Podcasts about relationship rx

Embark on a transformative journey into emotional well-being in relationships with Stefanos, a distinguished relationship coach boasting over two decades of experience. In this illuminating episode of the Key Nutrition Podcast, discover key insights into fostering lasting connections, navigating challenges, and enhancing communication dynamics. Stefanos shares practical wisdom, answering audience questions to provide actionable advice for building resilient and fulfilling relationships. Tune in for a concise yet profound exploration of the core elements that contribute to emotional health and relationship success.   The Next Level Experience –  Click Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order from Cured Nutrition and get 10% off your order by using discount code: Brad   Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Guest Stefanos - @stefanossifandos Key Nutrition – @keynutrition

Having a secure relationship with our partner is the foundation for a long, happy life. Building on this relationship we create meaningful and lasting lives that support our psychological development as well as provide a strong foundation for our children, careers and physical health. We loved reading Relationship RX by Stan Tatkin and we had to distill this one for you! In this episode we discuss how knowing your attachment style can guide you to a self awareness that enhances your ability to connect, repair and forgive. We also share our favorite tactics from the book for putting your relationship first, healing past wounds and supporting each other in parenting.  Related Episodes  Putting Connection With Our Spouse First How to own your desires with Jennifer Finlayson-Fife Time Stamps 12:00 - Attachment styles 14:05 - Anchors 16:30 - Waves 20:01 - Islands 32:33 - The relationship as an entity should be the highest priority 35:35 - Conflicts within a relationship 44:30 - Am I putting my role as a parent, or my hobby over my primary attachment? 46:17 - Supporting your spouse in parenting 51:40 - Secret password for stressful parenting moments 57:50 - Bring issues up preventatively Sponsor: GABB WIRELESS We LOVE devices that help our kids stay safe and be able to adventure while still being able to contact us safely and allow us to know where they are without being the kind of technology that steals their mental health and attention. Gabb wireless is an incredible company that we FULLY endorse for just that. Go to https://gabbwireless.com and use code FINDTHEMAGIC to get $50 off any device! Thank you for the kind reviews! We appreciate them so much. Here is how to leave a review for us  on iTunes: Open Find the Magic in the podcast app   Scroll to the bottom of the page Click on write a review Tap the stars to rate us and then write us some feedback:) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findthemagic/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/findthemagic/support

https://lisa.embodimentcoachmd.com/re... Sign up today for a more magical relationship with yourself, your spouse, your children, & the world!   For a free copy of The Medical Marriage Survival Guide: An Instruction Manual For Physicians in Love, visit https://library.medicinemarriageandmoney.com/the-medical-marriage! If you spent less time arguing with your spouse, what would your life look like? → sign up here https://calendly.com/katemangona/dicovery-call for a free 15-minute discovery call! Let me coach you! I can show you how to be less annoyed at your partner, feel more connected, and embrace more of your femininity. Who would you be if you felt less misunderstood by your spouse and more appreciated in your marriage? No time is better than now and no investment is as valuable as this investment in yourself. Let me coach you and show you what is possible. Sign up here! And don't forget to join the party on FB! Medicine, Marriage & Money  I encourage you to reach out to me at katemangona@medicinemarriageandmoney.com with any questions, concerns, or suggestions!

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

Buckle up, this is a value packed episode that will have all kinds of light bulbs going off for you! We discuss relationship development in this episode, from both healthy development, and what it looks like in a relationship with a narcissist. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What is the experience of being in a relationship with a narcissist like? 2. What is the cycle of a relationship with a narcissist? 3. What are the stages of healthy relationship development? Now that you know about Healthy Relationship Development vs. Stages of a Relationship with a Narcissist I hope this gives you more awareness of what to expect, and what to look out for when building relationships. If you realize that you keep getting stuck in the stages of relationship development, and need to learn to become the securely attached version of you, I want to invite you to do the work to heal your attachment style. Apply to the Empowered.Secure.Loved Program Here: Click Here to Apply Pssssst Podcast listeners get a special program offer: 10% off the program price! EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM DISCOUNT CODE FOR PODCAST LISTENERS ONLY: LGV10

