We Heart Therapy EP 104: Healing Addiction, Shame & Trauma with EFT | Dr. Belle & EFT Trainer Michael Barnett LPC
Sep 2, 2025
Michael Barnett, an EFT Trainer and author specializing in addiction, joins Dr. Belle to delve into the transformative powers of Emotionally Focused Therapy. They discuss how EFT fosters self-compassion and emotional healing, especially regarding shame and trauma. The conversation highlights the vital role of attachment in recovery and the importance of a supportive partnership in overcoming addiction. Listeners gain practical insights from Barnett’s new workbook, aimed at both therapists and those seeking to break the cycle of addiction.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Addiction As An Attachment Strategy
- EFT frames addiction as an attachment solution rather than just a disease or bad habit.
- Addiction often emerges because people lack loving resources to soothe emotional pain.
Invite Partners As Healing Resources
- Invite partners into addiction treatment as potential emotional resources rather than excluding them.
- Use partners to help replace the comfort formerly found in substances, not to take full responsibility for recovery.
Use Attachment Moments To Rebuild Trust
- EFT uses the infant–caregiver attachment pattern as a developmental model for healing adult attachment wounds.
- Repairing small in-session attachment moments can build trust and reduce shame driving addiction.
