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  

Dr. Mark Karris, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of "Beyond Fairy Tales," explores the complexities of relationships and couples therapy. He discusses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and how common misconceptions about love can hinder meaningful connections. The conversation includes insights on attachment styles, fostering empathy, and the significance of compassion in communication. Mark also highlights innovative resources to make self-help more accessible, aiming to bridge gender gaps in relationship literature.

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.

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.

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.

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