

The Couples Therapist Couch
Shane Birkel
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2024 • 43min
211: Peace and Healing in Couples Therapy with Dr. Sabrina N'Diaye
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

May 14, 2024 • 50min
210: Narcissism in Couples Therapy with Wendy Behary
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

9 snips
May 7, 2024 • 45min
209: Trauma in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Kathryn Rheem
Kathryn Rheem, an expert in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and director of the Washington Baltimore Center for EFT, shares insights on the intersection of trauma and relationships. She discusses overcoming Impostor Syndrome and the impact of trauma on the nervous system. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of empathy in connecting with defensive partners and healing emotional wounds. She also explores how EFT facilitates love reception and emotional processing, encouraging mutual support for lasting healing.

Apr 30, 2024 • 1h 5min
208: Dr. Sue Johnson on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sue Johnson, the pioneer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), discusses her journey in developing this impactful approach. She highlights how emotions shape interpersonal dynamics and the importance of bonding conversations in therapy. Sue explains that restoring emotional connection resolves conflicts and fosters secure attachments. She also shares insights on attunement and creating corrective emotional experiences that lead to meaningful change. Her passion for EFT and its global implementation shines through, making for a truly enlightening dialogue.

Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
207: Stay or Go? With Sharon Pope
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

Apr 16, 2024 • 47min
206: Sex and Perfectionism with Tom Murray
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

9 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 43min
205: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Trauma with Leanne Campbell
Leanne Campbell discusses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma, highlighting the benefits of EFT, the traumatizing effects of isolation, gathering information before diving into experiences, focusing on the CARE model in initial sessions, and being cautious when working with trauma.

23 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 53min
204: Stepfamily Relationships with Patricia Papernow, Part 2
In a captivating discussion with Patricia Papernow, a leading expert on blended families, they tackle the intricacies of stepfamily dynamics. Patricia shares insights on the importance of authoritative parenting and how to balance discipline between biological and step-parents. They explore the role of ex-spouses and the ongoing impact of gray divorce on family relationships. Additionally, the conversation highlights the significance of open communication in fostering emotional connections among family members, enhancing children's well-being in blended families.

16 snips
Mar 26, 2024 • 47min
203: Stepfamily Relationships with Patricia Papernow, Part 1
In a riveting discussion, Patricia Papernow, a leading voice on blended families and recent award recipient for her contributions to family therapy, dives into the complexities of stepfamily dynamics. She unveils the unique challenges stepfamilies face, emphasizing why effective communication is crucial. Patricia highlights the impact of adult tensions on children’s well-being and introduces concepts like 'bruise theory.' Additionally, she offers insights on fostering trust in parenting roles and the importance of collaboration between stepparents and biological parents.

Mar 19, 2024 • 45min
202: Psychedelics and Relationships with Guy Winch
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