The Couples Therapist Couch

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about neurodiversity & relationships. Dr. Matt is a seasoned clinical psychologist and professional speaker renowned for his expertise in serving neurodivergent individuals (people with different brains such as gifted, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia), and is the author of Neurodiversity Playbook. Hear how to navigate neurodiversity with your clients, how generations differ when they're diagnosed, why knowledge is the key to everything, communication considerations when a couple or partner is neurodivergent, and how to help your clients keep perspective.

To learn more about Dr. Matt Zakreski, The Neurodiversity Collective, and Neurodiversity Playbook, visit:

DrMattZakreski.com

TheNeurodiversityCollective.com

Neurodiversity Playbook

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this solo episode, Shane explores the 3 situations when couples therapy won't work: addiction, serious mental health issues, and acting-out behaviors. Hear why couples therapy is not always helpful, the different types of addiction, why you might be a client's last chance, the one case where you truly can't do couples therapy, and the difference in abuse in adults and children.

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. David Mars about Transformative Couples Therapy (TCT). David is the Director of the Transformative Couples Therapy Institute and has presented workshops, courses, webinars, and online supervision worldwide for over 30 years. Hear how he created Transformative Couples Therapy, the issues he saw with traditional couples therapy, how we can improve couples therapy by learning from babies & children, how sessions work for Transformative Couples Therapy, and the role meditation can play in sessions.

To learn more about Dr. David Mars, visit:

TCTInstitute.org

Transformative Couples Therapy In-Person Training on May 30-31, 2025 in Charlottesville, VA

This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit HelloAlma.com/ATPP to learn more

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Laura Copley about trauma bonds. Laura is a trauma therapist, international speaker, and author of the relationship self-help book, Loving You Is Hurting Me. Hear the stigma around trauma bonds & toxic relationships, how trauma bonds work, how to help your clients face their fears, the similarities between trauma bonds & addiction, and how to give hope to your clients' relationships.

To learn more about Dr. Laura Copley, visit:

Loving You Is Hurting Me on Amazon

Loving You Is Hurting Me on Barnes & Noble

Instagram @DocCopley

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Pat Love about The 5 Forces Destroying Your Relationship. Pat is an acclaimed therapist, speaker, and author of several books who has been a clinical practitioner of marriage and family therapy for over 40 years. Hear what's important when selecting a mate, why true love takes time, how to help your clients when their emotions get flooded, how to navigate financial stress, and why fairness is so crucial to the success of a relationship.

To learn more about Dr. Pat Love, visit:

FlourishTogether.com

Pat's books on Amazon

Pat's LinkedIn

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Emily Nagoski, PhD about sex & science. Emily is a Sex Educator & Researcher and New York Times Bestselling Author of Come As You Are and other books on sex. Hear why there needs to be more sexuality education out there, the different forms of desire, how the sexual accelerator & brake work, how to bring up sex with your clients, and the most surprising findings from Emily's research.

To learn more about Emily Nagoski, PhD, visit:

EmilyNagoski.com

Come As You Are Book

Come Together Book

Burnout Book

Feminist Survival Project Podcast

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Ryan Rana about emotional avoidance & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Ryan is an ICEEFT certified EFT Trainer, Supervisor, and Therapist and has 25 years of experience in the therapeutic field in many different capacities. Hear how to start off assessing your clients, why EFT is all about risk, why blame is a survival strategy, how to avoid misdiagnosing clients, and why validation is so key.

To learn more about Ryan Rana, visit:

The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

ICEEFT.com

Use Coupon Code: CouplesCouch50Off for $50 off membership for a year at SuccessInVulnerability.com

You can also listen to Ryan on Episode 116 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this solo episode, Shane discusses how leverage works in couples therapy. Hear the different forms of leverage, examples of leverage involving couples, how leverage can help you tackle tricky topics with clients, whether it's right to stay together for the kids, and the most important questions to ask in a couples therapy session

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with La Shanda Sugg about empowerment from trauma. La Shanda is the Founder & Chief Love Officer of Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting. As a therapist, trainer, and coach, she is gifted with the art of translating complex concepts and making them relatable and easy to understand. Hear her formula for working with couples, how to move your clients into compassion for themselves & others, how to renarrate their story, what we can learn from our inner child aka little, and how to help clients live in their full selves - not just their thoughts.