You will not believe who today's guest is!    The one and only, Dr. Jessica Griffin, previous co-host of Lifetime's Married at First Sight, renowned relationship expert, and clinical psychologist.     After a lifetime of studying relationships and coaching couples, Dr. Jessica Griffin unexpectedly finds true love in an ironic twist of fate, and now recounts her story of finding lasting love and offers invaluable advice in her new book, 'Relationship RX: Prescriptions for Lasting Love and Deeper Connection'.   "If you're not in your ideal relationship right now, or you're not feeling the way that you want to in your love life,  there is always hope for people and you can find love in really wild ways." - Dr. Jessica Griffin   Dr. Jessicaica Griffin is a clinical and forensic psychologist with a specialty in trauma and relationships. She is an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and the CEO of Love Builder, a relationship company providing online courses to couples, singles, and parents.   Dr. Jessica Griffin had always been drawn to relationships and wanted to be a psychologist since she was nine. Which led her to study trauma and relationships. After getting married to the father of her three children, they eventually grew apart. She got involved in television and worked on many shows, eventually meeting her now husband, Jon Francetic, through Married at First Sight.    Dr. Pepper and Dr. Jessica Griffin have co-authored a book,  Relationship RX, to help people strengthen their relationships, drawing on their own experiences and those of the couples they have worked with.    Through this work, Dr. Griffin has found that hope and love can be found in unexpected places and that it can feel good to be true to yourself.   Inside of this episode we discuss:  1. The importance of healing and releasing our past on the path to love  2.  Dr. Jessica Griffin's own personal journey to love (and her time on Reality TV)  3. Strategies for strengthening relationships (and the truth about healing and trauma)    If you're ready to take ownership of your healing, and and attract the relationship you've always wanted, then you'd love the Empowered.Secure.Loved. Program!    Apply to the Empowered.Secure.Loved Program Here:    Click Here to Apply   Connect with Dr. Jessica Griffin:    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jessicagriffin/  Website: http://www.drjessica.com/about  Grab Relationship RX here:  Buy it Here on Amazon Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:  Click Here to Leave a Review

