We Heart Therapy

EP 112: Working with Complex Cases in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) | Featuring EFT Trainer Kathryn DeBruin

Welcome to We Heart Therapy, your destination for training, clinical conversations, and inspiration for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) therapists around the world.

In this episode, Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT, ICEEFT Certified EFT/EFIT/EFFT Supervisor & Therapist and EFT Community Leader for Southern NV EFT, sits down with Kathryn DeBruin, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer, originally with the San Diego Center for EFT, now practicing and training in Utah, and a pioneer in helping develop the South African EFT community.

Together, they explore one of the most important topics for developing EFT therapists:
How do we effectively work with more complex cases in Emotionally Focused Therapy? 

As therapists grow in their EFT journey, they inevitably encounter clients whose presentations require greater flexibility, deeper attunement, and a more nuanced understanding of attachment science. In this rich clinical discussion, Kathryn shares decades of experience helping therapists navigate these challenging moments while staying grounded in the EFT model.

In this episode, you'll learn:
✨ What makes a case "complex" in EFT
✨ How to stay anchored in the attachment model when sessions become difficult
✨ Working with trauma, high conflict, and complicated relationship dynamics
✨ Common challenges therapists encounter—and how to navigate them effectively
✨ Clinical wisdom for maintaining emotional presence under pressure
✨ How complexity can become an opportunity for deeper healing and secure attachment

Whether you're new to EFT or an experienced Certified EFT Therapist/Supervisor, this conversation offers practical guidance, thoughtful reflection, and clinical pearls that can immediately enhance your work with couples and individuals.

If you're committed to growing as an attachment-based therapist, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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🔗 Learn Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
*Become trained or certified through the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT):*
https://iceeft.com

🔗 Learn More About Kathryn DeBruin Kathryn DeBruin's Website: https://kathryndebruin.com/
Kathryn DeBruin's Podcast: The Family Express https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

🔗 Connect with Dr. Belle & We Heart Therapy *Dr. Belle / Practice Website* https://www.DrBelle.com
https://www.LasVegasMarriageCounselin...

❤️ *Southern NV EFT* https://www.snveft.com

❤️ *Dr. Belle / We Heart Therapy* https://www.WeHeartTherapy.com

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👍 *If you enjoyed this conversation:*

• Like this video
• Subscribe to *We Heart Therapy*
• Share it with fellow EFT therapists and supervisors
• Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or questions about working with complex cases in EFT

Our mission is to bring you conversations with leading EFT Trainers and clinicians from around the world to help you become a more confident, effective, and emotionally engaged therapist. Thank you for being part of the We Heart Therapy community!

#EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #EFT #ICEEFT #EFTTherapist #CouplesTherapy #AttachmentTheory #ComplexTrauma #TherapistTraining #ClinicalSupervision #KathrynDeBruin #WeHeartTherapy #DrBelle #EFIT #EFFT #MentalHealthProfessionals

EP 111: Working with Ambivalence in EFT Emotionally Focused Therapy featuring EFT Trainer Dr. Ting Liu

In this powerful EFT training discussion, We Heart Therapy host (Anabelle Bugatti) Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT/EFT Supervisor/Therapist sits down with Emotionally Focused Therapy trainer Dr. Ting Liu and explores how therapists can effectively work with ambivalence in couples therapy and attachment-based healing.

Ambivalence is one of the most common challenges therapists encounter in EFT sessions, especially when partners feel stuck between connection and protection, longing and fear, or closeness and withdrawal, staying or leaving.

In this conversation, Dr. Ting Liu shares clinical insight into:

• Working with emotional ambivalence in EFT

• Helping couples navigate uncertainty and emotional disconnection

• EFT interventions for pursuer-withdrawer dynamics

• Clinical applications of Emotionally Focused Therapy with Ambivalence

Whether you are an EFT therapist, LMFT, psychologist, counseling student, or simply interested in attachment science and relationship healing, this video offers valuable insights into the EFT process and how to work with complex relational dynamics.

 

🔗 Learn more about EFT Emotionally Focused Therapy by Dr. Sue Johnson and Official EFT Training:

https://www.iceeft.com

 

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Ting Liu: Website:

https://centralpaeft.com/training

https://asia-eft.com/

 

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT:

https://www.drbelle.com

https://www.WeHeartTherapy.com

https://www.LasVegasMarriageCounselin...

