Shows
Couples Counseling For ParentsWhen Your Past Lives in Your ParentingGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Remember when you and your partner felt like soulmates, deeply connected and growing stronger together? Then parenthood arrived, and suddenly those old insecurities you thought were healed came rushing back with surprising force. You're not alone, and no—you didn't make a mistake choosing each other.Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP state, "What's happening is a normal developmental challenge that catches most couples by surprise." The intense stress of parenting activates our nervous systems, bringing along familiar patterns, th...
2025-04-1136 minCouples Counseling For ParentsFrom Shame to Understanding - A 5-Step Guide to Talking About ADHD with Your PartnerGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Navigating the complexities of ADHD in relationships requires more than just understanding the condition—it demands a thoughtful approach to communication, empathy, and mutual support. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP tackle the tough questions head-on: What do you do when your partner acknowledges their ADHD but refuses any support or treatment? How can you communicate the impact of their behaviors without triggering shame? What happens when you notice your partner criticizing ADHD traits in your child—the very sam...
2025-04-0421 minCouples Counseling For ParentsADHD in Relationships: Navigating the Neurodivergent Disconnect!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.The complexity of ADHD can transform a loving partnership into a battlefield of misunderstanding, shame, and resentment—especially when children enter the picture. After receiving an overwhelming response to a social media post about ADHD in relationships, we knew we needed to address this increasingly common challenge faced by parenting partners.In this first episode of our two-part series, we explore four specific scenarios where ADHD creates conflict between parenting partners: when the default parent has ADHD, when the non-default pa...
2025-03-2642 minCouples Counseling For ParentsParenting on Purpose: Moving Beyond Parenting DifferencesGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.What happens when two loving parents disagree about how to respond to their child's behavior? This deeply personal episode dives into one of the most challenging conflicts couples face—differing parenting approaches.Through the story of Justin and Lori, we examine how bedtime struggles with their six-year-old son leads to couple conflict. Justin believes in firm boundaries and worries about being manipulated, while Lori focuses on understanding what's driving their son's behavior. This scenario leaves both parents feeling misunderstood and ju...
2025-03-1439 minCouples Counseling For ParentsCould I Get a Little Validation Over Here?Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Life as a parent can often feel like a flood of responsibilities, expectations, and emotional exhaustion. In this episode, Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP, address the cycle of invalidation that can arise between partners as they try to juggle tasks and manage parenting stress. Through the story of Raj and Brynn, we explore how feelings of being overworked and underappreciated can lead to mutual invalidation in relationships. Join us in uncovering the steps necessary to shift out of a...
2025-02-2726 minCouples Counseling For ParentsI Handle Stress "Right," It's My Partner That Handles Stress "Wrong"Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.This episode dives into the dynamics of emotional regulation between partners in stressful parenting moments, highlighting the contrasting coping behaviors of downshifting and upshifting. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP provide practical insights using a relatable case study, illustrating how couples can navigate these tensions and foster meaningful communication to create a supportive family environment.• Explaining the downshift-upshift coping dynamic in relationships • Analyzing a common conflict scenario in parenting • Discussing the role of everyday stressors on couple dynamics...
2025-02-2126 minCouples Counseling For ParentsI Need You to Stop Needing MeGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.This episode addresses the often invisible burden carried by default caregivers like Tasha, who find themselves overwhelmed by both family and partner expectations. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP, delve into the mismatched needs that arise from these dynamics, frequently leading to misunderstandings and conflict. Through thoughtful discussion, we focus on the critical role of open communication and self-awareness in breaking free from outdated norms that perpetuate inequality. By examining how Tasha's partner, Paul, may inadvertently contribute to this imbalance, we...
2025-01-3030 minCouples Counseling For Parents6 Principles That Will Save Your Parenting Partner RelationshipGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.This episode dives into six transformative principles for strengthening couple relationships amidst the challenges of parenting. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP encourage listeners to embrace unity in problem-solving, assume positive intent, grant each other space, seek counseling early, practice patience and grace, and confront fears openly. The six principles discussed are: • It's me and you against the problem not us against each other • Be quicker to assume good intent than ill intent• Let each other walk away when we...
2025-01-2334 minCouples Counseling For ParentsThe Death of Defensiveness: How to end the cycle of defensiveness in your couple relationshipGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Defensiveness can be a significant roadblock in relationships, particularly among parenting partners. The episode delves into how defensiveness complicates communication, using the example of Kylie and Leslie and their conflict over forgotten pasta. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP emphasize leading with accountability and following up with vulnerability as crucial steps towards breaking the cycle of defensiveness. Here's what we cover in the episode:Analysis of a scenario involving Kylie and Leslie stuck in a defensive cycle and...
2025-01-1637 minCouples Counseling For ParentsFrom Tiredness to Togetherness in ParentingGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss the "Embodiment Chasm," a concept that highlights the different experiential realities between parenting partners. Through the story of Maria and Todd, the hosts explore how the differences in parenting experiences can lead to misunderstandings, and they offer insights on communication strategies to overcome this chasm for a healthier relationship. • Introducing the concept of the Embodiment Chasm • Case study of Maria and Todd's experience of the Embodiment Chasm • How the Embodiment Chasm cre...
2025-01-0842 minCouples Counseling For ParentsHoliday Loneliness: How partner's can handle the Holiday BluesGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.The holidays can be magical. The holidays can also be lonely and sad due to family drama, the loss of a loved one, not living close to family etc. Many times couples can experience conflict balancing the desire for a magical holiday and not wanting to ignore the "lonely" reality of the season too. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP will give you and your partner practical tips and scripts that you and your partner can use to stay connected in...