Clinician, author, researcher, Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy® (PACT) developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr Stan Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other's Care.His upcoming book, Relationship Repair will be out in April 2023Wired for love online workshops: https://www.thepactinstitute.com/retreats/7 Days to better fights FREE email campaign: https://www.thepactinstitute.com/7-days-to-better-fights/TUNE IN00:00 - Intro03:42 - Stan's beginnings05:49 - The Psycho-biological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) approach to navigating relationships08:19 - Associating the feeling of safety with love11:04 - Humans are living longer - should we question the longevity that's demanded upon intimate relationships?15:43 - How to establish a purpose and vision as a couple19:50 - One partner wants kids and the other doesn't - a deal breaker?27:31 - Strategies to overcome stressful interactions: take time out or talk it through?36:17 - Your relationships are a mirror of you, how not to externalise problems37:36 - Is it toxic to put other person's interests before your own?47:23 - How to compromise49:49 - Domestic violence stems from when survival is threatened53:27 - Exploring monogamous, polygamous relationships56:42 - PACT Institute & new book In Each Other's CareLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HJCflVnHRDmvNtI8r2a65?si=692723d115ce4ef2/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inspired-evolution/id1272090974/CONNECT WITH Dr STAN TATKINWebsite: https://www.thepactinstitute.com/Facebook for Couples: https://www.facebook.com/drstantatkin/Facebook for Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/PactTrainingInstitute/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantatkin/JOIN THE INSPIRED EVOLUTION COMMUNITYWebsite: https://www.inspiredevolution/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspired_evolution/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredevolution/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/com/inspiredevolution/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/inspiredevolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Themes: Relationships, Attachment Theory, Conflict, Interdependency Summary:  Today I'm honoured to be joined by Stan Tatkin: PsyD, MFT, clinician, author, researcher, co-founder of the PACT Institute and all-around relational ninja. Stan's ability to help couples navigate the often tricky waters of relationships is truly unparalleled, and in this episode, you'll understand why. Join us as we discuss attachment theory, the leading causes of breakups and, ultimately, how to co-create a thriving, lasting relationship.  Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author of We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship Rx, Wired for Dating, What Every Therapist Ought to Know, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships, and the upcoming, In Each Other's Care. Discover: Why we choose the partners we do, and why we default to certain behaviors while in a relationship Two main reasons relationships don't last The non-negotiable habits of couples in strong, healthy relationships The mindset shift couples need to make for their relationship to survive and thrive 00:00 Intro 01:10 Stan's background 02:57 Why we choose who we choose 10:30 Two main reasons relationships don't last 18:02 Attachment theory & why we stay 23:24 Interdependency 26:29 Purpose-centered love 34:42 Creating a relationship that survives and thrives 41:32 Relationships are a team sport 48:16 Prioritizing repair 54:10 Avoid working on each other; only the problem Links: Website | thepactinstitute.com Instagram | @drstantatkin Sponsors: Cozy Earth | Use code GROVES for 40% off sitewide at cozyearth.com Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Laurie chats with body language expert Blanca Cobb to give you insight on interpreting body language and how this can help with dating to decipher cues you are both receiving and giving. Blanca Cobb is an internationally recognized body language expert who's been featured on national television shows such as the Steve Harvey Show, TODAY Show, Megyn Kelly TODAY, Dr. Oz, Dr. Drew, CNN, Face the Truth, The Doctors to name a few as well as publications around the world such as Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Elite Daily, Business Insider, Elle, Daily Mail. Blanca shares her expertise weekly on a CBS affiliate in North Carolina. Blanca helps singles and couples clarify and mend communication issues, mismatched love languages, and suspicions of mistrust with her Relationship Rx tips in order to build healthier and happier relationships. By understanding the use of certain verbal cues along with body language and learning to detect deception techniques, she teaches you how to evaluate whether you are receiving the love, care, and respect you deserve. Sometimes, it isn't what's said but seen that can either keep you together or break you apart.Visit Blanca's website at http://blancacobb.com Follow Blanca on Facebook at http://facebook.com/blancacobb Follow Blanca on Instagram at http://instagram.com/blancacobb Follow Laurie on Instagram at http://instagram.com/carolinasmatchmaker To learn more about Laurie and her team, visit http://carolinasmatchmaker.com

Do you and your parenting partner struggle post-kids?  In this episode I talk to Kara Hoppe, MFT and Stan Tatkin, PsyD about what happens to couples after having children. We discuss the idea of secure functioning and how important it is for partners to make their relationship a priority. We touch on the importance of listening open-heartedly to each other, even when you don't hold the same views and encourage you to get curious about where your partner is coming from. *New!* Watch video clips from this episode on the Mindful Mama Youtube channel! If you enjoyed this episode, and it inspired you in some way, I'd love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag me @mindfulmamamentor. Have you left a review yet? All you have to do is go to  Apple Podcasts or  Stitcher (or wherever you listen), and thanks for your support of the show! Takeaways: The couple needs to come first Your relationship is more important than being right Relationships are systems that require partners to move in coordination toward a shared vision Kara Hoppe, MA, MFT, is a psychotherapist, teacher, feminist, and mother. She has spent more than a decade working with individuals and couples toward healing, growing, and becoming grounded. Stan Tatkin is a clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships. Get Hunter's book, Raising Good Humans now! Click here to order and get book bonuses! ABOUT HUNTER CLARKE-FIELDS: Hunter Clarke-Fields is a mindful mama mentor. She coaches smart, thoughtful parents on how to create calm and cooperation in their daily lives. Hunter has over 20 years of experience in mindfulness practices. She has taught thousands worldwide. Be a part of the tribe—we're over 25 thousand strong! Join the Mindful Parenting membership. Take your learning further! Get my Top 2 Best Tools to Stop Yelling AND the Mindful Parenting Roadmap for FREE at: mindfulmamamentor.com/stopyelling/ Find more podcasts, blog posts, free resources, and how to work with Hunter at MindfulMamaMentor.com.

