Healthy Relationship Secrets For Parents

In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' therapist and coach Jason Polk delves into the importance of repair in relationships, why it's challenging, and how to effectively navigate it. Polk explains the concept of repair as restoring relationships after conflicts and discusses two main barriers: ego and lack of skills. He shares personal insights and strategies, including the importance of repairing in the moment and post-conflict methods like offering a sincere apology and sharing vulnerability. He emphasizes that repair is vital for healthy relationships and provides practical advice for couples to enhance their connection. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize repair over ego for the sake of their relationships and families.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Understanding Conflict and Repair01:11 The Role of Ego in Repair03:39 Repairing in the Moment05:15 Repairing After a Fight08:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFeedback Wheel PDFThis episode was inspired by this blog: The Art of Repair: What It Means and Why It's So Hard

In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' Jason Polk, a therapist and coach with over 10 years of experience, discusses the financial and emotional costs of marriage counseling versus divorce. Jason highlights the expense and emotional toll of contested divorces, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000, compared to the relatively lower cost of marriage counseling. He explains how counseling can help either salvage a relationship or make the separation process more compassionate and dignified. Jason states that counseling can be valuable in creating healthier futures, whether couples stay together or separate.00:00 Introduction to the Show00:27 Marriage Counseling vs. Divorce: An Overview00:39 Financial and Emotional Costs of Divorce02:17 The Role of Marriage Counseling05:23 When Divorce is Inevitable06:15 Cost Comparison: Counseling vs. Divorce06:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCouples Intensive episode.This episode was inspired by Jason's blog post. Jason's marriage counseling practice.

Understanding Cheating: Definitions, Impacts, and Pathways to HealingIn this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' therapist and coach Jason Polk explores the complex topic of cheating. He delves into the different forms of infidelity, including financial and emotional cheating, and emphasizes the importance of explicit agreements between partners. Polk also discusses the synonyms and antonyms of cheating and provides insights into how a lack of openness can create a breeding ground for infidelity. Key takeaways include the critical role of trust, honesty, and transparency in preventing and recovering from betrayal.00:00 Introduction to the Show00:22 Defining Cheating and Infidelity01:12 Types of Cheating02:03 Importance of Agreements in Relationships03:29 Emotional Affairs and Implicit Agreements05:00 Antonyms of Cheating05:21 Conditions Leading to Cheating06:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThis blog inspired this episode: What is considered cheating? 

Jason explores the purpose of marriage beyond initial infatuation and love chemicals. He explains that marriage is an essential emotional refuge and economic partnership, providing a place for vulnerability, acceptance, and the sharing of resources. Jason discusses typical relationship dynamics like the pursue-withdraw cycle and how past experiences shape our partner interactions. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the relationship to foster connection and joy. Through understanding and intentional effort, marriage can bring resilience and confidence. By succeeding as a team, it can make life more enjoyable and less expensive.00:00 Introduction to the Show00:25 The Science of Love and Monogamy01:07 Impact of Upbringing on Relationships02:40 Purpose of Marriage03:17 Emotional and Economic Benefits of Marriage04:57 Challenges in Marriage06:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo read the blog that inspired this episode, you can check out: What's the Purpose of Marriage? A Marriage Counselor's Perspective.Click here to learn more about Jason's couples therapy agency.

