{"podcast":{"title":"The Grounded Union Podcast","slug":"the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500","podcast_index_feed_id":7220500,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/grounded-union-podcast","website_url":null,"image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/yvFcpGS-sP4M0gjv2lBTKxTOGoVfr0XCCzefDPSCYKo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zZGRk/NWM4YjMzZDRhNjA0/ZjY1ZWVhMjNiNzA1/ZTdhZi5qcGc.jpg","author":"Brandon Doerksen","episode_count":37,"summary":"Welcome to the Grounded Union Podcast, hosted by Brandon and Caitlyn Doerksen. In 2019, our marriage hit rock bottom—so close to divorce that we thought there was no way back. But through deep healing, transformation, and a relentless pursuit of something better, we didn’t just save our marriage—we created something more beautiful than we ever imagined. On our journey, we realized that the conventional advice from counselors, pastors, and mentors wasn’t enough. So, we set out on an uncharted path, searching for real, lasting change. Now, standing on the other side, we’ve mapped out the exact process that restored our love, trust, and connection—a process we weren’t given but one we discovered through lived experience. This podcast is our invitation to you: to walk this path with us, to challenge the norms, and to build a marriage that is passionate, open, honest, deeply connected, and full of life. No one told us it was possible—but we’re here to tell you: it absolutely is. Join us on this journey. It’s not just about saving your marriage—it’s about creating one that’s stronger, richer, and more alive than ever.","last_synced_at":"2026-08-01T00:20:32.101474+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500"},"episode":{"title":"Why Counseling Can Be Dangerous For Your Relationship","slug":"why-counseling-can-be-dangerous-for-your-relationship","published_at":"2026-06-12T15:39:11+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500/why-counseling-can-be-dangerous-for-your-relationship","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500","url":"https://groundedunionpodcast.transistor.fm/s4/3","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/ade2c3c2/1f192126.mp3","summary":"In this episode of the Grounded Union Podcast , we dive deep into why going to counseling without a vision for your marriage can actually do more harm than good. Brandon and Caitlyn walk through the real pitfalls: entering counseling just to check a box, receiving toxic advice that enables addiction instead of confronting it, and picking up labels like \"narcissist\" or \"always an addict\" that keep people stuck rather than moving forward. They also share what actually worked — finding a counselor who empowered their vision rather than replacing it, investing in ongoing daily work instead of a one-time intensive, and working with a mentor who held them accountable for years. This isn't an anti-counseling episode. It's a blueprint for how to seek support without losing your values. Our 2026 Grounded Union 2-Day Workshop: 📍San Diego, CA — In-person & virtual 📅 August 14th & 15th, 2026 Workshop for Couples: Tap here to grab your ticket Looking for immediate support in your marriage? The Marriage Crisis Roadmap: Download the free guide here! Grounded Union Couples App: Tap here to apply Save Your Marriage Webinar: Tap here to get lifetime access Follow us on social: @brandontalksmarriage , @caitlyn_doerksen & @groundedunion YouTube Show available here Connect with us for future training and accreditation, and networking opportunities: Therapist & Coach Interest Form What we discussed: 00:00:26 – Brandon and Caitlyn explain why lived experience and visible fruit in a marriage matter more than academic titles or degrees. 00:05:57 – The Outsourcing Trap: Why going to counseling without a clear personal vision for your marriage is the first and most common danger — you'll get someone else's vision instead. 00:07:32 – Having a Vision Before You Walk In the Door: Ho…","meta_description":"In this episode of the Grounded Union Podcast , we dive deep into why going to counseling without a vision for your marriage can actually do more harm tha…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2768,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500/episodes/why-counseling-can-be-dangerous-for-your-relationship/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-grounded-union-podcast-7220500/why-counseling-can-be-dangerous-for-your-relationship.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}