2024-12-2035 minCouples Counseling For ParentsMy In-laws are driving me crazy!!!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.One of the most complex relationships to navigate for parenting partners is relationships with their parents and in-laws. What can parenting partners do to have healthy relationships with their parents/in-laws and give their kids strong relationship with grandparents? Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP answer this question and so many more in this episode. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (i...
2024-08-2026 minCouples Counseling For ParentsMy partner keeps telling me I need to talk about my emotions, why does it matter?Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Does talking about emotions matter? We see so many couples were one partner's primary complaint is that their partner cannot talk about how they feel. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss whether talking about emotions matters and what couples can do to resolve this conflict. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or couple). Schedule a free coaching consultation here: h...
2024-08-0229 minCouples Counseling For ParentsMy Partner is So Needy!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Is the preoccupied attachment style really just needy? We examine how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, focusing on preoccupied attachment. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss what preoccupied attachment is, how it impacts a couple relationship, and how partner's can stay connected if one of them is preoccupied. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or couple). Schedule a free c...
2024-07-0543 minCouples Counseling For ParentsMy Partner Has No Emotions!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Ever wondered if an avoidant partner can truly connect emotionally? We examine how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, focusing on avoidant attachment. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss what avoidant attachment is, how it impacts a couple relationship, and how partner's can stay connected if one of them is avoidantly attached. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or couple). S...
2024-06-2845 minCouples Counseling For ParentsDo You Love Me, Do You Want Me, Do You Accept Me?-Three Important Questions Parenting Partners Ask Each Other Every DayGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.There are three questions that parenting partners are asking one another every day. They might not be asking them directly but in their conflict, in their frustration, in their stress these are the questions that underline all of these interactions. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP tell you what the questions are and how you can your partner can answer them in the affirmative for one another. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://w...
2024-05-2436 minCouples Counseling For ParentsIt's something every couple with kids feels but doesn't talk about: Loneliness.Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.It's something most parenting partners feel but no one really talks about: Loneliness. That's right. Many parenting partners find themselves feeling lonely during the parenting years and it can be hard to talk about with your partner. This feeling of loneliness can also be an underlying factor for some of the stress, conflict, and hurt feelings parenting partners feel and have regarding one another. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP talk about their own experience of Loneliness as parenting partners and what...
2024-05-1038 minCouples Counseling For ParentsThe Art of Partner Support in Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.If your partner has ever been pregnant. If you have ever had a partner in the postpartum phase of parenting. If you are a parent period. You need to hear this! Being aware of the impact of pregnancy and postpartum on your partner's body matters. Even if you are beyond this phase of your parenting journey, it matters! Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP help you understand "why?" in this weeks episode. Get your copy or audiobook of Too T...
2024-04-2636 minCouples Counseling For ParentsI'm The Default Parent!-A Conversation Every Couple Needs To HaveGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.No one likes having the default parent conversation because it typically ends up in both partners getting frustrated and going to their separate corners. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell MACP help you understand how to have the conversation differently and in a way that will actually change your couple relationship for the better. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or c...
2024-04-1938 minCouples Counseling For Parents"We Just Don't Feel Connected Anymore"-How Couples Can Get Reconnected in the Midst of ParentingGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Have you ever caught yourself wondering how the spark you once had with your partner could disappear so fast? Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss how the "little" moments of everyday parenting life can lead to disconnection, and how these "little" moments can also be what keeps you connected. Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or c...
2024-04-0537 minCouples Counseling For ParentsWhat is the 80/80 Marriage?: An Interview with Kaley Klemp and Nate Klemp, PhDGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Discover a refreshing take on love and commitment as Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP sit down with Nate and Kaley Klemp, authors of "The 80/80 Marriage." https://www.8080marriage.com/Get your copy or audiobook of Too Tired to Fight today!: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X Want some personalized help (individual or couple). Schedule a free coaching consultation here: https://calendly.com/ccfp/meet-the-mitchells Interested in one of Erin's postpartum...
2024-03-2251 minCouples Counseling For ParentsThriving Together While Tackling Career and Family DemandsGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.We hear it all the time, "My partner cares more about their job than our family." Or "My partner's job gets the best parts of them and we get what's left over at home." Work is something that happens everyday and is big source of conflict and hurt in parenting partner relationships. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP offer a two step process for how couples can discuss work, family life, and staying connected as partners through it all. G...
2024-03-0826 minCouples Counseling For ParentsMy Partner's Mental Health is Negatively Impacting Our HomeGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.What do you do when you think your partner's mental health is negatively impacting your family? How do you bring it up? What if your partner dismisses your concerns? Join Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP as we shed light on the profound impact that conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and unresolved trauma can have on a family. This episode is an invitation to acknowledge, address, and approach these struggles with the compassion and awareness they deserve, ensuring that these...
2024-02-2927 minCouples Counseling For ParentsWhen Stress is Driving Your Couple RelationshipGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Every relationship faces the siege of stress, but how we navigate through this inevitable reality makes all the difference. Imagine this case example: Josh, retreating into his shell under the pressure of life's stress, leaves Lindsay spinning plates to maintain the family's harmony. Their story may sound familiar, and we're peeling back the layers to discover why Josh's withdrawal and Lindsay's increasing load brew the perfect storm of miscommunication.Listen along as Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP guide...
2024-02-2228 minCouples Counseling For ParentsNavigating Love and ADHD: An Interview with ADHD Advocate and Coach Katy WeberGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Every parenting partnership has its struggles, but when ADHD is in the mix, it's like navigating an intricate dance of dopamine, interest, and misunderstanding. Katy Weber shares her wisdom on fostering teamwork in a couple relationship impacted by ADHD and reframing ADHD as a joint adventure rather than a solitary battle. Join Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP as they talk with Katy about this unique and challenging couple dynamic and share some of their own story about being im...
2024-02-1557 min