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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