Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Navigating the challenging waters of divorce or betrayal within a relationship can be an incredibly tough journey. It's a time when seeking support becomes crucial, and for many, individual or couples therapy becomes a lifeline. However, the impact of a couple's distress extends far beyond the partners involved. They often overlook how their struggles reverberate throughout the entire family. In this episode, we dive into the critical importance of considering therapy for the entire family system. This episode offers strategies for gaining a deeper understanding of how family members at various developmental stages are affected, and how to create a safe space for open communication and emotional support within the family, prioritizing the children's development amidst distress. Kathryn de Bruin is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Emotional Focused Therapy Trainer and Supervisor, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She has a full-time private practice in San Diego, CA where she works with children and families. Kathryn teaches Play Therapy at the University of California, San Diego, in the Play Therapy Program. She is a Director for the San Diego Center for EFT, and serves various EFT communities. Lisa Palmer-Olsen, Psy.D. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego California. She is a Certified EFT Therapist, Trainer, and Supervisor, and is a Founder and one of the Directors of the Emotionally Focused Couples Training and Research Institute at Alliant International University. Lisa completed her dissertation research on how to train and teach Emotionally Focused Couples therapy to professionals. Dr. Sue Johnson, the founder of EFT and Dr. Scott Woolley were part of her dissertation committee. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:02 Lisa and Kathryn's journey into supporting couples and families. 10:00 The importance of considering the broader impact within the family system. 15:20 The growing trend of parents seeking comprehensive support. 19:40 Creating new pathways for family connection. 28:04 Creating space for dialogue within the family and seeking community resources to combat isolation. 46:43 Redefining conflict resolution in family law: The role of attachment-based mediation. 48:54 Valuable resources for individuals navigating family therapy and seeking emotional support. Mentioned Emotionally Focused Family Therapy: Restoring Connection and Promoting Resilience (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World (book) The Good Divorce (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Constance Ahrons, Ph.D. EFT Therapist Search ERP 175: How to Heal from an Affair – An Interview with Scott Woolley Connect with Kathryn de Bruin & Dr. Lisa Palmer-Olsen Websites: renovasandiego.com | kathryndebruin.com Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-family-express Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

Delving into emotional immaturity, the podcast explores childhood experiences, trauma, and caregiver dynamics. It discusses the impact of unhealthy upbringing on emotional stunting and the perpetuating cycle of abuse. The episode aims to equip listeners with insights to recognize, address, and overcome emotional immaturity, fostering personal growth and healthy connections.

Although divorce is legally permissible and widely acknowledged in modern society, it remains burdened with significant stigma. The mere mention of it evokes palpable discomfort, as it's often viewed as a failure in a culture that emphasizes perseverance in relationships at all costs, even in the face of significant challenges. In this episode, we challenge this narrative by exploring the necessity of maintaining divorce as an option in relationships. We delve into the profound importance of setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing individual well-being within the context of partnership. Join us as we unravel the complexities surrounding divorce, challenging listeners to consider its role in fostering healthier, more sustainable relationships. Sharon Pope is a certified Master Life Coach, and a seven-time best-selling author on love and relationships, including "Stay or Go: How to Find the Confidence & Clarity You Need to Either Fix the Struggles in Your Marriage or Move Forward without Regret," which has sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide, and host of the podcast, "The Loving Truth." Sharon's been a guest on many podcasts and is committed to helping women and men get the tools they need to improve, heal, or release their struggling marriages. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 05:52 Sharon challenges the notion that every marriage should be salvaged at all costs. 07:56 From personal heartbreak to professional passion: Sharon's journey to relationship coaching. 10:32 Sharon reflects on her personal evolution from blaming her ex-husband to embracing self-awareness and personal growth. 12:57 Moving beyond surface efforts. 17:20 The importance of regular relationship check-ins. 21:52 The stigma and significance of divorce within relationships. 28:39 Strategies for interrupting negative patterns in communication within relationships. 38:03 Setting boundaries and timeframes for relationship evaluation. 41:40 Embracing divorce as an option for setting healthy boundaries. Mentioned Stay or Go: How to Find the Confidence & Clarity You Need to Either Fix the Struggles in Your Marriage or Move Forward without Regret (book) When Marriage Needs an Answer: The Decision to Fix Your Struggling Marriage or Leave Without Regret (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connect with Sharon Pope Websites: sharonpope.com Facebook: facebook.com/SharonPopeCoach YouTube: youtube.com/@sharonpopecoach Instagram: instagram.com/sharonpopecoach TikTok: tiktok.com/@sharonpopecoach LinkedIn: inkedin.com/in/sharon-pope-0705b28 Podcast: sharonpope.com/podcast Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