To learn more about La Shanda Sugg and check out Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting and The Labors of Love Podcast, visit:

TheLaborsOfLove.com

The Labors of Love Podcast

Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting, LLC YouTube

Instagram @LaborsOfLove513

Artist Elle Marie

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this solo episode, Shane discusses how shame works and how to talk through shame with your clients. Hear the definition of shame, toxic shame vs. healthy shame, examples of shame between partners and children, how shame relates to compassion, and how to help your clients slow down and process the shame they're feeling

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Karen Bonnell about co-parenting. Karen is the Author of The Co-Parenting Handbook and The Stepfamily Handbook, and has culled her knowledge and skills from 40 years as a psychotherapist & psychiatric nurse practitioner to inform her guidance for parents and families in transition. Hear how to do what's best for the kids, how to cooperate with your co-parent, how to navigate bringing a new partner into the mix, why there's no such thing as perfect parents, and how to focus on connection before correction.

To learn more about Karen Bonnell and check out The Co-Parenting Handbook and The Stepfamily Handbook, visit:

KarenSBonnell.com

KarenSBonnell.com/Karens-Books

You can also listen to Karen on Episode 36 & Episode 73 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Rachel Glik about her brand-new book, A Soulful Marriage. Rachel is a licensed professional counselor who has counseled individuals, couples, and families in private practice for over 30 years. In A Soulful Marriage, she breaks down how to heal your relationship with responsibility, growth, priority, and purpose. Hear the seemingly out-of-body experiences that can happen in a therapy room, why conflict & friction can be a good thing in a relationship, the 4 pillars of a soulful marriage, how to focus on listening & develop good communication in a relationship, and how to prioritize your partner - even after you've had kids.

To learn more about Dr. Rachel Glik and check out A Soulful Marriage, visit:

DrRachelGlik.com

A Soulful Marriage on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Mark Karris about his new book, Beyond Fairy Tales. Mark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with plenty of experience working with youth, families, couples, and individuals. Beyond Fairy Tales is all about helping couples find clarity, do the work, and build a lasting relationship. Hear his thoughts on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the role of research in couples therapy, dispelling myths about relationships, common types of attachment styles, and how to move from blame-based perspectives to mutual understanding.

To learn more about Dr. Mark Karris and check out Beyond Fairy Tales, visit:

MarkGregoryKarris.com

Beyond Fairy Tales on Amazon

Relationship Wisdom and Religious Trauma Recovery YouTube Channel

Sign up for TheraBundle: https://therabundle.com/shane

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

In this episode, Shane talks with Lisa Ferentz about childhood trauma & relationships. Lisa is the Founder of The Ferentz Institute and a recognized expert in the strengths-based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma. She's been in private practice for over 40 years. Hear the huge role caretakers can play in trauma, the impact of shaming, why maintaining curiosity is so important as a therapist, how to pinpoint neglect, and why couples therapy work also means individual work.

To learn more about Lisa and her trainings, visit:

TheFerentzInstitute.com

TheFerentzInstitute.com/Trainings

You can also listen to Lisa on Episode 74 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Sign up for TheraBundle: https://therabundle.com/shane

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this solo episode, Shane discusses the purpose of boundaries in relationships and how to set them up. Hear why healthy boundaries create change, what to avoid when setting boundaries, when to take a walk or go in the other room, the things that make boundaries work or not work, and how boundaries can help maintain safety in a relationship.

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this solo episode, Shane talks through how to understand and work with people who are emotionally avoidant. Hear how emotionally avoidant people differ from pursuers, how to avoid "right vs. wrong" conversations, how partners can help communicate what an emotionally avoidant person is feeling, whether an emotionally avoidant person can change, and the mindfulness exercise you can do every day to help.

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with David Kessler about grief and loss. David is one of the most well-known experts and lecturers on death and grieving today, reaching hundreds of thousands of people through his books. Hear the traumatic experiences as a child that shaped his life, how the grieving process works, how much grieving is a healthy amount, how a partner can help in grief, and how grief differs from how it's portrayed on TV.