Relationship RX (804-420-8003) by Dr. Laura Dabney helps YOU take control of your relationships. We offer practical and simple relationship advice through a self-paced love online program. Learn more at https://relationship-rx.com (https://relationship-rx.com)

Relationship Stress Quiz - https://www.judycounselor.com   Complimentary Clarity Call - https://JudyKHerman.as.me/Complimenta...   Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/   Stan Tatkin, pt. 2 Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman Episode 009: Simple Ideas That Will Save Your Marriage: Part 2, It Still Takes Two Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships.   Listen to part two of this interview with Dr. Stan Tatkin on Better Relationships, Better Life, packed with simple ideas that will inspire you co-create a secure relationship. Nature, culture and history throughout time gives evidence of the necessity of equal partnership for survival and growth. It's not easy and it still takes two.   Here is what to expect on this week's show: ●    Our instinctual inclination towards teamwork can save relationships, and turn enemies into friends ●    How to honor both spouses in the partnership as “equal power and equal authority.” Otherwise it's not sustainable. ●    The necessity of your unique relationship set of ethics that both spouses agree to that's not to be reckoned with. ●    Why a relationship is less of a skill set and more of a practice   Connect with Stan: WEBSITE: https://www.thepactinstitute.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PactTrainingInstitute TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DrStanTatkin INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drstantatkin/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/stanleytat LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/stan-tatkin/11/233/281   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relationship Stress Quiz - https://www.judycounselor.com Complimentary Clarity Call - https://JudyKHerman.as.me/Complimenta... Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykherman/ Stan Tatkin, pt. 1 Better Relationships, Better Life with Judy Herman Episode 008: Simple Ideas That Will Save Your Marriage and Your Life: Part 1 Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships.   Listen to part one of this insightful interview with Stan Tatkin on Better Relationships, Better Life, full of the influences that helped shape the PACT institute, and some of the wisdom that Stan and his team can share:   Here is what to expect on this week's show: ●    How Stan utilizes his research in psychobiology as a foundation for his work with the PACT institute and in relationship therapy ●    How Stan went from drumming protégé to working with couples ●    The evolutionary and historical reasons why people long to be in paired relationships ●    Ways of thinking about relationships so that one member is not at risk of being eclipsed or absorbed by the other, where both partners can keep their individual identities while also supporting one another ●    The many different spiritual and philosophical traditions that influence Stan's work and the PACT foundation ●    Habits and rituals that you can form with your partner that will remind them of your mutual support, even if the two of you go to bed upset with one another   Connect with Stan: WEBSITE: https://www.thepactinstitute.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PactTrainingInstitute TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DrStanTatkin INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drstantatkin/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/stanleytat LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/stan-tatkin/11/233/281   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This interview is packed with amazing insights on how to have an extraordinary, secure-functioning relationship. One of my favorite interviews to date. There's so much to learn in this episode that's all about relationships. If the quality of your life is based on the quality of your relationships, then listening to this episode with Stan is an absolute must! Grateful to have him on the show. Please enjoy :) Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFTClinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships. Information about Stan's work is available at www.thepactinstitute.comWebsite: www.thepactinstitute.comInstagram: @drstantatkinFacebook: PactTrainingInstituteTwitter: DrStanTatkinYoutube: StanleytatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-tatkin/New Book: BabybombMore Links to books, retreats and free guide on 7 Ways to Fight BetterJackie Senatore's Website: clearforcoaches.comJackieSenatore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiesenatore/

In this episode my dear mentor Stan Tatkin shares his current understanding regarding what it takes for long term relationship to endure and thrive over time. He also describes the psychological impacts of betrayal on the "discovery partner" and the "secret keeping" partner. We share are thoughts on the role of shame in the betrayal healing process as well. Enjoy! Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT is a Clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships.

