Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for The Couples Therapist Couch
ScienceSocial SciencesHealth & FitnessMental Health

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.

Play
Open in
  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 41 min
  • English

Episodes 33

NewestOldestLongest
All13Unplayed13In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #286
    April 6 · 49 min

    286: Working with Trauma & Couples Therapy with Dr. Janina Fisher

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice to learn more Sign up for the webinar Inside a Couples Intensive: The 4 C's in Action on Thursday, April 16, 2026: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P24AEVQEQBOclzxNokvrEQ 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. Janina Fisher about working with trauma & couples therapy. Janina is an Author, Clinical Psychologist, and Educator on the forefront in the field of trauma. Hear how trauma & therapy have changed over the years, how to help your clients without triggering them, why you need to use a therapy model your clients like, the similarities between therapy & parenting, and how to validate your clients' experiences. To learn more about Dr. Janina Fisher, visit: JaninaFisher.com Janina's Latest Book: Embracing Our Fragmented Selves: A Workbook for Trauma Survivors and Therapists You can also listen to Dr. Janina Fisher on Episode 252 & Episode 115 of The Couples Therapist Couch

  • #285
    March 31 · 54 min

    285: Intensives & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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. Rebecca Jorgensen about intensives & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Rebecca is a Supervisor & Trainer for EFT, and one of the leaders for teaching the EFT model. Hear why intensives are a helpful way to provide safety & security for your clients, why you should do your own work as a couples therapist, how to be supportive to both partners at the same time, how to be gentle in the way you communicate with clients, and why couples therapy is some of the most rewarding work ever. To learn more about Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen and her trainings, visit: DrRebeccaJorgensen.com EFTCounseling.org Facebook & Instagram @EFTDoc Emotionally Focused Therapy Group Facebook Group You can also listen to Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen on Episode 271 & Episode 67 of The Couples Therapist Couch

  • #284
    March 26 · 40 min

    284: Connection: The 4 Cs in Relationships with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Connection as part of his mini-series, The 4 Cs in Relationships. Hear how containing boundaries & protective boundaries work in relationships, the difference between codependence & healthy connection, why so many couples struggle to get back to the honeymoon phase, how to help your clients develop true intimacy & connection, and your job as it relates to your partner.

  • #283
    March 23 · 26 min

    283: Compassion: The 4 Cs in Relationships with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Compassion as part of his mini-series, The 4 Cs in Relationships. Hear why compassion is tied so closely to shame, how to view shame vs. guilt, what to do when a client is struggling with shame, the 3 ways of pursuing self-esteem, and how much is a healthy amount of comparing yourself to others.

  • #282
    March 19 · 36 min

    282: Curiosity: The 4 Cs in Relationships with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Curiosity as part of his mini-series, The 4 Cs in Relationships. Hear why being a couples therapist can feel like being a judge, how to help shift your clients' mindsets to curiosity, how to work on the ability to slow down, why strong emotions are okay, and why timeouts can be great in couples therapy.

  • #281
    March 17 · 34 min

    281: Consciousness: The 4 Cs in Relationships with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Consciousness as part of his mini-series, The 4 Cs in Relationships. Hear what consciousness really is, the different types of awareness to explore with your clients, what to do when a client breaks down from their emotions, the role of a partner when it comes to consciousness, and how to navigate emotions from childhood.

  • #280
    March 9 · 27 min

    280: The 4 Cs in Relationships with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 shares the 4 Cs in relationships. Hear the common patterns couples get into, how to have compassion for each partner's reality, how to help your clients keep curiosity in their relationship, why it's okay for couples to disagree with each other, and what to say to your clients regarding each of the 4 Cs.

  • #279
    March 3 · 48 min

    279: Why Do I Keep Doing This? with Kati Morton

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Kati Morton about Why Do I Keep Doing This?: Unlearn the Habits Keeping You Stuck and Unhappy. Kati is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Media Personality, and Author. Hear why our inner dialogue isn't always correct, how to help your clients get unstuck, the importance of working on yourself, why it's okay to have healthy differences, and the difference between love & codependence. To learn more about Kati Morton, her latest book Why Do I Keep Doing This?, and her podcast Ask Kati Anything, visit: KatiMorton.com @KatiMorton on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

  • #278
    February 23 · 26 min

    278: When Weekly Couples Therapy Isn't Enough with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 talks what to do when weekly couples therapy isn't enough. Hear the pros & cons of therapy intensives, why 50-minute sessions are still the standard in couples therapy, how to get to the heart of the matter with your clients, how much to ramp up & wind down the conversation with your clients, and how to find what session length is right for your clients.

  • #277
    February 16 · 46 min

    277: When Work Stress Impacts the Relationship with Guy Winch

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Guy Winch about when work stress impacts the relationship. 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 it's hard to leave work at work, how work stress works, how to help your clients separate work stress from home life, how much to structure your week, and what we can learn from firefighters. To learn more about Guy Winch, his latest book Mind Over Grind, and his podcast Dear Therapists, visit: GuyWinch.com Mind Over Grind Dear Therapists You can also listen to Guy Winch on Episode 202 of The Couples Therapist Couch

  • #276
    February 10 · 28 min

    276: The Myth of Effortless Connection with Shane Birkel

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 talks the myth of effortless connection. Hear how to help couples who just don't feel connected anymore, how to get each person to speak through their feelings, what the healthiest relationships do best, how to slow things down with clients, and how to create a sense of safety in relationships.

  • #275
    February 3 · 49 min

    275: Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Couples with Liz Phillips

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Liz Phillips about Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Couples. Liz is a therapist trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and IFS. Hear what's so unique about IFS, how it avoids common vicious cycles, how to move your clients to focus on themselves first, how to create clarity for your clients, and why every therapist should do their own therapy. To learn more about Liz Phillips & IFS, visit: LizPhillipsTherapy.Ca IFS-Institute.com

  • #274
    January 27 · 48 min

    274: 7 Steps to Move Beyond Your Painful Past with Katherine Woodward Thomas

    This episode is brought to you by Alma. Visit https://helloalma.com/dg/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=privatepractice 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 Katherine Woodward Thomas about What's True About You: 7 Steps to Move Beyond Your Painful Past and Manifest Your Brightest Future. Katherine is a licensed therapist, recognized pioneer in transformational psychology, and The New York Times bestselling author of Calling in "The One" and Conscious Uncoupling. Hear how consciousness plays into couples therapy, what to do when your clients feel stuck, how to prevent them from losing out on love, what you can learn from imagining yourself as a child, and where healing happens. To learn more about Katherine Woodward Thomas, Conscious Uncoupling, and What's True About You: 7 Steps to Move Beyond Your Painful Past and Manifest Your Brightest Future, visit: KatherineWoodwardThomas.com ConsciousUncoupling.com PenguinRandomHouse.com You can also listen to Katherine Woodward Thomas on Episode 269 of The Couples Therapist Couch

Showing 21–33 of 33 episodes