In this episode, Jason shares ten actionable tips to help couples maintain harmony, reduce disharmony, and effectively repair their relationships. The tips are structured within a framework that includes understanding the phases of harmony, disharmony, and repair. Key points include connecting with your partner through daily gestures, understanding and navigating attachment dynamics, using timeouts to prevent conflicts, making effective apologies, showing vulnerability, using communication tools like the feedback wheel, and taking things less personally. The goal is to foster more connection and less conflict in relationships.00:00 Introduction to Relationship Tips00:06 Understanding Relationship Phases00:47 Tips for Maintaining Harmony02:37 Addressing Disharmony06:04 Effective Repair Strategies08:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks:State of the Union MeetingFeedback WheelRelationship (Attachment) QuizThis episode in 10 tips to fix your relationship in blog form.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Louis, a seasoned couples therapist, shares her insights and experiences from her 20-year career. She discusses the challenges and joys of working with couples, the importance of effective communication, and how vulnerability and emotional intimacy play crucial roles in relationships. Dr. Laura also discusses common issues such as the negative sentiment override, the impact of family of origin, and practical strategies for improving relational dynamics. Introduction Dr. Laura's Background Challenges of Couples Therapy Creating Connection in Relationships Men and Feelings Effective Communication Tools Signs You Should Seek Couples Therapy Stonewalling and Taking Breaks Final Thoughts and ResourcesLink to Dr. Laura Louis' Atlanta Couple Therapy practice.Her book Martial Peace___You can learn more about Jason's couple therapy practice here.

Sex can be a powerful way to connect, but for many men, it's often the only way they're taught to access vulnerability and emotional closeness. This can create a rub, especially when partners need emotional intimacy to feel open to physical intimacy.In this blog, we break down the dynamics of intimacy using the metaphor of a wedding cake.Couples thrive when they intentionally build each layer tier of the cake. Listen to discover how to strengthen your relationship, deepen intimacy, and foster connection beyond sex.This episode is in blog form: From Emotional to Sexual Intimacy: A Guide for Males (and Couples).For the blog on how to start with awareness of feelings, go here: Get in Touch With Your Feelings.

Do you two feel like roommates? Or cost-sharing-associates?Have you and your partner drifted into feeling more like roommates than lovers?Just co-parents?Or “cost-sharing-associates?”It's easy for the initial spark to dim as time passes, but rekindling it is possible.This quick episode talks about how to reconnect and feel love again.I also share why you two have drifted apart, how to break the cycle of disconnection, and how couples therapists help couples do just that.One of our favorite quotes from Terry Real is:“Intimacy is not something you have, but something you do.”I share how you two can intentionally foster intimacy and how you can be that passionate couple again!This blog inspired this episode. 

This episode discusses functional, psychological boundaries and what is not.  What are not functional boundaries? They are if we are behind walls or boundaryless.  We will define that and what physiological boundary violations are.This will also encourage you to reflect on your boundaries as well. Here's the link to the chart I mentioned.You can learn more about our couples therapy practice.

Mess is one of the content issues that come up in couples therapy. If this is an issue for you, you can check out what you can do on your side of the relationship and what you two can do as a team. Link to the Fair Play Card Deck.Click here to learn more about our couples therapy agency.

Is your marriage or relationship on the brink?Here are four things you can do to save your marriage. Essentially, there needs to be something different and not more of the same. These four things are usually the most common complaints partners have. Check it out!Click to learn more about our couples therapy agency in Denver, Colorado. 

This episode might be of interest to those of you who may be on the brink of divorce or breakup, for those who don't have a lot of time, and for those who harbor a lot of resentment. In this episode, I share how I define couples' intensives and why they are popular in my practice. Click here for more information about couples intensives.Click here to set up a free couples intensive consult. 

It means being intentional about connection and collaboration.  Sammi and Nate share their framework for staying connected and the eight domains they work on together.  They share what they've learned from over 190 episodes of their Date Forever podcast and over 15 years of being together.  Also, they are a lovely couple!Listen to the Date Forever podcast. Work with Sammi to create a fueled-up life: https://www.sammijaeger.com/ Have their goal-setting guide: https://www.sammijaeger.com/agp

Matt Salis shares his knowledge of sexual health and how it interacts with addiction.  We also talk about sexual desire discrepancies and what you can do about them. And what's something that can get you more sex?The Untoxicated Podcast.Echos of Recovery & Shout Sobriety

What are the problems with needing to be right? And what are the issues with holding on to "objective truth." This episode will help you know what to do to fix that. To help you embrace more subjective truth in your relationship. Because relationships are two subjective truths navigating life together. Visit my couples therapy practice website. 

