The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast

By The Art, Heart, and Science of EFTHealth & Fitness Mental Health

The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast episodes

September 22Deliberate Practice and EFT with EFT Supervisor Kamila Kaminska
Deliberate Practice in EFT:

Why Scripts, Repetition, and Micro-Skills Matter.
Michael Preston is joined by Kamila Kaminska for a focused conversation on how therapists actually build EFT skill. They unpack what deliberate practice is, what it is not, and why small, repeated interventions can change both clinical competence and the therapist’s way of seeing clients. The conversation explores how therapists can move from broad conceptual understanding to embodied skill, why specific scripts matter, and how deliberate practice can address both clinical technique and personal blocks.
Key Topics
What deliberate practice really means: Kamila defines it as focused, intentional rehearsal of one small therapeutic skill at a time.
What deliberate practice is not: The conversation distinguishes deliberate practice from simply discussing a case or participating in a broad role play.
Why therapists plateau: Experience alone does not guarantee continued growth. Without intentional skill development, therapists may become more comfortable without becoming more effective.
The value of focusing on one skill: Michael shares how narrowing his focus to a single part of the EFT Tango helped him build confidence and competence without becoming overwhelmed.
How deliberate practice progresses: The process may be sequential for some therapists and more exploratory for others, depending on their specific learning edge.
Why scripts matter: Repeating exact therapeutic language helps interventions become part of procedural memory, making them easier to access in emotionally intense moments.
Using supervision effectively: The speakers discuss how a broad suggestion such as “validate more” becomes more useful when translated into specific words a therapist can practice.
Working with personal blocks: Deliberate practice can address moments when therapists freeze, lose their thread, become judgmental, or feel dysregulated in session.
Finding your own therapeutic voice: Kamila explains why learning and repeating scripts does not erase a therapist’s individuality. Structure can provide the foundation from which personal style develops.
Learning from teachers: Michael describes studying phrases and interventions from experienced EFT clinicians, then adapting them into his own work.
Making practice manageable: Deliberate practice does not require hours every day. Even a few focused minutes can help keep skills fresh and support steady growth.

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
To join the Waitlist for the Michael's Tango Deliberate Practice Group visit
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tangowaitlist
50 min
September 09 The Supervision Tapes w/ EFT Trainer Sandra Taylor
EFT externships, LGBTQ+ therapy, and dementia: What therapists need to know!

Michael Preston talks with Sandra Taylor of the British Emotionally Focused Therapy Center about what makes EFT externships powerful in person, how to prepare for a four-day training, and what therapists often miss when working with LGBTQ+ couples.

Sandra also shares deeply personal, clinically rich reflections on working with couples facing dementia, including grief, connection, and the idea of “rementing.”

To Join Sandra, Sarah, and Michael along with the rest of the BEFT Centre Training team in Edinburgh visit:
https://www.beftcentre.org/efct-in-person-edinburgh-oct-2026/

To learn more about working with Michael Preston for supervision visit www.michaelprestonlpc.comDon't forget to follow The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast.Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
49 min
August 25 The Supervision Tapes w/ Laurie Watson
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.

To Preorder Laurie and George's new book Brave Love, Great Sex visit https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Love-Great-Sex-Relationships/dp/B0G7CTTFTK

To learn more about working with Michael Preston for supervision visit www.michaelprestonlpc.com

Don't forget to follow The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast.
1 hr 2 min
August 11 The Supervision Tapes w/Kelly Bourque!
EFT Intensives with Kelly Bourque

Michael Preston talks with Kelly Bourque, resident EFT intensive specialist, about how to screen couples, structure EFT intensives, and decide whether this model is the right fit for a therapist or a couple. Kelly shares the practical systems she has refined over years of doing intensives full time, plus the pacing, safety, and follow-up work that make the model effective.In this episode, they focus on what actually changes in an intensive, what does not change, and why clarity matters more than trying to force a breakthrough. Kelly also explains how her training and e-course help therapists prepare with paperwork, consult structure, and realistic expectations.

To learn more about attending Kelly's EFT intensives trainings visit
www.RedTherapyGroup.com

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi

57 min
July 28 The Supervision Tapes W/ Katharina Sandizell
In this episode of the Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast, Michael Preston and Katarina Sandizell explore the nuances of integrating psychoeducation within EFT sessions while maintaining emotional engagement. They discuss strategies for therapists to stay authentic, avoid over-explaining, and foster client vulnerability—all while navigating their own personal and attachment patterns.

