The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

120. Stage 2 Series: Accessing and Utilizing Vulnerability in Stage 2: Introduction to Series

Jul 28, 2025

Dive into the intricate world of Emotionally Focused Therapy as the hosts discuss the pivotal transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2. They introduce the SAFE acronym, guiding therapists on how to assess client readiness and deepen vulnerability. Misconceptions and common challenges in this transition are tackled with practical insights. Explore the balance of emotional depth, responses to protective behaviors, and the importance of multiple corrective experiences. This conversation equips listeners to enhance therapeutic connections.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Use SAFE To Assess Stage 2 Readiness

Use the SAFE rubric to test readiness for Stage 2: See, Access, Flexible, Experiential corrections.
Walk through each letter before pushing deeper to avoid premature escalation.

INSIGHT

Seeing The Cycle Means Feeling Impact

Seeing the cycle includes noticing interpersonal impact, not just cognitive mapping.
Couples need some experiential awareness of their pattern while in the cycle.

ADVICE

Access Vulnerability Gradually

Access deep vulnerability but respect each partner's capacity to stay with it.
Stretch windows of tolerance gradually and continue systemic Stage 1 work if needed.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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.

Join Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Rana as they dive deep into the nuanced world of Stage 2 in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In this illuminating episode, they unpack the critical transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2, providing therapists with a comprehensive guide to understanding when and how to help couples progress in their therapeutic journey. Using their innovative SAFE acronym, they provide practical insights into assessing client readiness, deepening vulnerability, and creating transformative therapeutic experiences. Episode Outline:

Introduction

SV Focus Lab invitation
Podcast mission and purpose
Importance of continuous learning in EFT

Stage 2 Overview

Common misconceptions about Stage 2
Challenges therapists face in transitioning
The need for nuanced understanding

SAFE Acronym Breakdown
S - See the Cycle

Cognitive and experiential awareness
Understanding interpersonal impact

A - Access Vulnerability

Depth of emotional exploration
Balancing client capacity

F - Flexible Responses

Adapting to partner's protective moves
Demonstrating relational safety

E - Experiential Corrections

Importance of repeated corrective experiences
Assessing readiness for Stage 2

Practical Applications

Assessment techniques
Therapeutic strategies
Warning signs and opportunities

Conclusion

Invitation for further learning
Call to action for therapists

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Stage 2 is about nuanced, patient therapeutic work
Clients must demonstrate readiness through multiple experiences
Therapists must balance pushing boundaries while respecting client capacity

To support our mission and help us continue producing impactful content, your financial contributions via Venmo (@leftpodcast) are greatly appreciated. They play a significant role in keeping this valuable resource available and are a testament to your commitment to our cause.

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!