A recent survey showed that during the pandemic 50% of people reported a decline in their sex life while 27% of participants felt a decrease in relationship satisfaction. With so many relationships on the rocks, we went right to the expert for some help: Elizabeth Earnshaw is a relationship rock star. Working with couples for over a decade, Elizabeth has helped save countless pairs from break-up. She's a renowned Gottman therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and an influential Instagram therapist (you can join the 243K followers who turn to her for advice at @lizlistens). Her aim is to make "relational wellness" a thing, and her book, “I Want This to Work” is a trustworthy, inclusive guide to navigating the most challenging relationship issues we face. Even if your relationship is PERFECT (what are you, a unicorn?), tune in for a tune up!!Today's sponsors:Setria GlutathioneCheck out https://www.setriaglutathione.com/en and https://www.setriaglutathione.com/en/where-to-find for more information!EnlightenedCheck out https://eatenlightened.com/ for more information! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Understanding why love is not enough in an empowered relationship can be a challenge. So in this episode, Dr. Stan Tatkin helps us recognize some of the most common biological and human factors that take us off track when creating intentionality in a relationship. Having a scientific framework that allows us to understand why we need more than love helps us create a shared vision for our relationships. By unpacking common causes of relationship challenges, we can learn how to commit fully to a loving partnership and ensure it remains a beautiful and fulfilling experience.  Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a clinician, author, researcher, PACT developer, and co-founder of the PACT Institute. Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine. He maintains a private practice in Southern California and leads PACT programs in the US and internationally. He is the author of We Do, Wired for Love, Your Brain on Love, Relationship RX, Wired for Dating, and co-author of Love and War in Intimate Relationships. Check out the transcript to this episode in Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode: 09:35 Why the basic human being is not built for long term relationships 12:25 Going passively into a relationship assuming that love is the key to success is not the best approach to take 14:05 The inner development that we have to commit to can sometimes be challenging 19:03 Stan shares his practical tips on how to create a shared purpose and vision as a couple 33:29 The importance of being cognizant of that we continue to evolve as individuals while developing our purpose, vision, governance, and ethics as a couple 33:48 Why we should intentionally create form-fitting principles to ground our relationship 40:32 How PACT can help couples improve their relationships Mentioned We Do: Saying Yes to a Relationship of Depth, True Connection, and Enduring Love, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Your Brain on Love: The Neurobiology of Healthy Relationships, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Relationship Rx, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Wired for Dating: How Understanding Neurobiology and Attachment Style Can Help You Find Your Ideal Mate, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Love and War in Intimate Relationships: Connection, Disconnection, and Mutual Regulation in Couple Therapy, by Stan Tatkin (*Amazon Link) Relationship Road Map Connect with Dr. Stan Tatkin Website: thepactinstitute.com  Facebook: facebook.com/drstantatkin Instagram: instagram.com/drstantatkin/ Twitter: @DrStanTatkin Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Today we're giving you 5 of our favorite ways to keep the fire alive in our marriage. Also we're discussing how we've been navigating through unexpected delays for the launch of our new business. All that and a lot of fun on today's. Stick around it's about to get GOOD! -Check-In (0:00). -GOOD News of the Week (12:50). -Highs & Lows (15:25). -What I'm Lovin (30:00). -Relationship Rx (42:30). -GOOD Word of the Week (53:30). Time codes are rough :)

We recently read how our enneagram numbers interact in marriage. It's super interesting! We are reading the good and the bad to you on today's episode. It's a great tool that can give you some much needed insight into your relationship dynamics. We're also sharing what we are loving this week + our exciting travels back to where TGL all started. Stick around it's about to get GOOD. -Check-In (0:00). -GOOD News Of The Week (9:00). -Highs & Lows (13:20). -What I'm Lovin' (23:45). -Relationship Rx (32:45). -GOOD Word of the Week (45:05). Time codes are rough :)

