiential training.
Observe live clinical demonstrations and receive faculty feedback.
Join a community of engaged, forward-thinking therapists.
Stay current on theory and technique without the pressure of assignments.
Deepen clinical skills in a low-stakes, high-value environment.
“I have really been enjoying the course. It's quite different from my grad program. In my program there were a lot of lectures without rich clinical examples, or certainly without videos. There was little practice. There certainly were occasions where we watched clinical videos, and occasions where we practiced, but that seems like it was a relatively small part of the program. Certainly nothing like Sentio.” - Audit Student at Sentio
Auditing at Sentio
Auditors who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Auditors will have access to all course materials and live class sessions.
Auditors will not do homework, receive credit, or grades.
Space is limited.
All classes are held via secure Zoom. All participants are expected to engage in the full class with their camera on.
Auditing is limited to licensed therapists and graduate students from other institutions.
Auditing is limited to US residents at this time.
LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs in California will earn 36 Continuing Education Credits for completion of a course. Sentio only offers CE credits to therapists licensed in California.
Refund policy: 100% refund is available until 30 days prior to the start date. 50% refund is available until 14 days prior to the start date. No refund is available after 14 days prior to the course start date.
Questions about auditing? Please contact the Sentio Registrar Mikaela Abundez at mabundez@sentio.org.
Tuesdays 9am-Noon Pacific Standard Time, Spring Semester 05/10/2026-07/30/2026 (12 three-hour classes)
Professor: Alex Vaz
Human & Family Development provides a comprehensive introduction to Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT), one of the most empirically supported models for addressing relational distress. Grounded in attachment theory, the course trains students to understand and intervene in the emotional and interactional cycles that underlie couple conflict. Students learn the full EFCT model, including its three stages and nine steps, and the “EFT Tango” map of therapist interventions. Learning is supported by extensive analysis of video-recorded therapy sessions, where students are taught to identify core emotional processes, track attachment dynamics, and assess therapist interventions. Students also engage in deliberate practice exercises targeting a wide range of EFCT skills, including emotion deepening, cycle de-escalation, attachment-focused reframing, and facilitating engaged partner responses, often using clinical vignettes that reflect common challenges such as emotional withdrawal and escalation. By integrating conceptual maps, video analysis, and experiential roleplays, the course helps students build foundational competence in conducting emotionally focused work with couples.
Sentio University is now offering a limited number of spots for licensed therapists and graduate students from other institutions to audit select semester-long courses. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the innovative Sentio Deliberate Practice curriculum, experienced faculty, and dynamic learning environment—without the commitment of full enrollment.
Learn cutting-edge methods grounded in Deliberate Practice and experiential training.
Observe live clinical demonstrations and receive faculty feedback.
Join a community of engaged, forward-thinking therapists.
Stay current on theory and technique without the pressure of assignments.
Deepen clinical skills in a low-stakes, high-value environment.
“I have really been enjoying the course. It's quite different from my grad program. In my program there were a lot of lectures without rich clinical examples, or certainly without videos. There was little practice. There certainly were occasions where we watched clinical videos, and occasions where we practiced, but that seems like it was a relatively small part of the program. Certainly nothing like Sentio.” - Audit Student at Sentio
Auditing at Sentio
Auditors who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Auditors will have access to all course materials and live class sessions.
Auditors will not do homework, receive credit, or grades.
Space is limited.
All classes are held via secure Zoom. All participants are expected to engage in the full class with their camera on.
Auditing is limited to licensed therapists and graduate students from other institutions.
Auditing is limited to US residents at this time.
LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs in California will earn 36 Continuing Education Credits for completion of a course. Sentio only offers CE credits to therapists licensed in California.
Refund policy: 100% refund is available until 30 days prior to the start date. 50% refund is available until 14 days prior to the start date. No refund is available after 14 days prior to the course start date.
Questions about auditing? Please contact the Sentio Registrar Mikaela Abundez at mabundez@sentio.org.