About this episode

The episode explores how therapists can effectively navigate the challenges of Stage 2 EFT while maintaining emotional presence and support for clients.

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, Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Reyna walk into the heart of Stage 2 EFT and ask a hard question: How do you get the most out of YOU when every path forward involves pain? Drawing on stories from haunted houses, combat medicine, and oncology surgery, they unpack what it means to be the stronger, wiser other—not as a top-down expert, but as a steady, emotionally present guide when clients’ eyes are begging, “Please don’t make me go there.” You’ll hear how to: Stay confident and regulated in deep Stage 2 work Use your own limbic system, intensity, and presence in service of healing Avoid “over-validating” clients out of depth Become relentless but attuned when working with shame, trauma, and withdrawer re-engagement Here are the top 10 points from the episode in…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. James Hawkins, Dr. Ryan Reyna

Topics covered

• Stage 2 EFT
• emotional presence
• therapist training
• shame
• trauma
• client engagement

Keywords

• EFT
• emotional therapy
• therapist consistency
• client support
• shame management
• trauma recovery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ICEEFT

More episodes of The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

• 142. Stage 2 Series: The Sequela of the Burnout Pursuer: Hope Scenes, Holdouts, and Healing in Stage Two · June 29, 2026 · 34 min

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