Emotional wounds from early relationships often cast long shadows over our adult lives, manifesting in unexpected ways. Whether it's feeling an inexplicable sense of burnout not tied to work, struggling with co-dependency, or recognizing recurring patterns of avoidance and anxiety in relationships, these issues are all too familiar but profoundly challenging. However, the road to healing and understanding these ingrained patterns doesn't have to be walked alone.

In this episode, we delve deep into how early family dynamics and childhood experiences shape our emotional and physical well-being as adults. You'll learn how unaddressed attachment issues can trigger stress responses and lead to health problems, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of emotional attunement in fostering healthier relationships. Additionally, through real-life stories and professional insights, you'll discover strategies to overcome these deep-rooted challenges, nurture personal growth, and ultimately, build more resilient and fulfilling relationships.

Jen and Karden are seasoned mind-body practitioners who have experienced chronic pain and fatigue. Jen is an expert in the field of treating psychophysiological disorders and Karden specializes in somatic trauma therapies. Together, they co-founded the esteemed healing collective SOMIA where they have helped thousands of individuals regulate their nervous systems and heal.

6:54 Exploring the impact of relational dynamics on healing and nervous system regulation.

18:54 Navigating attachment styles and emotional triggers in collaborative healing.

34:43 Embracing accountability: How self-awareness and validation promote relational healing.

43:02 The importance of setting healthy boundaries within oneself as a means of emotional regulation, particularly in the context of parenting.

49:53 How awareness with others impacts relationships and friendships.

52:49 How subtle childhood experiences can shape adult triggers and unmet needs in relationships.

58:15 The Secret Language of the Body.

The Secret Language of the Body: Regulate Your Nervous System, Heal Your Body, Free Your Mind ****(*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: somiainternational.com

Instagram: instagram.com/iamjenmann | instagram.com/kardenrabin

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

We've all been there—feeling misunderstood, hurt, or betrayed by those closest to us, which can lead to bottled-up resentment or explosive outbursts. But what if anger wasn't just a destructive force, but a powerful signal pointing us toward deeper healing and understanding? Let's dive into how embracing and channeling our anger can transform our relationships and emotional well-being.

In this episode, we explore how viewing emotional experiences as a spectrum can unlock the door to more genuine vulnerability and meaningful connections. Techniques from the attachment EFT framework will guide you in expressing your deepest feelings in constructive ways. We'll also delve into understanding anger as both a primary and secondary emotion, uncovering its roots in betrayal and rejection, and offering practical exercises to help you process and validate your emotions. By the end, you'll have tangible tools and insights to nurture healthier, more empathetic relationships, while fostering continuous personal growth.

Bronwyn Schweigerdt is a licensed psychotherapist, podcaster, and anger expert. She has a master's in counseling and another master's in nutrition.

07:14 Understanding the spectrum of emotional experiences and their impact on relationships.

10:31 Understanding anger: Primary vs. secondary emotions.

12:49 The importance of recognizing and constructively expressing anger before it builds up to an outburst.

16:08 How to discern safe individuals from unsafe ones based on their response to feedback or emotional vulnerability.

21:48 How past betrayals and childhood experiences influence adult emotional responses.

30:42 Exploring the connections between anger, betrayal, and healing in adult relationships.

42:41 Distinguishing personal triggers from external behaviors.

45:04 Strategies for supporting a partner who is expressing anger but may not be using it as an opportunity for self-awareness or growth.

48:45 Exploring self-discovery: Insights from the podcast Angry at the Right Things.

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: angryattherightthings.podbean.com

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Ever feel like there’s a gap between your potential and your reality? Perhaps you sense there’s more to your interactions than simply going through the motions, more depth to be uncovered in your personal and professional relationships. Imagine what could be possible if you harnessed the power of resilience and brilliance—attributes that allow you to not just survive but to truly thrive in every interaction. What if you could tap into your innate creativity, intelligence, and confidence while navigating challenges with grit and perseverance? The potential for growth and transformation in your life could be limitless.

