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Emotion Training Institute

Emotion Training Institute

Empowering emotional growth through the science of emotion

  • About
    • Emotion Training Institute
    • Our Founder
    • Mission & Values
    • Our Approach
    • Our Impact
  • EFST
    • Emotion Focused Skills Training
    • Research & Publications
  • Trainings
    • EFST for Disordered Eating
    • EFST-P Level 1: Core Certification
    • Organizations & Teams
  • Online Courses
    • Powered By Emotion (PBE)
    • EFST For Parents (EFST-P)
    • EFST For Schools (EFST-S)
  • Consulting
  • Updates
  • Contact
  • Learning Portal

Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST)


Unlocking Emotional Intelligence for Growth

Understanding EFST: The Core of Emotional Mastery

Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST) is an innovative approach to change management through understanding and utilizing emotions effectively. Developed by Dr. Joanne Dolhanty, EFST empowers individuals, professionals, and teams to navigate the complexities of emotions in both personal and professional settings.

Why EFST Matters

  • Emotional Intelligence: EFST enhances your ability to understand, interpret, and respond to emotions in yourself and others.
  • Effective Decision-Making: Learn to use emotions as a guide in making better choices.
  • Improved Relationships: Connect more deeply with others while developing the skill of setting limits and expectations effectively through boundaries without judgment.

The Science Behind EFST

Rooted in neuroscience and humanistic psychology, EFST integrates principles from emotion-focused therapy. This scientifically grounded approach ensures that you’re not just learning theories but also applying effective, research-backed strategies.

Key Elements of EFST:

  • Self-Awareness: Understand your own emotional triggers and responses.
  • Emotion Competence: Learn techniques to manage intense emotions constructively.
  • Empathy Development: Enhance your ability to understand and validate others’ emotions.
  • Motivational Change: Use emotional insights to drive positive change and goal achievement.
  • Enhanced Empowerment: Learn to create and maintain healthy boundaries.

EFST for Everyone

  • Individuals: From personal growth to improved interpersonal skills.
  • Professionals: Enhance leadership, creativity, and workplace relationships.
  • Teams: Foster collaboration, communication, a positive team dynamic, and healthy boundaries.
  • Parents and Educators: Build productive, nurturing environments for children and students.

EFST in Action

Through a series of courses and practical activities, EFST brings theory into real-world application. Whether through our flagship program, Powered by Emotion, specialized training for education professionals or parents, or our tailored workshops and consulting services, EFST is adaptable to a wide range of needs and contexts.

Explore the Research

Emotion Focused Skills Training (EFST) programs are grounded in extensive research and evidence-based practices. EFST is designed to enhance emotional resilience, communication skills, and personal growth. To explore the scientific foundation and effectiveness of EFST, please visit our dedicated research page. Here, you’ll find studies, articles, and insights that highlight the transformative impact of our training.

View Research & Publications

Training & Professional Development

Training & Experiential Learning

Our specialized programs are designed to address the challenges faced by care providers in social services, mental health, and healthcare.

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Consulting Services

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

We provide customized virtual and in-person workshops and expert consultations to offer organizational-wide Emotion Focused Skills Training and consultation to tackle various organizational challenges.

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For Parenting Success

EFST for Parents

Emotion Focused Skills Training for Parents (EFST-P) equips parents to adopt a central role in supporting their children in recovering from or coping with challenges and struggles.

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For Educational Excellence

EFST in Schools

Emotion Focused Skills Training in Schools (EFST-S) equips education professionals with tools to enhance motivation and success in educational settings.

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For Personal & Professional Mastery

Our flagship program, Powered by Emotion (PBE), is a deep dive into Emotion Focused Skills Training, providing individuals the skills and tools to navigate and leverage emotions for positive change.

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  • Watch The Angry Kids Angry Parents Cartoon
  • Emotion Focused Skills Training for Parents - A Guide for Clinicians
    Book
  • Angry Kids, Angry Parents: Understanding and Working with Anger in Your Family
    Book
  • Emotion Focused Skills Training Video Series
    Video
  • Emotion Focused Podcast - #10 I eat my feelings
    Podcast
  • Emotion Focused Podcast - #04 Who’s the boss?
    Podcast
  • The effects of emotion-focused skills training on parental mental health, emotion regulation and self-efficacy: Mediating processes between parents and children
    Research
  • Efficacy of Emotion-Focused Parenting Programs for Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Study
    Research
  • Parenthood—Lost and Found: Exploring Parents’ Experiences of Receiving a Program in Emotion Focused Skills Training
    Research
  • Effectiveness of emotion focused skills training for parents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in specialist mental health care
    Research
  • Emotion-focused skills training for parents with anxious children. A pilot study
    Research

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  • About
    • Emotion Training Institute
    • Our Founder
    • Mission & Values
    • Our Approach
    • Our Impact
  • EFST
    • Emotion Focused Skills Training
    • Research & Publications
  • Online Courses
    • Powered By Emotion (PBE)
    • EFST For Parents (EFST-P)
    • EFST For Schools (EFST-S)
  • Programs & Services
    • Professional Development & Training
    • Consulting Services
  • Updates
  • Contact
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