To learn more about David and his books - including his latest, Finding Meaning - visit:

Grief.com

GriefEducator.com

David's Facebook

David's Instagram

David's TikTok

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this solo episode, Shane breaks down emotional vs. problem-solving communication. Hear why this misunderstanding happens a lot with couples, how to discuss difficult emotions, how to get partners on the same page, how long it takes to recover from an affair, and the times when it's important to problem-solve.

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Kathryn Rheem about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Ketamine-Assisted Couples Therapy. Kathryn is the Director of The Washington Baltimore Center for EFT and the Co-Founder of The EFT Cafe. Hear how Ketamine-Assisted Couples Therapy works, how it can help couples, how long the sessions are, what the conversations look like while on Ketamine, and best practices for a smooth session.

To learn more about Kathryn, visit:

WashingtonBaltimoreCenterForEFT.com

RheemClark.com

TheEFTCafe.com

You can also listen to Kathryn on Episode 209 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Hilary Waller about pregnancy, parenthood, and relationships. Hilary is a psychotherapist who supports new parents as they navigate pregnancy and parenthood. Hear the best way to support couples who are new parents, what to recommend for people who just found out they're pregnant, why community plays such a big role, how often parents should check in with each other, and the most challenging cases she's worked on.

To learn more about Hilary and her books - Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts and The Perinatal Patient - visit:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/hilary-waller-fort-washington-pa/1251531

https://www.amazon.com/Dropping-Baby-Other-Scary-Thoughts/dp/0367223902

https://www.amazon.com/Perinatal-Patient-Compassionate-Postpartum-Depression/dp/1683736567

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Tammy Sollenberger about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and couples. Tammy is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and an Internal Family Systems Certified Supervisor. Hear the different parts we're made up of, how IFS works in our heads, how our parts trigger each other, how to recognize your feelings and characteristics, and how to stay grounded in the true foundation of a relationship.

To learn more about Tammy, The One Inside podcast, and The One Inside book, visit TammySollenberger.com

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Hayley Hoffman about Imago and polyvagal therapy. Hayley is a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and a psychodynamic mental health counselor supporting clients in making meaning out of daily events while living life on life's terms. Hear how to figure out why things bother you, how to stay present, how Imago therapy works, how to improve your relationships, and how polyvagal therapy overlaps with Imago therapy.

To learn more about Hayley and her workshops, visit ImagoCenterDC.com and HayleyHoffman.com

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this solo episode, Shane shares why you should stop trying to be right all the time in your relationship. Hear why this creates a stuck situation for both the couple and the therapist, the reason people get defensive, how to have good boundaries, when it's healthy to feel guilty, and the problem with perfectionism.

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with John Gray about Beyond Mars and Venus and what he's been up to since his last time on The Couples Therapist Couch. John is one of the most well-known relationship experts of the past 40 years and also wrote the iconic bestseller, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Hear how to keep your libido at any age, why partners lose interest in sex, how to keep that spark as a married couple, why grief is actually addictive, and what he learned from his wife's passing.

To learn more about John and his coaching, visit MarsVenusCoaching.com

Check out John's book, "Beyond Mars and Venus"

You can also listen to John on Episode 43 of The Couples Therapist Couch: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/blog/043-beyond-mars-and-venus-with-john-gray

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Anita Robertson about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and couples. Anita is an ADHD & Relationship Therapist and the Author of "ADHD & Us: A Couple's Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD." Hear how ADHD impacts couples signs of ADHD, how to approach therapy with clients who have ADHD, some games she brings into sessions, and the importance of getting support.

To learn more about Anita, visit AnitaRobertson.com

Check out Anita's book, "ADHD & Us: A Couple's Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD"

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this solo episode, Shane breaks down how to work with high intensity after an affair. This topic stems from a question that came up in the Couples Therapist Inner Circle. Hear how to help clients recover after an affair, the emotions both partners are going through, how long it typically takes people to recover from an affair, how to get someone to stop having affairs, and how to help a client avoid getting into a shame spiral.

Join The Couples Therapist Couch Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295562197518469/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. James Hawkins about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment. James is a Licensed Counsellor, and an ICEEFT-certified trainer, supervisor, and therapist. Hear how success and vulnerability are tied together, how to bring the most important things to the forefront, how love and protection fit together, why validation is so key, and how often he sees a typical client.

