
The Couples Therapist Couch
This podcast is about the practice of Couples Therapy. Many of the episodes are interviews with leaders in the field of Relationships. The show is meant to help Therapists and Coaches learn how to help people to deepen their connection, but in the process it explores what is most needed for each of us to love, heal, and grow. Each week Shane Birkel interviews an expert in the field of Couples Therapy to explore all about the world of relationships and how to be an amazing therapist.
Latest episodes

Jun 2, 2025 • 40min
245: The Vagina Whisperer and Floored with Dr. Sara Reardon
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. Sara Reardon about being The Vagina Whisperer and her new book, Floored. Dr. Sara Reardon is a Board-Certified Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Mom of 2. Hear why the pelvic floor can have a big impact on relationships, how to help couples navigate the topic of painful sex, the shame that occurs when you’re having issues with your pelvic floor, why it helps to talk through pelvic floor concerns as a couple, and signs you should visit a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. To learn more about Dr. Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer, and Floored, visit: TheVagWhisperer.com Floored Instagram @The.Vagina.Whisperer TikTok @TheVagWhisperer

May 26, 2025 • 60min
244: The Science of Revenge with James Kimmel, Jr.
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 James Kimmel, Jr. about The Science of Revenge. James Kimmel, Jr., JD is a violence researcher, psychiatry lecturer, and author who explores the science of revenge, addiction, forgiveness, and violence. He’s the author of 3 books on revenge and forgiveness, the latest being The Science of Revenge. Hear why we naturally want to seek revenge, what goes on in our brain when we seek revenge, why revenge addiction is like drug addiction, how to move your clients away from violence, and how to help them understand how they can truly be healed. To learn more about James Kimmel, Jr., The Science of Revenge, and the Miracle Court App, visit: JamesKimmelJr.com The Science of Revenge MiracleCourt.com

May 19, 2025 • 23min
243: Commitment in Couples Therapy with Shane Birkel
Discover the intricacies of commitment in couples therapy, especially for those on the brink of divorce. Explore the challenges posed by discernment counseling and learn how to assist partners when one is leaning out. The discussion highlights the importance of setting goals and expectations early in therapy. Additionally, delve into an engaging community for professionals, complete with resources for real-time feedback and consultations.

May 12, 2025 • 45min
242: The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men with Tom Bruett
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 Tom Bruett about The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men. Tom Bruett, LMFT is a therapist, trainer, consultant, and author who works extensively with the queer community. He is the founder of the Queer Relationship Institute, which provides therapy for queer folx and training for therapists who work with queer relationships. Hear how to be more open & sensitive with your clients, the 7 stages of relational development, why you should trust your intuition with your clients, how to work better with queer couples, and how to model that these types of conversations are okay. To learn more about Tom Bruett, the Queer Relationship Institute, and The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men, visit: QueerRelationshipInstitute.com The Go-To Relationship Guide for Gay Men

May 5, 2025 • 39min
241: 'Til Stress Do Us Part with Elizabeth Earnshaw
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 Elizabeth Earnshaw about the themes from her new book, ‘Til Stress Do Us Part. Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Clinical Fellow of The American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy. She also founded A Better Life Therapy, where she sees couples in her tailored weekend intensives. Over the past 15 years, she’s become one of today’s most trusted relationship teachers. Hear why couples fight when they love each other, how to help clients manage stress, how to get them to be more compassionate towards each other, the most common stressors as parents, and how to help your clients internalize concepts with metaphors, analogies, and pictures. To learn more about Elizabeth Earnshaw, A Better Life Therapy, and ‘Til Stress Do Us Part, visit: ElizabethEarnshaw.com ABetterLifeTherapy.com ‘Til Stress Do Us Part Instagram @LizListens

Apr 28, 2025 • 35min
240: Emotional Abuse with Shane Birkel
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 dives into emotional abuse. Hear why emotional abuse is so complicated, how it compares to physical abuse, how different family environments impact the potential for emotional abuse, examples of boundary violations, and how to stick to the principle of non-violence with your clients and yourself.

Apr 21, 2025 • 44min
239: Neurodiversity & Relationships with Dr. Matt Zakreski
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and author of The Neurodiversity Playbook, delves into the world of neurodiversity and its effects on relationships. He discusses the importance of self-awareness in communication and reveals how generational perceptions of neurodiversity differ. Dr. Zakreski shares practical strategies for fostering empathy and flexibility in communication, advocating for open discussions and personalized solutions. He also emphasizes the value of therapy and dedicated time for meaningful conversations to enhance relational dynamics.

7 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 32min
238: The 3 Situations When Couples Therapy Won’t Work with Shane Birkel
Explore when couples therapy may not be the answer, focusing on addiction, severe mental health issues, and harmful behaviors. Learn why some situations may require individual therapy instead, emphasizing the delicate balance of safety and trust. Delve into the nuances of communication challenges, including infidelity and emotional abuse, and understand the vital role of boundaries. Discover insights on how these obstacles can impede healing and why therapists might feel like a last resort in certain scenarios.

Apr 7, 2025 • 43min
237: Transformative Couples Therapy (TCT) with Dr. David Mars
In this engaging discussion, Dr. David Mars, Director of the Transformative Couples Therapy Institute, shares his extensive experience in couples therapy. He critiques traditional methods, emphasizing the importance of compassion and emotional connection. Dr. Mars explains how childhood influences shape adult relationships and promotes open communication to overcome these patterns. He also highlights the role of meditation in therapy sessions and the transformative power of embracing one's inner child for healthier partnerships.

Mar 31, 2025 • 42min
236: Trauma Bonds with Dr. Laura Copley
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