Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Military couples face a unique set of challenges that can put their relationships to the test. From long deployments and frequent relocations to the emotional toll of separation and the weight of responsibility, they often find themselves in situations where maintaining connection and emotional well-being become paramount. But despite the extraordinary circumstances they face, military couples exemplify unwavering strength, commitment, and love. In this episode, Bree Carroll and Dr. Jessica Higgins explored how to maintain a healthy relationship amidst the demands and stress levels experienced by these couples, highlighting the remarkable resilience, intentional efforts, and unwavering commitment demonstrated in their quest to nurture love and sustain a thriving partnership. Bree Carroll, military spouse, event strategist, and speaker, transforms spaces and hearts through experience design and purposeful planning. As a voice in the military community, she holds the title as 2020-2021 AFI Air Force Spouse of the Year and advocates to strengthen military marriages. Bree is the founder of Military Marriage Day, a national holiday celebrated annually on August 14th. More than a holiday, this movement supports military families with resources through its app, insight with the Hearts & Stripes Podcast, and connection through its annual events and virtual programming. Bree's mission is to encourage and equip couples, especially our service couples, so that they may intentionally thrive in their marriage relationship. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 8:31 Understanding the unique challenges of military couples. 16:47 The importance of strengthening military marriages and supporting service families. 25:07 Proactive approach to strengthening military marriages and providing resources. 30:11 The power of storytelling and proactive support in military marriages. 35:59 Insights from a military marriage study: Challenges and hope. 42:35 The power of celebration: Elevating Military Marriage Day. 49:52 Taking action and spreading hope. Mentioned Military Marriage Day (*Apple Appstore) (app) Type Of Relationship Support (survey) Connect with Bree Carroll Websites: militarymarriageday.com Facebook: facebook.com/militarymarriageday YouTube: youtube.com/@militarymarriageday Instagram: instagram.com/militarymarriageday 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.

Relationships often confront us with moments of uncertainty, where conflicting emotions and wavering decisions leave us feeling overwhelmed. But, what if we could view ambivalence as an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and empowered decision-making? In this enlightening discussion with relationship expert Rachel Zamore and Dr. Jessica Higgins, we explored profound insights into navigating the intricate landscape of ambivalence in relationships. From recognizing the significance of self-care to cultivating compassion, this episode provides a roadmap for embracing ambivalence and making impactful relationship choices with clarity and confidence. If you currently stand at the crossroads of a significant relationship decision, unsure of which path to choose, join us on this transformative journey. Together, we will uncover empowering principles that guide you towards embracing ambivalence and making choices that honor your personal growth, authenticity, and overall well-being. Rachel Zamore is a leading practitioner in discernment counseling, a process that helps couples on the brink gain confidence and clarity about the next best steps for their marriage. Rachel's compassionate, nonjudgmental approach empowers honest self-reflection and welcomes each person right where they are. Drawing from 15 years as an integrative psychotherapist, relationship guide (Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy & Discernment Counseling) and trainer, Rachel coaches individuals and couples online and at private retreats worldwide. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:55 Igniting a passion: Rachel Zamore's journey to empower couples in ambiguous relationships 10:19 Rachel's revolutionary approach to couples in crisis. 12:31 Common mistakes in couples therapy unveiled. 16:51 Appreciating ambivalence and embracing complexity in relationship dynamics. 20:39 The transformative power of providing a supportive container for couples grappling with difficult and anxiety-provoking issues. 25:05 Unpacking the cumulative effect of ambivalence in relationships. 30:26 Discernment counseling: Differentiating hard and soft reasons, and individual growth. 35:59 About Rachel's intensive sessions and retreats, individual and relational growth. 39:49 Outcomes and statistics of discernment counseling. 45:11 Encouragement and advice for finding clarity and well-being. Mentioned Type Of Relationship Support (survey) Connect with Rachel Zamore Websites: relationshipcrossroads.com | innerwell.org LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelzamore 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.