🔗 Southern Nevada Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (SNVEFT): https://www.snveft.com

 

If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to support more conversations on Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment science, couples therapy, and relationship healing.

 

#EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #EFT #CouplesTherapy #AttachmentTheory #DrTingLiu #SusanJohnson #RelationshipTherapy #MarriageTherapy #EmotionallyFocusedCouplesTherapy #TherapistTraining #EFTTrainer #AttachmentInjury #WeHeartTherapy #SNVEFT #TherapyTraining #LMFT #Psychotherapy #EmotionallyFocusedIndividualTherapy #EFTAsia

EP 110: How to Use Attachment History in EFT (Step-by-Step Insight) - featuring EFT Trainer Dr. Ryan Rana

EFT Talk: Your Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy 🎙️💙 Featuring Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT, Cert. EFT Supervisor & Therapist

 

Most therapists are gathering attachment history… but not using it effectively.

In this episode, Host EFT Supervisor & Therapist Dr. Belle & EFT Trainer Dr. Ryan Rana break down how to turn attachment history into real clinical insight.

 

In this conversation, I sit down with EFT Trainer Dr. Ryan Rana to explore how to use a client’s attachment history during assessment to begin identifying the negative cycle and the client’s attachment dilemma.

 

Many therapists are already gathering attachment history but often aren’t sure how to translate that information into something clinically useful.

 

In this video, we break down how attachment history becomes a roadmap for understanding emotional patterns, how clients organize their responses in relationships, their attachment fears and longings and how these show up in the cycle.

 

If you’re learning EFT or want to deepen your case conceptualization, this will help you move from 👉 information gathering → meaningful understanding

🔥 Join the Full Training (May 22nd – Online), We’re offering a 1-day training where we go deeper into using attachment history in assessment identifying the cycle understanding attachment dilemmas in real time. 

💻 Open to therapists and grad students

Sign up Here:

👉 https://www.snveft.com/attachmenthist...

 

🌐 Resources Learn EFT! International Centre for Excellence in EFT (ICEEFT)

👉 https://iceeft.com

 

For more information on EFT Trainer Dr. Ryan Rana

👉 https://ryanranatraining.com/

 

Success in Vulnerability online EFT learning platform:

👉 https://www.successinvulnerability.com

 

Listen to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy Podcast with EFT Trainers Dr. Ryan Rana and Dr. James Hawkins

👉 https://theleadingedgeineft.podbean.com/

 

Work with Dr. Belle

👉 https://www.drbelle.com

 

We Heart Therapy Retreats and CE Events for Therapists

👉 https://www.wehearttherapy.com/therap...

 

Southern Nevada EFT Community

👉 https://www.snveft.com

 

📲 Stay Connected:

 

Follow for more EFT training content, clinical insights, and resources for therapists subscribe to We Heart Therapy

EP 109: How to Use EFT/EFIT Emotionally Focused Therapy on Yourself! - Featuring EFT Trainer Ali Barbosa

Welcome back to We Heart Therapy — your go-to channel for deep, experiential learning in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

 

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT — ICEEFT Certified EFT/EFIT/EFFT Supervisor & Therapist and EFT Community Leader for Southern NV EFT — sits down with Ali Barbosa, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer from the Mexico Center for EFT, to explore an essential question for every therapist: 👉 How do we apply EFT and EFIT to ourselves?

 

As therapists, we’re trained to guide others through emotional pain and attachment injuries — but what about our own? In this conversation, you’ll learn:

✨ How to walk in the EFT model in your own life

✨ Applying EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) strategies to your personal emotional experiences

✨ How to work with your own attachment system, triggers, and emotional pain

✨ Tools for self-reflection, emotional processing, and self-compassion

✨ How your personal work deepens your clinical effectiveness

✨ Why embodying EFT transforms not just your work — but your relationships

 

This episode is especially meaningful for EFT therapists who want to move beyond technique and into embodied practice — integrating the model into both their professional and personal lives.

 

Whether you're in Core Skills, working toward certification, or already certified, this conversation offers practical guidance and heartfelt insight into becoming the therapist who truly lives EFT.