In this episode, we explore how honing relational skills can radically improve your business, life, and relationships. Discover how a blend of perseverance, creativity, and confidence can unlock new levels of personal success and organizational progress. We'll dive into the science behind emotional alignment and the critical role it plays in leadership and effectiveness. Hear compelling personal stories about mending strained relationships through emotional support and consistency. Learn practical strategies for building stronger connections and fostering environments where everyone can shine. Tune in for insights that can help you unleash your true potential and transform your interactions with others.

Simon T. Bailey is a leading expert on the topic of Brilliance. His groundbreaking research, State of Working America Report – Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance, solidifies his insights in his 11th book, Resilience@Work. Bailey left an indelible mark on 2,400-plus organizations in 54 countries and has made a remarkable impact on 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his courses in LinkedIn Learning. He was also recognized in Success magazine’s Top 25 and leadersHum Top 200 Power List.

07:43 What defines resilience for working Americans?

10:43 How congruence and alignment enhance leadership influence and effectiveness.

15:10 How do unresolved issues affect future relationships?

18:41 How does conscious awareness serve others?

20:48 Nurturing relationships through mindful connection.

25:48 The importance of sharing personal stories in the healing process

29:50 Learning to manage mental health through meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep (MEDS); using apps for meditation and journaling.

33:29 How prayer can shift attention from personal desires to serving others.

Resilience @ work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shift Your Brilliance: Harness the Power of You, Inc. (Brilliant Living) (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Resilience is a Superpower (website) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: brilliantu.co | simontbailey.com

Facebook: facebook.com/BrilliantSimonT

X: twitter.com/SimonTBailey

YouTube: youtube.com/c/SimonTBaileyIntl

Instagram: instagram.com/simontbailey

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simontbailey

TikTok: tiktok.com/@simon.t.bailey

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Navigating emotional turbulence in relationships often feels like weathering a storm without an umbrella. When emotions swell and reach a boiling point, they can cloud our judgment, leading to misunderstandings and disconnection with loved ones. But what if anger and emotional flooding could serve as gateways to deeper understanding and genuine connection rather than barriers?

In this episode, we delve into the roots and triggers of emotional flooding, offering essential tools and insights to help you manage overwhelming emotions. By exploring concepts like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we aim to help you identify the vulnerabilities beneath anger and develop healthy ways to process your emotions. Practical strategies for emotional regulation, curiosity, and effective communication are shared to foster healthier relational dynamics and navigate the complexities of intimacy and personal triggers.

Whether you're dealing with stressors from past experiences or facing present-day challenges in your relationships, this episode provides valuable guidance on building a more resilient and emotionally attuned partnership.

Gayane Aramyan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, specializes in perinatal therapy, guiding women and couples through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. She has additional training in Anger Management, EFT for Couples, Grief Processing, ACT, and IFS. Featured in Women's Health, CNBC, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, and HuffPost, she empowers clients through life transitions and the challenges of parenthood.

06:59 How Gayene Aramayan began her journey to helping couples understand each other’s evolving selves.

09:05 What is emotional flooding and how does it manifest in relationships?

14:51 How suppressing emotions in childhood lead to struggles with managing feelings in adulthood?

20:59 Strategies to help recognize emotional triggers and core feelings beyond anger.

25:31 How can couples handle strong emotions constructively?

30:51 How is our inner child impacting marriage?

38:57 Identifying and dissecting couples' emotional interaction cycles.

44:04 How does writing transform your thought process?

47:06 Awareness and preparation for perinatal depression and anxiety.

48:29 The importance of identifying your emotional hotspots?

