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

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Supporting Neurodiverse Couples and Therapists in EFT: Insights from Grazel GarciaIn this episode, we dive into neurodiversity with Grazel Garcia, author of Cross Signals, sharing strategies to adapt EFT for neurodiverse clients and honoring the therapist's own nervous system. Whether you're working with neurodiverse couples or navigating your own sensory sensitivities, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in neuroaffirmative practices.Main Topics:

• How to modify EFT techniques for neurodiverse clients, including pacing and language adjustments
• Recognizing neurological differences in emotional expression and processing
• Attuning to sensory sensitivities and creating a neurodiverse-friendly therapy environment
• Supporting neurodivergent therapists to self-regulate in challenging sessions
• Bridging understanding between neurodivergent and neurotypical partners through attachment bids and love language

• The importance of slowing down and pacing interventions based on client neurotypes
• How to recognize and validate different ways emotions are felt and expressed
• Using neuroaffirmative language to validate clients’ internal experiences
• Practical tips like fidget toys, lighting adjustments, and pacing strategies
• The significance of self-awareness and regulation for therapists working with high-stimulus couples
• Exploring attachment behaviors that look different but carry meaningful connection

For information about working with Grazel Garcia:

Grazel Garcia Psychotherapy & Associates has rebranded to Grayslate. 

You can reach Grazel directly at either email addresses:

For book info and speaking engagements, workshops: [email protected] 

For mental health services:

[email protected] 

Book "Crossed Signals" sign up link:  https://grazelgarciatherapy.com/crossed-signals/ Release date:  June 2026

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

or 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

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