

The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy
theleadingedgeineft
Helping therapists on their leading edge of learning so they can help clients on their leading edge of healing. In each episode, we try to focus on parts/moments of the counseling experience through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy, developed by Sue Johnson. We share how we are being pushed in our growth process and things we are learning from our clients in their growth process. We are also thankful for the many EFTSupervisors and Trainers who share their learning nuggets with us to pass on to you. We invite you into a brave space as we all push our leading edges of learning and healing.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 16, 2024 • 31min
92. Challenges and Tips in Learning EFT with Speacial Guest Lauren Bartholomew
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this episode, we had the privilege of having Lauren Bartholomew, LAC, as a special guest. Lauren is a newly licensed therapist who has been very dedicated to growing in her work with her clients using EFT. She and Ryan take time to discuss her journey of learning EFT.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

Jul 22, 2024 • 37min
91. Differentiation Discussion 2.0: Wtih George Faller
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this episode, we return to the concept of differentiation in the EFT process. We look at contact with self or differentiation through 3 elements.
Function
Cost to Self
Cost to Other
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

Jul 10, 2024 • 43min
90. The Differentiation & Enmeshment Discussion-1.0: What Scares Therapists
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this installment of our series "What Scares Therapists," James and Ryan discuss the relationship between enmeshment and differentiation from an attachment perspective.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

8 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 27min
89. What Scares Therapists: When the Client Demands A "Fix It" Solution
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this installment of our series "What Scares Therapists," James and Ryan delve into their experiences with the pressure to fix things for their clients. They discuss the anxiety and responsibility that comes with this demand and share their strategies for responding to these moments during sessions. By exploring their own vulnerabilities and the lessons they've learned, James and Ryan provide valuable insights into maintaining process focus while offering effective support to their clients.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

Jun 26, 2024 • 17min
88: The Secret of Sue's Brilliance: Empathy, Empathy, Empathy
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this episode, James discusses a key takeaway from his time at the EFT World Summit 2024 in the Netherlands. He highlights Sue's stance on the power of empathy, emphasizing how it can promote deeper understanding and connection with our clients, even in moments of frustration.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

11 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 35min
87. What Scares Therapists: Highly Distressed But Highly Avoidant Couple Presentation
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this installment of our series "What Scares Therapists," we delve into the complex dynamics of couples who present with significant distress yet remain avoidant about sharing their emotional experiences. Join us as we explore the challenges and strategies for engaging with these couples, uncovering the underlying fears and barriers that prevent them from accessing and expressing their feelings. Through expert insights and real-life case studies, we aim to shed light on this common yet difficult clinical presentation, offering valuable perspectives for therapists working to support these couples in their journey toward healing and connection.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

17 snips
May 23, 2024 • 41min
86. What Scares Therapists: Responding to Enactments (Red Lights)
Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
This is the third episode of our series, "What Scares Therapists." In this episode, we follow up on the concept of the light system as a way to read the openness to proceed in enactments. We specifically covered "red light" responses.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

May 15, 2024 • 35min
85. What Scares Therapists: Responding to Enactments (Green & Yellow Lights)
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
This is the second episode of our series, "What Scars Therapists." In this episode, we introduce the concept of the light system as a way to read the openness to proceed in enactments. We specifically covered green and yellow lights, and in the next episode, we will look at red light levels of response.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

May 7, 2024 • 22min
84. (Series) What Scares Therapist: 3 Areas that Can Be Disorienting
Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy with Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC, ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. Thank you for listening. We hope this experience helps you push the leading edge in your work to help people connect with themselves and each other.
In this episode, we launch a new series addressing clinical experiences that scare therapists. In the first episode, we discuss how therapists can become disoriented in moments of reactivity.
You can financially contribute to this podcast on Venmo (@leftpodcast). Type LEFT or Leading Edge in EFT in the comments or notes section. All financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will help us keep producing content to help you push your leading edge.
We desire to use this podcast to help equip therapists with tools and encouragement to help them with relational distress. We are also part of a team that has created an online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Success In Vulnerability is your premier online education experience that leads with innovative instruction to advance your therapeutic effectiveness through Success in Vulnerability's exclusive Modules and full-length Clinical Examples.
You can follow us on our Facebook page @pushtheleadingedge
You can follow Ryan on Facebook @ryanranaprofessionaltraining and his website
You can follow James on Facebook and Instagram @dochawklpc. You can also check out his website, dochawklpc.com
Check out our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV)
You can follow George @ https://www.georgefaller.com/.

May 1, 2024 • 29min
83. Honoring Sue Pt2: Trusting and Working with Emotion
The hosts pay tribute to Sue Johnson’s lasting impact on Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment theory. They discuss innovative therapy techniques that address relationship fears and pains. Reflective techniques are highlighted as tools for validating emotions and deepening connections, described as the 'amygdala whisperer' effect. Emotional engagement in therapy transforms relationships, emphasizing empathy and vulnerability. Insights into processing secondary emotions reveal how clear communication fosters trust and connection, celebrating a pioneer’s influence in therapy.


