Internal World and Behavioral Moves of Withdrawers

On-demand (recorded) content

1.0 CE credit hours

**Course content will be available on July 18, 2026 (1 day after the live course)**

CE/CEU credits included: 1.0 (see below for approval details). You must view the full webinar and pass the quiz (details below) to receive continuing education credits (partial credit not awarded).

Format: On-demand (recorded/asynchronous)

Quiz: there is a quiz at the end to ensure viewing, which you must pass (75%) within 3 attempts. If you do not pass within 3 attempts, you must repurchase the course for additional attempts. It is required by CE/CEU approval organizations.

Investment: $19

• Or purchase all 10 on-demand EFT webinars (released throughout 2026) for $169 (click here)

Course access: Paid registrants have lifetime access to this course (for the lifetime of this course and/or course portal).

Presenter: Dave Jackson, PhD, LP (see bio below)

Abstract:

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy with strong evidence indicating that it significantly improves relationship satisfaction and reduces conflict for couples (Beasley & Ager, 2019). At the same time, there are numerous nuances to learn when practicing effective EFT with couples. In this webinar, we will explore what trainer Kathryn Rheem meant by the statement “Withdrawers seem to have the steeper road to walk in EFT.” With the exception of their primary relationship, the withdrawer’s world frequently looks pretty good: They achieve a lot, tend to be successful, and frequently have a positive view of self. At the same time, interpersonal closeness is often uncomfortable for withdrawers. The presenter will explore the behavioral moves of withdrawers in the cycle, with a focus on how the therapist needs to present themselves during the session to create a space where the withdrawer can experience success sharing their thoughts and feelings. Participants will leave this webinar with a better understanding of withdrawers in couples therapy. This is an intermediate-level webinar that is appropriate for licensed mental health professionals and students in mental health graduate training programs.

Objectives:

1. Summarize the "working model of self and others" of the withdrawer
2. Describe how "getting it right," "keeping it calm," and "fear of failure" are at the heart of the withdrawer's world

Non-Discrimination:

HPC and ATAGF do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or age.

Conflict of Interest Statements:

There is no known commercial support for this program, nor are there any relationships between the CE sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could be construed as conflicts of interests. Dr. Jackson is the co-owner of Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks. There is no commercial support or benefits for endorsement of products (e.g., books, training, drugs).

The presenter will inform participants of the utility and validity of content discussed (including the basis for statements about utility/validity), as well as limitations of the approach and the most common and severe risks, if any, associated with program content.

Requests for Accommodations:

HPC and ATAGF are committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in all aspects of its continuing education activities. Participants with special needs should contact program organizers so reasonable accommodations can be made.

To request accommodations, contact ATAGF's Continuing Education Vice Chair, Christine Boulton-Olson, PhD, LP, at [email protected].