Couples Counseling For Parents

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 dynamics. The Mitchells explain why genuine curiosity defuses tension, why understanding your partner's childhood story transforms how you perceive conflicts, and why celebrating joy deserves as much attention as addressing problems.Perhaps most powerfully, they reveal how parenting often becomes the catalyst that inspires couples to break dysfunctional patterns. "Having kids amplifies what you want in life and makes you fight for it," they observe. "Your life didn't diminish when you had children—it gave you permission to ask for more."Throughout their conversation, Stephen and Erin weave in practical examples from their own relationship, demonstrating how these principles play out in real life. They emphasize that the goal isn't to eliminate conflict (an impossible and boring aim) but to transform how we approach it, gradually reducing its intensity, duration, and frequency.Whether you're just starting your parenting journey or navigating its challenges years in, these insights offer a roadmap to more connected, resilient relationships. Ready to transform how you communicate with your partner? This episode shows you the way forward.

Got 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, thoughts and feelings from our past. Your partner, who once soothed these core wounds, seems to be triggering them at the worst possible moment.Through the story of Annabeth and Selena, we explore how one partner's feeling of "everything falls on me" collides with the other's sense that "nothing I do is ever enough"—creating a painful cycle that many parents recognize. When Annabeth expresses feeling overwhelmed and alone, Selena withdraws, feeling criticized and inadequate. Each response intensifies the other's core wound, despite their deep love for each other.The path forward isn't about solving logistical problems or dividing tasks differently. It begins with understanding which pattern you tend toward, exploring the deeper stories behind your reactions, and learning to talk about the feelings themselves rather than arguing about surface issues. When partners can vulnerably share "When this happens, I notice I start feeling alone like I did growing up" instead of launching into criticism or defensiveness, everything changes.This episode offers a four-step process to transform these painful cycles into opportunities for deeper connection. You'll learn to recognize your pattern, understand its origins, communicate vulnerably about the feelings, and establish regular check-ins to prevent buildup.Ready to turn relationship regression into progression? Listen now, and discover how the very wounds causing disconnection can become your pathway to profound intimacy.

Got 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 same traits they demonstrate themselves? Each of these scenarios creates unique relationship dynamics that can either strengthen or fracture your partnership, depending on how you navigate them.The heart of this episode is our five-step process for addressing ADHD in relationships. It begins with truly believing your partner's experience, whether they're sharing how ADHD affects them or how they're impacted by your ADHD behaviors. The second critical step is removing shame from the equation—no belittling, no treating your partner like "another child," no judgment. From there, we emphasize education, understanding each other's ADHD stories, and finally taking meaningful action through appropriate supports.Ready to transform how you and your partner talk about ADHD? Listen now, and discover how to replace criticism with curiosity, defensiveness with understanding, and conflict with compassion. Your relationship—and your family—will thank you.

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 parent has ADHD, when both partners have ADHD, and when parenting a child with ADHD. Drawing from professional expertise and personal experience, Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP dive into how ADHD affects parenting partner relationships and leads to disconnection and conflict. Stephen and Erin unpack the neurological reality of ADHD as more than just a willpower issue, examining how dopamine processing affects everything from organization to emotional regulation. Most importantly, we reveal how deeply-rooted shame narratives can drive defensive reactions when partners express frustration, creating cycles of conflict that feel impossible to break.Whether you suspect ADHD plays a role in your relationship challenges or you're already navigating this reality, this episode offers validation, clarity, and hope. Join us next week when we'll share specific processes for resolving these conflicts and building stronger connections despite—and sometimes because of—your neurodivergent partnership.Resources mentioned in show: ADHD 2.0 book link: https://a.co/d/hBLUekw@alex_partridge_100

