The Couples Institute

The fight is rarely just about the fight.

When a couple keeps circling the same conflict...the same shutdown, the same defensiveness, the same resentment...it can be easy to think they need better communication skills.

And sometimes they do.

But most often, high-conflict is caused by being stuck at the FIRST developmental stage in their relationship.

One partner may be pushing for closeness.

The other may be fighting for space.

One may want reassurance.

The other may feel controlled.

Both may be trying to protect themselves.

And suddenly the “communication problem” is actually a growth edge.

This is where couples therapy gets more nuanced.

Because the goal isn’t just to help them stop fighting.

It’s to help them understand where they are developmentally — individually and as a couple — so they can move forward with more clarity, compassion, and capacity.

That’s what we teach inside the free video and handout Developmental Model™ Starter Series.

A 6-part training for therapists who want a clearer way to understand couples, stuck patterns, differentiation, the initial interview, common clinical mistakes, and working with LGBTQ+ relationships.

For the therapist who has ever thought:
“Why do they keep having the same fight?”

Start here. Click the button below and explore more 👇🏼
https://www.couplesinstitute.com/free-training-for-therapists

Couples aren’t always stuck because they don’t love each other.

Sometimes they’re stuck because their relationship has stalled at a developmental stage.

The conflict, avoidance, resentment, and defensiveness may be symptoms — not the root issue.

The Developmental Model™ helps therapists see what’s happening underneath the struggle, so they can meet couples where they are and help them move forward with more clarity.
Get the free 6-part Starter Series for therapists working with relationships.

https://www.couplesinstitute.com/free-training-for-therapists

“Wait… what about LGBTQ+ couples?”

If you’ve ever wondered whether a couples therapy framework can truly support all different kinds of couples, this free training is a helpful place to start.

The Developmental Model™ Starter Series is a free 6-part training for therapists with lessons on relationship stages, stuck patterns, the initial interview, differentiation, common mistakes, and working with LGBTQ+ relationships.

Tap the link to get instant access to the free video training + therapist handouts.

https://www.couplesinstitute.com/free-training-for-therapists

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“WAIT…you’re saying that relationships have developmental stages?!”

Yes. Just like in childhood development.

And once you can identify the stage a couple is in, the work often becomes much clearer, easier, and flows.

In our free Developmental Model™ Starter Series, you’ll learn the 5 stages of relationships, common patterns at each stage, how to lead the initial interview, how differentiation works, mistakes that slow therapy down, and how the model applies to LGBTQ+ couples.

👇🏻Get the free training now by clicking the link below

https://www.couplesinstitute.com/free-training-for-therapists