Building a strong and secure connection within a romantic relationship is a goal shared by many. We strive for harmony, understanding, and a deep bond that withstands the test of time. But with human nature being what it is - aggressive, warlike, moody, and easily influenced - it can be a challenging task. So, how do we achieve this level of connection? Is it about finding the perfect partner or following a set of rules? In this episode, Dr. Stan Tatkin and Dr. Jessica Higgins embark on an enlightening exploration of human behavior within relationships shedding light on key elements that foster a strong and secure connection. Join us as we delve into the strategies and insights that can help you and your partner work together to create a solid foundation of love, trust, and mutual support. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author of We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other's Care. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:01 In Each Other's Care: Practical Guidance on Applying the Principles of Secure Functioning 10:56 Normalizing stressful situations and creating purpose-centered relationships. 15:36 Preserving relationships through proactive engagement. 26:05 Creating purposeful relationships: moving beyond psycho-biology to action. 30:37 Embracing a collaborative stance: Exploring partner's needs and approaching conversations with mutual interest. Mentioned Type Of Relationship Support (survey) In Each Other's Care: A Guide to the Most Common Relationship Conflicts and How to Work Through Them (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Learn How to Interact When Conflicts Arise (excerpt) We Do: Saying Yes to a Relationship of Depth, True Connection, and Enduring Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Your Brain on Love: The Neurobiology of Healthy Relationships (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Relationship Rx (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Wired for Dating: How Understanding Neurobiology and Attachment Style Can Help You Find Your Ideal Mate (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Love and War in Intimate Relationships: Connection, Disconnection, and Mutual Regulation in Couple Therapy (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 291: How "Love Is Not Enough" – An Interview with Dr. Stan Tatkin Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. Stan Tatkin Websites: thepactinstitute.com Facebook: facebook.com/drstantatkin Twitter: twitter.com/DrStanTatkin LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stan-tatkin Instagram: instagram.com/drstantatkin 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.

You've probably heard the well-meaning relationship advice to "learn to compromise." It seems like a reasonable solution to navigate differences and find middle ground. But what if I told you that this popular advice might be doing more harm than good? In this thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Jessica Higgins and Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, we explore why the conventional wisdom of compromise may not be the ultimate solution for relationship harmony. If you're tired of settling for less and yearn for a relationship that thrives on passion, understanding, and unwavering closeness, then this episode is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to embark on a journey towards uncompromising intimacy, where compromise takes a backseat, and authentic connection takes center stage. Known as "The Intimacy Doctor," Alexandra Stockwell, MD, is an Intimate Marriage Expert who specializes in coaching ambitious, successful couples to build beautiful, long-lasting, passionate relationships. She is the bestselling author of "Uncompromising Intimacy," host of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, and creator of the Aligned & Hot Marriage program. Dr. Alexandra has been featured in the Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, USAToday, Cosmopolitan, Business Insider, Thriveglobal, Mindbodygreen, FOX NEWS, and many more. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:17 Dr. Stockwell's personal journey that led her to focus on relationships and intimacy. 12:46 The significance of personal transformation and setting positive examples for others in fostering healthy relationships and self-discovery. 17:21 Challenging the notion of compromise in marriage: Discovering a vibrant and satisfying intimacy. 27:41 Uncompromising intimacy: The Key to vibrant and fulfilling relationships. 32:53 The impact of unspoken compromises: Nurturing vulnerable honesty for deeper connection. 38:40 Embracing authenticity and empowering relationships through uncompromising intimacy. 51:11 Cultivating sensory awareness and unleashing the power of pleasure in intimacy. 56:07 Connect with Dr. Stockwell and learn more about the tools and principles for a committed partnership and creating lasting and fulfilling connections. Mentioned Uncompromising Intimacy: Turn Your Unfulfilling Marriage into a Deeply Satisfying, Passionate Partnership (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Intimate Marriage Podcast (*Spotify link) (podcast) Aligned and Hot Marriage (program) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell Websites: alexandrastockwell.com TikTok: tiktok.com/@intimacydoctor YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC_NFfwXTz2n6C_2QdmrfEVg Instagram: instagram.com/intimacydoctor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrastockwell 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.

Are you feeling like your relationship has hit a plateau? Perhaps you and your partner have been together for a while and things just don't seem to be moving forward. Don't worry, you're not alone. Maintaining a healthy and happy relationship can be a challenging task, even for the most committed couples. Over time, relationships can hit a stagnant point where both partners feel disconnected, bored, or unfulfilled. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to avoid that. In this episode, Abi Singh and Dr. Jessica Higgins shares valuable insights and tips on how to reignite the spark in a relationship and prevent it from fading away. From effective communication to prioritizing self-care, these tips can help bring your relationship back to life. So if you're ready to take action and bring some excitement back into your love life, listen to the full episode. Abi Singh is a life coach and relationship expert. Abi helps couples find balance and prioritize intimacy so that they can effectively make key decisions that will positively impact their relationships. Abi and her husband live on the beautiful island of Grenada and run their restaurant business, which they co-founded in 2017. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:52 Abby's personal experience in an intercultural marriage. 8:58 How to overcome stagnation in relationships after the honeymoon phase. 12:12 The importance of communication and intentionality in relationships: Avoiding the faux pas of relationship. 16:23 Overcoming misunderstandings and building a stronger connection. 21:53 The importance of communication and comprehension in relationships. 25:21 Creating happy habits to strengthen relationships. 30:13 Strategies for having difficult conversations in relationships. 36:34 Nurturing lasting love: Building strong relationships through relational skills and practices. 41:29 Upcoming workshop for couples to rebuild their connection. Mentioned Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Abi Singh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abi-singh-73572a41 Instagram: instagram.com/coachabisingh 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.

