Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Couples and Individual Therapy

Q: What is Dr. Hubbard's approach as a therapist?
A: I take a systemic, compassionate, and collaborative approach. I take a trauma informed and non-judgmental approach that blends compassion with humor to help you find the best path forward. I help couples identify unhelpful patterns they are stuck in, and ways the each can work to interrupt these patterns and feel more connected.

Q: What to expect from in your first therapy session with Dr. Hubbard?
A: To start, we will meet at the Kansas City Relationship Institute. My office is located at our location in Independence, MO. You can expect a warm, collaborative conversation focused on understanding your goals and what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore your relationship dynamics, strengths, and areas of concern, while creating a safe space to talk openly. My approach is grounded in curiosity - not judgment - so we will move at your pace. By the end of our first meeting, we’ll have a clearer sense of what you hope to gain and how we can work together to support meaningful growth and connection.

Q: How does therapy help during reduce conflict?
A: Therapy helps reduce conflict by improving how partners understand and respond to one another. Together, we identify patterns that keep you stuck - like defensiveness, avoidance, or criticism- and learn tools to slow things down, communicate more effectively, and repair after conflict. The goal isn’t to avoid conflict but to move through it efficiently in ways that build trust and closeness. Over time, this leads to stronger communication, deeper empathy, and a more resilient relationship.

Q: How do I find the right therapist for relationship growth?
A: Finding the right therapist starts with fit - someone whose style and approach align with your goals. In fact research highlights that having a good relationship with your therapist is one of the necessary ingredient in successful therapy (Sprenkle & Blow, 2004). For those seeking couples therapy it can be helpful to look for a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) experienced in couples work and relationship dynamics. The right therapist will create space for both partners to feel heard and will guide you through challenges. I encourage you to explore therapist profiles, read about their philosophy, and trust your intuition. A good fit feels like being understood, even when the conversations are hard.

Q: How can I schedule couples therapy with Dr. Hubbard?
A: You can request an appointment through my practice website (Kansas City Relationship Institute). Availability varies, but I’ll do my best to connect you with support.

Dr. Hubbard's Writing

Q: What is Dr. Hubbard's book about?
A: Stay Confused: Growth and the Unknown as a Therapist is about what it really feels like to grow in this field, a place that can often feel full of uncertainty and self-doubt. It blends my own experiences as a mid-career therapist with interviews from leaders like Pauline Boss and Jean McLendon, who trained under pioneers of family therapy. Together, we explore mentorship, systemic challenges, and how therapists navigate the existential unknowns of our profession. It’s less of a manual and more of a touchstone, a book you can come back to when the “it depends” of therapy feels heavy.

Q: Why “Stay Confused? What does it mean?
A: The phrase comes from Carl Whitaker, a pioneer in family therapy, and it perfectly captures the heart of this work. Therapy - and life - rarely give us clear answers. Growth happens in the questions and the connections we make along life’s uncertain path. Stay Confused is both an invitation and a reminder, there is value in confusion and not knowing. You don’t need all the answers to do meaningful work or have meaningful relationships.

Q: Where can I purchase Dr. Hubbard's book?
A: The book is currently in progress (like most meaningful growth, it’s a work in progress). It isn’t available yet, but you can sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when it’s ready to order.

Speaking Engagements

Q: Is Dr. Hubbard available for speaking engagements?
A: Yes! I speak at conferences, workshops, universities, and community events about relationships, therapy, and how to embrace uncertainty in both our personal lives and professional work.

Q: How can I book Dr. Hubbard as a speaker?
A: The easiest way is through the contact form on my website. Share a little about your event, and we’ll figure out if it’s a good fit.

Media Guest Appearances

Q: Does Dr. Hubbard participate as a guest on podcasts or other media?
A: Absolutely. I enjoy conversations that invite nuance and curiosity - whether that’s podcasts, webinars, or news outlets exploring how relationships and mental health intersect with culture and current events.

Q: How do I invite Dr. Hubbard to be a guest on my podcast or media outlet?
A: Please reach out via the media request form on my website. Tell me about your audience and the themes you’d like to explore, and we’ll go from there.

Supervision Services

Q: Does Dr. Hubbard provide clinical supervision?
A: Yes. I offer supervision and consultation for therapists who are learning how to navigate clinical uncertainty, ethical practice, and identity development in couples therapy and beyond.

Q: Who can seek supervision from Dr. Hubbard?
A: Provisionally licensed and licensed therapists seeking growth and mentorship are welcome to reach out. To check availability, reach out to the Kansas City Relationship Institute.