Show Notes
Discover how emotionally focused therapy (EFT) leverages deep, experiential work to create transformative change in relationships. In this episode, we explore the nuance of stage two enactments, how to recognize when clients are ready, and the vital role of daring to go into painful, disowned fears to foster healing.In this episode: The distinct focus of EFT stage two: enactments of attachment fears and needs The importance of creating disconfirming experiences to rewire neural networks How to gauge client readiness for heightened emotional work The critical role of therapist self-awareness and practice in depth work Strategies for managing the challenges of zoom-based EFT sessions The significance of trust, alliance, and stabilizing stages before deep interventions Encouragement for therapists learning to do this transformative, experiential depth work
For information on the EFT Triage Conference visit: www.efttriage.com
To learn more about working with or training with Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites www.michaelbarnettlpc.com www.drsilvinairwin.com www.eftcla.org To learn more about working with Michael Preston for EFT Supervision visit Michael's website. www.michaelprestonlpc.com For more info on Michael's Tango Course visit www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by Blue Dot Sessions dfrv4qmi
More from The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast
In this conversation, Michael Preston and Ed Peterson explore the intersection of addiction and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). They discuss the importance of understanding addiction through an attachment lens, viewing it as a protective strategy rather than a moral failing. The dialogue emphasizes the emotional experiences of individuals struggling with addiction and the impact on their relationships. They also address the challenges therapists face when working with couples where substance use is present, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in the therapeutic process. In this conversation, Ed Peterson and Michael Preston delve into the complexities of addiction, emotional responses, and the importance of attunement in therapy. They discuss the challenges faced by partners of individuals struggling with addiction, the need for compassion, and the significance of understanding underlying emotional needs.
Andrea Medaris on pacing EFT with trauma, disorganized attachment, and keeping couples in the window of toleranceMichael Preston talks with Andrea Medaris of EFT Maine about working with couples where trauma is in the room, how to pace EFT without becoming too cautious, and how to stay present when both partners are getting activated at once. Andrea also shares how she supports newer EFT learners through residency cohorts and why supervision matters so much in trauma work.In this episode, they focus on how developmental trauma shapes attachment, how to recognize flooding and disorganized attachment in session, and how to keep making room for both partners without losing the cycle. Andrea also discusses the role of transparency, validation, and constant check-ins when working near the edge of a client’s tolerance.
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Michael Preston talks with Laurie Watson about why sex belongs in couples therapy from the very first session, how sexual and emotional cycles intersect, and how attachment shapes desire, vulnerability, and repair. Laurie shares a practical EFT lens for understanding sexual pursuer-withdrawer patterns, coercion, shame, affair recovery, and how therapists can normalize sexual conversation without taking over the couple’s work.