Measuring the Effectiveness of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship Training in Hungary done through Translation

Abstract

Our study adds to the rising field of dissemination and implementation research on Emotionally Focused Therapy. We evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the Hungarian EFT-KACS, examined the impact of the EFT Externship training done through translation on Hungarian therapists, and we investigated how therapist background characteristics related to outcomes. A total of 340 Hungarian professionals completed the questionnaires (N = 152 in 2016; and N = 188 in 2018) at three data collecting points—prior to (N = 329), after the training (N = 254), and 6 months later (N = 101). Results suggest the Hungarian EFT-KACS has similar psychometric properties as the original English version and shows high internal consistency. The 4-day EFT Externship trainings done through translation provided significant, lasting increases in perceived EFT-specific knowledge and competency, and in alliance, similar to findings in English- and Spanish-speaking countries. Externship outcomes were also found to be related to specific therapist experience and background characteristics.