When couples arrive flooded, guarded, and reactive, what looks like conflict is often fear. Drawing from IFS, attachment theory, and relational neuroscience, Wayne Baker shows how old wounds get activated in present-day relational conflict — and how therapists can respond in ways that reduce escalation and restore safety. Leave with immediately applicable tools for your most distressed and trauma-impacted couples.
- Recognize trauma-driven attachment protest underlying reactive, guarded, or withdrawn couple presentations
- Apply IFS-informed parts work to de-escalate conflict and increase emotional safety
- Use neuroscience-based interventions to help couples shift from survival responses toward secure connection