I am excited by and love the process of integrating the EFT treatment model with the transference based psychodynamic relational model of psychotherapy. I find this combination of models very powerful in individual psychotherapy. Often in individual therapy to heal deep attachment wounds, the client needs the therapist to be a primary attachment figure. The combined treatment model facilitates this process. In couples therapy, the partner serves as the primary attachment figure in the healing of these attachment wounds. I have found EFT is to be the most effective model for treating couples and families.

I have been dong various forms of couple and family therapy for over four decades and the major part of this last decade mastering the nuances and complexity of doing Emotionally Focused Couple and Family Therapy (EFT/EFFT).

Nancy and I frequently see a couple as co-therapists. This is a powerful paradigm for couples therapy.

At Aikin Associates we are highly trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and authorized by The International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) as certified EFT therapists and Supervisors. We are two of three certified EFT supervisors in the Sacramento Region.

As designated EFT supervisors, whether you are a psychologist, psychiatrist, MFT, or LCSW we can help you learn and practice Emotionally Focused Therapy.

My Philosophy of Supervision

My philosophy of supervision has been heavily influenced by the EFT model
of supervision developed, researched and taught by Lisa Palmer Olsen in her
supervisor refresher courses. This learning was reinforced by the compatible
supervision I received from James Furrow and Rebecca Jorgensen.

Alliance
All through the supervision process, attention is paid to tracking the supervisory
alliance, and self of therapist processes. Supervisor modeling, transparency and
responsiveness are also extremely important.

Safety
One of the most fundamental issues in supervision is to help the supervisee
feel safe enough to transparently share their insecurities and feelings of
inadequacy as a therapist. Fear is antithetical to clinical learning. Thus the
supervisory relationship as a secure base from which one enters learning EFT
and developing competence is extremely important.