Do you often feel like you're bearing the emotional burden in your relationship while your partner struggles to express their feelings and handle difficult conversations? If these dynamics sound familiar, you may be navigating the complexities of emotional immaturity in your relationship. Welcome back to the Empowered Relationship Podcast, where we continue our exploration of emotional immaturity and its impact on relationships. If you missed part one of this multi-series, I highly recommend giving it a listen, where we explored five key characteristics of emotional immaturity. In this episode, we're diving deeper into this topic by examining four additional characteristics. From struggles with healthy communication to difficulty engaging in hard conversations and conflicts, we'll unravel the intricacies of emotional immaturity and how it impacts intimate relationships. Join us as we uncover valuable insights to cultivate deeper connections and intimacy with your significant other. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 9:27 Dependency and validation: Key characteristics of emotional immaturity. 13:15 Challenges of emotional engagement and relational depth in emotionally immature relationships. 20:34 Unilateral decision-making and emotional detachment. 23:00 Avoidance, defensiveness, and blame-shifting. 28:10 Communication challenges and manipulative behaviors. Mentioned ​​11 Signs of Emotional Immaturity in Relationships & Ways to Deal Signs of Emotional Immaturity ERP 410: What Are the Signs of Emotional Immaturity in Relationship? Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

Delving into emotional immaturity in relationships, the host discusses defining emotional immaturity, challenges in emotion regulation, impulsivity and reactivity, low frustration tolerance, rigidity in thinking, lack of self-awareness and empathy, and self-centric patterns. The episode aims to raise awareness and provide insights for navigating emotional immaturity in relationships.

Navigating conflicts with a romantic partner can feel like an impossible challenge for many couples. Disagreements are a natural part of any long-term relationship as each individual brings a unique set of experiences, needs, and communication styles to the dynamic. Conflicts often escalate quickly as defensiveness and hurt feelings take over, resulting in distance rather than resolution. Without tools to reframe discussions, truly listen without judgment, and repair misunderstandings, the relationship itself can be damaged over time by an accumulation of unaddressed issues. In this episode, we offer valuable insights for effectively handling these challenges. Drawing on concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we explore methods to deliberately slow down reactions and enhance self-awareness, uncovering the underlying dynamics at play. The principles of EFT guide individuals to navigate conflicts with empathy, fostering a genuine desire to fully understand their partner. Practical strategies are presented, providing a toolkit for fostering openings in challenging conversations. Dr. Chad Imhoff is an EFT Certified Therapist, EFT Supervisor, and the director of the Arkansas EFT Community. He serves as Clinical Director of the Joshua Center, where he is also a therapist. Angela received her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Certified Life and Relationship Coach. They have a passion for helping couples have relational transformation and are devoted to seeing healing and change happen among individuals, couples, and families. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:04 The transformative journey of Dr. Chad and Angela Imhoff in relationship therapy. 17:07 The influence of attachment theory in relationship dynamics. 21:26 How appraisal theory shapes relationship dynamics. 32:22 Understanding and honoring attachment styles. 35:31 Real-life examples showing how couples continue to navigate and understand the details of their relationships over time. 49:55 Navigating relationship triggers: Transforming conflict into understanding and growth. 56:56 Advanced strategies for navigating triggers and fostering connection. Mentioned Dr. Sue Johnson George Faller Dr. Ryan Rana Success in Vulnerability Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Chad and Angela Imhoff Websites: therealimhoffs.com Facebook: facebook.com/RealImhoffs YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCfVV6z7ni2C8MrlEX4UrP5A Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connecting-couples/id1518876330 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

