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.

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

Explore the intriguing concept of leverage in couples therapy. Discover how different forms of leverage can motivate partners to change and improve communication. Shane shares tips on navigating sensitive topics, like staying together for the kids. Uncover the key questions to ask during therapy sessions to unlock deeper insights and foster healthier relationships. This discussion sheds light on the dynamics of commitment and the power of effective therapeutic techniques.

La Shanda Sugg, Founder and Chief Love Officer of Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting, dives deep into trauma healing and empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in personal growth and shares insights on the difference between coaching and therapy. La Shanda discusses the power of reframing personal narratives to cultivate compassion and resilience. She also highlights reconnecting with the inner child to challenge limiting beliefs, and the importance of establishing healthy boundaries for emotional well-being.

Dive into the complex world of shame as it shapes our self-worth and relationships. Discover the difference between toxic and healthy shame, and how these feelings affect communication between partners. Learn the importance of navigating early experiences that influence adult relationships. The conversation emphasizes self-compassion and vulnerability as keys to healing and fostering deeper connections. Understanding shame is essential for promoting personal growth and healthier dynamics in intimate partnerships.

In this engaging discussion, Karen Bonnell, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares her insights on co-parenting. With 40 years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's needs and fostering communication between parents. Karen explores the challenges of integrating new partners into stepfamilies and offers wisdom on managing emotions and expectations. She also highlights the significance of understanding developmental stages and building respectful relationships within blended families for a smoother transition.

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