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.

In this episode of "Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy", Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Rana dive deep into Stage Two therapy, exploring the critical question: "How deep is deep enough?" They discuss the nuanced process of helping couples explore painful emotional experiences and turn over metaphorical "stones" of past trauma and attachment injuries. Top Points:

Stage Two Depth Requires Repetition

Re-engagement for withdrawers typically takes 3-9 sessions

Therapists must repeatedly explore painful experiences

Build momentum from session to session

Key Stage Two Strategies

Enter difficult conversations from a positive foundation

Use scene-setting techniques to evoke deeper emotions

Convert individual pain into co-regulation opportunities

Exploring "Stones" (Painful Experiences)

Look for deepest fears

Uncover negative self-views

Explore barriers to seeking comfort

Address attachment injuries, trauma, marginalization experiences

Critical Therapeutic Approach

Walk with clients through their emotional "basement"

Help clients build confidence in facing difficult memories

Ensure partners can provide comfort in vulnerable moments

Create "experiential bridges" for future emotional support

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!

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.

Summary:

Top 10 Points:

1. **EFT Intensives Resource**: The hosts highlight EFT intensives available in Northwest Arkansas, recommending them as valuable resources for therapists and couples. [email protected]. 

2. **Upcoming SV Focus Lab**: Announcement and encouragement to attend the SV Focus Lab in September 2025, focusing on therapeutic pivots.

3. **Stage 2 Overview**: Stage 2 in EFT is about restructuring the bond by helping the more withdrawn partner re-engage vulnerably, followed by work with the pursuing partner to soften their approach.

4. **Step 5 Focus**: Step 5 is the most intra-psychic part of EFT, where therapists help clients access the deep, painful beliefs about themselves that have developed from negative cycles.

5. **Deadly Attachment Messages (DAMs)**: DAMs are the core negative beliefs clients hold about themselves (e.g., "I'm unlovable," "I'm stupid"), often rooted in both relationship dynamics and personal history.

6. **Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 DAMs**: In Stage 1, DAMs are often externalized (what the partner thinks of them), while in Stage 2, the focus shifts to when clients start to believe these messages about themselves.

7. **Experiential Depth**: Effective Step 5 work requires therapists to stay with clients in their pain, facilitating deep limbic (emotional) experiences rather than just cognitive insight.

8. **Therapist’s Role**: Therapists must be willing to "walk into the darkness" with clients, maintaining a non-anxious, present stance to help clients feel safe enough to explore their deepest fears.

9. **Partner Acceptance and Reaching for Needs**: After accessing DAMs, the process moves toward helping the partner accept these vulnerable parts and supporting the client in reaching for comfort and connection.

10. **Patience and Repetition**: Deepening and accessing DAMs is a repetitive, patient process—therapists may need to revisit and assemble the experience multiple times before clients can fully articulate and share their pain.

Let me know if you’d like a more detailed breakdown of any specific section!

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!

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.

In this episode, we both share how we help our clients transition into the qualitatively different experience of stage two. James shares his informed consent speech, and Ryan shares his building of the safety platform. 

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!

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, Dr. Ryan Rana, and special guest George Faller as they dive deep into the art of therapeutic pivoting. Discover how skilled therapists navigate moments of client openness, transform interventions, and create powerful therapeutic breakthroughs beyond traditional block management. Show Notes:

Explore the nuanced concept of clinical pivoting in Emotionally Focused Therapy

Learn how to recognize and leverage moments of client openness

Understand the importance of intentional therapeutic decision-making

Insights from experienced EFT trainers on reading client emotional states

Practical strategies for deepening therapeutic connections

Key Takeaways:

Pivoting isn't just about managing blocks; it's about creating opportunities

Attunement drives therapeutic intervention choices

Therapists can become more intentional by understanding their moment-to-moment decision-making

Special Announcement: Join the presenters at the SV Focus Lab, September 11-13, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas (hybrid event) to dive deeper into these concepts! Recommended for: EFT therapists, counselors, and relationship specialists looking to enhance their clinical skills and therapeutic flexibility.

Link for $50 discount to Focus Lab https://www.svfocuslab.com/leadingedge

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!

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!

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.

Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Chad Imhoff as they dive deep into the heart of what makes a great therapist - your humanity. Discover how embracing your emotional experiences can transform your professional practice, reduce burnout, and create more meaningful connections with clients.