Got 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 judged by their partner.Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP unpack the neuroscience of effective parenting—acknowledging a child's experience, attuning to their emotional state, and reflecting/mirroring what we observe—while honestly addressing why this approach can be difficult to implement consistently in real life. Most importantly, they explore how our own childhood experiences create emotional triggers that make these conversations particularly charged. Stephen shares how his resistance stems from not wanting to parent like his father, while Erin reflects on how being raised by a busy single mother shaped her approach to structure and boundaries.The path forward isn't about determining who's right, but understanding what drives our reactions and learning to "parent on purpose" instead of from automatic patterns. By approaching these differences with kindness and curiosity, couples can move from rigid opposition to thoughtful collaboration.Want more resources to help transform your essential relationship conflicts into deeper connection? Our book "Too Tired to Fight" gives you practical tools to navigate the 13 conflicts every couple faces, including parenting differences. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059371427X

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 cycle of invalidation into a pattern of offering vulnerability and validation. Tune in for meaningful insights and real world scripts that can help you strengthen your couple relationship as you parent.

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 • Introducing the concept of co-regulation between partners • Offering actionable strategies for improving communication during stress 

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.In this episode, we explore the pervasive issue of resentment in couple relationships, particularly among parents. We discuss its roots in unexpressed emotions and decision-making conflicts, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, active listening, and mutual understanding to resolve underlying issues and prevent resentment from taking hold. Here is what we cover in the show: • Resentment often arises from feelings of being undervalued or unheard • Parenting pressures can exacerbate feelings of resentment • Major life decisions often become breeding grounds for resentment • Vulnerability and transparency are essential for healthy conversations • Mutual understanding plays a key role in decision-making dynamics • Listening without defensiveness fosters connection and heals rifts • Conflict can be an opportunity for growth and intimacy • Practical insights for managing resentment in relationships offered 

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Ever wonder how parenting impacts your intimate relationship? Join us for a compelling conversation with renowned sex expert Dr. Candice Nicole Hargons as she shares insights from her latest book, "Good Sex." She dives into the challenges of maintaining a healthy sexual relationship amidst the responsibilities of parenthood. Dr. Hargons, an associate professor at Emory University, offers a compassionate perspective on navigating the changing dynamics of intimacy. She emphasizes the importance of communication and renegotiating relationship terms as couples journey through different stages of parenting.

Got 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 highlight the need for intentionality and shared responsibility within family units.

Got 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're over the limit. We will work it out soon.• Start counseling sooner to heal inner wounds• Patience and Grace• Don't be afraid of the unknown

Got 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 looking for answers on how to end the cycleUnderstand why defensiveness often arises as a protective mechanismThe Two Step process for ending defensiveness in your relationship We differentiate between simple apologies and true relationship repairSample script on how to have the conversation with your partner If you're enjoying the podcast, please hit the follow button and leave us a rating. This helps our content become more visible to others who might enjoy it, and it lets us know how we can keep improving the show.

Got 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 creates the roles of Default and Non-default parent • Barriers in communication caused by the Embodiment Chasm in a couple relationship • Strategies for overcoming these barriers and fostering connection and understanding • Sample Script of how couples can start the conversation and resolve the barriers created by the embodiment Chasm

Got 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 the midst of the tension between the magic and loneliness of the holiday season. 

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.What happens when you're physically present but emotionally checked out during family gatherings? Meet Jameson and Mel, a couple whose holiday season often spirals into tension due to mismatched engagement levels. Listen as we unpack their story to understand the significant difference between simply showing up and being emotionally present. Their experience is a common struggle for many couples, especially during the stress-filled holiday season. We'll also share personal stories that remind us how easy it is to focus on tasks and miss the magic of significant family moments.Picture this: one partner thrives in the hustle and bustle of holiday socializing, while the other is left feeling drained and overwhelmed. That's the dynamic between Mel and Jameson, and it's not just about introversion or extroversion. We dive into how our nervous systems dictate social interaction and how past experiences shape the holiday expectations that can fuel misunderstandings and conflict. By understanding these elements—including common reactions like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—we highlight the critical need for empathy and communication to navigate these social energy differences effectively.Looking to connect more deeply with your partner this holiday season? Learn about the importance of understanding your own attachment style and how family background can influence your relationship dynamics. We tackle real-life challenges, from handling parenting stress to sharing the mental load, all while providing practical steps to reset and reconnect. Join us on this journey to strengthen meaningful engagement and create lasting memories with your loved ones, breaking free from unmet expectations and fostering true connection.