To learn more about James, visit DocHawkLPC.com

Check out James's podcast, The Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy

You can also listen to James on Episode 132 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Abi Blakeslee about implicit psychotherapy and couples. Abi is the founder of Implicit Psychotherapy and senior faculty at Somatic Experiencing International. Hear how to help people find deeper healing, how implicit memory works, how somatic experiencing fits with implicit memories, how childhood trauma impacts relationships years later, and how small changes can make a big impact over time.

To learn more about Abi, visit:

AbiBlakeslee.com

ImplicitPsychotherapy.com

You can also listen to Abi on Episode 169 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye about peace and healing in couples therapy. Sabrina is a therapist, storyteller, and peacebuilder with over 3 decades of service to the underserved. Hear how to get your clients to slow down and breathe, the role of a couples therapist when it comes to divorce, how to model acceptance, how to look at a marriage in different stages, and when to be direct with your clients.

To check out Sabrina's book, Big Mama Speaks, visit: BigMamaSpeaks.com

To learn more about Sabrina's practice, visit: TheHeartNest.com

You can also listen to Sabrina on Episode 172 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Wendy Behary about narcissism in couples therapy. Wendy is the Bestselling Author of "Disarming the Narcissist" and the Founder and Director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC and DC. Hear how she became interested in the study of narcissism, how to approach narcissism as a therapist, how to use Schema Therapy, whether it's okay to interrupt your clients, and how to avoid getting triggered.

To learn more about Wendy and check out her book, visit:

DisarmingTheNarcissist.com

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Kathryn Rheem about trauma in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Kathryn is the Director of The Washington Baltimore Center for EFT. Hear how she got over her Impostor Syndrome, how our nervous system is impacted by trauma, how to teach people to be able to receive love, how to connect with someone who's angry and defensive, and the power of empathy.

To learn more about Kathryn, visit:

WashingtonBaltimoreCenterForEFT.com

RheemClark.com

TheEFTCafe.com

This episode is dedicated to the incredible life of Dr. Sue Johnson.

In this interview from nearly 5 years ago, Shane talks with Dr. Sue Johnson, the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Hear how she came up with EFT, the patterns she noticed in her clients, how emotion organizes your inner world, the impact of working with someone in EFT, and the qualities of a good EFT therapist.

Learn more about the life of Dr. Sue Johnson at https://drsuejohnson.com/in-remembrance-of-dr-sue-johnson/

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Sharon Pope about all things divorce. Sharon is a Marriage & Relationship Coach and several-time Bestselling Author on love and relationships, including "Stay or Go?" Hear how to approach divorce, where people get stuck, how women and men differ in divorce, how therapists can guide people towards a decision, and why divorce should always be an option.

To learn more about Sharon, visit SharonPope.com

Check out "Stay or Go?" at StayOrGoBook.com

Get the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Join the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Tom Murray about the intersection of perfectionism and intimacy. Tom is a Sex and Relationship Expert who's the Author of "Making Nice with Naughty" and a Co-Host of the Making Nice with Naughty podcast. Hear how to predict a couple's quality of sex life, how anxiety and adrenaline come into play in the bedroom, how therapists can help with sex and relationship issues, the difference between closeness and vulnerability, and the reality of monogamy.

To learn more about Tom and check out his book, visit MakingNiceWithNaughty.com

For Tom's clinical practice, visit APathToWellness.com

Learn more about the Couples Therapy 101 course: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Leanne Campbell about all things Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma. Leanne is a Speaker, Writer, and EFT Trainer who co-authored the book "A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)" with Sue Johnson. Hear the benefits of EFT, why isolation is traumatizing, how to gather information before diving into experiences, the CARE model to focus on in initial sessions, and how to be careful when working with trauma.

To learn more about Leanne and check out her books, visit DrLeanneCampbell.com

Check out Leanne's previous episode on The Couples Therapist Couch: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/blog/079-eft-and-attachment-injuries-with-leanne-campbell-and-david-fairweather

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane continues his talk with Patricia Papernow for Part 2 of a 2-part interview on stepfamily relationships. Patricia is widely recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on "blended families" and received the 2023 award for Distinguished Contribution to Family Therapy from the American Family Therapy Academy. Hear the benefits of authoritative parenting, how to maintain discipline, why it's important to talk through things as a couple, the reality of parent-child attachment, and the impact of gray divorce.