 

🔗 Learn Emotionally Focused Therapy & Certification (ICEEFT): https://iceeft.com

🔗 Ali Barbosa – Mexico Center for EFT: https://eftmexico.com/

🔗 Southern NV EFT (Dr. Belle): https://www.snveft.com

🔗 Dr. Belle’s Professional Website: https://www.DrBelle.com

 

👍 If this video resonates, please like, subscribe, and share with fellow therapists.

 

 

#EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #EFTTherapists #EFIT #ICEEFT #TherapistGrowth #AttachmentTheory #WeHeartTherapy #SelfOfTheTherapist

EP 108: Mapping The Positive Cycle in EFT Emotionally Focused Therapy with EFT Trainer Dr. Sandra Taylor

Welcome back to We Heart Therapy 💛 — your home for high-level Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) training and clinical insight.

 

In this episode, host Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT — ICEEFT Certified EFT Supervisor & Therapist and EFT Community Leader for Southern NV EFT — sits down with Dr. Sandra Taylor, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer and founder of the British Center for EFT, to explore an essential but often under-emphasized clinical skill: How to Map the Positive Cycle in EFT Couples Therapy.

 

While many therapists are well-trained in identifying and working with the negative cycle, this conversation focuses on:

✨ How to identify and map the positive interaction cycle in session

✨ The attachment function and clinical importance of tracking the positive cycle ✨ How mapping the positive cycle deepens bonding events

✨ When and how to actively work with the positive cycle in Stage 1 & Stage 2

✨ Clinical examples and practical guidance for EFT therapists

 

Understanding the positive cycle allows therapists to consolidate change, expand secure bonding moments, and help couples experience their resilience in real time. Dr. Sandra Taylor shares rich clinical wisdom from her work training EFT therapists internationally, offering concrete strategies you can begin applying immediately in your sessions.

 

This video is ideal for:

EFT therapists (beginner to advanced)

Core Skills participants

Certified EFT Therapists & Supervisors

EFIT & EFFT clinicians wanting deeper attachment application

Anyone pursuing certification through ICEEFT

 

If you're working toward EFT certification or deepening your attachment-based practice, this episode offers clear, structured, and practical insight into working with the positive cycle intentionally and effectively.

 

🔗 Learn EFT & Certification Pathways through ICEEFT:

https://iceeft.com

 

🔗 Dr. Sandra Taylor, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer:

https://www.acreefttraining.com

 

🔗 British Center for EFT:

https://www.beftcentre.org

 

🔗 Southern NV EFT (Dr. Belle):

https://www.snveft.com

 

🔗 Dr. Belle’s Professional Website:

https://www.DrBelle.com

https://www.LasVegasMarriageCounselin...

https://www.WeHeartTherapy.com

 

👍 If this video supports your work, please like, subscribe, and share with fellow EFT therapists.

 

💬 Drop your questions in the comments — we’d love to hear how you work with the positive cycle in your sessions.

 

 

#EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #EFTTherapists #ICEEFT #AttachmentTheory #CouplesTherapy #PositiveCycle #WeHeartTherapy

EP 107: Working on Self of the Therapist (SOT) Issues in EFT Supervision with EFT Trainer Senem Zeytinoglu

Welcome to We Heart Therapy – The EFT Talk Series, where we explore the heart of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) through meaningful conversations with leaders in the field.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Senem Zeytinoğlu, ICEEFT Certified EFT Trainer and Founder of the Turkey Center for EFT in Istanbul, for a rich and thoughtful discussion on Self of the Therapist (SOT) issues in EFT Supervision—and why this work is essential for ethical, effective, and emotionally present EFT practice.

Self of the Therapist work helps EFT therapists understand how their own attachment histories, emotional triggers, and nervous system responses show up in clinical work and supervision. Dr. Zeytinoğlu shares how attending to SOT deepens therapist resilience, strengthens the therapeutic alliance, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for couples and individuals.

