High-Conflict Couples:
Strategies to Reduce Reactivity and Open Dialogue
Practical, evidence-based interventions for clinicians, attorneys, mediators, and clergy to help couples have productive conversations during heated interactions.
Join us via ZOOM
Friday, July 17, 2026; 10 am - Noon
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Enroll Today!
$35.00
2 CE's - APA; NBCC; ANCC (NEW for Nurses);
PA SW/LPC/MFT; ACT 48
Course Objectives
Applying Polyvagal and Attachment Theory, learn practical, in-the-moment interventions that help high-conflict couples move from reactive, unproductive interactions toward emotional safety, productive dialogue, and room for meaningful repair.
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Recognize and Conceptualize High-Conflict Interaction Patterns, including escalation cycles, attachment-based triggers, and common therapist pitfalls such as triangulation and alignment.
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Implement Structured, In-The-Moment Interventions to de-escalate conflict, including interruption techniques, boundary setting, and session pacing.
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Apply Regulation-Focused Strategies to support emotional safety, incorporating polyvagal-informed and co-regulation techniques to stabilize both partners.
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Open the Door to Repair and more effective communication, helping partners move from reactive exchanges to intentional dialogue and accountability.
Instructor
Madeline Bush, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Madeline Bush is a licensed professional counselor in private practice specializing in work with individuals & couples experiencing high-conflict relational cycles and betrayal injuries, as well as individuals struggling with anxiety and OCD. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and integrates Polyvagal Theory with Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her clinical work. She has studied Polyvagal-informed clinical practice with Deb Dana, a leading translator of Stephen Porges’ work, and regularly applies these principles to support nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and relational safety. Through her practice, she helps clients understand autonomic states, develop practical regulation strategies, and strengthen co-regulation within relationships.
This course will benefit psychologists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, family law attorneys and mediators, faith-based providers, and graduate students working with couples and families.