What is Internal Family Systems? (*IFS Institute website) (link)

What is EFT? (*ICEEFT website) (link)

ERP 423: How to Transcend Trauma (And the Effects Experience in Relationship) — An Interview with Dr. Frank Anderson

Identify The Cycle (free pdf document)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: therapywithgayane.com

Instagram: instagram.com/therapywithgayane

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Criticism, defensiveness, and emotional withdrawal can become major roadblocks, making the journey toward a fulfilling relationship seem almost unattainable. How do couples navigate these natural challenges and cultivate a deeper, more enduring connection?

In this episode, listeners will discover practical tools and mindful practices intended to transform criticism into connected communication. By exploring specific appreciation techniques, scheduled sharing practices, and innovative exercises like "caring and sharing" sessions, couples can nurture a safer emotional environment. With insights into balancing playfulness with constructive dialogue and creating conflict-free zones, this episode aims to equip partners with the skills needed to cultivate lasting intimacy and emotional security in their relationships.

Warren Farrell, PhD, has coached couples and psychologists worldwide in couples’ communication for the past 30 years. His popular course is "Role Mate to Soul Mate: The Art and Discipline of Love."

Dr. Farrell has been chosen by the Financial Times of London as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders. His books are published in 19 languages, and include The New York Times bestseller Why Men Are the Way They Are, international bestseller The Myth of Male Power, and 2018's The Boy Crisis. His previous book on couples’ communication, Women Can’t Hear What Men Don’t Say, was a selection of the Book of the Month Club.

06:20 From gender awareness to relationship transformation: A journey of advocacy and education.

10:50 Overcoming defensive listening with caring practices.

17:45 The importance of creating a safe environment for couples to handle criticism by regulating their nervous systems.

22:41 Cultivating deep connections through specific appreciation and conflict management.

32:48 How partners can effectively respond to critical comments while prioritizing thoughtful communication.

39:23 Enhancing relationship dynamics through awareness and accountability.

45:58 The importance of play and teasing in strengthening couple dynamics.

Role Mate to Soul Mate: The Seven Secrets to Lifelong Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say: Destroying Myths, Creating Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Why Men Are the Way They Are: The Male-Female Dynamic (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Myth of Male Power (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Why Men Earn More (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: warrenfarrell.com

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Infidelity—it's a word that can send shockwaves through even the most stable relationships. In our tech-driven world, the boundaries and expectations surrounding loyalty and commitment seem more convoluted than ever. Without clear communication and defined agreements, even the most well-meaning partners can find themselves entangled in misunderstandings and unanticipated crises.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexity of infidelity within contemporary relationships. We explore the importance of having candid conversations about monogamy and other expectations with your partner, guided by insights from experienced relationship experts. By examining real-life scenarios and discussing therapeutic concepts such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we aim to equip you with practical tools for handling betrayal. Additionally, we delve into the nuanced process of forgiveness, self-compassion, and the potential for growth and transformation that can arise from relationship challenges.

Dr. Bruce Chalmer is a psychologist in Vermont who has been working with couples for over thirty years. Through his teaching, consulting, and books, his ideas have helped thousands of couples and their therapists. Together with his wife Judy Alexander, Dr. Chalmer hosts the podcast “Couples Therapy in Seven Words.” His most recent book is "Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again.”

06:41 Dr. Bruce Chalmer’s profound exploration of forgiveness and betrayal in relationships.

10:31 How infidelity's evolving definitions complicate relationship expectations.

13:52 What forgiveness truly means: Accepting reality without condoning actions.

23:29 Three steps to forgiveness.

34:01 Struggles with emotional connection due to trauma.

40:53 How attachment system impacts security and emotional responses.

47:15 Communication issues often indicate deeper underlying conflicts.

49:16 Why only one partner can be upset simultaneously.

55:16 Why assigning good or bad is often misleading.

Betrayal and Forgiveness (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

My Stroke of Insight (*TED Talks link) (video)

Crucible Institute by Dr. David Schnarch (website)

Intimacy & Desire by Dr. David Schnarch (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Resurrecting Sex by Dr. David Schnarch (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Passionate Marriage by Dr. David Schnarch (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 110: How to Manage Two Majorly Conflicting Needs in Relationship

ERP 015: Do You Have a “Unity” or “Journey” Mindset in Relationship?