Many people struggle with establishing boundaries in their close relationships due to a tendency to people-please at the expense of their own needs. This challenge often stems from early relational dynamics in childhood, leading individuals to prioritize the needs and desires of those around them over their own well-being. Worrying about disappointing or upsetting others can make it difficult to assert one's boundaries, as well as to engage in topics of conversation where there is conflict or disagreement. In this episode, we explore the pervasive impact of people-pleasing behaviors on the relationship. Dr. Dana McNeil and Dr. Jessica Higgins offer actionable guidance for overcoming this challenge by addressing how to; recognize people-pleasing behaviors, understand the importance of boundaries, effectively communicate needs to partners, and negotiate differences in a way that fosters greater intimacy and understanding between partners. The discussion provides practical exercises and examples that can help listeners develop healthier relationship patterns centered around mutual care, respect, and fulfillment for both individuals. Dr. Dana McNeil is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of The Relationship Place, a group practice located in her hometown, San Diego, California. Dr. Dana's practice specializes in relationship therapy and utilizes an evidence-based type of couples therapy known as the Gottman Method. Dr. Dana is a certified Gottman Method therapist and Doctor of Psychology. She also leads training at the Gottman Institute to help clinicians master the art of couples therapy. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:10 Dr. Dana McNeil's journey to therapeutic practice. 13:30 People-pleasing: Highlighting the challenges it poses in expressing needs and setting healthy boundaries. 20:25 Practical ways to identify and communicate personal needs, especially for individuals struggling with people-pleasing tendencies. 26:48 Building stronger relationships through open communication and honesty. 32:55 Setting boundaries, embracing vulnerability, and overcoming people-pleasing. 39:40 Embracing differences and talking through challenges. Mentioned D-Spot Conversations: Navigating Today's Complicated Relationships (download link) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Hendricks Institute The Gottman Institute ERP 269: How to Break Free from the Nice Guy Syndrome That Is Holding You Back – An Interview with Dr.Robert Glover ERP 323: One of the Most Important Relationship Skills – Being Relational — An Interview with Terry Real Connect with Dr. Dana McNeil Websites: danamcneil.com | sdrelationshipplace.com | dspotpodcast.com Facebook: facebook.com/DrDanaMcNeil | facebook.com/sdrelationshipplace YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCTiGMC8VeLRMFl8FN9MYFSg | youtube.com/@dspotpodcast/videos Instagram: instagram.com/drdanamcneil | instagram.com/sdrelationshipplace | instagram.com/dspotpodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-dana-mcneil Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-d-spot/id1629708409 (Apple Podcast link) Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

The hookup culture is a societal shift characterized by casual, short-term sexual engagements, highlighting a reluctance to commit to long-term relationships. This cultural phenomenon, especially prevalent among young adults and college students, poses challenges rooted in an insufficient understanding of the physiological and emotional aspects involved. The immediate pursuit of pleasure, combined with societal expectations, frequently results in miscommunication, unmet expectations, and emotional turmoil, reshaping the dynamics of modern relationships. In this episode, Dr. Joe Malone and Dr. Jessica Higgins share valuable insights and actionable steps to navigate this complex landscape, providing a nuanced perspective on fostering healthier connections amid the complexities of contemporary dating norms. Join us as we unpack the intricacies of the hookup culture and discover strategies to cultivate more meaningful and fulfilling relationships. Dr. Joe Malone, The Sexual Integrity Scientist. holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance with a minor in neuropsychology and a specialization in women's health and sexual wellness. He taught at Middle Tennessee State University from 2005-2017 and has guest lectured at Vanderbilt and Princeton as well as other major universities. He's the author of Battle of the Sexes: Raising Sexual IQ to Lower Sexual Conflict and Empower Lasting Love. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:40 From fitness to sexual wellness advocacy: Dr. Joe Malone's profound journey and insights into hookup culture. 13:46 The impact of technology on hookup culture and the quest for genuine connection. 22:10 The desires and challenges of young men in building meaningful relationships. 26:52 Dr. Joe Malone advocates for the vital role of marriage in young men's lives. 34:56 The challenges young individuals face in understanding their sexual desires amid prevalent societal messages. 39:04 Exploring the influence of testosterone and oxytocin on sexual thoughts and bonding. 40:58 Empowering women to redefine relationship standards and prioritize quality over quantity. 47:23 Balancing tradition and individual expression in contemporary contexts. Mentioned Battles of the Sexes: Raising Sexual IQ to Lower Sexual Conflict and Empower Lasting Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connect with Dr. Joe Malone Websites: drjoemalone.com Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