Therapists are humans first - your emotional responses are a tool, not a hindrance

Learn the TEMPO and RAVE techniques for emotional regulation

Understand how recognizing your own triggers can improve client care

Explore the balance between professional skills and personal authenticity

Practical strategies for integrating your humanity into therapeutic practice

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!

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.

In this profound exploration of grief, Dr. Tal Padeh (ICEEFT Trainer, Israel EFT Center) reveals the transformative power of emotional connection. Through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy, we discover how grief can be a pathway to deeper understanding, love, and healing. Join us as we honor the complexity of loss and the human capacity to process pain with compassion and resilience. Another special treat, Nicola joined and added another layer of experience to this interview. 

Grief is a natural human experience that requires a safe, compassionate space to process.

Encountering loss involves recognizing what cannot be replaced and honoring the depth of emotional pain

Couples can either be pushed apart or drawn closer through shared grief experiences.

Grief is not something to "get over," but a journey of continued connection and love with one's own experience, accompanied by the support of others. 

Cultural and personal defenses can block grief processing, but therapeutic support can help navigate these barriers to convert them into beautiful opportunities for sacred experience. 

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!

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.

In this powerful episode of the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Drs. Ryan Reyna and James Hawkins dive deep into the critical challenge therapists face when entering couples sessions without a strategic approach. They explore the pitfalls of entering therapy unprepared and provide practical insights for maintaining therapeutic effectiveness. Conversation Outline:

The Therapist's Challenge

Emotional complexity of couples therapy

Sacrifices therapists make in helping distressed relationships

Importance of professional preparedness

Risks of Entering Sessions Without a Plan

Potential for therapist triangulation

Tendency to mediate instead of facilitating healing

Danger of getting caught in reactive cycles

Strategic Therapeutic Approach

Understanding the couple's emotional "muscle"

Developing a flexible, adaptive therapeutic plan

Focusing on attachment patterns rather than surface conflicts

Emotional Regulation Strategies

Preparing therapist's nervous system

Recognizing and interrupting destructive interaction patterns

Creating safety through structured intervention

Closing Summary: Your preparedness, empathy, and commitment create a transformative space where healing becomes possible—one vulnerable moment at a time. Remember: In the landscape of human relationships, you are not just a therapist, but a skilled navigator helping couples rediscover their fundamental connection.

Upcoming events, if you would like to train with James or Ryan…

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!

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.

Summary: In this episode of the Leading Edge EFT Podcast, Dr. James Hawkins and his wife Nicola explore two critical questions from EFT therapists about navigating complex couple therapy moments. The discussion focuses on validation techniques, managing partner reactions during therapeutic interventions, and the nuanced art of creating emotional safety in couples therapy. Key Topics: Validation in EFT:

Validating attachment functions, not harmful behaviors

Balancing validation between partners

Recognizing the underlying emotional needs behind challenging behaviors

Therapeutic Enactments:

Navigating client resistance to sharing emotions

Helping clients express vulnerable feelings in new ways

Understanding the emotional landscape behind repeated communication patterns

Action Items:

Explore validation techniques that honor both partners' emotional experiences

Practice creating safety when challenging client interaction patterns

Consider attending upcoming EFT training opportunities

Memorable Quote: "You can earn the right to challenge after first meeting your client with validation."

Upcoming events, if you would like to train with James or Ryan…

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!

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.

This podcast episode focuses on the critical concept of "timing" in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), specifically when and how therapists should "play it" during therapeutic sessions. Hosts Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Reyna discuss the importance of recognizing and responding to vulnerable emotions and caregiving moments in couples therapy. Main Points:

Key Ingredients of a Secure Bond

Vulnerable, live emotion

Accessible, responsive, and engaged (ARE) caregiving system

Timing Considerations

Earlier in therapy: Play moments quickly (less room for vulnerability)

Later in therapy: More space to let emotions develop

Clinical decision-making about when to intervene

Critical Moments to "Play It"

When vulnerable emotion emerges

When a caregiving response is present

Before the moment passes or the cycle interrupts vulnerability

Risks of Not Playing the Moment

Clients may exit the vulnerable space

Emotional opportunities can be lost

Cycle of interaction can revert to negative patterns

Practical Advice

Catch and recognize emotional moments

Make clinical decisions about intervention

Prioritize creating space for emotional connection

The episode includes a role-play demonstration illustrating these principles, emphasizing the importance of therapist attunement and timely intervention.

Upcoming events, if you would like to train with James or Ryan…

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!