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Master the art of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season and emerge with a stronger partnership. In this episode, we explore the pressures couples face when interacting with extended family, featuring the real-life example of Heidi and Renee. Their story sheds light on the challenges of holiday scheduling and differing family expectations, offering practical strategies to help couples present a united front and strengthen their bonds amidst festive chaos.Reflecting on personal experiences, we dive into the complexities of early relationship dynamics. With anecdotes like being perceived as disengaged with a partner's family due to unexpected circumstances, we illustrate how seemingly minor incidents can set unintended tones for family interactions. By examining Heidi and Renee's decision to stay near Renee's family, we highlight the importance of open communication, addressing unspoken narratives, and understanding each partner's needs to foster healthier familial relationships.Building on these insights, we emphasize the power of small, direct communications in mitigating family friction. Through Heidi and Renee's journey, we learn the importance of addressing underlying fears and presenting a united front as a couple. This episode serves as a guide for those feeling distant or overwhelmed, offering the first step towards a more fulfilling and connected partnership. Join us in this journey of partnerhood and discover how to reshape your relationship dynamics for a more harmonious holiday season.

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.What if understanding your past could transform your present relationships and parenting journey? This episode promises to guide you through the nuanced dynamics of becoming both a strong parent and partner, featuring the relatable story of Jude and Grant, who navigate the complexities of feeling disconnected amidst the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities. We unpack how personal histories shape our responses to stress and influence our parenting styles, enabling you to shift from reactive to intentional decision-making.Explore the contrasting reactivity patterns with us—Grant's rigidity versus Jude's flexibility—and learn how empathy and communication can bridge the gap in any relationship. By recognizing behavior as a form of communication, this episode invites you to practice self-reflection and curiosity, shedding light on underlying issues and fostering healthier connections. We highlight the importance of supportive communities like Couples Counseling for Parents, creating an encouraging space for mutual growth and respect.In our final chapter, we focus on rebuilding partnerships, offering practical strategies and workshops as a reset button for your relationship. By addressing real-life challenges such as the mental load at home or managing in-laws, you can reconnect meaningfully with your partner, even amidst the busyness of parenting. Join us on this journey of partnerhood, and help shape the partnership you truly desire. If you find our insights beneficial, don't forget to follow and rate us, spreading the word to others who may benefit from our story.

Got 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 connections.Embrace vulnerability to elevate your relationship to new heights. By highlighting underlying desires and emotions, we demonstrate how couples can replace conflict with direct and empathetic dialogue. Learn the art of suspending offense to engage in open and honest conversations, transforming possible arguments into opportunities for connection. Finally, discover practical workshops designed to guide you through strengthening your partnership. Whether you're feeling disconnected or seeking new ways to engage, our journey into "partnerhood" offers a roadmap to the relationship you've always desired. Follow along and help us reach others by rating our podcast.

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Have you ever wondered if focusing too much on your kids might be pulling you away from your partner? Join us as we unravel this intricate conundrum through the lens of Regina and Sebastian, a couple attempting to juggle the needs of their relationship with the demands of raising three young children. This episode takes you on a journey beyond the surface-level conflicts to reveal the tender, unspoken plea of "I miss you" often hidden beneath the daily grind. With insights drawn from their story, we explore how couples can harmoniously nurture both their partnership and their family life.We challenge the societal narrative that children automatically become hurdles to romantic relationships, inviting you to rethink how personal history and cultural expectations shape our perceptions. Regina and Sebastian's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding one's own fears and desires, and how these can subtly influence relationship dynamics. By reframing the family not as competing responsibilities but as a united entity, we showcase how couples can find new ways to connect and grow together alongside their children.Spontaneous moments, like a simple coffee break or an impromptu game, can reignite the spark between partners navigating the rigors of family life. We share practical strategies and introduce our Relationship Reconnection Series, designed for couples eager to understand their attachment styles and address stressors like parenting and in-laws. By fostering mutual understanding and shared experiences, couples can build a resilient partnership that stands strong amid life's challenges. Join us to learn how you can create meaningful connections with your partner while embracing the joys and trials of family life.

