
The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 26, 2024 • 27min
79. The Stuck Series: Straying Proximal to the Stuck Place/Another Look at PsychEd
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 of the stuck series, we discuss the importance of staying proximal to the stuck places during the session. We discuss some interventions like psyched to help stay proximal to the stuck place. The goal of staying close is to help do work to open up the attachment flow.
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/.

6 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 24min
78. The Stuck Series: Not Showing the Impact on Self, Partner, and the Relationship
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 discuss the importance of helping clients see the impact of their strategies on themselves, their partners, and themselves. This is critical when their actions put the bond and their well-being in a critical condition. The intention is to help them the impact to open them up to other, more beneficial options.
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/.

4 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 39min
77. The Stuck Series: "Toxic Story" Refined Cultural Tension-The New Acronym DEBSS
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 take time to clarify what or when "story" is problematic in the couple's work. We share some clear points to delineate when the story is helpful and when it is not as beneficial. Ultimately, as the clinician, you must determine when the story is helping them repair their bond and when it is pulling away from repair work.
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/.

6 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 37min
76. The Stuck Series: When Being Too Afraid to Rupture Alliance Hurts Our Clients
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 delve into the therapeutic alliance's complexities, acknowledging its positive impact and potential challenges. We encourage therapists to navigate these challenges with sensitivity, addressing fears and embracing the potential for repair and growth within the therapeutic relationship. The challenge is that we can't avoid our responsibility to reflect on the process, work through blocks, and give attuned focus throughout the process.
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
Feb 13, 2024 • 39min
75. The Stuck Series: When Validating One Frustrates Another
This insightful discussion tackles the challenge of validating one partner's feelings without triggering frustration in the other. It highlights the delicate balance needed in emotionally focused therapy, emphasizing compassionate communication. The hosts explore attachment theory, emotional triggers, and the significance of shared experiences in nurturing intimacy. With practical strategies, they guide therapists on fostering understanding and connection, while spotlighting the pitfalls of communication that can hinder emotional safety.

Feb 7, 2024 • 35min
74. An Interview w/ Cindy Zane: The Rhythm of Being with Humanity
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.
We are honored to interview ICEEFT trainer Cindy "Goodness" Zane in this episode. In this episode, we agreed to come together as humans and have conversations about things we care about. Out of it, we talked about culture and the rhythms of being with humanity.
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/.

7 snips
Jan 24, 2024 • 36min
73. Crucial Experience: Coregulation & Enactments with Dr. Julia Conroy
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.
We are still on break from the stuck series. In this episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Julia Conroy. We discuss her research on the coregulatory effects of EFT. In this episode, there were some tremendous psyched nuggets to use to give a frame and validation for both clients and therapists. Her research also validates the power of experiential work in EFT. Here is a link to her research article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcad.12453.
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/.

Jan 11, 2024 • 41min
72. A Story on Learning EFT
Nicola Hawkins, a Licensed Associate Counselor and James Hawkins' wife, shares her transformative journey of learning Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She discusses the emotional hurdles therapists face and the importance of validating feelings in their practice. The conversation highlights personal experiences from her training, emphasizing self-awareness and emotional regulation. Nicola advocates for embracing emotions within therapy, the value of community support, and the ongoing journey of professional growth as essential elements for success.

7 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 22min
71. An Image for Unpacking Emotion
Dive into the intricate world of emotional energy in therapy, as the hosts explore how emotional cues enrich client connections. They share insights on collaborative therapy, encouraging a deep partnership with clients and their loved ones. Techniques like imagery and personal narratives are discussed, enhancing emotional understanding in sessions. The conversation highlights the sacred role of therapists in navigating trauma, emphasizing gratitude for those dedicated to fostering healing and stronger relationships.

Dec 5, 2023 • 26min
70. Stuck Series: Spiritual Bypasses in the Clinical Process
Welcome to another installment of our stuck series. This episode discusses how to honor and address spiritual bypasses or blocks in the clinical process. 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.
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/.