ERP 423: How to Transcend Trauma (And the Effects Experience in Relationship) — An Interview with Dr. Frank Anderson

The Gottman Institute (website)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: brucechalmer.com | couplestherapyinsevenwords.com

Facebook: facebook.com/drbrucechalmer

YouTube: youtube.com/user/brucechalmer

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bruce-chalmer-95ab70305/

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/couples-therapy-in-seven-words/id1517231158

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Anxiety can seep into our lives like an uninvited guest, disrupting our relationships, altering our moods, and even impacting our physical health. The struggle to recognize and address the roots of this pervasive issue often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. What if we could reframe our understanding of anxiety, seeing it not as a problem to be suppressed, but as a messenger of deeper, underlying issues? Could this shift in perspective transform not only our personal well-being but also our interpersonal connections?

In this episode, we dive deep into the nuances of anxiety, exploring its complex relationship with our bodies, minds, and interactions with others. We discuss practical strategies for setting personal limits to prevent burnout, share insights from groundbreaking research on anxiety and trauma, and introduce step-by-step algorithms that empower you to uncover and heal root causes. You'll discover how integrating biological and psychological knowledge can lead to a more holistic approach to mental health, paving the way for healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Tune in to learn how you can turn your symptoms into powerful access points for healing and personal growth.

Nicole Cain, ND, MA, is a pioneer in integrative approaches for mental and emotional wellness. With a degree in clinical psychology, training in EMDR, and being licensed as a naturopathic physician in the state of Arizona, her approach to mental health is multidisciplinary: medical, psychological, and holistic.

08:03 Can anxiety be healed or just managed?

12:34 How medications like SSRIs and Benzodiazepines can impact relationships.

21:45 How trauma triggers persistent protective responses.

25:06 High-functioning individuals often mask internal struggles.

32:17 How understanding anxiety as data can transform healing and relationships.

36:48 How emotional adaptations from trauma protect us but can also cause issues. 40:08 Identifying root causes rather than just treating symptoms.

46:20 Expert guidance for calming the nervous system and optimizing health recovery.

55:49 Reflecting growth in relationships: Navigating subjective feedback and personal reactions.

Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

ERP 423: How to Transcend Trauma (And the Effects Experience in Relationship) — An Interview with Dr. Frank Anderson

Websites: drnicolecain.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DrNicoleCain

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCe-hcFYhi5QMmXcR_kNippQ

Instagram: instagram.com/drnicolecain

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holistic-inner-balance-natural-mental-health-podcast/id1506869161 | drnicolecain.com/podcast

Pinterest: pinterest.com/drnicolecain

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Have you ever felt that your sensitivities in a relationship are misunderstood or undervalued? Are you struggling with maintaining sexual desire in a long-term relationship, particularly amidst the chaos and demands of daily life?

Often, highly sensitive individuals find it challenging to balance their emotional and physical needs, leading to a decline in intimacy and connection over time. Understanding and addressing these unique sensitivities are essential for nurturing a fulfilling and passionate relationship.

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of how highly sensitive people interact with intimacy and sexuality. We explore various models of sexual desire, emphasize the importance of context and emotional connection, and offer practical solutions for managing overstimulation. With insights on daily practices, de-armoring needs, and creating intentional connection time, this episode provides a holistic approach to reviving sexual desire and intimacy in long-term relationships, ultimately fostering deeper emotional bonds and mutual understanding.

Irene Fehr is a Sex & Intimacy Coach and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who helps couples make love & sex work in a long-term relationship and bring sex and passion into sexless ones. Weaving together somatic coaching, mindfulness, emotional communication work, and experience with the dynamics of highly sensitive women's sexual desire in a long-term relationship, Irene has developed and successfully applied her holistic "Connection Sex" framework to turn her client’s relationships around toward more passion, connection, and love.