According to research, in 39% of households, women contribute equally or more to the income compared to men. This transformation, while positive, marks a significant shift from traditional gender roles and poses a unique challenge when both partners are engaged in the workforce. Historically, women often assumed the role of stay-at-home moms, responsible for all household chores. Women raised in such settings encounter the challenge of harmonizing these deeply rooted expectations with the pressures of a thriving career. As a result, the need to redefine the concept of a successful mother and wife becomes crucial, calling for collaborative endeavors from both spouses. In this episode, we explore strategies and insights aimed at addressing this dynamic, guiding couples through the process of redefining gender roles and fostering mutual understanding. Brian Page is the founder of Modern Husbands. He shares ideas on managing money and the home as a team. He is a former Milken National Educator of the Year, CNN Money Hero, and Working Group Member of President Obama's Advisory Council on Financial Capability. He consulted for state governments, universities, and various nonprofits. He served a one-year term as a Visiting Scholar at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Office of Financial Education. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 4:26 Brian Paige's personal journey into redefining relationship dynamics. 10:28 Navigating the learning curve: Redefining roles and managing mental load in modern relationships. 17:20 Streamlining life: Outsourcing, automating, and systematizing for reduced cognitive load in relationships. 21:14 Navigating division of labor and money in relationships 34:05 Striving for equitable leisure. 31:41 The power of regular household business meetings. 37:19 Empowering marriages with valuable resources: The modern husband's toolkit. 39:34 The significance of understanding the deep-seated beliefs and potential traumas that influence a partner's financial decisions. Mentioned Transition to Marriage Toolkit (course) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Brian Page Websites: modernhusbands.com Facebook: facebook.com/modernhusbands Twitter: twitter.com/ModernHusbands YouTube: youtube.com/@ModernHusbands Instagram: instagram.com/modernhusband LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/modernhusbands Podcast: modernhusbands.com/podcasts Newsletter: modernhusbands.com/newsletter Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.

In the previous episode, we delved into the intricacies of navigating challenging relationships with in-laws, particularly amidst the holiday season. We discussed valuable insights on emotional regulation and proactive communication. Now, in part two, Dr. Jessica Higgins further explores the multifaceted nature of conflicts and disparities that can arise in these relationships. Drawing from client cases and personal anecdotes, she illuminates common challenges encountered. In this episode, Dr. Higgins focuses on three key areas related to privacy within the context of in-law relationships. The overarching theme is the crucial need for partners to align their perspectives and establish a shared understanding, especially when it comes to issues like proximity, boundaries, and the level of disclosure within the extended family. If you haven't listened to part one of this series, I recommend that you do. You'll find the link below. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 9:32 Navigating the delicate balance of privacy in in-law relationships. 13:13 Navigating differences in food etiquette with in-laws. 16:03 Navigating challenges of inclusion in family conversations. 19:06 Balancing time spent with in-laws. 20:14 Decision-making dynamics: Navigating influence and power in family interactions. 22:54 Navigating grandparental involvement in parenting: Balancing resources and boundaries. 30:24 Cultivating compassion and setting realistic expectations in in-law relationships 34:01 Self-care strategies for setting boundaries in family dynamics. 39:54 Cultivating generosity and kindness in family dynamics. Mentioned Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication ERP 404: How to Manage Relationships with In-Laws More Effectively — Part One Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins 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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com 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.