The formal training in EFT, such as Externships and Core Skills trainings are indispensable for learning the basic theory and techniques of the model. Self-study, especially watching one’s own tapes, is also invaluable. Sooner or later though, you will find a need for supervision as you learn this approach to therapy. There is no substitute for getting direct feedback on your case formulation and technique as you learn this approach. In fact it is a requirement for becoming certified as an EFT therapist through the ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in EFT), Sue Johnson’s oversight organization for the training and credentialing of EFT therapists, supervisors and trainers.

Who and When to Record
I would suggest recording at least 2 or 3 couples on an ongoing basis. You might choose a couple that is just starting in therapy, or a couple you find challenging, e.g., a couple with a trauma history, a significant attachment injury or a complex cycle. Review the recordings yourself and occasionally obtain supervision. The supervision should help you on your road to becoming competent in EFT and it should enhance the couple treatment.

Obtaining Consent
It is important to obtain signed consent both for recording sessions and for using the recording in the supervision process. I record most of my sessions and it’s unusual to have a couple refuse to allow me to do so. I explain that a lot can happen in sessions and the opportunity to review gives me a second chance to catch it. Plus, the opportunity to share it with a consultant provides expert feedback as I work with them. A few have wanted to know who I will consult with so they can give approval before I submit any specific recording for supervision, but most couples agree to this without restrictions. Some even allow recordings to be used in the training of other therapists. If a couple refuses to allow me to record, for whatever reason, I don’t pursue the matter. I don’t want it to become an impediment to the therapy process. I have had a few couples who did not allow me to video record, but agreed to let me audio record.

Technical and Practical Matters
As for the type of recording, I prefer video both for my own review and in the supervision of others. As we all know, so much communication – especially the poignant moments – is nonverbal. The video quality doesn’t have to be excellent; as long as it shows body language and facial expressions it will serve its purpose. The shortcoming of most video setups is actually the audio quality. The integrated microphones on most consumer level video cameras are seldom sufficient for good audio. Until recently, many of these cameras had a jack for an external mic, which greatly improves the audio, but these are getting harder to find at a manageable cost. Since video requires a greater financial commitment than audio, some therapists choose to start out with audio recording. The mp3 or other pocket digital recorders are generally quite good in audio quality and most have a jack for an external mic. These units can cost $100 or less. Add a decent quality external microphone, if necessary, and the cost is still under $250.

I ask therapists to choose 40 minutes from the session for me to review. That is generally sufficient for me to understand the couple and to provide good clinical feedback. You can either edit it yourself and send what you want me to review, or send the entire session and tell me what section(s) to review. I also ask therapists to complete a Case Consultation Form which tells me, among other things, how you see their cycle, the step you are in, and where you most need help. Generally, if I receive 40 minutes of a session to review I send back an audio of over an hour – your 40 minutes plus around 30 minutes of comments.

Sending Files as Email Attachment
If you want to speed the process, I suggest that you download and install Pando Pro, a program for sending large files via email. The basic version is free, but I recommend the Pro version because it allows larger files, keeps them available longer, has faster downloads, provides free technical support and, most importantly, allows for password protection of the file, a requirement in my opinion. The cost is reasonable at $25 per year. Windows and Mac versions are available and it’s moderately easy to get up and running. Even with Pando, you will want to compress your file for speed of upload and download. Generally, I can provide supervision within 3 days of when I receive the recording. The fee for supervision is $120.