ICEEFT Annual Trainer Retreat 2025

Since the inception of ICEEFT in 1998, trainer retreats have been central to the growth of EFT and to our international organization. A time to come together, to share ideas and experiences with one another, to inspire and be inspired, and to learn about developments in EFT and in ICEEFT. What began with a small gathering of trainers at Sue and John’s cottage in the Gatineau Hills, complete with daily group swims to Blueberry Island, has now grown to a collection of over 75 trainers from around the globe – most assembling at major hotels in various locations. This year, 62 Trainers and 5 Trainer Candidates from 28 countries gathered in Victoria, BC, Canada. Many arrived early to combat jet lag and were greeted with an opportunity for a hello and welcome, and some food and drink before they settled in. All were present for a formal dinner the night prior to the start of the retreat and for the two days of meetings.

Last year’s retreat in the Netherlands followed soon after the loss of our leader and a giant in the field of psychotherapy, Sue Johnson. Her absence was missed. This year, the void remained palpable, but there was also a strong sense of a continued presence, and a living legacy that is swelling globally. As our dear colleague Jim Furrow aptly noted, “EFT is
a movement!” and continues to move those who are touched by this model.

Acknowledging that we were gathering on unceded and ancestral territory, our first day of meetings was opened with a welcome from a representative of the Songhees First Nation. This lovely introduction was appreciated by all and was a poignant and powerful reminder of the importance of history and context, and the way they shape stories and development on multiple levels, personal and interpersonal, family and community, and beyond.

Our two full days of meetings were complete with ICEEFT updates, as well as announcements from various Trainers from around the world about new and creative developments, innovative ways of applying the model, and the importance of ensuring the model’s integrity. This year featured “Ted Talks” from three wonderful Trainers, Sandra Taylor, Heike
McCahon, and Michael Barnett, centered on diversity, neurodiversity, and addictions, respectively. Their words and strong presence resonated with all and were met with three rounds of standing ovations. Already, their attention to these key matters have impacted trainers and trainings, as well as overall ICEEFT policy and procedures. We continue to grow through connection.

Our formal meeting ended with a ritual led with the solid presence and strong powerful voices of Kathryn de Bruin and Cindy Goodness Zane. Cindy opened the closing ritual with a chant and blessing from her Hawaiian heritage. The chant invited grounding, courage, and a sense of shared strength.

E Hō Mai
by Edith Kanaka’ole
(done three times)

E hō mai ka ‘ike mai luna mai ē
‘O nā mea huna no‘eau o nā mele ē
E hō mai, e hō mai, e hō mai ē

Grant us knowledge from above
The things of knowledge hidden in the chants
Grant us these things

After the chant, Kathryn invited everyone into a circle. Drawing on a South African farewell tradition and inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s writing on how trees communicate through the mycorrhizal network, she framed the group as a connected forest system. She used the mother tree metaphor, captured by the image on the cover of the EFFT book, to honor Sue’s
role in nurturing and sustaining the larger EFT community. As participants walked the circle, each person collected a pine cone to take home as a symbol of connection and continuity. The slow procession allowed everyone to connect once more, share final acknowledgments, and offer farewells.

The overall sentiment was one of gratitude and connection. A meaningful journey with a shared purpose, and a strong sense that we truly are, better together.

ICEEFT Executive & EFT Trainers:
Leanne Campbell, PhD, R.Psych
Gail Palmer, MSW, RSW