Even when therapists understand the EFT Tango, the work can stall when interventions move faster than the couple’s capacity. This is particularly true when trauma is shaping the process. Drawing from EFT trauma literature and trauma-informed concepts, this presentation introduces a practical Contact–Capacity–Choice framework for pacing the Tango without losing emotional depth.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe how trauma-related dysregulation, hypervigilance, shame, or reduced reflective capacity may affect a couple’s participation in the EFT Tango.
2. Identify common trauma-related pitfalls in Moves 1–4, including cognitive cycle mapping, deepening reactive emotion, premature enactments, and processing before containment.
3. Apply a “Contact–Capacity–Choice” framework to select and pace interventions while supporting both partners’ agency and emotional capacity.
4. Recognize signs of therapist urgency or pressure and use a brief self-reflective strategy to return to the clients’ intentions.

We’re excited to invite you to our next PCEFT Lunch & Learn at Steeple Jack Restaurant (Fireside Room), 2400 NE Broadway, Portland, OR.

Each month, we’ll gather to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends and colleagues, network, and enjoy a brief EFT presentation from a fellow community member.

Presentation: Sharon Hale – Common pitfalls in working the Tango

Where: SteepleJack Restaurant (Fireside Room) 2400 NE Broadway, Portland, OR
2400 NE Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97232

Schedule:

• 12 – 12:40pm – Lunch, conversation, connection, networking
• 12:40 – 1:00pm – Presentation
• 1 – 1:30pm – Conversation, connection, networking

Please RSVP by sending an email to Laurel Marshall, [email protected] 

We hope to see you there!