🎙️ In This EFT Talk Episode, We Explore:

• What Self of the Therapist (SOT) means in the context of EFT supervision
• Why SOT work is essential—not optional—in EFT training and supervision
• How therapists’ attachment patterns can show up in sessions and supervision
• The role of safety, compassion, and emotional presence in supervisory relationships
• How EFT supervisors can support growth without shame or judgment
• Why SOT work supports therapist sustainability and prevents burnout

This episode is especially valuable for EFT therapists, supervisors, trainers, and therapists who want to deepen their work, increase self-awareness, and practice EFT with greater clarity and confidence.

 

📚 RESOURCES & LINKS:

 

🇹🇷 Connect with Dr. Senem Zeytinoğlu:

Turkey Center for EFT (Istanbul)

🌐 https://docat.org

📧 Email: senemzeytinoglu@gmail.com

 

📘 Buy My Book Using Relentless Empathy in the Therapeutic Relationship: Connecting with Challenging and Resistant Clients on Amazon:

👉 https://a.co/d/dkFt7B7

 

Learn More About Dr. Sue Johnson's official EFT Training (ICEEFT): The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)

👉 https://iceeft.com

 

💻 For Official EFT Training Events held in Las Vegas:

👉 https://www.snveft.com

 

💻 Visit My Website – Anabelle Bugatti, PhD, LMFT aka Dr.Belle:

👉 www.DrBelle.com

www.LasVegasMarriageCounseling.com

 

💻 Visit We Heart Therapy and attend CE Events:

👉 www.WeHeartTherapy.com

 

EP 106: EFT Certification Process Updates with Gail Palmer, EFT Trainer and ICEEFT Co-Founder/Co-Director

EFT Certification Updates with Gail Palmer | EFT Talk with Dr. Belle

Curious about how to become certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy? In this episode of We Heart Therapy, Dr. Belle—PhD, LMFT, ICEEFT Certified Supervisor/Therapist and President of Southern NV EFT—welcomes Gail Palmer, ICEEFT Co-Founder and global leader in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to discuss updates in the Certification process.

Together, they unpack the latest updates on EFT certification, including what's new in EFIT (Individual), EFCT (Couples), and EFFT (Family Therapy). Whether you're just beginning your EFT journey or working toward certification, this candid and insightful conversation offers clarity and encouragement straight from the experts.

 

🔗 Helpful Links:

🌐 ICEEFT Official Site: https://iceeft.com

🌐 Dr. Belle's Official Site: https://www.DrBelle.com

🌐 Southern NV EFT: https://southernnveft.com

🌐 Gail Palmer’s Trainer Profile: https://iceeft.com/trainers/gail-palmer/

Gailpalmer53 @ hotmail.com ❤️

If this episode inspired you, please like, subscribe, and share with fellow therapists.

 

 

#EFTCertification #EFTTraining #EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #DrBelle #GailPalmer #EFIT #EFCT #EFFT #ICEEFT #TherapistEducation

EP 105: How to Work with Two Withdrawers in Emotionally Focused Therapy with EFT Trainer Dr. Tal Padeh

Welcome back to We Heart Therapy: The EFT Talk Series! 💕

 

In this powerful episode, host Dr. Anabelle Bugatti, PhD, LMFT, Certified EFT Supervisor & Therapist, sits down with Dr. Tal Padeh, Certified EFT Trainer and Director of the Israeli Center for EFT, to discuss one of the most challenging and insightful topics in couples therapy — working with two withdrawers in session.

If you’ve ever struggled with helping two withdrawn partners open up and engage emotionally, this conversation is for you. Dr. Padeh and Dr. Bugatti explore how EFT principles can guide therapists to create safety, connection, and movement, even when both partners retreat from vulnerability.

 

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why working with two withdrawers can feel especially tricky in EFT sessions

How to identify withdrawal dynamics and attachment fears

Key strategies to help each partner re-engage emotionally

Real clinical insights from Dr. Padeh’s experience in the Israeli EFT community

How to stay attuned and grounded as a therapist when both partners pull away

 

🎓 Perfect for: Therapists, counselors, psychologists, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment-based approaches to couples therapy.

