Did Esther Perel Watch Common Law?
The TV series Common Law—about two constantly quarreling detectives sent to couples therapy by their boss—was definitely ahead of its time. When I first watched it in 2012, I hadn’t yet heard of Esther Perel, but the premise could have been taken straight from her playbook. Maybe she even drew some inspiration from the show!
Sadly, Common Law didn’t succeed. It never got a second season, which is a real shame because the concept of two men attending group therapy for their work dynamic was both hilarious and surprisingly insightful. It makes you wonder: why isn’t there relationship therapy for coworkers? We often spend more time with our colleagues than our partners (if you don’t count sleep), so it’s no surprise that workplace relationships can suffer from the same tensions as our personal lives. Are we appreciated? Are we doing a good job? Why don’t they understand me?
Workplace Conflicts
Workplace misunderstandings can escalate quickly—I’ve been there. In one of my previous jobs, I was part of a team working under a toxic culture of fear that caused some colleagues to burn out. I experienced firsthand how this environment affected my mental health. Even simple things, like the weekly team check-ins, became meaningless. We were asked how we felt—green, orange or red, no less—but no one dared to be honest.
At another job, our entire team was sent to a hypnotist because our manager believed we were bringing too many personal problems into the office. She may have been right, but sending us to a hypnotist certainly wasn’t the solution. I’ve never felt more unsafe at work and was desperate to leave.
In both organizations, there was a lot going on beneath the surface, but no one knew how to address it. The managers in these cases lacked the ability to facilitate genuine, safe conversations, and that’s where a relationship therapist for coworkers would’ve made a difference. Back then, this kind of support didn’t exist—but it does now.
How It Works
Workplace couples therapy is a form of coaching that helps coworkers explore the dynamics of their communication. Why do misunderstandings happen? What are the expectations, and are they realistic? What do you each need from the other?
In just four sessions—two together and one individually for each person—I help you begin this process. You’ll learn to listen without judgment and become more aware of how emotions affect your conversations. By the end, you’ll have gained greater understanding and respect for one another.
