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What are the common barriers to emotional intimacy in relationships, and how can they be overcome?

How can couples improve their communication to build deeper emotional connections?

Why is vulnerability crucial for emotional intimacy, and how can partners embrace it effectively?

In this engaging episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah Kerwin tackle the complex issue of emotional disconnection in relationships, highlighting the critical barriers that many couples face. From fear of vulnerability and lack of trust to poor communication skills, the episode dives deep into the root causes of emotional distance. It provides practical, actionable strategies to help couples reconnect. Tarah shares a heartfelt experience of feeling disconnected, underlining the importance of communication and emotional check-ins. The Kerwins emphasize the transformative power of empathy, validation, and active listening.

Listeners will also learn about the significance of building trust through consistent actions and open communication, the importance of setting boundaries, and the benefits of seeking external support like therapy or online courses. Whether it's addressing emotional baggage or understanding each other's love languages, this episode offers invaluable insights for couples striving to strengthen their emotional bond. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to fostering emotional intimacy and improving your relationship. Plus, get a sneak peek at next week's focus on physical intimacy – a can't-miss follow-up to deepen your connection.

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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How can resolving conflicts through vulnerability enhance emotional intimacy in relationships?

What are the key distinctions among the various types of non-sexual physical intimacy in fostering deeper connections?

Why is nurturing spiritual, intellectual, and experiential intimacy crucial for a balanced relationship?

In this insightful episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah Kerwin dive deep into emotional and physical intimacy, continuing their captivating Intimacy series. Join them as they explore how resolving conflicts healthily through vulnerability can deepen relational bonds. Discover the ten types of emotional intimacy and how couples can use each to build stronger, more meaningful connections. This episode also discusses the often-overlooked aspects of physical intimacy, particularly non-sexual forms like affectionate, playful, and comforting touch, and how these contribute to a holistic sense of closeness.

EJ and Tarah also navigate the waters of intellectual, experiential, and spiritual intimacy, emphasizing their critical roles in fostering a balanced and fulfilling relationship. Learn practical ways to enhance these forms of intimacy amidst busy schedules and uncover how trust, confidentiality, and vulnerability play pivotal roles in building unbreakable bonds. If you're looking to deepen your relationship beyond the physical, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable advice. Tune in to discover how embracing various types of intimacy can transform your relationship into a thriving partnership. Don't miss out on these vital discussions—your journey to a stronger, more intimate relationship starts here!

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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How can couples use the "window of tolerance" to better manage conflicts?

What are the benefits of practicing vulnerability and emotional support in a relationship?

How can structured methods and continuous effort lead to long-term relationship improvement?

In this compelling episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts Tarah and EJ delve into the nuances of fostering a healthy and resilient relationship through structured methods. The hosts share anecdotes reflecting their journey from reactive patterns to validating and supportive interactions. By continuously practicing self-awareness and communication skills, they’ve turned contentious situations into opportunities for growth and unity. Tarah and EJ’s insights into managing one's "window of tolerance" offer practical advice on how to keep calm and connected, even during intense emotional moments.

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Chris and Kasey, a couple who went through their Relationship Renovation In Office Program. They discuss their personal journeys through substance abuse struggles and how couples counseling helped them learn to communicate and love each other in ways they had never experienced.

Topics in this episode

• Insecure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles and how this leads to conflict
• How complicated past lives create obstacles to secure attachment, but also can lead to a deep and meaningful connection when worked through
• The importance of couples counseling in helping couples understand how the past affects their current relationship

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Do you struggle with jealousy in your relationship?

Does trust create a barrier to healthy intimacy?

Topics in this episode

• Understanding that jealousy can be a useful emotion if understood more deeply
• The difference between jealousy and envy
• The complexity of jealousy and how fear can be the primary problem with jealous moments

Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT-certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Project Relationship podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, NPR, and The Atlantic. Dr. Joli Hamilton

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Are you unsatisfied with the sex in your relationship?

Is sex pleasurable for you and your partner/spouse?

Do you crave a more exciting and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner?

Topics in this episode

• How to cultivate an exciting and mutually satisfying relationship
• The importance of "co-creating" mutual pleasure
• How "radical honesty" regarding intimacy is freeing and opens a pathway to a deeper intimate connection
• The anatomy of sex and orgasms

Through Personal Life Media, founded in 2006, Susan Bratton has authored and published 34 books and programs, including Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, The Steamy Sex Ed®️ Video Collection, and her Amazon #1 International Bestseller, Sexual Soulmates: The Six Essentials for Connected Sex. Over 1,250,000 copies of her books have been enjoyed by lovers worldwide.

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Does your communication strengthen your relationship?

Do you understand how to cultivate vulnerability?

Would you like to be closer to your partner/spouse?

Topics in this episode

• Subtle ways couples pull apart during an argument
• Understanding how attachment issues (the past) create obstacles to caring/loving communication
• Strategies to deepen the love in your relationship
• The importance of personal accountability in intimacy and deeper bonding in your marriage/relationship

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Is it hard to trust your partner?

Do you have a difficult time understanding and communicating about trust?

Does anxiety affect your relationship in a negative way?

Topics in this episode

• How negative core beliefs about yourself or the world diminish trust in your relationship
• Specific tools to use when arguments or conflicts happen
• Discussion of how trust is not just about fidelity or jealousy

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Do you lack confidence in your parenting?

Would you like to learn more about how early childhood affects you as an adult?

Topics in this episode

• How instincts versus intentional parenting change your parenting style
• The importance of recognizing an infant's need for autonomy
• A vast amount of resources to educate parents

Liz offers private consultation and group courses, many on zoom, in Educaring® for all levels of interest - short Intro, comprehensive pre-natal, 60-hour course for all students, and online or in-person Parent Guidance classes (in her home studio in Ventura County) for families with children from birth to age two. RIE® Wanderland, a newer program from Authentic Babies, offers time and space outdoors, alongside Liz, being present for honoring humans relating - one family at a time - with their birth to 8-year-old family members in a freeing, safe natural environment, exploring anything, including themselves

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Is it difficult to begin a discussion about intimacy in your relationship?

Do you understand your partner's thoughts and feelings about sex and intimacy?

Do you want to improve your intimate relationship?

Topics in this episode

• Learning how to understand how your partner's sexuality developed as a young person
• How to have a compassionate, understanding, and connected intimate relationship
• How beliefs about sex change as you mature
• The importance of consistently communicating about your intimate relationship

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Are you and your partner struggling to connect intimately?

Is the subject of sex something both of you avoid?

Do you crave a deeper connection but don't know how to communicate about it?

Topics in this episode

• Why couples struggle to communicate about sex and intimacy
• The importance of cultivating empathy when a couple struggles with different sex drives
• The importance of self-reflection, personal honesty, and letting down defenses

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Do you and your partner struggle to feel connected in your parenting?

Are there family dynamics that pull you and your partner apart?

Topics in this episode

• The importance of staying connected in your relationship and why couples often pull apart in stressful moments
• Common struggles for blended families
• Communication strategies that foster loving and respectful interactions
• The importance of creating a unified parenting style

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

Do you feel insecure in your relationship?

Are you having a hard time understanding why you are struggling to resolve conflict in a healthy way?

Are you struggling to give and receive affection from your partner?

Topics in this episode

• Steps to create security in challenging moments
• How to build an "emotional bank account" for complex moments
• The importance of creating emotional connections with your partner
• How to create interactions with your partner that fosters deeper connection

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com with any questions or topics for future episodes

To learn more about our online program that helps couples improve their relationship and embark on a journey of self-discovery and intimacy building, click this link ------------> Purchase Relationship Renovation at Home Online Course.

Are you tired of constantly facing conflict in your relationships?

Do you struggle to communicate your needs without resorting to criticism or complaints?

In this empowering episode, our dynamic hosts EJ and Tarah, alongside the incredible Dr. Jessica Higgins, embark on a transformative journey through the labyrinth of criticism in relationships. Get ready to unlock the secrets to fostering deep understanding, forging unbreakable connections, and nurturing unwavering support!

Discover the WHY behind the often pesky presence of criticism in your most cherished relationships. Explore how criticism can sometimes become a stubborn roadblock on the path to secure, loving connections with your partner. Dr. Jessica Higgins, a true luminary in psychology, will draw you into her own personal odyssey, sharing her profound experiences of conquering criticism and wielding it as a mighty tool for effective communication.

Through riveting stories and heartfelt anecdotes, she'll guide you through the powerful process of self-inquiry and self-reflection. You'll uncover the hidden emotions lurking beneath the surface, steering criticism's course. And what's more? Dr. Jessica will empower you with the wisdom to provide feedback that nourishes growth and enhances understanding.

• Link to the Shifting Criticism guide: https://drjessicahiggins.lpages.co/shifting-criticism-for-connected-communication/
• Empowered Relationship Podcast link: https://drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/
• Website link: https://drjessicahiggins.com/

Do you feel emotionally connected with your partner?

Do you know how to discuss feelings in your relationship?

Would you like to connect with your partner on a deeper level?

Topics in this episode

• A step by step exercise to help you and your partner understand each other's feelings
• Tarah and EJ go through each question in order to help couples understand the tone and content of this exercise

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com for a copy of this exercise.

Do you and your partner struggle to connect in a vulnerable way?

Is it difficult to create connected and openhearted moments?

When couples let down their guards and connect in a vulnerable way they feel more deeply connected. They become more affectionate and supportive of one another and create a foundation of love and admiration.

Topics in this episode

• A six question exercise to help you and your partner share a vulnerable moment
• Tarah and EJ go through each question in order to help couples understand the tone and content of this exercise

Email us -- info@relationshiprenovation.com for a copy of this exercise.

Do you feel satisfied in your relationship?

Is it hard to communicate to your partner about your needs?

Do you sometimes wonder what your partner needs from you?

Do you understand your own needs?

Having the ability to understand and communicate your needs to your partner/spouse is an essential element in having a loving, connected and intimate relationship. When couples understand each other's preferences and desires they feel more connected and supported.

Topics in this episode

• Why couples struggle to communicate their needs to one another
• How to create a more connected relationship with your partner
• Obstacles to feeling satisfied in your relationship
• Healthy emotional communication tools

Do you avoid conflict in your relationship?

Do you worry that arguing with your partner means you are not meant for one another?

When couples apply a "growth mindset" to their struggles, they begin to understand that conflict is inevitable. You can build a deeper bond by being thoughtful, intentional, and empathetic during conflict.

Topics in this episode

• Why couples avoid conflict
• How to reframe difficult conversations
• How to use conflict as a growth opportunity

Do you and your partner struggle with parenting?

Is parenting a significant source of conflict in your relationship?

Are the differences in discipline and parenting style leading to problem behaviors in your kids?

Do you feel isolated and ineffective because of your different parenting styles?

Feeling connected and unified is essential in healthy parenting. When parents lack unity, it creates confusing messaging for their children and can become a barrier to effective parenting and diminish the quality of your relationship.

Topics in this episode

• Effective communication in parenting
• Why parenting can become a stressor and diminish intimacy with your partner
• How a split in parenting can lead to a dynamic where one parent feels left out
• How to establish healthy boundaries and have a unified parenting approach

Has intimacy become a struggle in your relationship?

Do you feel emotionally connected to your partner?

Do you feel like you can show your best and worst parts to your partner?

Do you feel protected and supported in your relationship?

Have you and your partner discussed emotional safety?

Emotional safety is the fundamental building block to a secure and loving relationship with your partner. Couples struggle to connect in an emotional and physical way and often lack the insight and tools to communicate in a healthy way and foster an atmosphere of fun, love and affection.

Topics in this episode

• Learn what emotional safety is and why it is important
• How to identify the barriers to feeling loved and deeply bonded with your partner
• Obstacles to secure attachment
• How early childhood experiences create obstacles in your intimate relationship

Are you struggling to feel connected in your relationship?

Does it feel like you have grown apart?

Are there times you worry that you have lost the loving connection you enjoyed early in your relationship?

Couples who are committed to personal growth and supporting each other feel more emotionally and intimately connected. By cultivating healthy, stimulating communication, couples can rediscover their passion for one another and build a resilient bond!

Topics in this episode

• How to become your best selves together
• The challenges of being in therapy
• How a growth mindset benefits your relationship
• How to communicate in loving ways
• How to support your partner in difficult times

Codependence is a dynamic that affects a significant number of couples. It is an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner and erodes the solid foundation of a relationship. Frequently a codependent person feels worthless unless needed and sacrifices their well-being for the wellness of others. Codependency is not isolated to romantic relationships. It happens in families, at work, and in friendships.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Dr. Rose Bricker. They share how to identify codependent patterns and ways to shift to interdependence. Dr. Rose shares her story of recovery from codependency and how becoming healthily interdependent in relationships opened her eyes to her past and created a path to a higher level of wellness. 

https://coda.org/

A shift in mindset is achieved by bringing awareness to thoughts, feelings and behaviors. By shifting your attention from blaming others for your unhappiness to looking inward you gain empowerment and the freedom to achieve to your highest potential.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Daniel Diaz, life mastery coach. He shares the radical transformations that he has experienced. He shares his inspiring story and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Individuals enter into relationships unaware of the obstacles they will face to establish a healthy, loving connection that lasts a lifetime. By exploring unconscious feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, you can create the awareness needed to communicate and express love to your partner in a way that increases the likelihood of a long-lasting marriage or coupleship.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ talk with Jessie Krall MA/LPC about a new online product that Tarah and Jessie created. Relationship Ready is a 10-lesson program designed for individuals to understand themselves better to find or enhance a loving, intimate relationship.

Purchase Relationship Renovation at Home Online Course.

Are you navigating a relationship where one partner seeks change while the other resists?

Ever wondered how grief and acceptance play into your relationship dynamics?

Curious about how personal growth impacts the overall relationship?

In Episode 189 of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ, along with guest host and expert therapist Kelby Jones, delve into the common challenge many couples face: differing levels of readiness for change. This insightful discussion highlights the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than solely on your partner's transformation. Kelby brings his extensive experience in couples therapy to the conversation, shedding light on the intricate dance of grief, acceptance, and vulnerability that influences relationship dynamics. Listeners will gain valuable insights on how to navigate the discomfort and fear associated with change, ultimately leading to a more resilient and harmonious partnership.

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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Our response to stress, anxiety, depression, and the myriad of challenging dynamics we face in a relationship is a physiological response. Developing the ability to respond to difficult times healthily and productively is a skill that can be learned. But unfortunately, individuals often rely on their instinctive responses in stressful times, which can lead to internal suffering and destabilization in their relationship.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Teresa Jansen, a therapist and breathwork specialist. They discuss how dysregulation of the central nervous system is the most disruptive force in personal and relationship wellness. They focus on how breathwork can create significant positive change and offer specific and practical interventions to become more present, skillful, and comfortable when facing challenges in your relationship.

Every moment offers the opportunity to begin a new trend in your life. But unfortunately, it is tough to break behavioral patterns because they are often rooted in unconscious negative core beliefs.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Victoria Rios about her inspiring emotional and physical transformation story. She shares her journey of confronting her negative and limiting thoughts and how this led to a wellness journey and becoming a social media influencer impacting thousands of individuals' lives.

Curiosity and playfulness are two qualities that are over-abundant at the beginning of most relationships. But as time passes many couples get bogged down in the heaviness of life and lose their playful connection. This leads to negative communication patterns which drain the love and fun out of their interactions.

In this episode Tarah and EJ speak with Renay Burger, LMFT a therapist who focuses on creative and playful ways to reconnect couples. They discuss the importance of creating connecting light-hearted moments and how this fosters intimacy and trust.

Curiosity and playfulness are two qualities that are over-abundant at the beginning of most relationships. But as time passes many couples get bogged down in the heaviness of life and lose their playful connection. This leads to negative communication patterns which drain the love and fun out of their interactions.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ speak with Renay Burger, LMFT a therapist who focuses on creative and playful ways to reconnect couples. They discuss the importance of creating connecting light-hearted moments and how this fosters intimacy and trust.

One of the primary reasons couples come to counseling is that they feel that their intimate relationship has deteriorated. Intimacy is the expression of love to your partner in various ways. To cultivate a satisfying and connected intimate relationship, couples must understand that intimacy and sex are not synonymous. If you measure your connection with your partner exclusively by your sexual connection, it will be difficult to remain emotionally and physically connected.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ discuss the importance of cultivating an intimate connection in various ways, including kind words, non-sexual touch, appreciation, and much more. They explore why couples detach intimately and strategies to reconnect, express love, and cultivate satisfying intimacy.

Creating a healthy and functional family unit is challenging. Extended family relationships often create conflicts of loyalty that slowly erode trust and intimate connection. By understanding the complications of family dynamics from a holistic perspective couples have the opportunity to be more intentional in how they communicate and create systems that minimize conflict and encourage empathy and loving support.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Cristina Piastrini, LPC. Cristina shares information about the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law from a anthropological and evolutionary psychology perspective. They broaden the viewers perspective beyond the more typical discussion of healthy boundaries in extended family relationships.

It is the small things that you do every day that enrich your relationship with your partner. When couples intentionally try to "Follow Through" on the commitments they make to their partner, it builds trust and a solid and loving bond. By understanding what is essential to your partner and creating a consistent effort to be there for them, they tend to be more expressive of their love and more patient.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ discuss why "Following Through" can be difficult without intentionality and share how they have seen this dynamic affect them and hundreds of other couples.

The mental health system is a confusing and often frustrating system for many patients to navigate. Once an individual breaks past the stigma of seeking mental health support they begin a journey without a roadmap. They struggle to understand the difference between therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and a myriad of other mental health providers. .

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Dr. Warren Kane, a board certified psychiatrist. Dr. Kane discusses the struggles many individuals face when they seek a pharmaceutical intervention for their mental health struggles.

Dr. Warren Kane

DISCLAIMER: The material provided during this podcast is for informational purposes only. Although I am a psychiatrist, listening to this podcast does not create a treatment relationship between us and nothing presented herein should be construed as medical advice.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

40% of families in the U.S. are blended with at least one partner having a child from a previous relationship before marriage. Per the U.S. Bureau of Census, 1300 new stepfamilies are formed each day. The process of blending a family is a significant stressor on new relationships and profoundly effects the children in the family system. Unfortunately many couples in blended families do not address the challenging dynamics until the problems become chronic. By normalizing and addressing many common stressors couples and families gain the ability to feel empowered and proactive in creating healthy family habits. Part of what helps some stepfamilies be more successful rests on the children's perceived with both parents inside the home. 

Having a blended family themselves Tarah and EJ discuss their experience of parenting/step parenting. They share challenges they face(d) in remaining empathetic to each other's experiences and how they have seen families address and feel successful in building a solid foundation for their blended family.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older. Anxiety symptoms can range from restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, stomach aches, overwhelming worry, and sleep problems. Anxiety profoundly affects individuals, which can also create significant strains on relationships.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview couples therapist Gabe Lobato. He shares his story of managing anxiety from a young age and how it affected his relationship with his wife and professional life. They explore the building blocks of stress and how couples can support one another in overcoming this common mental health struggle.

Full Episode Transcripts

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Are you wondering whether all marriages can be saved, how to address differing arguing styles effectively, or the best ways to balance your relationship with personal hobbies?

In this lively Q&A episode of Relationship Renovation, hosts EJ and Tarah tackle these questions and many more, all submitted by our engaged audience. They share actionable insights on prioritizing your spouse in a blended family, ways to enhance your partner's sense of love and affirmation, and even dive into some fun and personal quirks. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt moments aimed at helping you and your partner navigate the complexities of a thriving relationship. Don't miss this engaging episode that promises to leave you with new strategies to strengthen your bond and enhance your love life.

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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You ask, we answer! Couples across the spectrum struggle with similar stressors and relationship dynamics. They find themselves stuck in patterns that leave them feeling frustrated, alone and unsupported.

In this episode Tarah and EJ answer a few questions from their Social Media Audience. They address subjects like division of labor in the household and making your relationship a priority.

Psychedelic treatment of mental health issues is re-immerging as a powerful tool in treating mental health struggles. Ketamine is a very safe pharmaceutical that is now becoming available in many states. A growing body of research demonstrates that ketamine treatment incorporated with a robust psychotherapy integration program can be a powerful tool in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, substance dependencies, and other psychiatric conditions. During a ketamine session, people often have profound experiences filled with symbolism and insight, much like a vivid dream. 

In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Tim Mills and Tracy Grabb from Cathexis Psychedelics - A Ketamine Assisted Therapy Facility. They discuss the pharmacology, efficacy, and subjective experience of Ketamine assisted therapy.

Cathexis Psychedelics

When couples first come together, the thrill of meeting someone new combined with attraction creates a honeymoon period. By the time they exit the initial charge of getting together, they have often made unconscious systems of conflict resolution that are not sustainable in the long term. Individuals within the couple come in with separate and often divergent coping mechanisms that create obstacles to secure and loving connections.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ normalize the struggles couples inevitably face in a relationship and help listeners understand how couples blend. They share how childhood and early adulthood experiences unconsciously pull couples apart.

Full Episode Transcript

Couples fall into repetitive emotional reactivity and communication patterns that leave them feeling lonely, isolated, and frustrated. But frequently, insights and practical coaching can create a significant shift in their relationship, especially if both couple members decide to act with more intentionality.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Relationship Coach Lisa McFarland. Lisa's journey to coaching began when she and her husband took the step to receive support from a professional, and it had a significant positive effect on their relationship. From this point, Lisa became fascinated with relationship wellness and passionate about helping couples have happier and healthier relationships.

Lisa McFarland

Maintaining a satisfying sexual connection throughout a long-term relationship takes intentionality and empathy. There will inevitably be times when you and your partner have discrepancies in your sex drive. But unfortunately, couples are unprepared, and a naturally occurring dynamic can metastasize and pull them apart in all aspects of their relationship.

In the second of a two-part series, "Low Frisky" and "High Frisky," Tarah and EJ share their own experiences of maintaining a loving relationship while navigating a difference in sex drive. They share their struggles to be empathetic and understanding and offer insight into a universal struggle in long-term relationships. In this episode the focus is on being the "High Frisky" partner.

Maintaining a satisfying sexual connection throughout a long-term relationship takes intentionality and empathy. There will inevitably be times when you and your partner have discrepancies in your sex drive. But unfortunately, couples are unprepared, and a naturally occurring dynamic can metastasize and pull them apart in all aspects of their relationship.

In the first of a two-part series, "Low Frisky" and "High Frisky," Tarah and EJ share their own experiences of maintaining a loving relationship while navigating a difference in sex drive. They share their struggles to be empathetic and understanding and offer insight into a universal struggle in long-term relationships.

Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT). He is the author and co-author of numerous best-selling books exploring individual and relationship wellness. Tatkin’s work, based on a social-emotional capacity model, focuses on what partners can and cannot do to mitigate threat reactions during stressful interactive sequences. Tatkin is known for integrating various theories and models to form the foundation of the comprehensive principles and methodologies he teaches. As a result, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, California, honored Tatkin with the Educator of the Year award in 2014.

Tarah and E.J. interview Dr. Stan Tatkin and explore his vast knowledge of the obstacles and pathways to a happy and healthy relationship. Dr. Tatkin shares insights and tools which help couples understand their struggles and create strategies to foster deep, loving and intimate connections. 

Full Episode Transcript

The PACT Institute

When couples are stuck in patterns of conflict and hostile interactions, they begin to feel hopeless. They become emotionally guarded, and their intimacy dwindles. They find themselves feeling lonely, desperate, and frustrated. But, magical things happen when couples take the brave and vulnerable step of looking inward and committing to personal growth together.

Tarah and EJ discuss their experience of guiding hundreds of couples through their Relationship Renovation program. They discuss the healing process in a relationship and how often couples find redemption only when faced with their darkest times.

Full Transcripts of Episode

Couples struggle with communication and the ability to resolve conflict. They find themselves in repetitive patterns where they lose confidence in their ability to stay connected and solve problems in challenging moments. They find themselves feeling frustrated when it comes to expressions of intimacy. When these patterns repeat, they often conclude that they are “just a bad fit.” Or that one or the other person is “unwilling to change.” They fail to realize that many of the negative dynamics are a result of their programming from their earlier years. When couples gain a deeper understanding of how their pasts affect their current relationship, they become empowered, increase empathy and become more skillful in loving one another.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Jessie Krall, MA/LPC. They discuss Attachment Theory and how childhood development affects the adult relationship. They delve into various attachment styles to help couples understand how to build a healthy and secure attachment. They all share their insights and offer information and practical tips to help couples “love one another better.”

Therapy can be an intimidating process to begin. Some individuals believe that it means that there is something wrong with them and that the stigma of going to counsel will negatively impact how others perceive them. For some, it is a scary thought to address issues from their past that they have purposely avoided addressing. Couples' therapy often ends up being the last resort, and by the time they arrive, they feel as if it is their last hope.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ discuss the process of therapy. They share why individuals and couples seek help and what they can expect from the experience. They share their insight into the mindset that creates the greatest opportunity for success. They share the significant benefits individuals and couples receive when they make the bold step of seeking help and how going to counseling is a brave and bold move with many rewards.

Episodes Full Transcripts

Purchase Relationship Renovation at Home Online Course.

How can a seemingly trivial argument reveal deeper emotional triggers in a relationship?

What steps can couples take to repair their relationships after a conflict?

How can families involve their children in understanding and resolving conflicts?

In this captivating episode of the Relationship Renovation podcast, hosts Tarah and EJ Kerwin delve into a real-life argument they experienced over the weekend. Spoiler alert – it's not really about the hot dog! Using their backgrounds as seasoned therapists, Tarah and EJ dissect the layers of their argument to uncover the deeper emotional triggers and core beliefs that were activated. You'll gain valuable insights into how to use difficult moments in your own relationship as opportunities for growth and improvement. The Kerwins also share how they effectively communicate with their children about conflict, teaching them the importance of resolution and emotional transparency.

If you've ever found yourself in a heated argument with your partner over something seemingly insignificant, this episode is a must-listen. Tarah and EJ offer practical advice on shifting from a content-focused argument to identifying and addressing underlying issues. Learn how to navigate these emotional minefields and come out stronger on the other side. Tune in to discover the tools and mindsets that can enhance not only your romantic relationship but also your family's overall emotional health. Don't miss out on the actionable steps and heartfelt stories that can lead you to a more connected and resilient relationship.

Visit relationshiprenovation.com for more tips and resources to elevate your partnership and emotional well-being!

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Pets play a central role in our lives. They are members of our family that enrich our lives, provide joy and break our hearts when they pass away.

In this episode Tarah and EJ interview Cristina Piastrini, anthropologist and therapist. The three discuss pets' significant impact on individuals, couples, and families. The episode is informative, exploring the biological, cultural, and evolutionary history of pets in human society and a free-flowing open-hearted, and fun delve into how pets can influence and shed light on the dynamics of intimate relationships.

Couples struggle with work/life balance. They often comment that their relationship doesn't feel like a priority, pulling them apart and leaving them feeling like roommates or even co-workers. They manage their lives day-to-day and forget how important it is to cultivate a loving and tender connection. When this happens, intimacy dwindles, and frustration rises. This, coupled with poor communication, can lead couples to a crisis. Nowhere is this dynamic as prevalent as couples who work together.

In this episode, Tarah and EJ share what they learned about sustaining a healthy relationship while running a business together. They discuss the importance of healthy time boundaries and how this creates space for couples to be loving partners. They also explore how individuals' roles within the workplace may start problems for them when they use the same persona in their relationship. This is a must-listen-to episode for any couple who recognizes that one or both partners' professional life is creating problems in their relationship.

Full Episode Transcript

Accountability is choosing to look at your behavior and take responsibility for your actions. Unfortunately, being accountable is not an intuitive step in many relationships. Instead, couples tend to focus on their partner, which pulls couples apart instead of bringing them together. When individuals within a couple take the brave step of looking inward and owning ways they contribute to negative dynamics, it is the path to healthy conflict resolution.

Tarah and EJ interview Jessie Krall, relationship specialist, and explore the concept of Fierce Accountability. They explore ways in which accountability can nourish a relationship and the obstacles to taking personal responsibility. This fun yet informative conversation helps couples understand Fierce Accountability's positive impact on a couple's relationship.

Episode Transcript