140. Stage 2 Series: Stage 2 Rehab-What to Do When Deep Work Falls Apart
Summary
Hosts Dr. James Hawkins and Dr. Ryan Rayner discuss strategies for "Stage Two rehab" in Emotionally Focused Therapy when couples struggle with depth. They advise therapists to return to earlier attachment fears, regulate their own anxiety, and explicitly address caregiving responses to restore safety. The episode emphasizes that setbacks are normal opportunities to reinforce progress rather than signs of failure.
Topics discussed
Announcements: EFT World Summit 2027 and upcoming externships
Introduction to Stage Two Rehab and shoutouts to Maine community
Embracing failure and mistakes as part of clinical mastery
Understanding blocks in Stage Two: Fear, shame, and caregiver issues
Podcast support request and the value of structure in therapy
Rehabbing Stage Two: Returning to withdrawal-reengagement and safety
Case study: Managing chaos and regulating the nervous system
Techniques: Highlighting longings, pain, and seeding attachment
Preventing disorientation: Creating a platform for deep work
Handling unexpected trauma disclosures and reordering responses
Gender socialization and the principle of 'Follow the Fear'
The Stage Two ladder, Marlene Best example, and closing remarks
Listen ad-free on Castria