EFTA awards 2025

As you all know, every three years, we hold the EFTA Conference. It’s a special moment when we shine a light on the work achieved over the past three years, honoring members of the Board with an award — usually two from each Chamber. This tradition is close to our hearts, as it gives us a chance to celebrate our journey, reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead to what’s still to come.
This year, during the Lyon Congress, we have brought to the forefront:

Valerie O’ Brien, in recognition of her work in Chairing the Task Force charged with the development of European Training Standards for Family Therapy and Systemic Psychotherapy 2022 – 2025. This work marks a major development for the future of the training of psychotherapists and family therapists, especially given the changing landscape for the profession across Europe. Valerie is particularly thankful to the Task Force members which also includes Federico Ferrari; Julia Hardy; Lucie Hornova; Teresa Moratalla Gellida; Martine Nisse; Yvain Piketty; Marie Jeanne Schon; Shan Tate.

Mathias Ochs, for his pioneering contribution in establishing and popularizing EFTA research Cafés and his vital role in making the EFTA-RELATES 2025 congress so special, as the Chair of Scientific Committee

Hans Christian Michaelsen, for his long standing work for EFTA and his contribution to being connected and enjoying being an efta member. He has an appreciative,trustworthy and honest approach to everyone.

The whole CIM board (M. Nisse, V. Sallay, M. Frisina, F. Ferrari, M. Cassen, M-J Schon, I. Ursini) for the outstanding and exemplary team-work that allowed the revitalization of CIM through sharing participation among members within the chamber and in the relationship with the other two chambers; for the capacity to plan, organize and realize an international conference in bordeaux in 2024.

Slavica Gajdadzic Knezevik, for her outstanding contribution for developing systemic practice in the region and across different professional contexts

Fabienne Dardenne, our historic secretary, the heart of EFTA