What's an effective way to go about having more sex when there are desire discrepancies? I'll also share what I mean by my acceptance vs control. I'll address these questions in the context of a recent couples session I had. To learn more about my couples therapy practice, click here: https://coloradorelationshiprecovery.com

Kayla Crane and I are trained in the same school of thought. Kayla shares the critical idea of taking space in your relationship – literally and in your head to create peace. She also shares her experience with couples therapy, her meditation journey, and why she still meditates. In this episode, find out how meditation helps cultivate second consciousness and what that means.  You can find Kayla here: southdenvertherapy.comAs well as on her Colorado Relationship Recovery page.

Here are the questions for the exercise: What have I received from my partner?What have I given to my partner?What troubles and difficulties have I caused my partner?For more about Jason's therapy practice, visit here: https://coloradorelationshiprecovery.com/

I teach every couple one crucial thing, especially those who fight a lot. It's not quite a relationship tool, but you need to practice it for relationship tools to work.We have a Door A and a Door B and you want to go through Door B.Find out what exactly that is in this episode.More about Jason's couples therapy practice.Follow Jason on TikTok & Instagram

Meghan Englert is a therapist and a Playful Parenting Coach and she'll share what playful parenting is. Her tagline is, "Bond more battle less!"You will learn how to incorporate play into your parenting and why getting on the same page as parents is so powerful. Meghan shares stories and her journey towards a more peaceful family. You can find her at: MeghanEnglert.comHer Facebook Group: Judgement Free Parent ZoneFollow her on Instagram & Facebook

If you're in a period of disconnection, or there's been a big fight recently, listen to this episode and do each of the four things. I'd be lying to you if I said my current relationship has never felt like it was falling apart. In this episode, I'm sharing my experience implementing these four things.Click here to learn more about Jason's Couples Therapy Practice.The 4 Things:1) Put your ego aside2) Request to talk3) Share vulnerability4) Give understanding to receive understanding

The purpose of this tool is to create awareness of the Core Negative Image (CNI) you have of your partner. It also helps if your partner does this exercise as well. Here, you'll learn to stop when "CNI triggered" and how to behave in a way that helps your partner feel at ease. Here's the CNI Handout I went through.

This episode explores sex with sex and intimacy coach Nicole Colleen. We discuss self-intimacy and how that can help you with the desire discrepancy often found between parents.  We also discuss how you may have stories associated with sex you tell yourself, and what is a good sex life?Find out in this episode. Nicole's InstagramNicole's let's talk sex free guide. 

First question: What kills love?Second question: How can you repair that?Third question:  Should we let our kids have every resource of ours?This episode is some highlights from a talk I had with Cheri Timko. Cheri is a  Couples Relationship Coach who helps couples thrive in their marriages.  She is the owner of Synergy Coaching.Cheri has the ability to make complex things like how to have a healthy relationship simple. See highlights from the podcast on TikTok & Instagram

How do you manage kids with special needs and your relationship? Why is looking at your expectations of a parent an important thing to do? We will discuss these topics in today's episode with Anouk Briere-Godbout, as well as grieving and understanding why it's important to know where your partner may be. Anouk is a mentor and support for parents of "emotionally intense kids" for whom nothing in the “general parenting advice” seemed to work. She helps parents quit feeling like you're failing at parenting and empowers you to feel confident in trying different things that fit your kids' needs. Anouk's website, Family Moments, and link to her free Mini-Course. 

If you're a parent and married or living together. You don't have a lot of time. Here I'll share the easy and best thing you can do for your relationship.I'll share the basic frame I use with all the couples I work with. And we'll start at the most fun – more harmony.Appreciation Reflections:·       What are some of my partner's unique positive traits?·       How have I benefited from those positive traits?·       How has my partner made me a better person?·       What do they do for you and your family?·       In what ways have I grown while with my partner?·       Reflect on an amazing vacation or getaway together. What about that was so great?Naikan Reflection:·       What have I received from my partner?·       What have I given to my partner?·       What troubles and difficulties have I caused my partner?Welcome Home ExerciseLove Language QuizMore about Jason Polk, Couples Therapist

This is one of the biggest complaints for parents. Our time is devoted to kids, work, exercise, then maybe the relationship…Where do we find time for the relationship?But... You will feel better if you two move the relationship up in your priorities. You will be a better parent, live longer, and have improved memory. You are also modeling a good relationship for your kids. Here's a link to the State of the Union meetings John Gottman developed.Here's a link to Jason's Couples Therapy practice. 

