It can be tough to get started with couples therapy, whether a couple agrees they should go or doesn’t want to admit they may be struggling. But every couple goes through rough patches and there’s no shame in seeking help. If you’re looking to test the waters, here are several podcasts for couples therapy.
1. That Relationship Show
Naomi Rather, Ph.D., LMHC, and Deborah Curtis, LICSW, interview top therapists and relationship experts every episode to tackle some of the toughest issues and hardest questions in relationships. Whether you just want generic advice or are looking to heal after a betrayal, grow beyond difficult trauma, or another painful situation, Rather and Curtis provide expert advice in a safe, welcoming space. Listen on Spotify.
2. The Couples Therapist Couch
Shane Birkel is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for human connection. “I think connection is essential to the human experience and a lot of people are clueless about how to have a successful relationship,” he shares.
Every episode he interviews other therapists and relationship experts on common marriage and relationship issues. This podcast is great for casual listeners and other industry professionals, from what couples therapists should know about sex therapy to dealing with hope in a pandemic.
3. Separate Bathrooms
Cameron and Alison Daddo, are just a normal couple living in Australia. Their 30-year marriage has had its fair share of ups and downs, and they’re here to share their experiences with you. Topics range from being home for Christmas, whether make-up sex is real, and becoming a better person for the sake of your marriage. Described as “vulnerable and inspiring,” this podcast is great for those who want to see how others tackle the same issues all couples face.
4. Awesome Marriage Podcast
If religious solutions aren’t your style, you may want to skip this one. If you find comfort in your faith, however, you may appreciate this one. Hosted by Dr. Kim Kimberling, a husband of 50 years and a professional therapist of 35 years, this faith-focused podcast wants to help you achieve your best marriage possible, with communication tips, mental health resources, and more. Listeners appreciate its approachable message and Christian focus.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
5. The Couples Expert
Stuart Fensterheim, LCSW, hosts this interview-style podcast with compassion but isn’t afraid to tackle things head-on, like dealing with financial issues, spending time together when work keeps you busy, or even dealing with baggage from a previous marriage.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
6. One Extraordinary Marriage
Between jobs, kids, and life in general, it can feel difficult, if not impossible at times, to connect with your partner. If you’re especially struggling with intimacy, then Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo want to help. They’re the podcasters behind One Extraordinary Marriage, and they want to help all couples find a healthy balance of connection and intimacy inside and outside of the bedroom.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
7. Confessions of A Terrible Husband
Nick Pavlidis thought he was doing everything right – he provided for his family, they didn’t have to worry about bills, and he loved his wife more than anything. But ticking all the boxes doesn’t make a good husband or a happy marriage. This upfront and honest podcast is great for any partner but may be especially important for husbands who find themselves struggling. From considering your friends carefully to reducing frustration, Pavlidis is bringing it all to the table with honesty and open arms.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
8. Where Should We Begin
Real couples anonymously share their frank and raw stories in their marriage on this podcast hosted by psychotherapist and renowned author Esther Perel. From those struggling with bipolar manic episodes, infidelity on both sides, to a 20-year on-and-off-again relationship, Perel’s podcast creates space for these stories and allows them to discuss issues in the open air. You may not find yourself in the exact same situation as someone on this show, but you may still find a common thread of empathy and hope from it all.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
9. The Endless Honeymoon Podcast
If you’re looking for something a bit more lighthearted, then this relationship podcast, lead by comedian duo and married couple Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher, will be a welcome breath of fresh air. Episodes are equal parts advice for others and insights into their own relationship – they talk just as much about laundry habits as they do relationship advice.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.
10. Modern Love Podcast
It’s almost impossible to talk about relationships without talking about this iconic column. Now you can listen to it in podcast form too. While not always about marriage per se, this intrinsically human and deeply emotional podcast, full of reader-submitted stories ranging on everything from astrology to orphanages, is worth a listen to regardless of the state of your marriage.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
When to See a Therapist
Couples therapy can be great for tackling issues before they become a problem or facing head-on the issues you and your partner may be having. Whatever the reason, relationships are difficult, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Couples counseling can be very effective and if you and your partner are ready to talk to someone about your struggles, here’s where you can find a therapist in your area.