To learn more about Patricia, visit StepfamilyRelationships.com

Check out Patricia's books at StepfamilyRelationships.com/Books

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Patricia Papernow for Part 1 of a 2-part interview on stepfamily relationships. Patricia is widely recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on "blended families" and received the 2023 award for Distinguished Contribution to Family Therapy from the American Family Therapy Academy. Hear why stepfamilies are a fundamentally different structure, how to have a healthy relationship with your stepfamily, the impact on the children, her 5 major challenges for stepfamilies, and how to navigate disciplining children.

To learn more about Patricia, visit StepfamilyRelationships.com

Check out Patricia's books at StepfamilyRelationships.com/Books

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Guy Winch about psychedelics, relationships, and mental health. Guy is a Psychologist, Speaker, and Author who's a leading advocate for integrating the science of emotional health into our daily lives. Hear why society doesn't address mental health as much as physical health, how couples can evaluate and improve their relationships, how long it takes to recover from a divorce or break-up, how psychedelics can help in recovery, and how accepted psychedelics are today.

To learn more about Guy, visit GuyWinch.com

Check out Guy's latest book, "Emotional First Aid"

Check out Guy's podcast, "Dear Therapists"

To learn more about ketamine therapy, visit Mindbloom.com

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Alexandra Solomon about her new book, "Love Every Day." Alexandra is a Therapist, Professor, Speaker, and the Author of 3 books. Hear why it's important for kids in college to learn how to have a healthy relationship, how we could improve sex education for teens, core principles helpful for people going into any relationship, the importance of staying curious to maintain connection, and why it's okay to make mistakes as a parent - and tell our kids about those mistakes.

To learn more about Alexandra, visit DrAlexandraSolomon.com

Check out Alexandra's latest book, "Love Every Day"

Check out Alexandra's podcast, "Reimagining Love"

Sign up for Alexandra's eCourse

Check out Alexandra's previous episode on The Couples Therapist Couch: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/blog/114-alexandra-solomon-on-taking-sexy-back

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Peter Levine about somatic experiencing and couples therapy. Peter is the Developer of Somatic Experiencing and the Bestselling Author of several books on trauma. His new autobiography comes out in April 2024. Hear what somatic experiencing is, where trauma comes from, how past individual trauma affects couples, the greatest gift we can give our partner, and why trauma doesn't have to be a life sentence.

To learn more about Peter, visit SomaticExperiencing.com

For trainings, visit TraumaHealing.org

For Peter's books, visit SomaticExperiencing.com/SE-Books

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Juliane Taylor Shore about how brain science plays into relationships. Juliane is an Educator, Therapist, and Writer inspiring people to shift their relationships with self, others, and the world. She's the Author of "Setting Boundaries That Stick: How Neurobiology Can Help You Rewire Your Brain to Feel Safe, Connected, and Empowered." Hear why the energy we put towards ourselves is so important, how the brain looks at safety, how our history influences every moment for us, external vs. internal boundaries, and how to set boundaries with your partner.

To learn more about Juliane and her workshops, visit JulianeTaylorShore.com

Check out Juliane's book at: JulianeTaylorShore.com/Book

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Bill O'Hanlon about his Solution-Oriented Approach to couples therapy. Bill is a world-renowned leader in the fields of brief psychotherapy and clinical hypnosis and is the co-founder of the Solution-Oriented Approach, a therapeutic method that focuses on identifying unrealized possibilities while acknowledging emotional and contextual issues. Hear Bill's own history with mental health, the biggest opportunity for couples therapists, how to help people accept the reality of how their relationships evolve, how hypnosis is connected to his work with couples, and his passion for songwriting.

For all things Bill, visit BillOHanlon.org

Check out Bill's previous episode on The Couples Therapist Couch: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/blog/025-love-is-a-verb-with-bill-o-hanlon

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Anita Mandley about intergenerational trauma and relationships. Anita is an Integrative Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. Hear why she focuses on building relationships first, why intergenerational trauma happens, the things that influence us the most, how to ease into these discussions as a therapist, and the most important thing you can bring to a session.