This is a replay of an episode I recorded with Kara Hoppe over a year ago. She's co-authored the book Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide For Parents with Stan Tatkin. We tackle some big topics here—agreements, Resentment, and Having more sex. Kara's website & link to her book.

What can we do when were triggered by our partner?There's a quote by Pia Mellody, “Being a functional adult is taking care of our wounding, instead of letting it loose on others…” How do we do this? If we can, we will be better partners and parents. Jason A Polk is a couples therapist and relationship coach. He's worked with couples for over nine years.Click here to learn more about his couples counseling practice!

This is a very common issue for us parents. Usually, we've had way more sex before the arrival of our kids. How do we regain that passion and intimacy?Janelle helps us with practical and tactical information to help us have more sex in our relationship. She shares the analogy of a warm pot of water and concepts such as sexual brakes and accelerators. Her website is: https://janellewashburne.com/ and she offers intensives to help you transform your relationship!

Coach Maryse shares how our thoughts control our emotions and thus our life.  And, how we can become aware of our thoughts to create the life we want. We also learn how our brain works, and Maryse and I share personal struggles with raising kids. We also learn how her model can help us be better parents and partners with on-the-spot coaching where I'm the client!Find her on Instagram: @coachmaryse/Coach Maryse's Website

Questions: Does this mean we're doing something wrong, or we're flawed as humans?Jason also shares some of the recent disconnection he's had with his wife. Learn more about Jason's coaching practice at: RelationshipFixed.com & Jason's therapy practice here: Colorado Relationship Recovery

This is part 2 of the interview with Suzanne Smith of Align Counseling Center. We talk about what to do when your partner gets back from a work trip, as well as sharing power. What does sharing power mean, and what to do if you feel things are unequal in your relationship. 

Suzanne is a friend and colleague. She the type of person that is a joy to talk with. She's been a couples therapist for over 15 years and she shares her knowledge and personal experience with us. For more information on Suzanne check out her website: https://www.aligncc.com/

How can understanding attachment theory help your relationship? Attachment theory can provide a deeper understanding of why relationships have problems. I'll share an easy way to find out you and your partner's attachment style. 

Life is stressful enough. Our relationship should be a source of peace, not chronic stress.In this episode, I talk about how couples can spend less time fighting and one thing they can do with that time they save. Time Out link: https://terryreal.com/time-outs/Want free couples coaching and up for being recorded? Shoot me an email: connect@relationshipfixed.com

As parents, it's inevitable that you're going to feel disconnected with each other. In this episode, I'm going to share what you can do to avoid feeling like roommates. This is for those of us who tend to avoid. For more information about my relationship coaching, visit RelationshipFixed.com

One phrase to use when you are feeling disconnected from your partner. This is a way to initiate repair to move back into harmony and connection. To learn more about Jason's therapy practice click here:https://coloradorelationshiprecovery.com/Visit Jason on TikTok 

Lily Allen-Duenas is an international yoga and meditation teacher, vegan nutritionist, and holistic health and wellness coach. She helps overwhelmed individuals reduce their emotional overload, and find balance, breath, and space for self-care. Lily is the founder of the Wild Yoga Tribe and is the host of the Wild Yoga Tribe podcast. She has taught yoga classes and wellness workshops all over the world.How to reach Lilly: Podcast:https://wildyogatribe.com/IG:https://www.instagram.com/wildyogatribe/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/wildyogatribeTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@wildyogatribeEmail: wildyogatribe@gmail.com

