The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast

Andrea Medaris on pacing EFT with trauma, disorganized attachment, and keeping couples in the window of toleranceMichael Preston talks with Andrea Medaris of EFT Maine about working with couples where trauma is in the room, how to pace EFT without becoming too cautious, and how to stay present when both partners are getting activated at once. Andrea also shares how she supports newer EFT learners...

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 th...

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...

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 t...

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 e...

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 Lea...

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 communit...

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...

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 unders...

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 equali...

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 Lear...

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 p...

Michael Preston meets with EFT Supervisor, Annabel Safinia, for the first episode of The Supervision Tapes. In their discussion Michael presents Annabelle with questions submittied by the audience and the two discuss how they would approach them from an EFT Framework. Annabelle shares her insights on handling challenging moments with confidence. She discusses how to recognize and slow down escalat...

In this episode, hosts Michael Preston, Silvina Irwin, and Michael Barnett reflect on the foundational elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), focusing on Stage Two, particularly the critical moments of mismatch and vulnerability. They share insights, real cases, and practical strategies for working with trauma, couples' risk-taking, and creating transformational experiences in therapy....

Discover how emotionally focused therapy (EFT) leverages deep, experiential work to create transformative change in relationships. In this episode, we explore the nuance of stage two enactments, how to recognize when clients are ready, and the vital role of daring to go into painful, disowned fears to foster healing. In this episode: The distinct focus of EFT stage two: enactments of attachment fe...

In this episode of the Emotionally Focused Therapy podcast, hosts Michael Preston, Michael Barnett, and Dr. Sylvina Irwin delve into the intricacies of transitioning from stage one to stage two of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). They discuss the importance of understanding the different goals of each stage, the role of the therapist, and the significance of heightening emotional experiences. Th...

In this episode, EFT trainers and supervisors delve into critical aspects of practicing EFT, from handling client risks during stages two and three to maintaining self-care as a therapist. Discover practical strategies, the importance of supervision, and how to keep couples engaged and resilient post-therapy. Key Topics Navigating client backslides and reactivity in stage two — importance of stabi...

In this episode, Michael Preston, Dr. Silvina Irwin, and Michael Barnett tackle questions the came up at a recent Externship in Los Angeles. Whether you're grappling with attachment styles, client setbacks, or pivotal relational moments, this episode offers nuanced insights to deepen your understanding and clinical skills. To learn more about working with or training with Michael Barnett or Dr...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of 'move four' and its implications, delving into the strategic aims and potential outcomes. The conversation highlights the importance of creating safe spaces and the dynamics of partnership exposure, offering insights into the dance of professional relationships. To learn more about working with or training with Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina I...

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of Tango Move 3 in Stage One, addressing audience questions and delving into the therapist's self-awareness. We discuss the challenges of enactments, the importance of understanding blocks, and the opportunities for growth in therapeutic settings. Takeaways: Understanding Tango Stage One is crucial for therapists. Audience questions provide valuable...

In this episode, we explore community-driven questions, focusing on Move 2 of the Tango in Emotionally Focused Therapy. We discuss the importance of hightening emotion and addressing self of therapists tolerance levels. The discussion highlights the significance of developing new skill as well as therapists being able to accept where they are in their own emotional process. To learn more about wor...

In this episode, we explore community-driven questions, focusing on Move 1 of the Tango in Emotionally Focused Therapy. We discuss the importance of understanding multiple perspectives in systemic issues. The discussion highlights the significance of integrating diverse viewpoints to move forward effectively. To learn more about working with or training with Michael Barnett or Dr. Silvina Irwin vi...

In this episode of the Emotionally Focused Therapy podcast, hosts Michael Preston, Michael Barnett, and Dr. Silvina Irwin delve into the intricacies of EFT, focusing on the 'Tango' moves in therapy. They explore how these moves help couples connect emotionally and create new relational experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, emotional engagement, and the s...

This EFT Podcast Mini episode introduces Dr. Silvina Irwin to the show. We are so excited to have Dr. Irwin lend her wisdom to the show. She will be joining us as a regular co-host to the show. She has been and EFT Trainer in Los Angels for nearly a decade and helped bring EFT trainings to the Spanish speaking community! Learn more about her in today's episode! Leave a comment to join us in welcom...

In this episode of the Emotionally Focused Therapy podcast, hosts Michael Preston and Michael Barnett discuss the intricacies of the EFT Tango, focusing on moves one and two. They explore the goals and processes involved in these stages, emphasising the importance of understanding the dynamics between partners and the emotional narratives that drive their interactions. The conversation highlights...