7:24 Irene Fehr’s personal journey and insights on highly sensitive people.

09:25 Understanding overstimulation and emotional disconnect in relationships.

13:19 Exploring the differences in sexual desire: Spontaneous vs. Responsive models and the role of high sensitivity.

23:21 How high sensitivity impacts male sexual desire and performance in relationships.

28:31 The importance of creating space for highly sensitive individuals in relationships, especially in sexual dynamics.

38:49 The importance of emotional and physical de-armoring for intimacy in Long-term relationships.

45:21 Balancing sexual desire in relationships: Overcoming expectations and building daily connection.

Come As You Are: Revised and Updated: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Highly Sensitive Person Test

ERP 211: How to Get Rid of Shame to Increase Pleasure in the Bedroom – An Interview with Ian Ferguson

ERP 257: A New Paradigm for Understanding True Sexual Connection and Intimacy – An Interview with Diana Richardson

ERP 287: How to Engage in the Art of Giving and Receiving: Using the Wheel of Consent – An Interview with Dr. Betty Martin

ERP 314: How to Work Through the Complexities of Sexual Desire in Relationship — An Interview Martha Kauppi

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: irenefehr.com

X: twitter.com/ignitedwoman

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCR09-jgEvU89NH9CwoJ2I1Q

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/irenefehr

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Are you feeling the strain in your long-term relationships, whether it’s with a partner or a friend? As time passes, staying engaged and committed can become a challenge, especially amid the demands of daily life, aging, or the shadow of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining vibrant, nurturing connections can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, leaving many wondering how to inject new life and meaning into these cherished bonds. As we grow older, the importance of these relationships only intensifies, impacting our health, happiness, and overall lifespan. So, how do we keep the flame alive and foster relational longevity amid life's inevitable changes?

In this episode, we explore innovative and meaningful practices designed to rekindle and sustain the depth of our relationships. From the ritual of vow renewal to annual relationship debriefs you'll discover inspiring ways to continually recommit to your loved ones. Insights from experts discuss the social and health benefits of these rituals, and how they can fortify not just marriages, but friendships and broader social networks. Whether you're looking to enhance your romantic life or invigorate your friendships, this conversation offers practical tools and evidence-based strategies to help you create an enduring and life-affirming connection. Dive in to learn how celebrating milestones, maintaining personal interests, and fostering intentional social ties can significantly elevate the quality of your relationships and your life.

Maddy Dychtwald is an internationally acclaimed author, public speaker, and thought leader on longevity, aging, the new retirement, and the ascent of women. She co-founded Age Wave, the world's leader in understanding and addressing the far-reaching impacts of our aging population, and has led numerous acclaimed studies on women and money. Her recently published book, “Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan” was a USA Today bestseller and a Publishers Weekly bestseller.

6:05 Maddy Dychtwald’s four decades of passion in aging, longevity, and retirement.

10:08 The power of mindset and social connections for a healthier, longer life.

26:55 How couples keep their relationship vibrant through regular communication and annual vow renewals.

38:51 Navigating aging in relationships: Balancing different attitudes towards health and longevity.

Ageless Aging: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 110: How to Manage Two Majorly Conflicting Needs in Relationship

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: maddydychtwald.com

Facebook: facebook.com/maddy.dychtwald

X: twitter.com/Maddy_Dychtwald

Instagram: instagram.com/maddydychtwald

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maddydychtwald

TikTok: tiktok.com/@maddy_dychtwald?lang=fil-PH

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Is your relationship running on autopilot, devoid of the meaningful conversations that foster growth and intimacy? Relationships often suffer when we avoid crucial conversations that could foster deeper connections and understanding. The problem is not the lack of desire but rather the missing know-how to navigate these uncharted waters effectively. Imagine a world where curiosity, vulnerability, and intentionality are the cornerstones of your relationship, transforming mundane interactions into meaningful, intimate moments.

