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Once again, thanks to the generosity of EFT Balkans, on March 27–28, 2026, Barbara Sławik took part in the second part of the training led by Giulia Altera – “Behind the Curtains”, focused on working with the withdrawer position (more details 👉 HERE) in EFT couple therapy 💬.
This training addressed one of the most challenging areas of therapeutic work – moments when one partner goes silent 🤐, freezes, says “I don’t know,” and the process seems to come to a standstill. Yet it is precisely then that the attachment system is highly activated, even if little is visible on the surface. We focused on understanding withdrawal not as a lack of engagement, but as a complex protective strategy – often rooted in shame, helplessness, and fear of rejection 💔.
The workshop explored how to work with silence as a form of communication, how to notice emotional micro-signals 🔍, and how to support the withdrawing partner in moving from distance to engagement – without pressure, with attunement, and deep respect for their pace 🤝. At the same time, it highlighted the challenge of staying connected with the other partner – often the more reactive pursuer – and regulating the dynamic between them. Significant attention was also given to working within the “window of tolerance” and how we, as therapists, can remain present and grounded in moments of uncertainty.
Once again, a great strength of the training was Giulia Altera 🇮🇹, who shares her knowledge and clinical experience with remarkable authenticity and ease. She presents video excerpts from her work with couples and discusses them step by step 🎥, allowing participants to see the process from the inside and learn how to build interventions in the most subtle therapeutic moments. It is truly inspiring and deeply educational.
Barbara returns from this part of the training with another dose of inspiration ✨—learning how to work precisely where words disappear, and the therapist becomes a guide through the “invisible” world of emotions.
