
Why Relationships Change Over Time
From ShrinkChicks by Jennifer Chaiken, LMFT and Emmalee Bierly, LMFT
May 4, 2026 · 38 min · Season 8 · Episode 18
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolution of relationships over time and the phases couples go through, including insights on conflict and communication.
This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen break down the phases of relationships and how couples evolve over time, from the honeymoon stage to deeper intimacy. Using a developmental model from couples therapy, they explain why conflict often comes from partners being in different stages at the same time. They walk through each phase and explain why the shift out of the honeymoon stage can feel so jarring. Listener questions cover when to seek couples therapy, what premarital counseling actually looks like, and how to navigate major life transitions like job loss or having kids. They also get into how to have more meaningful and authentic conversations, why relationship skills aren’t innate, and how to move through each stage with more awareness and connection. Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 4:30 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content. Book mentioned: How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group! ShrinkChicks on Instagram Our Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal !! Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here…
People in this episode
Hosts: Jennifer Chaiken, Emmalee Bierly
Topics covered
- relationship phases
- couples therapy
- intimacy
- conflict resolution
- communication skills
Keywords
- relationships
- couples therapy
- honeymoon stage
- intimacy
- communication
Sponsors
Boll & Branch, Skims
Mentioned in this episode
Products: How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids
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