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Unlock the secrets to a stronger parenting partnership as we explore the intricate interplay of trust and communication in relationships. What happens when differing parenting styles collide, especially during nighttime duties? Join us to uncover how real-life couple Devante and Steph navigate these challenges with their son, Tavon. Through their journey, you'll gain insights into recognizing underlying beliefs that fuel conflicts and learn strategies for building a harmonious parenting environment. In this episode, we highlight the power of understanding and validating your partner's feelings to transform disagreements into opportunities for connection. Drawing from practical examples and resources like "Too Tired to Fight," we share actionable advice on handling common relationship tensions, whether it's feeling like the default parent or dealing with in-law dynamics. As Devante and Steph work towards a more supportive partnership, we emphasize the profound impact a healthy relationship can have on parenting. Prioritize connection over conflict and discover how every challenge can lead to growth and deeper trust.

Got a question, comment, or just want to drop some encouragement? Send us a text.Have you ever found yourself caught in a whirlwind of negative banter with your partner, wondering how it all escalated so quickly? Join us as we explore the pitfalls of critical behavior in relationships through the story of Janelle and Hector. This episode reveals how picking at each other's imperfections can create a cycle of resentment and disconnection. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies to foster appreciation and teamwork, transforming those tense moments into opportunities for a stronger partnership.Stress in parenting partnerships can often lead to rigidity and heightened criticism over small, everyday matters. Explore the dynamics of perceived and actual imbalances in relationships and learn how these can lead to feelings of being undervalued. Through candid discussions, we highlight the importance of recognizing each partner's efforts and maintaining a supportive bond. Communication and understanding are key, and we delve into the power of addressing inequalities to create a healthy and thriving relationship.Finally, we provide a roadmap for turning conflict into connection, using Hector and Janelle's journey as a guide. By embracing each conflict as a chance for growth, we uncover strategies that help recognize the full scope of contributions each partner makes. Discover how shifting perspectives and acknowledging each other's values can transform your interactions, breaking the cycle of repetitive arguments. Listen in for valuable insights and tools to build a more harmonious and loving relationship with your partner.

Got 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 communication evolve is crucial for any relationship, especially when life gets busy with kids. We break down the ways partners can impact each other's needs for connection and intimacy. It's not just about gender roles—these dynamics shift and change over time. By examining Whitney and Rupal's story, we offer insight into how recognizing and addressing personal tendencies can strengthen relationships. Reflecting on personal histories can reveal much about our expressions of love and why we seek connection in different ways.Finally, we explore how conflicts can be transformed into moments of connection. From feeling like the default parent to navigating tricky in-law dynamics, every disagreement holds the potential to deepen understanding between partners. Drawing from our book, "Too Tired to Fight," we provide practical steps to turn conflicts into opportunities for growth. Join our community as we share guidance, support, and stories that can help you enhance your relationship, moving beyond conflict to build stronger bonds.

Got 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, validation, and action when it comes to making up after a fight. Erin and Stephen explore how our childhood experiences with conflict shape our adult relationships, and how shifting from defensiveness to understanding can foster deeper connection. With real-life examples and actionable advice, this episode will guide you toward healthier communication and stronger bonds with your partner—especially when things get tough.Tune in for expert advice, thoughtful reflections, and practical scripts you can use to reconnect after your next argument. Whether it's a small disagreement or an ongoing conflict, you'll leave this episode with the tools to bridge the gap and restore closeness in your relationship.

