Local Learning
From Protection to Connection:
Building Confidence and Competence in Working with Defensive Clients
Presenter: Marcia Vickman, LCPC, CADC
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
Location: Online via Zoom
About the Workshop
Client defensiveness is one of the most common—and often most challenging—obstacles therapists encounter in clinical practice. Defensive reactions can leave therapists feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to move through the rigid response to reach the client.
Through didactic instruction, role-play demonstrations, and small-group practice, participants will leave feeling more confident and clinically competent in responding to client defensiveness. They will deepen their understanding of the attachment fears that drive protective responses and learn practical interventions that foster safety, emotional engagement, and meaningful therapeutic change.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Deeply connect with the attachment fears that drive defensive responses.
- Find the pathway from protective strategies while facilitating access to underlying vulnerable emotions.
- Help clients transform defensive cycles into new experiences of emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and connection.
About the Presenter
Marcia Vickman began her career as a therapist over 35 years ago and has been working with clients ever since. In 2011 she was introduced to Emotionally Focused Therapy. and Marcia recalls it felt like she hit the jackpot in her brain, making sense of her lifelong attachment longings.and fears. That began her journey through Certification as an EFCT Therapist and Supervisor, and leadership positions in ChicagoEFT. Marcia has a private practice (rivernorththerapy.com) and works virtually with individuals and couples.
More Details
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- Registration will close Wednesday, November 4, 6:00 pm CST.
- Zoom meeting invitation and other details will be sent out to all registrants after registration closes. Please add info@chicagoEFT.com to your contacts to avoid having this email sent to your spam folder.
- Participants attending the seminar will earn 2 CE credits for attending the entire program. The event must be attended live to earn credit.
- ChicagoEFT is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs (#168.000220), Psychologists (#268.000137) and for LCSWs and LCPCs (#159.000961). ChicagoEFT maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- This event will be recorded. Participants will have viewing access to the recording for a limited time after the event. No CE credits are provided unless participants attend live.
Registration Cost
ChicagoEFT Member – $35
Regular – $45
- ChicagoEFT members – login to the website before registering to receive member rates. If you not yet a ChicagoEFT member, see our Membership page for more information on how to join today.