June 9, 2026

Emily Stokes, LMFT

Topic:

EFT in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Description:

This 90-minute presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and explores its practical application within Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment.

EFT is a short-term, empirically validated therapeutic approach designed to uncover, de-escalate, and transform the underlying emotional and relational cycles that often drive addictive behaviors. Widely recognized as the gold standard in couples therapy, this model addresses the core emotional distress at the heart of addiction. By framing the healing process within the

context of secure relationships, EFT is uniquely suited for clinical treatment environments.

The session begins with a review of the core concepts of EFT, including attachment theory, the primacy of emotion, and relational dynamics. We will explore substance use through an attachment lens viewing it as a survival strategy to seek security and emotional regulation when those needs were not met in primary relationships. The session will conclude with a discussion of secure interactions and relationships as the vital antidote to substance use.

Key highlights include:

• The Goals of EFT: Outlining how to move from distress to secure connection.
• Practical Tools: Helping clients access, process, and transform their emotions.
• The Attachment Lens: Understanding how this perspective deepens clinical insight and guides more effective therapeutic responses.

The presentation will conclude with discussion component, allowing participants to share their experiences, raise questions, and explore the unique challenges of applying EFT concepts in the field of addiction.

Goals:

1. By the end of the course Participants will be able to discuss the core concepts of EFT and how it applies to substance use treatment.
2. By the end of the course participants will be able to discuss the goals of EFT.
3. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify and discuss behavior from an attachment lens.
4. By the end of the course participants will be able to practice tools to support client's to access and process emotions.
5. By the end of the course participants will be able to discuss how to utilize EFT in the treatment.

Objectives:

1. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to name 3 attachment strategies.
2. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to list 3 tools for accessing emotions.
3. By the completion of the course, participants will be able to define the acronym RISCC,
4. By the end of the course participants will be able to name 3 tools to utilize EFT in the treatment.

Bio:

Emily Stokes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Chief

Clinical Officer at New Bridge Foundation, where she oversees all clinical

programming. She brings extensive experience in the field of substance use

disorder (SUD) treatment, along with a diverse background that includes

international work and positions in large hospital psychiatric departments. Her clinical expertise spans crisis intervention, trauma work, and navigating the complexities of cultural and systemic

factors in mental health care. Emily has advanced training in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

(ACT), Sex Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She currently resides in Oakland, California. In her personal time, Emily prioritizes self-care through outdoor activities, travel, and cooking.

Outline

Overview of Emotionally focused Therapy

• Core Concepts
• Goals
• Benefits
• How EFT is applied to Substance Use Treatment
• How to utilize EFT in the treatment milieu