
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

7 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 50min
226: Childhood Trauma & Relationships with Lisa Ferentz
In this engaging discussion, Lisa Ferentz, a trauma expert with over 40 years of experience and founder of The Ferentz Institute, explores the impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships. She highlights how emotional neglect hinders intimacy and connection. Lisa emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and integrating individual and couples therapy. The conversation also covers the significance of self-love, empathy, and the difference between interdependence and codependency, providing valuable insights for healing and growth.

4 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 24min
225: Boundaries in Relationships with Shane Birkel
Discover the vital role boundaries play in fostering safety and vulnerability in relationships. Learn how establishing clear boundaries is essential for self-advocacy and effective communication, especially in challenging situations. The discussion emphasizes boundaries as personal tools for emotional regulation rather than forms of control. Hear advice on what to avoid when setting boundaries and the best practices to ensure they are effective, creating healthier dynamics between partners.

10 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 40min
224: Understanding Emotionally Avoidant People with Shane Birkel
Explore the intricate world of emotionally avoidant individuals and how their upbringing shapes their emotional detachment. Discover the differences between pursuers and avoidants, and learn strategies to foster effective communication in relationships. Can emotionally avoidant people change? Unpack this question while engaging with practical mindfulness exercises to enhance emotional awareness. Transform your understanding and interactions with loved ones by gaining insights into their emotional styles.

Sep 30, 2024 • 45min
223: Grief and Loss with David Kessler
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

Sep 10, 2024 • 29min
222: Emotional vs. Problem-Solving Communication with Shane Birkel
Discover the fascinating world of emotional versus problem-solving communication in relationships. Learn why misunderstandings occur and how to support your partner's emotional needs, especially during tough times like dealing with infidelity. Explore effective strategies for navigating difficult emotions while balancing practical solutions. Plus, find out how engaging with a community of therapy enthusiasts can enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of relationship dynamics.

16 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 59min
221: EFT and Ketamine-Assisted Couples Therapy with Kathryn Rheem
Kathryn Rheem, Director of The Washington Baltimore Center for EFT and Co-Founder of The EFT Cafe, delves into the transformative approach of Ketamine-Assisted Couples Therapy. She discusses how this innovative method fosters emotional openness and vulnerability in relationships. Kathryn emphasizes the potential of ketamine to enhance emotionally focused therapy, tackle treatment-resistant conditions, and strengthen emotional bonds. She also highlights the importance of safe therapeutic environments and collaborative practices between therapists and medical professionals.

Aug 27, 2024 • 46min
220: Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Relationships with Hilary Waller
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

Aug 20, 2024 • 40min
219: Internal Family Systems and Couples with Tammy Sollenberger
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

Aug 6, 2024 • 50min
218: Imago and Polyvagal Therapy with Hayley Hoffman
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

Jul 30, 2024 • 19min
217: Stop Trying to Be Right in Your Relationship with Shane Birkel
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/