Developing secure attachment skills in a relationship is crucial for creating a strong and lasting bond with your partner. In this fast-paced world, it can be easy to neglect your relationship and fail to prioritize the emotional safety that comes with a secure attachment. However, neglecting your relationship can have long-term consequences and negatively impact both you and your partner. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins, EJ, and Tarah Kerwin discuss the skills needed to develop secure attachments in relationships. They provide actionable steps to help you strengthen your attachment style and create a more loving and fulfilling partnership. Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, listen to this episode to discover how you can develop secure attachment skills in your relationships. EJ and Tarah Kerwin are the hosts of The Relationship Renovation Podcast. They are two licensed therapists, a married couple raising a blended family with four children, and owners of a couples counseling center in Tucson, AZ. They have created a couples counseling program that has supported thousands of couples in creating more secure, loving, and intimate relationships. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:31 The birth of the couples counseling center. 11:43 Creating emotional safety and support: Understanding secure attachment in couples therapy. 17:07 Recognizing negative core beliefs and learning from conflict. 23:33 Creating emotional safety in heterosexual relationships: Understanding triggers, developing compassion, and managing conflict. 27:56 Improving relationships through self-reflection and shared responsibility. 34:30 The importance of holding hope and creating a secure, loving, and more deeply intimate connection with one's partner. 39:15 Building safe and strong relationships through somatic work. Mentioned Relationship Renovation Counselling Centre Relationship Renovation at Home Program Wired for Dating: How Understanding Neurobiology and Attachment Style Can Help You Find Your Ideal Mate (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 291: How "Love Is Not Enough" – An Interview with Dr. Stan Tatkin Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with EJ & Tarah Kerwin Websites: relationshiprenovation.com Facebook: relationshiprenovationcounseling TikTok: tiktok.com/@relationshiprenovation YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCfb8I3evBi7aZcVnmvN_yPw Instagram: instagram.com/relationship_renovation 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.

Communication is the foundation of any healthy and fulfilling relationship, but expressing yourself in a way that fosters love and connection can be difficult, especially when conflicts arise. In this interview, Dr. Jessica Higgins and Laura Doyle, a relationship coach, discuss six essential skills for building intimacy and connection with your partner. From taking care of yourself to relinquishing control, showing respect, receiving graciously, embracing vulnerability, and using positive affirmations, Laura offers practical tools that can transform your relationship, even in seemingly hopeless situations. If you're looking to deepen your connection and create a more fulfilling relationship, listen to this episode to discover expert advice on how to express yourself in ways that inspire love and connection. New York Times bestselling author Laura Doyle was the perfect wife...until she actually got married. She is the founder of the international relationship coach training school Laura Doyle Connect, the star of Empowered Wives on Amazon Prime, the Creator of The Ridiculously Happy Wife program, the host of The Empowered Wife Podcast. She has helped over 15,000 women fix their relationships--even the hopeless ones-- without their husband's effort. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:19 Laura shares how her personal experience led her to develop a coaching model and framework that supports women in heterosexual relationships. 10:24 How a women's support group turned into a movement to end divorce. 19:49 Two "cheat phrases" that can help improve communication in a relationship. 25:43 The power of intimacy skills, receptivity, and manifesting desires. 41:09 Take charge of your own happiness: The power of self-care and positive cycles in relationships. 44:54 Building positive relationships through fundamental cues and intimacy skills: Insights from "The Empowered Wife" 51:36 Laura reveals the 6 intimacy skills that can improve your marriage, even in seemingly hopeless situations. Mentioned The Empowered Wife, Updated and Expanded Edition: Six Surprising Secrets for Attracting Your Husband's Time, Attention, and Affection (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The Empowered Wife Podcast with Laura Doyle Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Laura Doyle Websites: lauradoyle.org Facebook: facebook.com/lauradoyle.org Twitter: twitter.com/lauramdoyle YouTube: youtube.com/user/lauradoyleauthor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauramdoyle Podcast: lauradoyle.org/podcasts 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.