Interview with Catherine DeMonte psychotherapist and author of "Beep! Beep! Get Out of My Way!: Seven Tools for Powerful Creation and Living Your Unstoppable Life"How to find Catherine:  Website : https://www.catherinedemonte.com/IG: https: //www.instagram.com/catherinedemonte/FB: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.demonte.14Link to book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Beep-Get-Out-Way-Unstoppable-ebook/dp/B07S15TX4S

How does shame affect our parenting? What is shame, and what can we do about it?Kyira Wackett is a therapist and coach who helps free people from shame to live instead of perform. She shares some of her journey and how shame shows up in her as a parent and partner.Website: https://adversityrising.com/events/loveyourselfYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdqCNF8lI6hq8U2GNQsAJkQJason's couples therapy practice

This thinking and practice has to do with the relationship I have with myself first. Find out what that is!Check me out on IG: jason.a.polkTake my free mini course: Steps Parents Can Take Now To Improve Your Relationship https://jasonapolk.ac-page.com/free-minicourse

What's up with all this talk about boundaries?  I look at boundaries in 2 different ways. 1) Setting limits, if needed, with those who you are in a relationship with. 2) Listening and speaking boundaries.  And what do healthy boundaries look like? Check me out on IG: jason.a.polkTake my free mini course: Steps Parents Can Take Now To Improve Your Relationship https://jasonapolk.ac-page.com/free-minicourse

Jason talks about how the relationship we have with ourselves affects the relationships we have with our partners. He also shares tips on how to be in a healthy place with yourself.Check me out on IG: jason.a.polkTake my free mini course: Steps Parents Can Take Now To Improve Your Relationship https://jasonapolk.ac-page.com/free-minicourse

There's one common characteristic disconnected couples have.  Find out what that is and how to avoid that!

Nicole Lako is founder of Happy Couple After Baby and has worked with couples and parents for over 17 years. In this interview we talk about how couples can be proactive in creating success before their baby is born. As well as how to manage postpartum depression and anxiety. We also discuss conflict resolution and maintain connection.Find Nicole: IG: happycoupleafterbabyGet your free checklist (mentioned in the episode)Website: www.happycoupleafterbaby.com

Today I interview Christie Sears Thompson, author of “The Partnerhood Workbook: Helping couples gain the resources and knowledge they need for a successful Partnerhood as they grow their families”As not only a therapist but also a wife and mother, Christie has seen first-hand the importance of a strong family foundation. Her main goal in creating The Partnerhood is to help couples achieve genuine connection, communicate more effectively, and create the relationships they want to have so this foundation can carry them through the storms that life will inevitably throw at them. You can find out more about Christie at: The Partnerhood.comOr FB: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thepartnerhood/ 

 In this episode, I share some of my experiences adjusting to my relationship with Jess from one that was unhealthy. It can also be difficult when your partner is away and you're taking care of two young kids!One important tool I discuss in this episode is moving from a Complaint to a Request. Link to free mini-course Steps Parents Can Take Now To Improve Your Relationship: HERE

Bre Wolta is a relationship clarity coach, and in this episode, she talks all about TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS...  Having experienced the cycle of toxic relationships herself, it's Bre's passion to help women find clarity in their relationships. We also discuss boundaries, and how to know what's your fault.... Get in Touch: Get the freebie mentioned in the episode: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself if You Think You Are in a Toxic Relationship Masterclass Website: https://www.brewolta.com/Find Bre on Instagram: lucid.living.with.bre

In this episode, I discuss my divorce,  what I learned from it, and how I found the tools that make a marriage work. 

Jordan Pendleton is a Money + Mindset Mentor for Entrepreneurs. She is also a parent. She shares her personal journey with money and how she applies that experience to her work with her clients. She also addresses the belief, "If I just have more money, everything will be good..." Get in touch: Instagram Handle: @jordantalksmoney Get Jorndan's FREE 21 Money + Mindset Journal Prompts: hereCheck out Jordan's podcast: Real Money Talk