When we think of couples therapy, we often imagine healing, communication, and hope. But what if the very process that’s meant to help actually makes things worse?

In this first half of our live discussion, returning guests Dr. Shannon Dial and Whitney Alexander join us to unpack the expectations people bring into couples therapy, how the field itself continues to evolve, and the subtle ways counseling can shift from supportive to harmful.

From the hopeful beginnings of what therapy should be, to the sobering reality of how it can sometimes miss the mark, this episode explores the groundwork leading up to the question: What happens when couples therapy turns dark?

Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply curious, this conversation will challenge you to think critically about the real dynamics at play in the therapy room.

___________

00:00 - Hi, Carrie (intro)

01:43 - Guest Introductions

03:04 - Whitney's Topic

06:55 - Episode Breakdown

08:30 - Expectations of Couples Therapy

13:08 - The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Couples Therapy

20:27 - When Couples Therapy Turns Dark

26:48 - Wrapping Up Part 1

______________

Why I Hate Your Podcast (article) - this is related to the discussion from the intro.

_____________

About our guests:

We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Shannon Dial, LMFT, from Family Solutions Counseling in Oklahoma City, and Whitney Alexander, LMFT, EMDR Consultant, and owner of the Warren-Alexander Group in Stillwater.

• Whitney's Profile - https://warrenalexandergroup.com/our-staff

• Shannon's Profile - https://familysolutionsok.com/shannon-dial

______________________For more great content, please check out our LinkTree at https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok