About this Episode

Pelvic floor health is a topic that's often shrouded in mystery and silence, yet it is fundamentally linked to our overall well-being, affecting everything from incontinence to intimacy. Many individuals, particularly those with female bodies, face the challenges of pelvic floor dysfunction post-pregnancy, during menopause, or even as athletes, without realizing that it is common but not normal and certainly not something they have to live with. Ignoring pelvic floor care can lead not only to physical discomfort but also strain in relationships due to issues like pain during intimacy or a lack of awareness surrounding one's own body needs.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of pelvic floor rehabilitation and prevention therapy to uncover the importance of addressing these issues head-on. Through holistic approaches, including exercises, education, and community support, listeners will learn about the often-overlooked muscles that play an important role in our bodily functions and intimate relationships. By shedding light on the resources and techniques available, listeners are encouraged to break the stigma, embrace their journey to healing, and ultimately improve their quality of life and connections with others.

Patricia Siegel is a German native and Sports Scientist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation and prevention therapy. A former semi-professional track athlete, she is now the STRONG Fitness expert columnist regarding pelvic floor health.

04:32 Understanding postpartum health: Pain, support, and recovery.

10:16 Hormone therapy alternatives during menopause.

11:45 Inspiring personal stories of fitness and overcoming challenges.

15:52 The benefits of regular exercise and fitness recommendations.

19:03 The role of breathing techniques in pelvic floor health.

20:27 Athletic performance and pelvic floor strength.

23:54 Navigating postpartum intimacy and emotional health.

29:12 Breaking the silence: Educating women on pelvic health.

32:56 Addressing trauma’s impact on pelvic floor health.

36:37 Communication’s role in postpartum relationships.

38:09 Developing a holistic program for pelvic health.

42:15 Promoting awareness and education on pelvic health issues.

46:52 Practical tips for maintaining pelvic floor health.

Squatty Potty

ERP 125: How Kindness Can Strengthen Your Love

The McKibbin Brothers (YouTube Channel)

ERP 071: How To Use Sexual Energy To Improve Your Health & Relationship – With Sarina Stone

A Beginner’s Guide to Mula Bandha (Root Lock)

ERP 459: How To Support Sexual Desire In Relationship – An Interview with Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus

Evolve in Love (program)

Websites: thefitpelvicfloor.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thefitpelvicfloor

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 it to be discussed, please contact us 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.

About this Episode

One common struggle many face in a relationship is the challenge of getting off the emotional roller coaster. The highs and lows, misunderstandings, and unresolved conflicts can create a cycle of emotional upheaval, leaving partners feeling disconnected and frustrated. But what if we could find a way to smooth the ride and create deeper intimacy? If you've ever felt caught in a whirlwind of emotions in your relationships, you're not alone, and there are ways to navigate this complex terrain.

In this episode, we delve into strategies and insights aimed at helping listeners break free from these patterns. With expert guidance, the discussion illuminates ways couples can enhance their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and conflict resolution abilities. By exploring both the individual and relational aspects of these dynamics, the conversation provides tools for transforming the way partners interact with each other. This episode offers a chance to learn how to nurture a relationship's foundation while navigating life's inevitable challenges, ultimately creating a more harmonious and enduring partnership.

Susan Thau, Ph. D., Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, wife, mother and grandmother treats individuals, couples and families, working intensively with emotional states. Along with Sondra Goldstein, Susan studied in a consultation group with Alan Schore, becoming interested in attachment and affect regulation. Dr Thau began as a parent educator, later Kaiser Permanente, and eventually private practice in Los Angeles where she specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Sondra is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice for many years in Los Angeles. She is a former Clinical Associate Professor, UCLA Department of Psychology. Past study with Allan Shore, PhD, enhances her understanding of neuro-psychobiology in the processing of emotion in couples. Her study of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps in understanding emotional dynamics in couples therapy. Sondra is also a wife of 53 years, a mother, and a grandmother.

03:56 Understanding the framework of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

09:39 Meeting the authors: a journey of professional collaboration.

10:51 The power of vulnerability and emotional connection.

15:36 Coregulation and the impact of presence in therapy.

18:09 Navigating emotional triggers and attachment styles.

21:44 Challenges of vulnerability and the role of the therapist.

25:54 The importance of repair and building resilience.

28:30 Acknowledging individual differences in processing.

31:45 Demystifying therapy: The role of the therapist as a stranger attractor.

34:12 Developing a secure base: The journey of earned security.

39:20 Processing stress: Sensitive emotional and aggressive responses.

41:15 Dealing with differences and building a strong relationship foundation.

46:10 The role of curiosity and connection.

49:16 Resources and guidance for relationship growth.

Living Love That Lasts (Youtube) (video)

The Roller Coaster of Emotion in Couples Therapy (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Evolve in Love (program)

Websites: susanthauphd.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: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com

If you have a topic you would like it to be discussed, please contact us 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 ever find yourself caught in repetitive patterns that hinder the growth and intimacy of your relationships? Whether it’s a recurring conflict, a deep-seated trauma, or simply the inability to stay fully present, many of us struggle to break free from the habits and thoughts that get in the way of true connection. Imagine how transformative it could be to learn the strategies and skills that foster psychological flexibility, enabling you to navigate life's complexities with grace and authenticity.

In this episode, we delve deep into the science and practice of psychological flexibility, exploring how openness, presence, and active engagement can revolutionize not just how we relate to others but how we relate to ourselves. Through expert insights and practical examples, we will uncover the smallest set of principles that do the most good in fostering a meaningful, connected life. So, get ready to learn how to align your actions with your deepest values, respond effectively to life's challenges, and unlock the full potential of your relationships.

Steven C. Hayes is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno. An author of 48 books and over 700 scientific articles, he originated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. His book Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life was the best-selling self-help book in the US, and his TEDx talks and blogs have been seen or read by 4 million people. He is among the 30 most cited psychologists in the world.

04:53 Exploring the origin and philosophy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

16:07 Integrating science and spirituality within ACT.

17:06 Understanding the nature of learning and vulnerability.

21:42 The role of humility in relationships and life.

23:38 Using psychological flexibility to navigate intimacy.

28:55 Embracing a beginner's mind in everyday life.

30:05 Active engagement and personal responsibility in values-driven actions.

36:22 The importance of validation and accountability in relationships.

37:45 Aligning values with actions for intentional living.

41:34 Breaking down the components of psychological flexibility.

45:28 Tuning into life’s demands through psychological flexibility.

48:19 Continuous learning and personal growth: available resources.

Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (*World Health Organization link)

Evolve in Love (link) (program)

Websites: stevenchayes.com

Facebook: facebook.com/drstevenchayes

X: x.com/stevenchayes

YouTube: youtube.com/@StevenCHayes-yo7di

Instagram: instagram.com/drstevenchayes

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/stevenchayes

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.

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

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.

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Relationships can be a beautiful source of joy and growth, but they can also be incredibly challenging. Every person enters into a relationship with their own experiences, beliefs, and patterns of behavior. These can either support or hinder the connection we are trying to build with our partner. To create a healthy and fulfilling relationship, it's crucial to recognize that we have work to do on ourselves. The question is -- what does "your work" within a relationship really mean?

In this episode, we'll explore actionable steps you can take to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your partner, and create a more harmonious and loving relationship.

Madhur-Nain Webster is a licensed marriage and family therapist, specializing in the integration of eastern and western philosophies for mental health for individuals and couples. Her first book, The Stressless Brain (2018), makes a scientific argument for the positive influence meditation has on the psyche; she is currently working on her second book. In addition to releasing over 60 meditation singles, Madhur-Nain maintains international outreach by appearing on podcasts and holding meditation workshops.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:33 The importance of transparency and collaboration in couples therapy: Navigating individual and couples work and addressing behavioral change

11:46 Individual therapy: The importance of doing your own work to benefit your relationships.

17:15 A discussion on adjusting lenses and coping mechanisms towards relationship longevity.

22:26 The importance of self-reflection in relationships.

29:03 The Importance of Continuous Personal Growth and Therapy in Building Healthy Self-Esteem and Self-Worth.

34:29 Cultivating the wise self and soul self.

Soul-Self & the Emotional Facets of Your Personality (workshop)

The Stressless Brain (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: madhurnain.com

Facebook: facebook.com/madhurnainwebster

Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5wvZFb0E0Ybc4oSdlDSn0h

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCOof1-ACJXP9SufPBHbQeQw

Instagram: instagram.com/madhurnain

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 stressed out and overwhelmed? Do you find yourself struggling to manage the demands of everyday life? If so, you're not alone.

Stress is a common experience for many people, and it can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. But what if you could learn how to master your stress and reset your health?

In this episode, we explore how to do just that with Dr. Doni Wilson, a leading expert in stress and health optimization. She shares insights from her book, "Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health," as well as practical tips and strategies for recovering from stress and building resilience.

Dr. Doni Wilson is a Naturopathic Doctor, certified professional midwife, certified nutrition specialist, and bestselling author of Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health. Dr. Doni suffered from migraines, and in the process of solving them, she developed her Stress Recovery Protocol. Dr. Doni brings awareness to the impact of stress and trauma on our health and how it is possible to recover and become resilient to stress.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:50 Naturopathic doctor shares insights on root causes of health issues and the power of addressing stress.

12:08 Understanding cortisol and managing stress: Finding the right herbs for optimal cortisol levels.

17:18 The importance of cortisol: Understanding the benefits of regulating this powerful hormone.

23:00 Navigating the limitations of health insurance and investing in preventive care.

25:18 Identifying and understanding the five common stress types.

29:47 A case study of a couple’s journey to optimum cortisol and adrenaline levels.

35:29 A guide to resetting your health.

40:21 The care approach and the role of relationships in stress recovery.

Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health: The Personalized Program to Calm Anxiety, Boost Energy, and Beat Burnout (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Dr. Doni’s Stress Type Quiz

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: doctordoni.com

Facebook: facebook.com/drdoniwilson

Twitter: twitter.com/glutenfreedoc

YouTube: youtube.com/user/DoniWilsonND

Instagram: instagram.com/drdoniwilson

Pinterest: pinterest.com/DoctorDoni

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ho-humans-heal/id1509561919

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.

Human sexuality is a complex and fascinating topic that has intrigued people for centuries. Sexual desire, in particular, is an essential aspect of our sexuality, yet many people struggle to understand and increase it.

In this episode, we delved into the intricacies of sexual desire, exploring the factors that can impact it and the techniques that can help boost it. From exploring the impact of stress and lifestyle factors to discussing the benefits of mindfulness and communication, we uncovered a wealth of insights that can help individuals enhance their sexual desire and improve their overall sexual experiences. Whether you're struggling with a low sex drive or simply looking to deepen your connection with your partner, the insights shared in this conversation offer valuable guidance for anyone seeking to understand and increase their sexual desire.

Dr. Lori Brotto is a Professor in the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a Registered Psychologist in Vancouver, Canada and the Executive Director of the Women's Health Research Institute of BC. Dr. Brotto holds a Canada Research Chair in Women's Sexual Health. Her book, Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire (2018) is a knowledge translation product aimed at sharing the science of sexual desire with a broad audience, and the accompanying Workbook will be published by Greystone in October 2022.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

7:16 From volunteering with rats to researching female sexual dysfunction: A journey of unexpected discoveries.

12:40 Causes and factors contributing to low desire in women.

18:44 A paradigm shift in cultivating desire for long-term relationships.

24:25 Understanding the impact of low desire on relationships and cultivating arousal.

26:55 Tips for reframing sexual experiences in a more positive light.

33:45 The importance of mindfulness in enhancing sexual response.

The Better Sex Through Mindfulness Workbook: A Guide to Cultivating Desire (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: loribrotto.com | brottolab.com

Twitter: twitter.com/DrLoriBrotto | twitter.com/ubcshr

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.

Significant life changes, such as perimenopause and menopause, can often be overwhelming. These phases can bring insecurities, misunderstandings, and health challenges that strain relationships. The emotional toll of these changes can be especially difficult when open dialogue and sound advice are scarce. So, how can we foster understanding and support within our relationships during these transformative years?

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of how hormonal changes impact both relationships and individual well-being. We explore the crucial role of exchanging masculine and feminine energies, the importance of proactive medical dialogues, and the benefits of clear communication. Using analogies like the Argentine tango, we highlight the need for both flexibility and defined roles in relationships. Practical advice on hormone therapy and maintaining vaginal health provides actionable steps. Additionally, listeners will discover valuable resources and programs designed to celebrate the wisdom and opportunities that come with aging.

By addressing these topics, this episode aims to empower listeners to navigate midlife changes with confidence and resilience.

Dr. Liz Lyster is an OB/GYN medical doctor, best-selling author and speaker, and an expert in perimenopause and menopause. In her private practice in the San Francisco Bay area, she helps women and men in midlife and beyond lose weight, have more energy, increase their motivation and drive, and generally feel great. She graduated from Cornell University, went to medical school at UC Irvine, and got her Masters degree at UCLA in Community Health Education.

03:46 The Importance of education and communication in navigating menopause.

09:47 The balance of masculine and feminine energies in relationships.

14:24 Dr. Lyster emphasizes the need for women to proactively engage in medical discussions, advising preparation, and persistence in addressing sensitive health topics.

18:24 Launching the Miracle of Menopause online community.

22:59 Understanding testosterone’s role in stress and productivity.

35:39 Addressing discomfort during sex with proper estrogen treatment and the importance of openness with partners to enhance intimacy and support.

38:34 How modern environmental stressors and nutrient issues are influencing the onset and experience of menopausal symptoms in women.

41:37 The debate on hormone therapy and bioidentical hormones.

46:09 How hormonal imbalances can affect emotional intimacy and communication within relationships, and the role of different hormones in maintaining well-being.

49:47 Societal perceptions, hormonal symphonies, and aging.

Go For Great!: Dr. Liz's Guide to Thrive at Every Age (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Go For Great (link) (e-book)

Dr. Liz's Easy Guide to Menopause (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Evolve in Love (link) (program)

Websites: https://drlizmd.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DrLizLyster

YouTube: youtube.com/user/thedrlizlyster

Instagram: instagram.com/drlizlyster

LinkedIn: instagram.com/drlizlyster

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 find yourself constantly drawn to partners who are emotionally unavailable or abusive?

If so, it's time to hit the reset button on your attachment system and break free from the cycle of toxic relationships. In this age of self-help and personal growth, there are countless resources available to help you navigate the complex world of relationships. One such resource is Mark Sholes' book, "Reset Your Romantic GPS: The Journey to Self-Discovery and Healthy Relationships."

Through his extensive experience as a therapist and his own personal journey, Sholes offers practical guidance on how to rewire your attachment system and establish healthier patterns in your relationships. So if you're ready to take control of your love life and build fulfilling, sustainable relationships, tune in to this episode to learn more about how to reset your attachment system for a healthy relationship.

Marc is a New York City psychotherapist with 35+ years of experience working with individuals and couples. He is a board member, faculty, and supervisor at the National Institute for Psychotherapies, a leading training institute for psychotherapists.

He is also the author of the popular book Reset Your Romantic GPS: Why You Steer Toward the Wrong Partners and How to Change for the Better.

Marc lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

7:33 Attachment and its impact on relationships.

15:36 The impact of insecure attachment on a child's development and how it affects their adult life.

20:57 The benefits of taking risks and standing up for oneself, even if it may not result in a positive outcome.

23:40 Motivators for change and overcoming hindrances in developing healthy habits and relationships.

29:03 Overcoming fear and loneliness from childhood trauma.

32:07 Overcoming challenges to make healthy choices and improve mental health.

38:00 Understanding the avoidant style in relationships and navigating healthy patterns with "Reset Your Romantic GPS”

Reset Your Romantic GPS: Why You Steer Toward The Wrong Partners, And How To Change Direction For The Better ****(*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: arcsholeslcsw.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.

Being difficult in relationships is a topic that is often misunderstood and shunned as the term "difficult" is usually associated with negativity, but what if it could be a catalyst for growth and development in our relationships? 

In this episode, we'll challenge the common notion that smooth sailing is the ideal in relationships, and instead, explore how speaking up, having honest conversations, and being vulnerable can lead to deeper emotional intimacy and stronger relationships. Join us as we dive into the power of being "difficult" and how it can assist in the growth and development of our relationships.

Tonya Lester is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, private psychotherapist, Psychology Today contributor and author. For over 16 years, Tonya has taught couples and individuals how to manage their minds and emotions, develop relationships that are mutually respectful and supportive and approach decision-making and communication with clarity and courage. She believes in starting where you are, experimenting with new ways of being and focusing all of your attention on what you can do now, as opposed to fixating on what is currently out of reach.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's

In this episode

04:55 Understanding how unspoken resentment impacts long-term relationships.

8:35 What is good about being difficult?

14:13 How to navigate difficult conversations in relationships.

20:18 Tonya encourages co-creation and mindfulness in relationships.

25:34 Communicating effectively in relationships and overcoming gender roles and expectations.

28:57 Honesty, vulnerability, and setting boundaries in relationships.

34:13 Overcoming gendered paradigms in relationships through assertiveness.

39:46 Three key elements to navigating difficult conversations in relationships.

45:40 Finding the middle ground between shame and grandiosity.

51:27 Tonya’s vision for society: Building a world of collaborators.

Are you the Good Kind of Difficult? (*quiz)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: tonyalester.com

TikTok: tiktok.com/@tonyalesterlcsw

Instagram: instagram.com/tonyalesterpsychotherapy

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 definition of masculinity has been undergoing a significant change in recent years, with a growing realization that the traditional model of masculinity has been harmful and limiting for men.

In this episode, we delve into the uncharted territories of masculinity and the challenges men face in today's society. Our guest, Trevor, shares his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way, including his latest project, "Behind the Masks of Men," a three-month program aimed at helping men delve deeper into the topics of anger, relationships, sex, and desire.

Join us as we explore the false initiation of sexuality through porn and the importance of tackling these taboo topics for the betterment of not just men, but society as a whole. 

Traver Boehm is the author of the books Today I Rise and Man UNcivilized. He’s a two time TEDx speaker, men’s coach, and the founder of the UNcivilized Men’s Movement. He’s helped men all over the world to become UNcivilized as they wake up to meditate, train their bodies, and blaze their own path by uniquely blending both the primal and the divine within them.

He is dedicated to doing his part to help end the suffering in men, and the suffering caused by men, by guiding them through their own journey into an actualized version of masculinity.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

2:46 Traver Boehm's personal journey of self-discovery and growth after a series of events in his life that led to a destabilization of his sense of identity and purpose.

12:12 A new paradigm of masculinity proposed amidst epidemic of pain in the male population.

18:23 Breaking down gender stereotypes: The negative impact of narrow masculine emotional expression.

20:17 Understanding masculinity in today's society.

26:08 Exploring the importance of balancing masculine and emotional intelligence in relationships.

32:37 Integrating masculine and feminine: Moving beyond limiting identities.

38:26 The importance of integrity in relationships and life.

41:31 Understanding the pain of "nice guys" and practical solutions.

47:53 The power of embracing the primal and divine within.

53:46 Behind the masks of men: A three-month program to explore emotional and sexual issues.

Behind the Masks of Men

Man UNcivilized (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Today I Rise: How To Overcome The Gut-Wrenching Pain Of Your Breakup Or Divorce & Reclaim Your Life (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: manuncivilized.com

Podcast: The UNcivilized Podcast with Traver Boehm

Instagram: instagram.com/traverboehm/?hl=en

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 relationships, it's not uncommon to experience difficulties and obstacles that can strain even the strongest of bonds. However, with the right tools and approach, it's possible to not only heal from past hurts but also continue to grow and develop as individuals and as a couple.

In this episode, renowned relationship expert Gary De Rodriguez shares his insights and wisdom on how to achieve healing and development while in a relationship. From taking ownership of our thoughts and emotions to speaking with kindness and drawing appropriate boundaries, Gary provides actionable steps and practical advice to help individuals and couples navigate the ups and downs of relationships with ease.

Gary De Rodriguez known as the People Mechanic is an internationally acclaimed expert in the science of human excellence with over a 35-year career in designing and integrating influential models of psychology-based systems of success in leadership, human behavior, relationships, communication, team dynamics.

He is the CEO of Peopleistic LLC USA, Associate Professor at the Business Education Institute, Master Trainer in Humanistic Neuro-Linguistic Psychology, a licensed Executive Coach, and Published Author on the topic of Humanistic Business.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:17 An overview of Gary de Rodriguez's 35-year career in human excellence.

14:28 The importance of relationships and the role they play in personal growth and evolution.

20:24 Exploring the concept of psychological safety and its impact on relationships and team dynamics

24:44 The importance of understanding the impact of our emotions and behavior on the culture and energy in our home and environment.

30:03 The importance of boundaries and relationships in personal evolution and growth.

34:37 Key to improved relationships and overcoming trauma.

40:28 Understanding the impact of past traumas and the urgency to develop mental and emotional skills to live a fulfilling life.

46:07 The realization that made Gary break away from his addiction and start a journey of self-improvement.

51:59 The one thing that creates psychological safety is our ability to manage our own minds.

Creating Incredible Relationships (*Gary’s course)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: peopleistic.com

Facebook: facebook.com/peopleistic

Twitter: twitter.com/garyderodriguez

YouTube: youtube.com/user/peopleistic

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garyderodriguez

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 constantly checking your phone while spending time with your partner? Do you find yourself spending more time on social media than connecting with your significant other? 

Technology has drastically changed the way we interact and communicate in our relationships. From social media to dating apps, technology has greatly impacted the way we form and maintain intimacy in our relationships. But what exactly are the effects of technology on intimacy?

In this episode, we will dive into the research and explore the positive and negative impacts of technology on intimacy in relationships, from how it can enhance connection and communication to how it can lead to feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction.

Join us as we uncover the truth about how technology is shaping the way we connect with our loved ones.

Tim Johnson is the founder and CEO of Couply, which is an app for couples. Couply has helped over 250,000 people build better relationships.

Prior to that, he was with Wattpad, which was an app that helped writers share their books, which grew to 100 million monthly users and was acquired by Naver for 660 million.

Tim also spent 10x years in the Red Cross, in various programs from, helping reunite families separated by war and conflict, to supporting bullying prevention in youth.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:16 An app that helps people navigate and sustain healthy relationships inspired by his personal experience and heartache.

12:49 How technology is impacting the relationship space: Insights from a study of 1500 couples.

21:07 Social media algorithms and their psychological impact, including the infinite scroll feature and how it can lead to people becoming distracted and spending more time on their phones than intended.

26:05 The conversation of trust and boundaries in the digital age. 

35:44 The pressure of presenting a perfect relationship on social media and its negative effects on mental health.

41:52 How technology can be helpful for relationships and self-discovery: the importance of discussing both the positive and negative aspects.

44:30 Virtual reality and long-distance relationships.

51:03 The power of the enneagram app.

57:30 Tim explains how the Kupple app gamifies the relationship-building process and makes it more convenient for couples to connect.

EEP 255: How to Deal with Problems Related to Social Media in Relationship – An Interview with Dr. Marisa T. Cohen

Sharing Resources (*Google form)

Websites: couply.io

Instagram: instagram.com/tigertimj/?hl=en | instagram.com/couplyapp/?hl=en

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.

Sexual intimacy is a vital component of any healthy relationship, but for many couples, it can be a challenge to maintain. Whether it's due to changes in your body, stress, or other obstacles, it can be difficult to keep the passion alive. However, there is hope. With a little bit of self-awareness and some open communication with your partner, you can reignite the spark and nurture sexual intimacy in your relationship.

In this episode, we'll explore some tips and strategies for overcoming obstacles and reigniting the passion in your relationship. So, if you're ready to take your intimacy to the next level, listen to this episode to learn more.

Dr. Liz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Relationship Coach with over 35 years and 75,000+ hours of expertise working with women and couples to reignite relationships so they can prevent divorce, infidelity, and dissatisfaction and navigate huge life transitions.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

4:09 Nurturing intimacy and passion: The importance of "redos" in order to address mistakes in relationships and improve communication and connection.

10:52 Myths and realities of sexual intimacy in long-term relationships: How life stages and circumstances impact couples.

20:19 Navigating life stages and overcoming challenges to maintain intimacy in relationships.

26:07 The challenges and opportunities in building and maintaining a sexual connection.

31:41 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Relaxation.

36:16 The importance of self-care, mindfulness, and communication in the bedroom.

42:05 Misperceptions and fears in sexual intimacy: How to address and communicate to maintain passion and connection.

47:29 The unconscious strategies to avoid intimacy.

Free Connection Call with Dr. Liz (*Calendly)

Weekend Reconnect Coaching Program

FREE Gift Couple's Connection Checklist

Sharing Resources (*Google form)

Websites: drlizjenkins.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DrLizJenkins

Instagram: instagram.com/dr_liz_jenkins

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 tired of feeling unheard and unseen in your relationships? Do you struggle with finding a shared reality with your partner? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle to navigate the complexities of human interaction and connection. But the good news is, with the right tools and mindset, you can improve your relationships and create a deeper sense of connection and understanding with those around you.

In this episode, Dr. Heather Browne shares some actionable steps and practical advice for creating a shared reality in your relationship and improving communication and connection with your loved ones. From identifying and expressing your needs to holding boundaries and creating space for growth and healing, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies for building stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

As a relationship expert, Dr. Heather Browne has worked with thousands of individuals and couples in psychotherapy. She is published in hundreds of journals, has an active YouTube channel, has been featured on ABC-7 news, was the relationship expert on KDOC Daybreak OC, and is published in Inc., The Toronto Sun, Thriving Family Magazine, Light + Life, and Psychology Today. She is a regular guest blogger for both Links for Shrinks and for Marriage Friendly Therapists.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

7:36 Dr. Browne's personal experience that inspired her to help couples.

11:33 Relationship: A place for growth and learning.

19:18 Ownership of ourselves and how we choose to perceive things.

24:25 Navigating difficult conversations in relationships.

31:23 Navigating differences and maintaining connection: The art of empathy and holding multiple truths.

34:21 The importance of curiosity in a healthy relationship.

39:26 Navigating the balance of self-care and caring for others.

44:29 The process of growth and transformation in relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication, curiosity, and compassion.

53:00 Where to find a variety of resources and learn more about her and her work.

Sharing Resources (*Google form)

Websites: drheatherbrowne.com

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063801931581

TikTok: tiktok.com/t/ZTd7b3xEh

Instagram: instagram.com/dr.heatherbrowne

YouTube: youtu.be/ulYsgmXJmdc

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drheatherbrowne

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.

Our personal history can shape the way we perceive and react to the behavior of others and the types of relationships we form. If we have experienced neglect or abuse in the past, it may be more difficult for us to trust others and form close relationships. We may also be more prone to anxiety or depression. On the other hand, if we had a supportive and nurturing upbringing, we may be more confident and able to form healthy, positive relationships.

In this episode, Ana Gabriel Mann discusses the use of neurofeedback as a treatment for trauma and other issues such as PTSD, brain injury, and processing disorders. They describe the process of neurofeedback and how it can be used to specifically target and address specific areas of the brain that may be over or understimulated. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care and the role it plays in healing and personal growth.

Ana Gabriel Mann earned her Master’s degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, and corporate trainer. She currently coaches Go-Giver Marriage clients and leads the Go-Giver Marriage Coaches Training Program.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:45 Exploring the use of authentic movement in processing and healing trauma.

11:57 The importance of boundaries in therapy, particularly in couples therapy. 

22:47 Understanding and managing flooding and multigenerational PTSD with EEG neurofeedback therapy. 

29:03  The Benefits of Neurofeedback Therapy for Managing Trauma and Overaroused Nervous Systems.

37:12 Neurofeedback for trauma, brain injury, and processing disorders: How EEG therapy can help regulate brain function and promote healing.

48:46 The importance of prioritizing self-care in trauma healing and personal growth.

51:42 How they’re helping individuals and couples.

The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About the Five Secrets to Lasting Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Sharing Resources (*Google form)

ERP 270: How to Resolve Relational Trauma in the Body through Dance & Movement – An Interview with Orit Krug

Websites: gogivermarriage.com

Facebook: facebook.com/anagabrielmann

Twitter: twitter.com/AnaGabrielMann

Instagram: instagram.com/AnaGabrielMann

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.

Death is a natural and inevitable part of life. It is a reminder of our own mortality and the impermanence of things. While it can be a difficult and painful experience, it is believed that consciousness about death brings people closer to each other.

In this episode, Dr. Jordana Jacobs talks about the importance of mortality awareness and how denial of this fundamental human experience can lead to greater suffering and isolation. This awareness can also inspire us to prioritize our relationships, make the most of the time we have together, and find a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Dr. Jordana Jacobs is a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City. Her approach is integrative, combining psychodynamic and existential therapy in her treatment of patients. Dr. Jacobs’ training at Memorial Sloan Kettering working with terminally ill cancer patients, her studies in Northern India, and her Vipassana meditation practice inspired her work exploring the complex relationship between death and love.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

10:31 Dr. Jacobs' unwavering faith in the power of love and connection to bring meaning and resilience in the face of trauma and loss.

14:09 Exploring the complex interplay between love and death in long-term relationships.

16:56 How the power of mortality awareness can deepen love and meaning in life.

25:56 How denying or avoiding this fundamental human experience can lead to greater suffering and isolation.

35:27 How surrendering to difficult emotions and experiences can help us move forward.

37:33 Actionable steps you can take to gently bring mortality into awareness.

Ram Dass Fierce Grace (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Love & Death Meditation (*Youtube video)

Love & Letting Go Meditation (*Youtube video)

WeCroak

Sharing Resources (*Google form)

Websites: drjordanajacobs.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drjordanajacobs/?hl=en

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 find yourself constantly overreacting to your partner’s words and actions, or do you often overthink simple things and always assume the worst?

Everyone faces challenges and struggles in life, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain at times, but it's important to remember that there are ways to reduce overthinking so you can be your best self and enjoy life.

In this episode, Alicia Munoz discusses the five rumination cycles that destroy relationships and four simple ways to break these cycles.

Alicia Muñoz, LPC, is a certified couples therapist, and author of four books, most recently "Stop Overthinking Your Relationship: Break the Cycle of Anxious Rumination to Nourish Love, Trust, and Connection With Your Partner" (New Harbinger Publications, 2022). Muñoz currently works as a Senior Writer at Psychotherapy Networker and as a couples therapist in private practice.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

3:17 How overthinking obstructs connection and relationships.

13:56 What rumination in relationships looks like.

18:08 The five rumination cycles.

27:41 How attachment styles influence rumination.

31:16 Four simple ways to reduce the amount of overthinking.

41:22 The significance of having direct contact with oneself.

47:25 How to break the cycle of anxious rumination in your relationship.

Stop Overthinking Your Relationship: Break the Cycle of Anxious Rumination to Nurture Love, Trust, and Connection with Your Partner (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The 7 Hidden Relationship-Wreckers (free mini course)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: aliciamunoz.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aliciamunozlpc

Twitter: twitter.com/aliciamunozlpc

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aliciamunozlpc

Instagram: instagram.com/aliciamunozcouples

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 disconnected in your relationship, particularly in the realm of sexual desire? Many couples struggle with mismatches in sexual needs and desire levels, leading to feelings of frustration, guilt, and even rejection. This disconnection can strain relationships, making intimacy seem like an elusive goal instead of a fulfilling part of life. But what if there were ways to bridge that gap and reignite the flame, regardless of societal pressures and personal insecurities?

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of sexual desire within relationships. We explore the psychological, physiological, and emotional factors contributing to low desire and how cultural expectations shape our intimate lives. We offer practical advice on communicating about sexual mismatches, utilizing mindfulness to enhance connection and the importance of understanding different desire patterns. Whether you're dealing with the impacts of medication, past trauma, or shifting dynamics over time, this conversation provides insights and tools to create a more passionate and connected relationship.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D. is a Sexologist, Sociologist, Relationship Coach, Author, and International Speaker. A radical force for self-expression, Dr. Jenn has spent the last 20+ years tearing down social stigmas and shame around sexual expression. A celebrated author, Dr. Jenn is the writer of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women, a self-help guide designed to liberate women and help them reclaim passion and pleasure both in and out of the bedroom.

05:59 Exploring the complexities of low sexual desire.

14:11 Mismatched desires: Cultivating intention and understanding.

21:12 Mindfulness and sexual desire: Enhancing presence in intimacy.

24:17 Navigating body image concerns and their impact on desire.

27:21 Challenging outdated sexual norms for greater fulfillment.

31:23 The power of flexibility and creativity in sexual experiences.

35:48 Sustaining Long-term relationships through adaptation.

37:38 Using erotic stories and technology to enhance arousal.

41:44 Embracing new erotic concepts and understanding desires.

46:16 Prioritizing communication and vulnerability in relationships.

51:06 The crucial role of mindfulness and dialogue in sexual health.

15 Best Audio Erotica Apps and Spicy Stories for Pleasure (link)

From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Podcast - Sex Talk with Clint & the Doc

Female sexual shame hurts us all | Jennifer Gunsaullus | TEDxPhoenixville (*YouTube link) (video)

ERP 334: How to Practice Mindful Intimacy — An Interview With Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus

ERP 362: Understanding & Increasing Sexual Desire — An Interview with Dr. Lori Brotto

ERP 444: A Major Block To Sexual Desire and Sexual Intimacy In Long-Term Relationship — An Interview With Irene Fehr

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

ERP 211: How To Get Rid of Shame to Increase Pleasure In The Bedroom – an Interview with Ian Ferguson

Evolve in Love (link) (program)

Websites: drjennsden.com

Facebook: facebook.com/jennifer.gunsaullus

X: x.com/DrJennsDen

YouTube: youtube.com/user/drjennsden

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjennsden

Pinterest: pinterest.com/drjennsden

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.

Although emotional intelligence is important in developing positive relationships, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Some of the factors that contribute to long-lasting relationships are establishing rapport, developing trust, and embracing inclusivity or diversity.

In this episode, Dr. Adam C. Bandelli talks about his research on the pros and cons of emotional intelligence and how this can make or break your relationships. He then introduces the concept of relational intelligence, going through each of its five essential skills. 

Relational intelligence, sometimes referred to as social intelligence, is the capacity to perceive, understand, and navigate emotions in oneself and others, and to use this awareness to effectively communicate and interact with others.

Dr. Bandelli, emphasizes that by developing your relational intelligence, you can improve your communication skills, build strong relationships, and effectively navigate social situations.

Founder and Managing Director of Bandelli & Associates, Dr. Adam C. Bandelli is an organizational psychologist and seasoned leadership advisor with over twenty years of corporate consulting experience. In his latest book, "Relational Intelligence," he details the five essential skills he has found to create life-changing relationships. Adam received his Ph.D. and master’s degree from the University of South Florida and now runs Bandelli & Associates, where he and his consultants help their clients unleash their true leadership potential.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

7:14 Guest introduction: An athlete turned psychologist/leadership advisor.

10:12 Emotional intelligence plays a role in creating strong relationships.

12:30 Define relational intelligence and the five essential skills for developing life-changing relationships.

12:50 Building rapport: The ability to use energy to make a positive first impression on others.

18:04 Investing in deepening relationships through time and effort.

22:07 Celebrating diversity and inclusion.

19:08 Understanding and connecting with others.

40:56 Information on how listeners can access resources to support them in improving their communication and negotiating skills in relationships.

Relational Intelligence; The Five Essential Skills You Need to Build Life-Changing

Relationships (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Facilitating Communication and Effective Interpersonal Relationships at Work: A Theoretical Model of Socio-Affective Competence (dissertation)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

ERP 336: Strengthen Your Relationship with 5 Daily Practices — An Interview with John David & Ana Gabriel Mann

Websites: bandelliandassociates.com

Twitter: twitter.com/abandelli

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCDhhamF26lfFqe8UAsEFv4g/featured

Instagram: instagram.com/adambandelli

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adambandelli

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.

Have you ever felt like you were trying to fit into someone else’s shoes? Maybe you've wanted to do something that you know will make you happy but have been holding back out of concern for what people will think of you.

Well, you are not alone. Many people around the world are afraid to be who they truly are because they are scared of being rejected and abandoned. As a result, they hide and carry on living lives that are dictated by society, family, or friends.

But how would you like to live your life if there were no rules or judgment?

In this episode, Keely and Dani, the founders of Coming Out Happy, talk about their journey from their early struggles with sexuality and confidence to living the most authentic lives that they want to share with the world. They discuss overcoming insecurities and fears, self-love, and creating a safe space for queer adults so that they can grow closer as a community.

Dani and Keely created the world's leading holistic mental wellness platform for queer adults. They help you achieve better relationship skills, healthier habits, and greater well-being. Instantly, you will find mind-body wellness tools, courses, and intentionally-designed exercises to help one increase their peace, happiness, and balance in life as a queer adult.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:39 Dani’s inspiration for supporting the LGBTQ+ community: struggles with sexuality and confidence.

7:37 How Keely's inability to express herself negatively affected her relationships.

8:21 Dani’s decision to quit her corporate job and start a membership for the LGBTQ+ community.

14:00 How the inner work of self-care and self-love can help you move into the world in a way that feels more true to you.

17:21 Making a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community?

31:03 How to work with insecurity and fears that will emerge in relationships

36:05 The importance of community and community-building.

45:49 How they resolve conflicts or when either feels triggered.

Pride Amplified Program

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

ERP 349: Navigating Cultural Differences in Relationship — An Interview with Dr. Kathrine Bejanyan

Website: comingouthappy.com

TikTok: tiktok.com/@comingouthappyteam?lang=en

Facebook: facebook.com/comingouthappy

YouTube: youtube.com/c/ComingOutHappy

Instagram: instagram.com/comingouthappy

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.

Childhood, environment, culture, religion, and background all have an impact on who we become and how we perceive ourselves. These factors also influence how we present ourselves in relationships.

Most relationships start out with the lovely phase of courting and falling in love. Up until differences arise, everything seems to be perfect. These differences can be significant life choices like having children, purchasing a home, moving to a different country or city, or even something as basic as eating habits. Dealing with cross-cultural differences makes this even more challenging.

Dr. Kathrine Bejanyan discusses the typical issues that couples from various cultures encounter. She acknowledges that some sacrifices are necessary for the relationships to work, but she also expresses caution, saying that some sacrifices are not worthwhile.

In this episode, she discusses how to resolve disagreements with your partner or get yourself ready for a successful relationship with someone from a different background.

Dr. Kathrine Bejanyan is a practicing therapist specializing in the areas of dating, relationships, and cross-cultural topics. Her practice focuses on working with individuals and couples on love, dating, and relationship issues, with an emphasis on building deeper intimacy, connection, and authenticity in their love lives. Outside of her private practice, Kathrine is a speaker, consultant, and lecturer in psychology. She holds a Ph.D. in social psychology and a Master's in counseling psychology.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:31 Dr. Kathrine Bejanyan’s keen interest in understanding cultural dynamics.

11:34 How overcoming struggles fosters relationships and individual growth.

13:50 Defining the problem before solving it.

17:38 Typical issues that cross-cultural couples face.

20:04 The importance of curiosity in a healthy relationship.

26:33 How to handle cultural differences in relationships.

36:29 Cultural identity is dynamic rather than static.

48:42 How to connect with Kathrine.

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: kathrinebejanyan.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-kathrine-bejanyan

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 separate self is a lie.

Contrary to modern culture’s idea of the solo self or individualism, which emphasizes the need to look out for and take care of oneself above all else, indigenous people believe that everything is interconnected. There has always been a connection between us and the rest of the world.

Although it originated in Western culture, individualism is a global phenomenon that prevents us from living in greater balance and harmony.

In today's society, self-reliance is highly stressed and valued, which gives the impression that we are on our own and leaves a lot of people experiencing feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and desperation.

In this episode, Dr. Dan Siegel aims to shift that mindset into a more relational approach. He places a strong emphasis on how crucial it is to understand how connected we all are. He believes that by understanding and embracing this ancient message, we can find solutions to more significant problems like public health and planetary health, in addition to our relationships with other people. Let’s dive in.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:38 The inspiration of the book: the deep desire to let go of the idea of the "solo self" and discover how to lead a more balanced, harmonious life.

17:33 The flimsy fantasy of certainty.

20:59 How our culture encourages us to see ourselves as separate, independent beings.

28:34 How the word “me” can be a limiting word and the origin of the word "MWe."

36:08 The ineffective use of the word "self" in the field of mental health.

41:54 The solo self is a lie: a broader understanding of who we are and the realities of our entangled lives.

48:41 How the idea of intraconnectedness, or MWe, can change romantic relationships.

IntraConnected: MWe (Me + We) as the Integration of Self, Identity, and Belonging (book)

Wheel of Awareness by Dr. Dan Siegel

Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence--The Groundbreaking Meditation Practice (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Noosphere by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (*Wikipedia)

ERP 216: What to Know about Loneliness and Relationship

ERP 219: The Human Need for Belonging

ERP 215: How to Deal With Being “Alone Together”

ERP 208: How to Find Balance and Direction

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: DrDanSiegel.com | mindsightinstitute.com

Facebook: facebook.com/drdansiegel

Twitter: twitter.com/DrDanSiegel

YouTube: youtube.com/user/mindsightinstitute

Instagram: instagram.com/drdansiegel

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 find yourself easily triggered by your partner’s actions or tone? Perhaps he or she really did something offensive, or maybe that’s just how you perceived it. Sometimes, you don’t even understand why you’re upset.

As you've probably heard a lot of times, relationships aren't always glitz and glamour. It's more of an attraction that, once you've established safety and gone a little deeper, differences begin to surface. At this point, many would presume that their love for their partner has waned or that they made the wrong decision.

Although discomfort in intimate relationships just flies in your face, these relationships also serve a deeper purpose: emotional healing and spiritual development. You learn so much more about yourself in a relationship than you could on your own.

In this episode, Dr. Susan Campbell discusses triggers, including how they manifest, the reasons behind our emotions, and—most importantly—the five steps to trigger mastery that she outlined in her most recent book.

Susan is a best-selling author of 12 books and is the creator and publisher of three entertaining and educational card games for couples, families, work teams, and singles. Susan’s work with couples has been featured on national television, including CNN’s News Night, Good Morning America, and The Dr. Dean Edel Show, and she has been widely published in popular magazines. In 2003–2004, she was the couple therapist on the reality TV show, Truth in Love, which aired on UPN, an ABC affiliate network.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

 5:23 The couple’s journey and how it can be an opportunity for healing.

12:04 How to work with triggers in a way that is inviting.

13:05 Getting more comfortable with emotional discomfort.

33:23 How to deal with triggers that will inevitably arise in a relationship: co-triggering vs. co-regulation.

41:48 Dr. Campbell's five-step trigger mastery: from triggered to tranquil.

46:30 Why is it in your best interest to make your partner feel secure?

49:18 Your inner good mother archetype.

From Triggered to Tranquil: How Self-Compassion and Mindful Presence Can Transform Relationship Conflicts and Heal Childhood Wounds (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Five-Minute Relationship Repair: Quickly Heal Upsets, Deepen Intimacy, and Use Differences to Strengthen Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Getting Real: Ten Truth Skills You Need to Live an Authentic Life (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Couple's Journey: Intimacy As a Path to Wholeness (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 305: The Surprising & Powerful Benefits of Learning to Tolerate Discomfort — An Interview with Dr. Anna Lembke

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: susancampbell.com

Facebook: facebook.com/drsusan99

Twitter: twitter.com/drsusan99

YouTube: youtube.com/user/drsusan95472?themeRefresh=1

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.

Most modern people are unaware of the extent to which the human nervous system is dissociated because there are so many forces—technology, social media, politics, and a whole host of other things—vying for our attention.

In this episode, Gabriel Kram talks about how these dissociative tendencies are becoming more prevalent in modern culture and how authority has robbed us of our sacred connection to the earth. Gabriel emphasizes the value of real human connection to one's overall well-being and shares their unconventional strategy to reestablish this connection.

Natureza Gabriel is a connection phenomenologist. For 25 years, he has studied connection and what gets in its way. He attended Yale and Stanford universities but has been shaped more by sitting in teepees and circles than in classrooms. He has been blessed with many remarkable mentors. He is the founder and CEO of Hearth Science, Inc., convener of the Restorative Practices Alliance, and co-founder of the Academy of Applied Social Medicine.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:55 Gabriel's personal healing journey that inspired him to specialize in connection phenomenology.

11:29 Gabriel defines relatedness.

15:29 Differences between how indigenous people and Western culture conceptualize intelligence.

21:21 How dissociative tendencies are being normalized in modern society.

23:46 How our relatedness to the earth has been obliterated from our language.

39:45 How interoception can improve general wellbeing.

46:40 Gabriel defines social engagement physiology as a physical system.

54:06 A diagnostic and intervention system they’ve built to strengthen access to the hearts, intuition, and relatedness.

Restorative Practices of Wellbeing (Connection Phenomenology) (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Polyvagal Theory

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: restorativepractices.com | hearthscience.io | aasm.io

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 response to criticism or complaints, people frequently resort to becoming defensive as a coping strategy. It’s natural for people to defend themselves when they feel harmed or unfairly attacked. While defensiveness is designed to keep us out of danger, it is also one of the major relationship busters.

Women commonly complain about their partner's defensiveness and how they feel disconnected. On the other hand, men are perplexed. They have no idea what to do when their partner is upset. And when the nervous system detects a threat, the mind springs into action with a variety of escape strategies or ways to ease the discomfort of anxiety. The mind then intervenes with stories, projections, and defenses.

Couples will never truly connect if one partner is in an emotional space and the other responds with information to try to talk him or her out of being upset.

In this episode, GS Youngblood introduces embodiment. He differentiates it from the type of meditation that most people are familiar with—noticing your thoughts and then deciding to let them go. He describes how concentrating on specific bodily sensations can help to control the nervous system. He also stresses the significant impact that this kind of awareness can have on how you show up in your relationships.

GS coaches men in relationships on how to live, love, and lead from their masculine core. He is the author of the acclaimed books The Masculine in Relationship and The Art of Embodiment for Men, both of which are written to help men build more masculine capacity. His work in this domain of masculine leadership pulls in principles from a variety of fields: psychology, spirituality, martial arts, tango, meditation, and BDSM.

Although GS primarily coaches men in relationships, women would equally benefit from practicing being embodied, too.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:03 Embodiment vs. meditation: focusing on specific bodily sensations rather than your thoughts.

8:51 Benefits of embodiment in terms of intimate relationships: consciously choosing how one will respond or react.

21:15 How he helps people have more of this embodiment.

41:24 How is being physical different from being embodied?

45:42 Examples of how people can confront their tendencies to escape in this more embodied way.

53:10 Sexual leadership: how to bring some leadership to the bedroom so that your partner can, if she chooses, can surrender to your lead.

56:28 Discover more information about GS and his work, including his website, books, workshops, and social media handles.

The Art of Embodiment for Men (Affiliate link to GS's course)

The Art of Embodiment for Men: Using the ANI Framework and Daily Practices to Tame Anxiety, Heal Trauma, and Conquer Your Nice Guy Tendencies (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Masculine in Relationship: A Blueprint for Inspiring the Trust, Lust, and Devotion of a Strong Woman (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 263: How to Develop Three Key Qualities of Your Positive Masculine Leadership — An Interview with GS Youngblood

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: gsyoungblood.com

Facebook: facebook.com/gsyoungblood1/groups

Instagram: instagram.com/gsyoungbloodmir/?hl=en

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.

Have you ever been in a situation where you just can’t find the words to express how you are feeling, and then all of a sudden you come across a word that perfectly captures how you feel? Isn't it empowering to finally have a name for that feeling or experience so you can share it with others?

Language is an incredibly effective tool for communication and expression. It not only helps you understand who you are, but it also alters the way you see the world. There are simply not enough words to adequately describe the various kinds of emotions and relationships that people are capable of experiencing, which is why communities, such as the LGBTQ and polyamory, are developing new vocabulary.

In this episode, Dr. Georgi Gardiner discusses some new vocabulary words that she covers in her essay, We Forge the Conditions of Love, in an effort to raise awareness. In the aforementioned essay, the author discusses how people's conceptions of love impact their romantic relationships and offers suggestions for how to direct and mold them.

Dr. Georgi Gardiner is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and a fellow of the American Council for Learned Societies (ACLS). She previously held the Andrew Fraser Junior Research Fellowship at St. John’s College, Oxford University. Georgi received her doctorate from Rutgers University and Undergraduate and Masters degrees from Edinburgh University. Her research interests include the philosophy of love, sexuality, and sex work. She also researches beliefs about trauma and rape.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:22 What is linguistic luck and how can it affect your romantic relationship?

8:17 Love has a very permissive flexibility of meaning. 

13:27 An example of social forging: holiday romance or a summer fling.

18:51 How can trying on various interpretive frames of oneself be an empowering cognitive skill? 

23:15 How to switch between being disempowered and being empowered.

27:12 What influences societal constructs, and how are communities broadening the vocabulary they use to describe their relationships?

30:42 What is limerence, and how might it influence how people perceive love and romantic relationships?

34:22 Are you really experiencing falling in love or is it just limerence? 

44:21 How can people utilize this knowledge more in their daily lives? 

47:42 Find out more about Dr. Georgi Gardiner and her work.

We Forge the Conditions of Love (essay)

Living with Limerence (book)

ERP 286: How to Know if You Experience Limerence & What to Do About It – An Interview With Dr. L

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Website: georgigardiner.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.

Marriage is one of the most significant decisions one has to make. It is designed to foster a partnership, a lifelong commitment, and a sense of shared success and happiness between two people. Nobody enters into a marriage expecting it to end in divorce, but as couples spend more time together and get to know one another better, conflicts may arise, responsibilities and priorities may change, and if couples can't work it out, it may result in divorce.

There are marriage and couple's therapists who can assist couples in working through conflicts, but if the relationship is beyond saving, you might want to speak with a divorce lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.

Have you heard of a divorce attorney that helps couples stay in their marriage? That sounds ironic.

While most divorce lawyers focus on getting the best settlement offer their clients can get, even if that means adding fuel to the fire, David Erdman approaches his cases differently.

David has been happily married for 38 years and has practiced divorce law for over 40 years. He is a graduate of Duke University and the Georgetown University Law Center. David is an advocate and ally for clients who are working to save their marriages with a focus on children. He is also a veteran of over 5,000 marriage-related legal consultations, which inspired him to write the book, The Ten Commandments of Marriage: Secrets of a Divorce Lawyer. 

In this episode, David discusses his unique approach to handling divorce cases. We'll discover how he is shifting the emphasis from the impending separation to making your marriage the way you want it to be by asking the right questions. Furthermore, he outlines what is in his book while focusing on the most important rules and delivering some insightful advice.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

4:54 David's motivation for writing The Ten Commandments of Marriage: A compilation of what he discovered from more than 5000 other marriages over the course of 40 years.

13:28 Asking clients probing questions to help them prepare for negotiations.

19:12 What is unforgivable?

25:29 Thou shalt learn to resolve differences.

28:34 What happens in a relationship when there is equality.

35:35 Top reasons for divorce: the percentage of women who are more likely to initiate divorce.

38:36 How to make sex satisfying for both you and your partner.

42:49 Spouses’ superpowers that you should not neglect.

44:47 Thou shall NOT allow children to obstruct your marriage

49:04 Golden nuggets of advice

The Ten Commandments of Marriage: Secrets of a Divorce Lawyer (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Website: tencommandmentsofmarriage.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.

Relationships are the best mirror for our deepest fears and emotions. Although you may have been able to suppress these feelings as an adult, getting into a committed relationship can bring them to the surface.

Can love transform our nervous system and mend these wounds? The short answer is yes.

In this episode, Jessica Baum discusses core wounds and the emotional charge associated with that narrative. She also discusses co-regulation and interdependency and how they can be used to better understand your own and your partner's behavior.

Jessica Baum, LMHC, is the founder of the Relationship Institute of Palm Beach, providing couples therapy, family counseling, and addiction therapy in South Florida for over 10 years. She has helped thousands of clients with her unique approach to healing, the Self-full® Method. Through her sister company, Be Self-full (beselffull.com), Jessica offers transformational courses and online coaching services that support individuals and couples to form healthy, long-term relationships.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:36 Breaking the anxious-avoidant dance in relationships: How Jessica's fascination with energy and system issues evolved.

8:01 Understanding Core Wounds: The underlying story and the energetic charge associated with it.

13:47 Understanding how your nervous system affects your relationships.

20:24 Patterns and themes: Distinguishing what is happening in the relationship from possible feelings you may have had before you met that partner.

24:50 How the nervous system responds to cues of stress and how co-regulation helps create a calm environment.

35:55 How to go from being anxious or avoidant to feeling secure.

48:12 Connect with Dr. Baum and learn more about her work.

Anxiously Attached: Becoming More Secure in Life and Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: beselffull.com/anxiouslyattached

Facebook: facebook.com/beselffull

Instagram: instagram.com/jessicabaumlmhc

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.

Breakups—few life events are as universally painful and disorienting. They can make even the strongest among us feel powerless, consumed by obsessive thoughts and emotions. When relationships feel addictive, their end can trigger a withdrawal-like experience, leaving us caught in a whirlwind of grief and longing. But how do we distinguish between healthy attachments and these addictive patterns? How can we navigate the heartache while reclaiming our sense of self and stability?

In this episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of love addiction and breakups, offering listeners tangible strategies to handle these challenges. Through enlightening conversations, we discuss how to recognize and manage obsessive post-breakup thoughts, differentiate between healthy and addictive relationship tendencies, and understand the underlying psychological mechanisms at play. By equipping listeners with cognitive and behavioral tools, the episode aims to provide a roadmap for moving forward, emphasizing personal growth and self-awareness as key components of healing.

Cortney is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2006 after completing her internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Cortney is an expert in eating pathology, addictions, self-deception, and cultural diversity in Psychology.

07:52 Identifying love addiction symptoms and who it affects.

10:50 The process of breaking free from addictive relationships.

14:40 Differentiating between healthy attachment and love addiction.

17:21 The reality of relationship phases and their emotional impact.

20:28 How breakups can trigger obsessive focus on ex-partners.

24:52 Recognizing love addiction in high-functioning individuals.

28:37 How early childhood influences love addiction patterns.

33:07 Dr. Warren’s personal journey toward relationship health.

35:26 How therapy and self-awareness help overcome relationship dysfunctions.

40:45 The concept of love as a necessary human experience.

43:57 Strategies for managing emotional distress post-breakup.

47:09 The role of cognitive-behavioral interventions in handling breakup symptoms.

Letting Go of Your Ex (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

TEDx Talk Honest Liars: The Psychology of Self-Deception (*Youtube) (video)

Evolve in Love (*Dr. Jessica Higgins program) (link)

Websites: drcortney.com/dr-cortney-warren

Facebook: facebook.com/CortneySWarren

X: x.com/DrCortneyWarren

YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQGXD7Ms5oR3GzsPZl3Tjl_9qj71MezHj

Instagram: instagram.com/drcortneywarren/?hl=en

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcortney

TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcortneywarren?lang=en

Google Scholar: scholar.google.com/citations?user=Ka7bam4AAAAJ&hl=en

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 become what you consistently tell yourself, whether it is positive or negative, according to the adage "You are who you say you are." This tells us that the thoughts that you feed your mind matter because, unwittingly, they serve as the road map for both your interpersonal relationships and your individual self.

You can't really rewrite the past, but having the awareness of how it can impact your life, you give yourself the power to write a new story, a new beginning. 

In this episode, Dr. Skerrett explains the concept of couples' resilience and the advantages it has for relationships and elaborates on how couples can develop and nurture their resilience.

Karen Skerrett, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and registered nurse with over 40 years of experience as a clinician, academic, and author who specializes in strength-based approaches to healing and change across the lifecycle. She is the author of Growing Married, co-author of Positive Couple Therapy, co-editor of Couple Resilience, and author of the memoir Tell Me Again How I Know You?

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:06 Karen’s transition from nursing to psychology: Targeting towards and focusing on couple's resilience.

11:14 What is couples’ resilience and what makes it a source of positive energy for couple life?

13:24 The importance of the stories we tell our narrative.

18:59 The distinction between a story and a "we-story".

25:31 The seven elements of we-ness.

34:50 Transforming individualistic cultures and behavior into an empowering story.

41:39 Karen's advice and resources to help people build a couple's resiliency.

Growing Married: Creating Stories for a Lifetime of Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Couple Resilience: Emerging Perspectives (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Positive Couple Therapy: Using We-Stories to Enhance Resilience (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Strengths-based Resilience (SBR)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: karenskerrettphd.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen-skerrett-7a185024

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.

When your partner or someone else calls you out or you feel attacked, it's natural to go into defense mode. Humans are simply wired that way. Defensiveness, however, can hinder your ability to relate to others and damage your relationships. 

Aperture awareness is an essential skill for open, honest, and healthy communication. While our brains are built to instantly read an aperture, not everyone is aware of this, so they fail to recognize the signs. The good news is that it's a skill that can be acquired.

In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Ford elaborates on aperture awareness and its significance in relationships. You'll learn how to read body language as a sign of awareness, as well as some highly structured exercises to help people slow down.

Kathryn Ford, M.D. is a relationship expert and creator of the couples therapy model, Aperture Awareness™ — the felt sensation of availability for connection. She's been practicing psychotherapy for over 20 years in private practice and through workshops at Stanford University. She received her M.D. from Brown University Medical School and did her psychiatry residency at The Stanford School of Medicine. In addition to her traditional training, both her yoga practice and her life-long meditation practice have informed her life and her work. 

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

8:02 What sparked Kathryn's interest in mindfulness and relationships?

15:42 Understanding aperture awareness and why it's often disregarded.

21:18 Body language as a sign of responsiveness and awareness.

30:27 Fostering trust by rewarding risk-taking.

32:49 Pumping the brakes and riding the waves.

41:52 How to sift through your partner's words for the kernel of truth.

54:50 The power of slowing down.

58:34 How to connect with Dr. Kathryn Ford.

About Kathryn Ford M.D. (*Psychology Today)

Stanford Continuing Studies

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Website: kathrynfordmd.com

Facebook: facebook.com/KathrynFordMD

Instagram: instagram.com/KathrynFordMD

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathryn-ford-m-d-1a675b2b

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.

Keeping your emotions at bay to maintain the harmony in your relationship may seem like a better option than engaging in a conversation that might result in an argument. On the other hand, suppressing your feelings can eventually do serious damage to your relationship.

When you spend a lot of time with someone, you may begin to believe that you know everything about them. Starting a conversation may feel terrifying because you anticipate your partner's response and how the conversation will go, but you may or may not be right.

In this episode, Susan Scott discusses the causes of relationship plateaus, common misconceptions about love, the effects of poor communication or lack thereof, and the characteristics of a fierce conversation. You'd be surprised at how refreshing that would be if you knew how to approach these conversations in a courageous, loving, and skillful way. 

Susan Scott is a bestselling author and leadership development architect who has enabled top executives worldwide to engage in vibrant dialogue with one another, with their employees, and with their customers for two decades. In her latest book, “Fierce Love – Creating a Love that Lasts, One Conversation at a Time,” Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations to create a fierce love that stands the test of time and grows stronger over the years.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:19 Gradually and then suddenly: Understanding how lack of communication can ruin a 

relationship.

16:53 Post-romance stage: Recognizing the causes of a relationship plateau.

23:07 What a fierce conversation looks like.

33:21 Susan's own description of what she considers to be a safe place for meaningful conversations.

40:00 Myths about love that can destroy you and your relationship.

Fierce Love: Creating a Love that Lasts---One Conversation at a Time (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Website: susanscott.io | fierceinc.com/fierce-conversations

Facebook: facebook.com/SusanScottFierce | linkedin.com/company/fierce-inc-

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susan-scott-1b63388 | linkedin.com/company/fierce-inc-

Twitter: twitter.com/fierce_inc

YouTube: youtube.com/user/fierceinc

Instagram: instagram.com/fierceconversations_

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 majority of women due far more housework than men (in heterosexual relationships). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women spend 47 minutes more on housework on average than men each day. This translates to roughly 5 ½ more hours each week, which doesn’t include childcare, grocery shopping or errands (which women do more of as well). This gender gap has an effect on everyone. 

In this episode, Dr. Kate Mangino discusses what she learned from interviewing 40 men in equal relationships to show how gender norms can restrict one or both partners in a relationship compared to what it looks like in equal relationships.

Kate Mangino, PhD is a gender expert who works with international organizations to promote positive social change. She has written and delivered curricula in over 20 countries about issues such as: gender equality, women’s empowerment, healthy masculinity, HIV prevention, and early and forced childhood marriage. She brings her lens of social change to her debut book, Equal Partners, which addresses gender roles in the American household.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:51 Promoting social change as an expert and a parent.

9:14 Taking the gender equality conversation into the community.

14:02: How gender norms create inequity and limit the potential of one or both partners.

23:29 An illustration of how partners' tasks are typically divided.

37:42 What exactly is the EP40, and what did Dr. Mangino learn from them?

Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Websites: katemangino.com

Twitter: twitter.com/manginokate

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.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:00 The increased domestic violence during the pandemic.

7:02 Dr. Kelley’s “aha!” moment that got her interested in helping people who have experienced trauma.

9:49 Why do people react differently to trauma?

14:38 Signs of a potentially abusive person.

28:50 Significant reasons why people are unable to confront or exit this situation.

38:52 Why highly sensitive people struggle more with decision making.

42:41 How to discern whether or not you should end the relationship and where someone in an abusive relationship can find support.

What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Internal Family Systems Model (*Wikipedia)

Websites: ameliakelley.com — insighttimer.com/kelleycounseling

Facebook: facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/

Twitter: twitter.com/DrAmeliaKelley

Instagram: instagram.com/drameliakelley/

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.

When ADHD has not been identified, a person with ADHD is often doing the best they can to function. However, they will likely struggle with aspects of executive functioning skills in life. Being in a relationship with someone with ADHD can pose extra challenges in working together as a team, especially when it comes to domestic responsibilities, tasks, and decision making.

In this episode, Dr. Ari Tuckman provides some insight into how ADHD manifests differently in adult men and women, particularly how it affects a couple's sex life. Additionally, he discusses approaches for resolving conflicts as well as tools and resources that both partners with ADHD and those without can utilize.

Ari Tuckman, PsyD, CST, is a psychologist, international speaker, and ADHD expert. He is the author of four books on ADHD, including his most recent book, ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship. He volunteers as the conference co-chair for CHADD, the national ADHD advocacy organization. He is in private practice in West Chester, PA.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

8:11 How Dr. Tuckman became passionate about helping adults with ADHD.

11:52 How each person's experience with ADHD differs.

14:17 ADHD in women vs. men.

18:12 How does ADHD manifest itself in romantic relationships?

22:41 How to make a relationship between people with ADHD work.

29:47 Dr. Tuckman's approach to assisting people with ADHD.

36:03 ADHD and sexual intimacy: effects, tips, and recommendations.

49:04 Tools and resources.

ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

ADHD Coaches Organization

Sex needs a new metaphor. Here's one … (*TED Talks)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Websites: adultadhdbook.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.

Although co-dependence is often referred to as being unhealthy, to some extent, it is beneficial in marriages. Deeper connections are made when partners lean on one another and give and receive as acts of generosity rather than as acts of service.

In this episode, John David and Ana Gabriel Mann discuss conflict resolution using their five secrets to success, which are condensed versions of their own experiences and expertise and are found in the book they co-authored.

John David Mann is the coauthor of over 30 books, including nine New York Times and national bestsellers. His writing has earned the 2017 Living Now Book Award’s “Evergreen Medal” for its “contribution to positive global change.”

Ana Gabriel Mann earned her Master’s degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, and corporate trainer. She currently coaches Go-Giver Marriage clients and leads the Go-Giver Marriage Coaches Training Program.

John and Ana have been dreaming about writing “The Go-Giver Marriage” together for two decades.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

4:29 John and Ana’s love letter to the world.

5:49 What does it mean to be a part of the "us"?

12:59 A description of the book's two main parts.

29:07 Frequently asked questions that Ana poses to couples.

30:50 Replacing criticism with appreciation.

45:21 The distinction between allowing and controlling.

52:01 How the opposing negative patterns prevent you from growing personally.

55:53 Go-Giver’s couples-focused courses and programs.

The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About the Five Secrets to Lasting Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication

Website: gogivermarriage.com

Facebook: facebook.com/johndavidmann | facebook.com/anagabrielmann

Twitter: twitter.com/JohnDavidMann | twitter.com/anagabrielMann

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.

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. No matter how great your relationship with your partner is, conflicts are inevitable, and that is not always a bad thing. Depending on how well you manage them, they can either weaken or strengthen your relationship.

Most people don’t even realize that they are responding to conflicts out of fear. When a problem arises, they automatically arm up to protect themselves, which leaves it unresolved and eventually breeds resentment.

In this episode, Tami Kiekhaefer discusses how fear manifests itself in conflict situations through physical cues and an illustration. Most importantly, she explains how you can apply this knowledge to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.

Tamara Kiekhaefer, LCSW, has operated her psychotherapy practice since 2002. She provides individual, family, and couple therapy around anxiety, depression, domestic violence, trauma, relationships, and empowerment. Tami is a certified yoga instructor and weaves concepts of holistic therapy into her clinical work. Her first book provides hands-on tools required to work through the past, stabilize the present, and prepare for a loving relationship.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

4:56 How her divorce equipped Tami help other people even more.

9:40 How she confronted the criticism about her failed relationship while working as a couple’s therapist.

14:34 How fear manifest itself during conflict.

18:29 Physical signs of fear.

24:38 The roots of anxiety.

29:00 The Cone of Fear—a visual representation of the fear of rejection and fear of abandonment.

38:58 How to overcome the fear of rejection and abandonment.

42:33 An overview of her book, Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love.

46:56 Learn more about the services she is offering.

Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Cone of Fear

Prepare for the Jungle (online self-paced course)

Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication

Websites: healthyhealing.net

Facebook: facebook.com/groups/womensempowermenttoolkit | facebook.com/tamikieklcsw

TikTok: tiktok.com/@tamikiek_lcsw

Twitter: twitter.com/tamikiek

Pinterest: pinterest.com/tamikiek/_created

Instagram: instagram.com/tamikieklcsw

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tami-kiekhaefer-32298a8

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.

Every one of us struggles with something that impacts our relationships. We were raised to believe that whatever we struggle with—be it self-worth, emotions, or body image—is a flaw.

Despite the fact that we are heavily influenced by our society, we are taught that we are all unique individuals who have the power to make our own decisions.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus discusses how to recognize our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions as well as how to practice being mindful of them. She urges everyone to venture a little further outside of their comfort zones and develop their mental and emotional fortitude so they can begin to make decisions they never had before.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD, is a sociologist, international intimacy speaker, and relationship and communication coach, and the author of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women. Dr. Jenn has presented two TEDx Talks, co-hosts the podcast Sex Talk with Clint & the Doc, and she has collaborated on projects with Planned Parenthood, the Global YPO Spouse/Partner Network, Erica Lust films, and Dr. Ruth’s Sex for Dummies book.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:50 How Dr. Jen became interested in sexuality and mindfulness.

7:49 Why is mindful intimacy so crucial? 

20:43 Obstacles to profound intimacy and how mindfulness overcomes them.

47:48 A practical step you can take to begin engaging in mindful intimacy.

From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Sex Talk with Clint & the Doc Podcast

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT)

Sex, Consent, & Gender - A Personal Story about Consent Violation - Sex & the Price of Masculinity

Female sexual shame hurts us all | Jennifer Gunsaullus | TEDx Phoenixville

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Website: drjennsden.com

Facebook: facebook.com/jennifer.gunsaullus

Twitter: twitter.com/drjennsden

YouTube: youtube.com/user/drjennsden

Instagram: instagram.com/drjennsden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenn

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.

Marriage entails a commitment to support one another through both good and bad times. The traditional vow goes along the lines of, "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part," which means the couple stays together no matter what.

The truth is that most couples hope for a bright future and a long-lasting romantic relationship, but they don't expect or prepare to go through the worse and sickness parts. In reality, it’s not always convenient and easy. The hormones and attraction wear off, and other problems arise.

In this episode, Dr. George and Vanessa Naum sit down and talk about some significant topics that every couple should consider before getting married; how health issues can affect the relationship; and some doable steps couples can take to strengthen their relationship.

Best Friends Again is a physician marriage coaching company helping physicians and healthcare professionals reignite their marriage through a customized approach based on the unique needs of physician and healthcare professional families.

Dr. George and Vanessa Naum’s own battle-tested physician marriage, generational physician family heritage, and expertise from coaching hundreds of marriages off the ledge have paved the way for their revolutionary program: 90 Days to Clarity and Connection, a blueprint for guiding healers in healing their own relationships, saving their families, and enjoying their careers. They believe that you really can have it all.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

6:30 What Dr. George and Vanessa Naum learned from their own experiences and the inspiration behind their desire to help other couples.

12:37 Things that are significant but rarely discussed before getting married.

34:24 Compassionate intuition as an important ingredient in a healthy marriage.

38:33 How acceptance and suppression of emotions affect a relationship and how Dr. George and Vanessa help couples deal with it. 

42:39 The 4 R’s of a committed relationship.

45:36 How health issues can affect relationships.

50:13 Programs and resources for cultivating healthy relationships.

What's Forever For? A Physician's Guide to Everlasting Love and Success in Marriage (FREE chapter of Dr. Jeep’s book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Website: BestFriendsAgain.com

Facebook: facebook.com/askdrjeepandvanessa

Twitter: twitter.com/@askdrjeep

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drgeorgenaum

Instagram: instagram.com/bestfriendsagain

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.

Making the choice to leave an abusive relationship can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do. Without the right resources and support, it would be hard to move on even after you have cut your ties with your abuser.

Being in an abusive relationship causes you to constantly pay more attention to your surroundings than is necessary. So, in this episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley discusses some useful techniques for managing feelings of anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance, as well as how to retrain your body to feel secure in any situation.

Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained hypnotherapist, art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist, and meditation and yoga teacher. She is a presenter and writer in the “science-help” field, focusing on relationships, highly sensitive people, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD. She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women’s issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS's Work/Life Program in Cary, NC, and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

7:18 How to rediscover yourself and rebuild your self-confidence after an abusive relationship.

20:32 Managing feelings of anxiety, stress, and hypervigilance.

40:43 Useful strategies for beginning self-healing.

43:04 A summary of her book, What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship and the narrative that inspired it.

What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Instagram)

High Heels and Heartache Podcast (*Apple podcast)

ERP 321: How to Tell the Difference Between an Abusive Relationship & a Toxic Dynamic — An Interview with Dr. Amelia Kelley

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Websites: ameliakelley.com — insighttimer.com/kelleycounseling

Facebook: facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/

Twitter: twitter.com/DrAmeliaKelley

Instagram: instagram.com/drameliakelley/

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 struggling to foster a deeper emotional connection with your partner? Relationship intimacy can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of a partnership. Many couples find themselves at a crossroads, wondering how to balance the demands of everyday life with the need for emotional and physical closeness. The pressure to maintain intimacy often leaves partners feeling disconnected and frustrated, particularly when unmet needs and unspoken expectations come into play. But what if there was a way to bridge this gap and intentionally build a relationship filled with clarity, connection, and mutual satisfaction?

In this episode, we delve into practical strategies for enhancing vulnerability and emotional intimacy within your relationship. We'll explore how learning to meet each other's needs can transform your partnership, offering insights into overcoming common challenges such as gender stereotypes and differing intimacy styles. By embracing a holistic approach to intimacy, you can cultivate deeper connections and foster a more fulfilling, proactive relationship. Whether you're looking to redefine intimacy beyond just sex or seeking ways to communicate more effectively, this episode provides valuable guidance to help you intentionally design a thriving relationship.

Pulling from their experiences personally in their 13+ years of marriage and professionally as a licensed counselor and certified coach, Angela and James Mitchell developed Love Intentionally to help couples design, implement, and sustain a conscious relationship rooted in depth and intimacy. Angela has been in the counseling field for over 20 years, working with abuse survivors, children, families, and couples. James is a transformational coach and lifelong entrepreneur, having helped hundreds of clients to live their best lives.

08:56 Sharing the journey of opening up emotionally and strengthening connection.

12:12 The balance of emotional and physical intimacy to overcome gender stereotypes.

16:29 How a personal retreat evolved into DIY marriage retreats for intentional connection.

18:38 Exploring the importance of flexibility and openness in various forms of intimacy.

21:03 Understanding the holistic approach to intimacy, focusing on both emotional and physical closeness.

25:30 Introducing a key communication strategy called the "story in my head" technique for clearer dialogue.

27:34 The concept of creating a relationship North Star for maintaining a strategic partnership mindset.

31:39 Redefining intimacy beyond sex by exploring diverse intimacy styles.

34:08 The benefits of intentional planning by combining counseling principles with strategic life planning.

38:46 Addressing the challenges of balancing life's priorities while maintaining relationship focus.

43:57 Programs and methods for deepening intimacy.

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

ERP 089: How to Use Love Languages to Strengthen Connection

ERP 090: How To Use Love Languages To Strengthen Connection – Part Two

ERP 303: How To Create Safe Conversations — An Interview With Drs. Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt

ERP 323: One Of The Most Important Relationship Skills – Being Relational — An Interview With Terry Real

Evolve in Love (*Dr. Jessica Higgins program) (link)

Websites: loveintentionally.com

Facebook: facebook.com/loveintentionally.co

Instagram: instagram.com/loveintentionally.co

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.

It is incredible and worth celebrating that this generation is actually the first in all of human history to make an attempt to establish equality in marriage. However, we simply lacked the skills necessary to successfully navigate the terrain of long-lasting intimacy, which led to fights over fairness. While the traditional marriage was wildly unfair, it is worth recognizing that couples were more in partnership, working toward a shared goal.

In this episode, Nate and Kaley Klemp share their insights on various marriage structures and introduce the 80/80 model, a brand-new marriage framework designed to support radical generosity in relationships.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

3:49 Nate and Kaley's conflict over fairness and the larger sociological point of our generation to establish equality in marriage.

6:22 Recognizing the value of the conventional marriage structure.

11:19 How your mindset and expectations greatly affect our decision-making or how we perceive the other.

14:00 The three components of mindset.

18:35 The 50/50 model and why it is unsustainable.

29:05 How the 80/80 model was developed and how it changed Nate and Kaley’s marriage.

37:51 Easing into radical generosity while minimizing discomfort.

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

The 80/80 Marriage: A New Model for a Happier, Stronger Marriage (*Amazon affiliate link) (book)

Free Epic Date Night Guide

80/80 Marriage self-guided retreats

80/80 Marriage Newsletter

Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing (*Amazon affiliate link) (book)

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) 

The Drama-Free Office (*Amazon affiliate link) (book) 

13 Guidelines for Effective Teams (*Amazon affiliate link) (book)

Websites: 8080marriage.com

Facebook: facebook.com/8080Marriage

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCpncjN_woj6Xrth0i-bGp7w

Instagram: instagram.com/8080marriage

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.

A strong relationship requires human connection. Ironically, though, when you seek connection from a place of scarcity, the universe tends to take it away from you. Enrique Delgadillo asserts that the only way to get it is to first find the connection within yourself.

In this episode, Enrique discusses how our thoughts manifest in different areas of our lives. As the law of attraction suggests, where the focus goes, energy flows. We'll take a deep dive into 5D consciousness and discuss how you can change your mindset and apply it to strengthen your relationships.

Enrique is a world-leading specialist in transcendental psychology and is the founder and CEO of Vive Incredible, with a mission to awaken mankind’s ability to live in complete abundance and wealth, beginning from our inner world of thoughts.

With over 100 million views on YouTube and 4 million followers across his social platforms, he aims to elevate the consciousness and wealth of individuals by understanding their unique frequency value, or “Secret Sauce,” that helps them play a bigger game in life and feel more fulfilled as they continue to evolve.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

In this episode

5:26 Enrique's incredibly difficult journey of self-evolution.

12:47 Recognizing 5D consciousness or energy and how to use it to determine what you truly need from a romantic partner or relationship.

16:12 Shifting one's perspective to 5D consciousness.

22:18 Distinctions between the need that comes from lack versus preferring those things as experience.

31:21 Various approaches to reaching your higher self.

38:06 Cultivating connection from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.

42:41 Understanding the three levels of connection.

47:51 Words of wisdom.

Navegar En Tiempos de Tormentas (Spanish Edition) (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love

Website: go.enriquedelgadillo.com/home

Facebook: facebook.com/viveincreibleintl

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC-hjRfCoajsJvMKeSGVtDwA

Instagram: instagram.com/kikedelgadillo/?hl=en

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.

If you've been listening to the Empowered Relationship Podcast, you've probably heard Dr. Jessica Higgins talk about criticism and how it affects relationships. The goal here is to collaborate with your partner to co-create a fulfilling and passionate relationship. However, leading with criticism can make you or your partner feel defensive or attacked, diverting the entire communication to this criticism defensive loop.

In this episode, Dr. Higgins answers some listener and reader questions about criticism, along with some illustrations to help explain it further. As with many of these podcasts, these are not comprehensive responses, but they do provide some food for thought.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

8:44 “I'd be interested if you have any thoughts or perhaps a podcast around how we listen with or for criticism. I think we sometimes hear what we are feeling in ourselves. Just a thought.”

15:21 “I appreciate this content—it is helpful. However, I am confused about whether you should not help your partner become a better person. Please address this.”

25:28 “I am critical of a part of my girlfriend's body that cannot be changed and don’t want to end the relationship, but it causes me great anxiety. [I] don’t want to leave the relationship, but it is something that may never go away for me internally and it’s making me very unhappy. I really like her in so many other ways and [I] hate this. Do I stay or do I go?”

28:24 “Dr. Higgins. My wife is constantly criticizing me. She never has anything nice to say to me or any praise for anything I do to try and make her happy. Never says thank you or shows any sign of affection to me. It is to a point where I wish I could stop treating her with love and dish out the same stuff she gives me, but I just can’t be like that. I have tried to tell her I would like it ever so often if she could reciprocate the kindness and love I show her, but it is like she doesn’t care about my feelings. We are both in our sixties, and I just don’t think I have the energy to leave this marriage and find someone I can build a new, better relationship with. Plus, I really love her and leaving would be a hard blow to our family. How far do I go?”

35:05 “I have read a lot of articles over the years about this particular issue – criticism, as there is a lot of conflict over this issue in my marriage of 30 years. I feel that I have had to try to exist in a bit of a dysfunctional vacuum, where the fact that her father was an alcoholic, was not allowed to be discussed or acted upon in a way that was healthy for our own family which we were establishing together. If I raised the issue of her father’s behaviour (who is a very charming but also a very manipulative man), or how that might have affected the way she and I relate and communicate, my efforts were labelled as “critical”.

I tried over the years, many different approaches to these communications, but they generally ended in the same way, namely in an argument, resulting in her withdrawing herself from me, for a few days, then her cooling off and eventually her acknowledging the problem and apologising, but only so that the conflict could end. Unfortunately, this apology was forgotten a week later, and we often found ourselves in the same place a month or two later. I called it Groundhog Day, because of the familiar cycle.

My wife appeared to be prepared to do anything to avoid the accountability of acknowledging, communicating about and addressing the dysfunctional behaviour within her own family, and with it, avoiding accountability for her own denial of her own behaviour. This repetitive cycle eventually became a power struggle, in which her final weapon was to doubt our marriage, and my character, and whether she could remain in the marriage. It was an ultimatum that if I chose to raise these ‘uncomfortable” issues, I would have to face that I was not important enough to her, for her to authentically discuss or address these issues. Part of the behaviour I have consistently observed is her extreme avoidance of conflict (which was the same way her father avoided any scrutiny for his own behaviour).

My question is, when there is a problematic (dysfunctional) behaviour, that needs to be addressed between a couple, and despite every effort to raise the issue constructively, empathetically, gently, using I words etc etc the communication seems to deteriorate, because the real motivation is to avoid the issue altogether and hope it disappears into “fantasy land”. The excuse is that the avoidance is justified because the communication is critical in nature, and while I know that some people view all criticism as problematic, surely there is necessary constructive criticism that is not directed as a “character flaw” of another person?”

Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)

Shifting Criticism – Empowered Relationship (course)

How to Know If You Are Too Critical in Relationship & Why (article)

https://drjessicahiggins.com/criticism-reconnect/ (podcast, articles on the topic of criticism)

https://drjessicahiggins.com/erp-177-how-to-offer-comfort-to-your-significant-other/  (podcast)

https://drjessicahiggins.com/erp-178-how-to-offer-comfort-to-your-significant-other-part-two/ (podcast)

The Gottman Institute

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