 

📚 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED

 

🔹 Get Dr. Anabelle Bugatti’s Book:

📖 Using Relentless Empathy in the Therapeutic Relationship: Connecting with Challenging and Resistant Clients

👉 https://a.co/d/22xAUpl

 

🔹 Learn More About EFT Training:

Visit the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) to explore training opportunities:

🌐 https://iceeft.com

 

🔹 Connect with Dr. Tal Padeh:

🌐 https://www.eftisrael.com

📧 Email: tal@eftisrael.com

 

🔹 Visit Dr. Anabelle Bugatti’s Website:

https://www.DrBelle.com

https://www.snveft.com

🌐 https://www.wehearttherapy.com

EP 104: Healing Addiction, Shame & Trauma with EFT | Dr. Belle & EFT Trainer Michael Barnett LPC

EFT Talk: Your Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy 🎙️

💙 Featuring Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT, Cert. EFT Supervisor & Therapist

 

✨ Healing Addictions, Shame & Trauma with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) | Dr. Belle & Michael Barnett LPC

 

In this powerful conversation, I, Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT, ICEEFT Certified EFT/EFIT/EFFT Supervisor/Therapist, sit down with Michael Barnett, LPC — EFT Trainer, Supervisor, and author of The Emotionally Focused Therapy Workbook for Addiction to explore how Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can be a transformative path for healing addictions, shame, and trauma.

 

👉 Whether you're a therapist, mental health professional, or someone seeking healing, this discussion will provide valuable insights into:

• How EFT helps clients move from shame to self-compassion
• The role of attachment and bonding in recovery
• Using EFT to support lasting healing from trauma and addiction
• Practical steps and tools from Michael’s new EFT Workbook for Addiction

 

📘 Get Michael Barnett’s New EFT Workbook for Addiction: Emotionally Focused Therapy Workbook for Addiction (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/Emotionally-Fo...

 

🔗 Resources from Dr. Belle

🌐 My Therapy & EFT Training Websites:

https://WeHeartTherapy.com CE Events & Podcast

https://DrBelle.com Professional Site for Dr. Belle

https://LasVegasMarriageCounseling.com Marriage & Couples Counseling

https://snveft.com - Southern Nevada EFT Community

 

📘 My Book – Relentless Empathy (By Anabelle Bugatti, PhD): https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Emp...

 

✨ About Your Host – Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT

I’m an ICEEFT Certified EFT/EFIT/EFFT Supervisor/Therapist, and I create content to help therapists and individuals discover the power of Emotionally Focused Therapy for healing, connection, and transformation.

 

🔔 Stay Connected

 

👉 Subscribe to my channel for more expert interviews, EFT training, and resources for therapists: https://www.youtube.com/@Wehearttherapy

👍 Like this video if you found it valuable

💬 Comment below — What’s one takeaway about EFT and healing that resonated with you most?

🔗 Share this video with colleagues and clients who may benefit

 

#EFT #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #Shame #EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #MichaelBarnett #DrBelle #RelentlessEmpathy #TherapistResources

EP 103: What to Do When Clients Say “I Don’t Know” EFT Tips with EFT Trainer Lieven Migerode

What to Do When Clients Say “I Don’t Know” EFT Tips with Lieven Migerode

 

Welcome back to We Heart Therapy, the channel for Emotionally Focused Therapists seeking practical tools and insights!

 

In this episode, host Dr. Belle, PhD, LMFT — Certified EFT/EFIT/EFFT Supervisor & Therapist — speaks with Lieven Migerode, Certified EFT Trainer from Belgium, about how to work effectively when clients frequently respond with “I don’t know” during emotional exploration.

 

We discuss why this happens, how to understand it through an attachment lens, and what interventions can help clients access and express their deeper emotional experience.

 

🔗 Learn more about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): https://www.iceeft.com

 

For more information on our special guest Lieven Migerode:

🔗 Lieven Migerode’s Website: https://www.eft-belgium.org

 

📘 Dr. Belle’s Book – “Relentless Empathy” Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2EM78Vj

 

👩‍⚕️ About the Host - Dr. Belle (Anabelle Bugatti), PhD, LMFT

https://www.DrBelle.com

https://www.LasVegasMarriageCounselin...

https://www.WeHeartTherapy.com

https://www.SNVEFT.com

 

If you found this video helpful, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future EFT training content!

#EFT #EmotionallyFocusedTherapy #TherapistTraining #RelentlessEmpathy #CouplesTherapy #EFIT #EFFT #AttachmentTheory #WeHeartTherapy