Shane Birkel, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, host of The Couples Therapist Couch podcast, and founder of the Inner Circle community

I Didn't Take a Straight Path to This Work.

That's Why It Works.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a dad, a husband, and someone who's still doing his own work. I teach therapists how to facilitate real transformation with couples, and I sit with couples myself, every week, doing the same deep work I train others to do.

The Work Behind the Work

I started The Couples Therapist Couch podcast in 2017 because I wanted honest conversations about what actually helps couples.

2.8M+

podcast downloads

200K+

social followers

10+

years working with couples

8,000+

therapists community
men's health

Selling the Couch

"I would like to thank you so much for creating this amazing community of couples therapists who walk in many different modalities and approaches! This is a truly helpful and inspiring forum so thank YOU Shane Birkel!"

— Kira, licensed therapist

"I would like to thank you so much for creating this amazing community of couples therapists who walk in many different modalities and approaches! This is a truly helpful and inspiring forum so thank YOU Shane Birkel!"

— Kira, licensed therapist

How I Got Here

I started my practice in 2013 and quickly noticed that individual sessions weren't getting to what was actually keeping couples stuck. That's where the 4C's Framework came from, and why I shifted toward couples intensives.

I live in New Hampshire with my wife Andrea and our three kids. Andrea's the one who encouraged me to go to therapy school. She knew it was what I really wanted before I fully did.

I do my own therapy. I'm still working on my own patterns. I think that's what makes this work connect with others. I know I haven’t figured it all out.

Shane Birkel, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, host of The Couples Therapist Couch podcast, and founder of the Inner Circle community

Start a Conversation

Whether you're a therapist looking for training, a couple ready for deeper work, or an organization interested in having me speak. I'd love to hear from you.

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for couples

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talks

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"You will gain the confidence needed to take the next steps and formulate more of an effective clear vision where you are trying to get to"

"You will gain the confidence needed to take the next steps and formulate more of an effective clear vision where you are trying to get to"

— Robin McKenna

— Robin McKenna

Get in touch

Still have questions? Reach out directly

© 2026 Shane Birkel | All rights reserved.

Get in touch

Still have questions? Reach out directly

© 2026 Shane Birkel | All rights reserved.

Get in touch

Still have questions? Reach out directly

© 2026 Shane Birkel | All rights reserved.