LINKS
To Learn more about Joining the EFT Deliberate Practice Group that will start in September, Go to:
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango

To learn about working with Katarina visit
www.lovefrontiertherapy.com

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
44 min
July 14 The Supervision Tape W/ Matthew Harris
Navigating EFT with the LGBTQIA+ Community: Insights from Matthew HarrisIn this episode, Michael Preston is joined by Matthew Harris, an EFT supervisor with a rich background in working with LGBTQIA+ clients. They explore how EFT can be adapted to better serve sexual and gender minority populations, emphasizing authenticity, curiosity, and cultural humility. Whether you're new to this community or seeking to deepen your practice, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring reflections.

LINKS
To Learn more about Joining the EFT Deliberate Practice Group that will start in September, Go to:
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango

To learn about working with Matthew Harris visit
www.matthewharrismft.com

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi

48 min
June 30 The Supervision Tapes w/Dr. Lisa Blum
Breaking Down Barriers: Integrating Sexuality & EFT — An Expert Conversation.

In this discussion, Lisa Blum shares her insights on how EFT therapists can confidently incorporate discussions of sex and intimacy into their practice. We explore practical strategies for normalizing conversations around sexuality, addressing desire discrepancies, and enhancing relational safety in therapy.

LINKS
To Learn more about Joining the EFT Deliberate Practice Group that will start in JULY, Go to:
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango

To learn about Lisa and Sil's Hold Me Tight Weekend or working with Dr. Blum as a Supervisor visit
www.drlisablum.com
https://www.eftresourcecenter.com/

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
59 min
June 16The Supervision Tapes w/ Sarah McConnell
Navigating Family Dynamics and Therapist Self-Care in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)In this insightful episode, Michael Preston and EFT trainer Sarah McConnell explore the nuances of working with family systems, shifting from couple to family therapy, and maintaining therapist resilience. This conversation offers practical frameworks and reflections for therapists seeking to deepen their understanding and effectiveness in EFT.Main Topics:
Transitioning from couples to family therapy: hierarchy vs. equality
Stages of EFFT and their focus on caregiver availability and child blocks
Validating behaviors in family sessions: tracking and understanding responses
Managing self-awareness and self-care as a therapist in complex sessions
Simplifying EFT process for ongoing growth and managing messy sessions
Recognizing and working with pursuer and withdrawer cycles
Building secure attachment through responsive caregiving
Resources and upcoming trainings in EFT and EFFT models
Sarah shares her perspective on shifting from couple to family models and the importance of understanding stages in EFFT
Discussion on how attachment principles underpin family work, emphasizing caregiver availability
Techniques for validating different behaviors and keeping the focus on process during family sessions
Practical advice for therapists to stay grounded and self-compassionate when sessions become complicated
The significance of ongoing practice, reflection, and community engagement in mastering EFT skills

To Learn more about Joining the EFT Deliberate Practice Group that will start in JULY, Go to:
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango

To learn about working with Sarah McConnell visit:
https://www.beftcentre.org/

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
49 min
June 02The Supervision Tapes w/ Rachel Chiu
Join Michael Preston and Rachel Chiu as they explore the impact of patriarchy and misogyny on emotional health, gender roles, and relationships. This conversation offers deep insights into how systemic oppression shapes personal experiences and therapeutic practices.
keywords patriarchy, misogyny, gender roles, emotional health, systemic oppression, EFT, therapy, cultural narratives, gender equality

key topics
Impact of patriarchy and misogyny on emotional health
How systemic oppression influences gender roles and relationships
Strategies for therapists to address cultural narratives in session

To Reach out for Supervision with Rachel Chiu visit her website:
https://www.restoretherapysc.com/eft-supervision

To Learn more about EFT Triage 2026 in Los Vegas visit: https://efttriage.com/

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
www.MichaelBarnettlpc.com
www.DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

To join Michael's Tango Class waitlist visit:
WWW.MichaelPrestonLPC.com/tangowaitlist

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
54 min
May 19 The Supervision Tapes with Jena Irvin
Building Diversity and Addressing Complex Issues in EFT: Insights with Jenna Irvin.

Join us as Jenna Irvin shares her journey in increasing diversity within the EFT community, her work with BIPOC therapists, and practical strategies for managing complex couples therapy cases.

To Reach out for Supervision with Jena Irvin visit her website:
https://www.smyrnacouplescounseling.com/supervision

To Learn more about Core Skills Training in Atlanta this summer visit: https://www.eftatlanta.com

As always to work with EFT Trainers Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin visit their websites:
MichaelBarnettlpc.com
DrSilvinaIrwin.com

To work with EFT Supervisor Michael Preston visit his website:
www.MichaelPrestonLPC.com

To join Michael's Tango Class waitlist visit:
WWW.MichaelPrestonLPC.com/tangowaitlist

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi
53 min

About The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast explores the art, heart, and science of EFT. Hosted by EFT Trainers Michael Barnett and Silvina Irwin and EFT Supervisor Michael Preston, each episode offers…