Is your relationship constantly fraught with emotional arguments? When things get tough, do you resort to emotional weapons like anger, blame, or shutting down? It's time to take a step back and examine the role these emotional weapons play in your relationship. In this episode, Dr. Shawn Haywood and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss the ways in which people use emotional weapons to protect themselves, the negative impacts of using these weapons, and how to identify and disarm them. Dr. Haywood shares valuable insights and practical tips for gaining awareness of our emotional weapons, asking for what we need, and finding healthier ways to meet our needs in relationships. Through deep devotion and commitment to her evolving spiritual path, author, speaker, and life and relationship coach for 24 years, Shawn Haywood, Ph.D., continues to transform toward increasing unconditional love and joy for the whole of her life, while teaching her clients and team to do the same so that their lives, marriages, health, and businesses can thrive in unimaginable ways. If you're interested in improving your relationships and creating deeper connections with your partner, this interview is a must-listen. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 2:57 Dr. Shawn Haywood shares insights on laying down emotional weapons and achieving fight-free marriages and relationships. 8:48 Emotional weapons and surrender techniques for relationship success. 13:10 How to overcome disempowering effects caused by blaming oneself or others. 16:00 How to work with the body, mind, and spirit to resolve conflict. 22:08 How to break old habits and replace them with new ones. 27:27 Identifying and understanding emotional weapons: The importance of laying down emotional weapons and cultivating vulnerability in relationships. 40:30 A guide to disarming emotional weapons. Mentioned Living For Love: Set Yourself Free from the Daily Stress, Worry & Hurry that Wears You Down (Amazon affiliate link*) (book) Reroute Your Relationship (free guide link) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. Shawn Haywood Websites: reimaginelove.com Facebook: facebook.com/shawn.ashley.haywood Instagram: instagram.com/drshawnhaywood LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drshawnhaywood 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 today's fast-paced world, we often hear about the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship, but how do we actually assess the health of our connection? In this episode, Dr. Réne Vázquez del Valle, a psychotherapist, and author of "Head Heart Crotch Connections: How Not to Fail in Search of Your Perfect" shares his simple yet profound formula for evaluating the head, heart, and sexual connection in our relationships and provides tips for identifying areas of weakness and working on them. Dr. Vázquez del Valle breaks down his technique and offers a free connection scale on his website, allowing individuals to assess their level of connection and identify areas that need improvement. Join us in this insightful conversation as we explore the importance of connection and how to maintain its health. Dr. René G. Vázquez del Valle, DSW, received his MSW at Columbia University and his Doctorate at the CUNY Graduate School. He was an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University; guest speaker at both the NYU School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and CUNY Law School. He retired from the NYS Office of Mental Health after 30 years of clinical practice. He currently resides in NYC and East Hampton, NY, and works as a private practice therapist. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 3:44 How to assess success or failure in a relationship and the different factors that contribute to it. 13:16 The importance of descriptive language and mutual connection in relationships. 17:26 The importance of different types of connections in a relationship. 23:40 Understanding your partner's needs: Enhancing connection in relationships through emotional, sexual, and intellectual fulfillment 28:52 Analyzing the fight-or-flight response to improve connection in relationships. 31:07 Understanding attachment style and types of connections. 33:25 Defense mechanisms and their impact on an individual's ability to connect with others 39:56 Understanding marianismo and the effects of shame on connection and wellbeing. 44:00 Dr. René Vázquez del Valle talks about his book and explains how the simple formula of assessing head, heart, and crotch connections can have profound effects on people's lives. Mentioned Head, Heart, Crotch Connections: How Not to Fail In Search of Your Perfect Union (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connection Rating Scale Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. René Vázquez del Valle Websites: renev.authorchannel.co Facebook: facebook.com/reneleo2 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rené-vázquez-del-valle-dsw-lcsw-r-71484563 Instagram: instagram.com/rene_vdelv 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.

With the changing dynamics of society, the traditional definition of masculinity is being redefined, and there is a growing need for men to develop new skills and behaviors to thrive in today's world. In this episode, we will explore actionable steps that men can take to develop these traits, enhance their personal growth, and succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Join us as we dive into this fascinating topic and discover how you can develop modern, high-value, masculine traits. Kristal DeSantis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specializations in trauma, sex therapy, couples, and men's mental health issues. Creator of the STRONG Relationship Therapy Model of trauma-informed couples therapy. Certified clinical trauma professional with training in EMDR, complex PTSD, and relational trauma in first responders, LEOs, and veterans. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:32 Kristal Desantis' background and interest in working with men, emphasizing the importance of normalizing therapy and emotional intelligence as part of strength building. 9:06 Redefining masculinity: moving beyond traditional roles and finding new ways to be a "high value" man. 16:33 Relationship field guide for the modern man: emphasizing safety and self-awareness. 20:05 The four key components of building a healthy relationship 27:07 Importance of self-regulation and trust in building healthy relationships. 30:35 The importance of Strong model for healthy and thriving relationships. 37:15 The importance of nurturing connection in relationships and expanding the definition of pleasure beyond just sex and increasing and expanding examples of pleasure. 40:30 A personal story and insights on true generosity and self-care. Mentioned Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Kristal DeSantis Websites: strong.love Twitter: twitter.com/atxtherapist Instagram: instagram.com/atxtherapist LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristal-desantis 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.