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked conversations that can create positive change in relationships. Learn about practical exercises designed to enhance intimacy, tools to build curiosity and engagement, and the importance of creating rituals within daily routines. From mindfulness exercises to reframing thoughts and leveraging curiosity, this discussion illuminates the pathway to a more connected and fulfilling relationship. The goal is to provide you with actionable insights and strategies that can immediately impact how you relate to your partner, helping to turn those awkward silences into moments of genuine connection.

Zach Brittle is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Gottman Therapist, and Certified Relational Life Therapist. He is also the author of The Relationship Alphabet and the Marriage Therapy Journal.

Laura Heck is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Gottman Therapist, and Sex Therapist in private practice working exclusively with couples to manage conflict and deepen intimacy and pleasure.

Zach and Laura are the co-hosts of the podcast Marriage Therapy Radio where they bring wit and wisdom while tackling the most common complaints every relationship experiences.

6:15 How this dynamic duo brings humor and expertise to relationship advice.

12:04 How actively engaging in the process leads to real relationship growth.

21:02 How curiosity can transform relationships and deepen connection.

26:47 Exercises for cultivating vulnerability and emotional intimacy in relationships.

32:38 Building lasting connection through rituals and intentional practices in relationships.

45:37 Aligning values with intentional practices for a more fulfilling relationship.

Reconnect: A Marriage Counseling Workbook (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Atomic Habits (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Smart Couples Finish Rich (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 420: The Importance of “Turning Towards” in Relationship — An Interview with Laura Heck

ERP 396: How to Recognize Unhelpful & Misguided Relationship Advice — An Interview with Zach Brittle

ERP 216: What to Know about Loneliness and Relationship

ERP 110: How To Manage Two Majorly Conflicting Needs In Relationship

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: marriagetherapyradio.com

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If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Have you ever wondered why certain patterns seem to repeat in your relationships, leaving you feeling unfulfilled or misunderstood? Many of us carry the hidden scars of unmet childhood needs into our adult partnerships, often without realizing it. These unresolved emotional wounds can create barriers to giving and receiving love, often manifesting as conflicts and struggles in intimacy. Understanding and healing these deep-seated issues is crucial for building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and relationships. We'll explore how understanding and internalizing these early life influences can help recognize and address the missing emotional elements from one's upbringing. The discussion sheds light on the importance of processing past traumas, engaging in healing conversations, and employing therapeutic techniques like role-playing and letter-writing to reconcile unresolved feelings. By emphasizing the intertwined nature of individual and relational growth, this episode offers practical strategies to help listeners navigate the complexities of maintaining a strong sense of self while fostering fulfilling, intimate relationships.

Talia Bombola, The Confidence & Assertiveness Specialist™, is a Certified Psychodynamic, Licensed Psychotherapist, and Relationship Mentor for Women. Her work centers around helping anxious women feel secure by increasing self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness & rewiring beliefs about themselves, men, and relationships. She helps you heal the "not enoughness" that is blocking you from living a life overflowing with satisfaction and self-worth.

7:06 Talia’s journey from personal development to professional practice.

11:20 The dangers of tying self-worth to external achievements and goals.

14:45 Understanding the importance of developmental stages in shaping a person's sense of identity and self-worth.

18:56 The role of psychodynamic therapy and reparenting in healing childhood wounds.

29:03 Exploring the benefits of reconnecting with parents to address unresolved childhood experiences.

41:38 The importance of maintaining one's individuality and sense of self within relationships, particularly when faced with disapproval or differing opinions from loved ones.

46:57 Balancing closeness and autonomy: Navigating conflict and personal growth in relationships.

Rewire Your Relationships (online program)

Triangular Theory of Love

True self and false self (*Wikipedia link) (article)

Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development (*National Library of Medicine link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: taliabombola.com

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Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-through-humor/id1657508931

Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship 

Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins 

Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

Twitter: @DrJessHiggins 

Website: drjessicahiggins.com  

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here. 

Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship. 

Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here. 

Thank you!  

*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.