Got 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 check out their book, Too Tired to Fight, which dives even deeper into the 13 conflicts every couple needs to have—available now wherever you get your books.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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 you and your partner can do to address this silent issue. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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/

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. 

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 issues don't remain in the shadows to disrupt the harmony at home.

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 you through  the choppy waters of coping with stress and the burden it places on our partners, you'll gain insights into the silent battles that many couples face and how to navigate them with grace and understanding.

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 impacted by ADHD symptoms in their parenting partner relationship. 

Feeling like you're paddling a two-person canoe alone can be exhausting, but it's a situation commonly felt in parenting partner relationships. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss how this dynamic happens in parenting partner relationships and how parenting partners can start paddling the canoe together. 

On our latest podcast, we're joined by Rachel and Marley Shepard -Ohta from HeySleepyBaby, who share their experience navigating the wild ride that is understanding kids and sleep. Join Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP as they share this dynamic and insightful conversation with Rachel and Marley from HeySleepyBaby. 

Erin Mitchell, MACP and Stephen Mitchell, PhD unwrap the complexities of parenthood and its impact on couples. We crack open the often-misunderstood narrative that children are the wrecking ball of romance, with a sprinkle of humor and personal tales like Stephen's own 'eye-opening' parenting injury. Strap in as they navigate the seismic shift in dynamics that a new child brings, particularly focusing on the 'default parent' phenomenon. The Mitchell's candid conversation sheds light on the essential growth both partners must commit to, to preserve their connection amid the new context of being parents.

Ready to unravel the knotty issue of resentment lurking in your relationship? Today, we're stripping down and tackling this common, yet often unspoken, issue that silently strains and stresses many parenting partner relationships. In our candid conversation, we shed light on how resentment can spring from significant life decisions and disagreements such as having children or choosing a school. We reveal how such resentment can stem from feeling unheard or when one partner's desires are not fulfilled. Furthermore, we delve into the reality of how this bitter emotion can manifest and create a rift between couples, affecting your happiness and peace. So, whether you're dealing with resentment or you're trying to barricade it from encroaching on your relationship, tune in as Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP help you resolve resentment in your partner relationship. 

Ever feel a strange sense of relief when your partner is not around and you're handling the parenting duties solo? Let's be real, it's not uncommon.  Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss how partners can talk about this sensitive topic in a way that brings understanding and connection. 

Who says setting boundaries with in-laws and extended family has to be a negative experience? Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP tell you how boundary setting can foster healthier interactions within your couple relationship and your relationship with extended family. 

The way you parent can indeed influence your partner's feelings towards you, and the level of connection you feel as parenting partners. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss why how you parent is so important to your couple relationship and feeling connected as a couple. 

Talking with your partner about being the default parent is one of the most challenging conversations for any couple! At the same time the non-default parent can feel like they are trying to do more than be a "helper" but feel like their partner is micro-managing how they parent. How can parenting partner's have this conversation in a way that brings resolution. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP have the solution. Listen and find out. 

Sometimes being in a couple relationship and being parents just feels so hard!! Why does parenting introduce a new level of hard into couple relationships. Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP tell you why. 

One of the most talked about conflicts we see with couples is how to balance the roles and responsibilities between a partner that works full-time and a partner that stays at home full-time.  Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP offer a solution to this conflict. 

Parenting partner conflict happens and many times couples focus on the wrong thing when they disagree. What are parenting partners really fighting about? Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell MACP give you the reason behind every parenting partner conflict and the "how to" fix it. 

One of the keys to effective partner communication is knowing how you have been impacted by your home environment (positively and negatively). Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP discuss why this matters and how knowing the impact of your past can free you to have the future you want as a couple and family. 

Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP address how couples can talk to one another about the recent school shootings in Denver and Nashville and how to talk with kids about these events.