Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other.

Join Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Rana as they dive deep into the nuanced world of Stage 2 in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In this illuminating episode, they unpack the critical transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2, providing therapists with a comprehensive guide to understanding when and how to help couples progress in their therapeutic journey. Using their innovative SAFE acronym, they provide practical insights into assessing client readiness, deepening vulnerability, and creating transformative therapeutic experiences. Episode Outline:

Introduction

SV Focus Lab invitation

Podcast mission and purpose

Importance of continuous learning in EFT

Stage 2 Overview

Common misconceptions about Stage 2

Challenges therapists face in transitioning

The need for nuanced understanding

SAFE Acronym Breakdown

S - See the Cycle

Cognitive and experiential awareness

Understanding interpersonal impact

A - Access Vulnerability

Depth of emotional exploration

Balancing client capacity

F - Flexible Responses

Adapting to partner's protective moves

Demonstrating relational safety

E - Experiential Corrections

Importance of repeated corrective experiences

Assessing readiness for Stage 2

Practical Applications

Assessment techniques

Therapeutic strategies

Warning signs and opportunities

Conclusion

Invitation for further learning

Call to action for therapists

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Stage 2 is about nuanced, patient therapeutic work

Clients must demonstrate readiness through multiple experiences

Therapists must balance pushing boundaries while respecting client capacity

To support our mission and help us continue producing impactful content, your financial contributions via Venmo (@leftpodcast) are greatly appreciated. They play a significant role in keeping this valuable resource available and are a testament to your commitment to our cause.

We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.

 Stay connected with us:

If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV).

Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!