The Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast

The Supervision Tapes with Jena Irvin

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 Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi

The Supervision Tapes w/Grazel Garcia

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 [https://grazelgarciatherapy.com/] has rebranded to Grayslate [https://grayslatetherapy.com/].  You can reach Grazel directly at either email addresses: For book info and speaking engagements, workshops: grazel@grazelgarciatherapy.com [grazel@grazelgarciatherapy.com]  For mental health services: grazel@grayslatetherapy.com [grazel@grayslatetherapy.com]  Book "Crossed Signals" sign up link:  https://grazelgarciatherapy.com/crossed-signals/ [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 Attribution:Intro MusicPalms Down by Blue Dot Palms Down by ⁠Blue Dot Session dfrv4qmi

The Supervision Tapes w/ Annabelle Safinia

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

S1 Ep 18: Breaking Down the Tango. Move 4 & 5 in Stage 2

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 [https://efttriage.com/]  * MichaelBarnettlpc.com [https://michaelbarnettlpc.com/] * DrSilvinaIrwin.com [https://drsilvinairwin.com/] * MichaelPrestonlpc.com [https://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!

S1 Ep 17: Breaking Down the Tango. Move 3 in Stage 2

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 dfrv4qmi