Emotional withdrawal and stonewalling are often misunderstood as a lack of care or motivation, when they are more accurately signs of overwhelm, shame, and nervous system flooding. This training supports clinicians to recognise withdrawal as a protective response, work safely with shutdown in session, and help couples move out of stuck pursue withdraw patterns without increasing threat or disconnection.

What you will learn

• How emotional withdrawal and stonewalling develop in relationships
• The role of shame, flooding, and experiential avoidance
• How nervous system overwhelm impacts presence and responsiveness
• How to recognise when a partner is flooded or shut down
• How to work with withdrawal without pathologising or blaming

What is included

• Case examples and clinical scenarios
• Practical tools to identify and respond to shutdown in session
• Language and prompts to support re engagement
• Exercises to help couples understand withdrawal patterns

Who is it for

Especially helpful for clinicians working with couples where one partner withdraws, shuts down, goes quiet, or emotionally disappears during conflict or intimacy.

Level of experience

Suitable for early career and experienced clinicians. Previous training in couples therapy is highly recommended.

This training is not a certification program or a replacement for supervision. It focuses on core clinical understanding and practical tools rather than advanced modality specific training.

Length

3 hours