The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy 132. Another Option w/ Blocks: Externalization in EFT—Guiding Clients Compassionately Into Vulnerability”
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.
Step into a heartfelt conversation where Dr. James Hawkins and Nicola Hawkins explore the art of externalization in emotion-focused therapy. This episode delves into how therapists can gently guide clients into their most vulnerable spaces without overwhelming them—using creative, compassionate externalization techniques. Listeners will find practical strategies, authentic reflections, and moments of inspiration that underscore the importance of safety, attunement, and reintegration throughout the therapeutic journey. It’s a compassionate guide for every EFT therapist looking to expand their “toolkit” for helping clients move courageously into their own healing.
Top Points from the Episode:
- Upcoming training opportunities in EFT and gratitude for the therapy community, especially during challenging times.
- The concept of externalization as a gentle intervention to help clients face vulnerability when direct approaches would overwhelm.
- Creative metaphors and analogies—for example, “letting clients breathe but not leave”—to describe how to stay connected and supportive in tough moments.
- Techniques for externalization: using third-person references, prototypes, past versions of self, and broader narratives to create safety.
- The crucial process of reintegrating externalized parts to support clients’ healing and growth.
- Reflection on the therapist’s role in providing validation, understanding, and new perspectives.
- Practical adaptations for different cultural and client contexts, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
- Emphasis on co-creating meaning—from reframing past experiences to fostering autonomy and choice within sessions.
- Encouragement for therapists to remain flexible, observant, and compassionate when clients hit emotional blocks.
- Inspiring reminders about the transformative power of working on the client’s “leading edge”—where real change happens.
We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.
Stay connected with us:
- Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge
- Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website
- James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com
- George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com
If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV).
Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!