Shows
Couples Counseling For ParentsSince Kids, We Never Have Time for Our Relationship!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.The back-to-school season brings a whirlwind of activity that can leave even the strongest relationships feeling disconnected. Soccer schedules, school supplies, and new routines create a perfect storm where couples find themselves working efficiently as logistics partners but missing each other as romantic partners.This episode tackles the reality that many parents face during transitional seasons: feeling like you've "gone away" from yourself and your relationship. Dr. Stephen Mitchell and Erin Mitchell, MACP explore how even couples who excel at...
2025-08-1426 minCouples Counseling For ParentsWhat We've Learned From Couples: The 100th Episode!Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.In this milestone 100th episode of Couples Counseling for Parents, Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP reflect on the transformative relationship wisdom they've gathered over the years of working with couples facing the unique challenges of parenthood.The insights they share are both profound and practical. They discuss how true bravery emerges when couples face their deepest fears and vulnerabilities; how humility creates openings for healing; and how our universal desire to be truly seen and accepted drives relationship...
2025-04-1935 minCouples 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 min
LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable Dr. ALLIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Erin and Stephen MitchellInterview with Erin & Stephen Mitchell
Introduction
Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Erin and Stephen Mitchell, founders of Couples Counseling for Parents and authors of the book "Too Tired to Fight." The Mitchells have combined 23 years of experience helping parents stay connected amidst the chaos of raising a family. Their book, set to be released in July, covers 13 conflicts that are normal and necessary for maintaining strong partnerships after having children.
Getting Into Couples Counseling
Erin & Stephen's Journey: Both started in counseling independently but realized a...
2024-11-2730 minCouples Counseling For ParentsAvoiding the Passive-Aggressive Trap: Communication tips for Parenting PartnersGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Transform passive-aggressive tension into moments of connection with proven communication strategies for parenting partners. Join us, Dr. Stephen Mitchell and Erin Mitchell, as we explore how understanding the essential pause between feeling and reaction can change the dynamic of your relationship. Unpacking a scenario with Nora and Thad, we reveal how undetected emotions often lead to conflict and how recognizing these feelings can lead to healthier interactions. Discover the power of conscious choice—a pivotal step toward nurturing communication that fosters deeper co...
2024-11-1126 minCouples Counseling For ParentsWhat Happened to Our Sex Life: Intimacy After BabyGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.What happens to intimacy when children enter the picture? Many parents find themselves asking this question, and we're here to provide some insights. Join us, Dr. Stephen and Erin Mitchell, as we untangle the complex web of maintaining a healthy sex life post-kids. Through the relatable journey of Whitney and Rupal, we highlight the challenges that can strain intimacy, such as exhaustion and body image concerns, and how these can impact communication and connection between partners.Understanding how intimacy and...
2024-10-1427 minCouples Counseling For ParentsHow to Make Up After a FightGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Have you ever had a fight with your partner that left you both feeling distant and unsure of how to reconnect? In this episode of Couples Counseling for Parents, Erin and Dr. Stephen Mitchell dive deep into the art of repairing after conflict. Using the relatable story of Trey and Addie, they illustrate how unresolved arguments can create emotional distance, while offering practical scripts and steps to help you break the cycle.You’ll learn about the importance of acknowledgment, va...
2024-10-0728 minCouples Counseling For ParentsFinding Your ResetGot a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.In today's episode, Stephen and Erin tackle the feeling many couples experience after kids—that sinking thought that "maybe I’ll never feel truly loved or appreciated." Using the high-stress periods of pregnancy and birth as a case study, they break down how partners can lose sight of each other’s needs and how to reset that dynamic for good. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start feeling connected, this episode is for you.And don’t forget to...
2024-09-3030 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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and your partner keep having the same fight or just can't seem to u...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and your partner keep having the same fight or just can't seem to understand each other? We've got answers. Take the quiz a...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and your partner keep having the same fight or just can't seem to understand each other? We've got answers. T...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and your partner keep having the same fight or just can't seem to understand each other? W...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and y...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! E...
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. Take the Couple Communication Quiz! Ever wonder why you and your partner keep having the same fight or just can't seem to understand each o...
2024-04-1938 min