The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast

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 escalation, to prevent session derailment and turn crises into teaching moments.

You’ll discover how to interpret action tendencies like pursuit and withdrawal, and how to work empathically with client defenses rather than against them. Plus, learn the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion as a therapist, so you can stay grounded when everything feels like chaos.

Michael and Annabelle break down specific techniques for pausing and grounding during high-stakes moments, including a playful Western metaphor to help you see escalation as a runaway carriage that needs gently pulling over. They offer practical advice on managing your own internal reactions—whether it’s freeze, panic, or self-criticism—and turning these responses into opportunities for growth.

Annabel Safinia is an EFT supervisor based in London, known for her approach to foundational skills practice and her passion for helping clinicians master the ‘meat and potatoes’ of EFT. Her work emphasizes the crucial role of therapist self-awareness in transforming therapeutic challenges into opportunities for healing. Perfect for EFT clinicians seeking tools to manage session turbulence.
To learn more about working with Annabelle you can visit her website
www.calrelationshipclinic.com
www.annabellesafinia.com

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
For more info on Michael's Tango Course visit
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango
Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi

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.Main Topics:
The significance of mismatch moments in fostering change in EFT and how they challenge clients' learned safety rules
The neurobiological and emotional implications of high-risk moments in couples therapy
Strategies for working with trauma-affected couples, including pacing, validating vulnerability, and managing triggers
The role of narrative and coherence in consolidating breakthroughs in session
Innovations and upcoming EFT trainings, including the EFT Triage Conference and specialization topics (sexual trauma, addiction, and ruptures)
The importance of therapists' self-awareness and patience during fragile moments of change
EFTTriage.com 
MichaelBarnettlpc.com
DrSilvinaIrwin.com
MichaelPrestonlpc.com
Thank you for being part of the journey—your engagement fuels the ongoing exploration of EFT’s potentials. We look forward to continuing this work with you in season two!

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 fears and needs
The importance of creating disconfirming experiences to rewire neural networks
How to gauge client readiness for heightened emotional work
The critical role of therapist self-awareness and practice in depth work
Strategies for managing the challenges of zoom-based EFT sessions
The significance of trust, alliance, and stabilizing stages before deep interventions
Encouragement for therapists learning to do this transformative, experiential depth work

For information on the EFT Triage Conference visit:
www.efttriage.com

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
For more info on Michael's Tango Course visit
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango
Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions
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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. The conversation emphasizes the need to explore attachment fears and working models, highlighting how partners can provide support during this process. The hosts share insights on how to elicit deep emotional experiences and the healing power of vulnerability in relationships, ultimately aiming to create lasting change through secure attachments.

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
For more info on Michael's Tango Course visit
www.michaelprestonlpc.com/tango
Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions
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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 stability and understanding intervention limits.
The role of supervision in deepening EFT skills and supporting complex cases.
Strategies for ensuring long-term change: protective routines, meaningful life rituals, and ongoing reflection.
Self-care essentials for EFT therapists: balancing work demands with personal resilience, creative outlets, and community support.
Benefits and logistics of live sessions: how they provide insight, reinforce learning, and empower clients.
Handling high-escalation moments: engaging couples in intense emotional episodes safely and effectively.
Maintaining client gains after treatment: consolidating skills and life integration practices.
The significance of therapists’ ongoing growth and the value of peer support and supervision.

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

Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions

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