When One Partner Isn't Sure: Assessing and Navigating Mixed-Agenda Couples - 9/20/2026
Course Overview
This course is intended for counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other behavioral health professionals engaged in relational or couples therapy. This 1-hour training introduces therapists to the clinical, ethical, and emotional complexities of working with mixed-agenda couples—where one partner is leaning out of the relationship and the other wants to preserve it. These couples often present for therapy without shared goals, making traditional couples work potentially ineffective or even harmful. The course explores strategies for early assessment, introduces a structured approach to support decision-making, and highlights how to avoid common pitfalls. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to ethically and effectively guide couples in the early stages of treatment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Identify clinical signs that a couple may be experiencing mixed-agenda dynamics.
- Describe at least three ethical concerns related to beginning therapy with unclear relational commitment.
- Outline steps for assessing each partner’s level of motivation and engagement.
- Compare potential pathways forward, including individual work, couples therapy, and decision-making interventions.
About the Author/Presenter
Michal Goldman, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in relational therapy and therapist development. She is passionate about helping clinicians cultivate secure, ethical boundaries and deepen their self-of-therapist awareness to enhance their work with couples. Michal holds extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and discernment counseling, with a focus on supporting couples through relational challenges. In addition to her clinical work, she writes a biweekly mental health column for a local newspaper, where she shares insights on relational health and ethical practice. Her teaching emphasizes compassionate care, cultural humility, and clinically sound decision-making in complex therapeutic settings.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Counselor, Psychology, Social Work
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us