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with David Khalili about mental health for men. David is a Sex and Relationship Therapist who is the Founder of Rouse Relational Wellness and Author of the "Mental Health Workbook for Men." Hear why there's so much shame and anxiety around sex for men, the feeling men have of being a burden for other people, why it's important for men to feel compassion for themselves, what David's sessions look like with individuals vs. couples, and his thoughts on toxic masculinity.

For David's live and on-demand workshops on sex and relationships, visit RouseAcademy.com

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Heawon Hake about the Collective Consciousness, Intergenerational Wisdom, Spirituality, and PTSD. Heawon is a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and the Author of "Daughter of Korean Freud." Hear Heawon's personal story with abuse and how she got interested in psychotherapy, how PTSD ties to the unconscious, how to feel more empowered, how she approaches suicide and death, and the fine line between blaming the victim vs. feeling a sense of empowerment about our own life.

For more about Heawon, visit KoreanAmericanPsychotherapist.com

Check out Heawon's book list at KoreanAmericanPsychotherapist.com/BookList

Find out more about the Couples Therapist Inner Circle: https://www.couplestherapistcouch.com/inner-circle-new

In this episode, Shane talks with Tina and Michael LeBlanc about their book, The 10 Habits of Happy Couples. Tina and Michael are the wife-husband duo behind Better Yourself 365, where they work exclusively with couples. Hear how they decided to marry each other and work together, their new approach to counseling, the importance of bettering yourself first as an individual, how much they work on their own relationship, and why couples often have shame in seeking therapy.

For more about Better Yourself 365, visit BetterYourself365.com

GET A FREE chapter from their book - The 10 Habits of Happy Couples: https://betteryourself365.lpages.co/the-10-habits-of-happy-couples/

Get their TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP digital course for couples at 34% off! https://betteryourself365.lpages.co/taking-charge-course-special-deal-for-podcast-listeners/

FOR THERAPISTS - If you want to preview their course for couples for free before referring it to clients, just contact Tina by email to request a FREE CODE: Tina@BetterYourself365.com

The next cohort of the Couples Therapist Business Mastermind starts in January. Learn more here.

In this episode Shane talks to bestselling author, Amy Morin, about her new book, The 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do. Shane was honored to be one of the many relationship experts who contributed to the book.

Amy is the author of 6 books including:

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do 13 Things Strong Kids Do 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do Workbook 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do

Find out more about her and check out her podcast at amymorinlcsw.com.

The Couples Therapist Couch is the podcast for Couples Therapists about the practice of couples therapy. I'm Shane Birkel and my goal is to bring you interviews with experts in the field of couples therapy each week.

Please subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

Learn more about the Couples Therapist Business Mastermind.

Click here to learn more about The Couples Therapist Inner Circle

In this episode Shane interviews Vienna Pharaon. She is an LMFT who has a huge following on instagram where she posts helpful advice for people. She is also the author of the book, The Origins of You.

She has a new podcast called This Keeps Happening. Find out more about her at viennapharaon.com

The Couples Therapist Couch is the podcast for Couples Therapists about the practice of couples therapy. I'm Shane Birkel and my goal is to bring you interviews with experts in the field of couples therapy each week.

Please subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

Learn more about joining the Couples Therapist Inner Circle

Click here to learn more about The Couples Therapist Inner Circle

This episode is a recording from an Inner Circle Webinar with Shane.

The Couples Therapist Couch is the podcast for Couples Therapists about the practice of couples therapy. I'm Shane Birkel and my goal is to bring you interviews with experts in the field of couples therapy each week.

Please subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

Learn more about joining the Couples Therapist Inner Circle

Click here to learn more about The Couples Therapist Inner Circle

In this episode Shane talks to renowned emotionally focused therapy trainer, Jim Thomas. They discuss doing intensive work with couples, particularly using EFT.

Find out more about him at jimthomas.care

The Couples Therapist Couch is the podcast for Couples Therapists about the practice of couples therapy. I'm Shane Birkel and my goal is to bring you interviews with experts in the field of couples therapy each week.

Please subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

Learn more about joining the Couples Therapist Inner Circle