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How can couples gain true clarity before deciding to end a relationship? What is the Relationship Renovation model, and how can it transform partnerships? How can a podcast and course take your group practice national?
In this podcast episode, Joe Sanok discusses Relationship Renovation with founders Tarah and E.J. Kerwin.
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Meet Tarah and E.J. Kerwin
Tarah and E.J. Kerwin are relationship experts and founders of Relationship Renovation, a platform dedicated to helping couples strengthen their connections and improve communication. As certified coaches and licensed counselors, they provide practical, science-backed strategies to help couples navigate challenges, build trust, and enhance emotional intimacy. Through coaching, workshops, and their popular podcast, they empower individuals and couples to create healthier, more fulfilling relationships at any stage. Their work focuses on building mutual respect, understanding, and shared growth for lasting partnership success.
Visit Relationship Renovation and connect on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
In This Podcast
- Gaining clarity in relationships
- The Relationship Renovation model
- Taking the work national
- Tarah and E.J.’s advice to private practitioners
Gaining clarity in relationships
When people struggle in their partnerships and are considering breaking things off, that is a tumultuous and painful time for everyone involved.
Not every relationship is meant to last, and even long-term relationships go through periods of uncertainty and doubt. However, Tarah and E.J. were passionate about helping people not leave their relationships so quickly when things get tough.
I’m not saying that every relationship should stay together, but at least go through what you can to have clarity, and don’t make a decision out of fear. (Tarah Kerwin)
No one knows for certain if things are going to work out perfectly, forever, without a doubt. This is why Tarah recommends that couples go through the process of therapy to gain clarity on what they should do going forward, together.
It’s a process. It’s a model [with] a beginning, middle, and end. By that time, the hope is that you have more clarity on this big decision that has to be made for the two of you … We’re not promising anything, just like with us … we know that we went through building resilience, building tolerance for the difficult moments, and it’s worked for us. (Tarah Kerwin)
The Relationship Renovation model
Tarah and E.J.’s “Relationship Renovation” model is of their personal design, and it consists of 28 in-depth lessons that include cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and many other aspects and modalities.
What we really wanted for couples … is a structured process with a beginning, middle, and end, where couples don’t just come in, vent-vent-vent, they get their coping skills and come back … [We wanted to discover] what would feel good [and work] for couples. (Tarah Kerwin)
Their loose process is to do:
- A relationship assessment using internal family dynamics
- A plan for where the couple would ideally like to go in their relationship together after the therapy is complete
- Individual assessment processes involving both partners’ attachment styles, childhood experiences, and nervous system regulation methods to better understand each person and what contributed to who they are.
- A three-part communication skills series
They also work with other therapists from different modalities, such as play therapy, to help their clients integrate their new skills effectively, with vulnerability and without unnecessary stress.
Taking the work national
E.J. has a media background and knew that they had a shot at successfully taking their work national.
I love it. It’s the best way to get ideas out there, and when I moved from media to therapy, it felt like I finally got what I was chasing, which was the compelling nature of interacting with human life. Telling a story, like, there’s nothing more compelling than real life, you know! (E.J. Kerwin)
They knew that launching a podcast would be successful due to their great reviews from clients; it became clear that other people would benefit from listening to E.J. and Tarah discuss their work over a podcast or YouTube video.
A lot of people don’t go to therapy, you know. We get a lot of letters from people saying, “My husband found your podcast, we’ve been listening to it together for the past 3 months, it’s been a game-changer. We’re happy, our kids are happy … ” and so [expanding the business] wasn’t out of anything other than enjoyment for the media and providing a resource. (E.J. Kerwin)
Tarah and E.J.’s advice to private practitioners
Tarah: Your heart is enough. As a new therapist, if your heart is in the room, then that’s enough, because the rest of your skills will come. Follow Michael Singer’s advice, “be a heart with ears.”
E.J.: You are working in a noble field, so you deserve respect and a thriving business. You are changing countless people’s lives by helping even a handful, since good work spreads outwards and encapsulates all.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Michael A. Singer – The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Sponsors Mentioned in this episode:
- Get your ticket today for the MHM conference in October! Use the discount code JOE to get 10% off any ticket!
- Trust me, don’t waste any more of your time, and try TherapyNotes.
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
- Visit Relationship Renovation and connect on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Check out these additional resources:
How to Build A Second Income Stream Through Programs with Annie Schuessler | POP 1239
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Meet Joe Sanok
Joe Sanok helps counselors to create thriving practices that are the envy of other counselors. He has helped counselors to grow their businesses by 50-500% and is proud of all the private practice owners who are growing their income, influence, and impact on the world. Click here to explore consulting with Joe.
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