Welcome back Fam! Today we talk about everything from civilian space travel to how to get free books for your kids. PLUS answering the most common relationship questions we get asked. All that and more coming up - it's about to get GOOD! Check-In - 0:00. Highs & Lows - 14:00. Good News Of The Week - 26:00. Relationship Rx - 41:00. Good Word/Moment of the Week - 01:16:00. (Time codes are rough :))

In today's episode, we'll discuss how we can take responsibility for ourselves and our relationships, and how to keep our relationships alive when isolating together in adverse circumstances. We'll provide you with tips and tricks to maintain sanity and resilience while quarantining with loved ones.  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.thriveinc.com/post/relationship-prescription

Today is the day! We take your calls and answer YOUR questions! Who do you know that has a perfect relationship? No one. No matter who you are relationships are always in need of some TLC and today we brought instagram power couple and our good friends Cody and Lexy Johns to take your calls on the Relationship RX Help Hotline! It's gets juicy... and it gets GOOD. This week's show was sponsored by JustFab, Thred Up, LaCroix Sparkling Water, ADT, & TrueCar! Go to Justfab.com/Sazan and sign up as a VIP, you'll get your first style for as low as $10!! Go to ThredUp.com/GoodLife today you'll get an extra 30% off your first order by using code SAZAN !! Please support our sponsors because they support us!!

Hey Good Life fam! We're starting a fun new series here on TGL called Relationship RX with couples who bring real life conversations about relationships, love and personal advice. Our friend and celebrity actress/singer Jana Kramer and her hubby Mike Caussin join us to share how they keep their love alive with a baby (and another one on the way!) We're also putting our love to the test with a fun relationship game that may or may not have gotten us into some trouble ha! Enjoy! Don't forget to rate and review us letting us know what you thought of this episode. This week's podcast is sponsored by PHLUR, LACROIX SPARKLING WATER, VISTA PRINT, and WET N WILD! Please help support our sponsors that support us!!

GET ON THE DEEP, DOWN + DIRTY VIP LIST!   Recently, a few listeners wrote in to the show sharing some current relationship struggles they had been up against. Perhaps you can relate to one of these scenarios. One listener had been struggling with communication in her relationship because her partner looooooves to talk but she absolutely does not and it's #def causing some serious relationship-ending probs. Another listener is currently struggling to let go of her partner's romantic past and yet another is finding challenges working on her relationship because her partner doesn't think anything is wrong and everything is her fault… how fun, right? If you've battled communication issues or jealousy issues inside your romantic relationship, you are soooo not alone. Have a listen to this episode where I talk about ‘de-coding' your partner's communication (so you can actually get somewhere instead of fighting all the damn time) and what-the-hell you do with a partner who doesn't think they need to work on anything. Like, at all. You actually don't have to have your partner's buy-in in order to shift your relationship dynamics. Pinky swear. Plus, I drop three tips you can immediately implement to get you out of a self-doubt spiral if you happen to be super insecure about your partner's past. This pod explores: Why you don't always have to communicate with words (Wait, whaaaaa!? Yep. Imma teach ya.) What your partner is really saying when they complain about something you're doing What to say to your partner when you're super insecure about their past relationships/romantic history What to do if your partner always thinks everything is fine and you're the only one creating issues DEEP, DOWN + DIRTY VIP LIST! WANNA BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN THE NEXT DDD IS OPEN FOR REG? OF COURSE, YOU DO! Is this the year you go from a people-pleasing, guilt-tripped perfectionist to a bold and boundaried badass? Um, yeah. I think it is! If you're serious about creating lasting and powerful change in your life, be sure to get your name on the Deep, Down + Dirty VIP interest list! You will be the absolute FIRST to get in on early-bird savings, extra bonuses, and coupon codes before anyone else! Hello! It's time to finally believe in yourself, find that self-confidence you crave, and start living your life for YOU. So, clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR to get on The List! #yourewelcome THE JOY JUNKIE AFTER HOURS CLUB! COMPLETELY FREE FACEBOOK GROUP. TONS OF SUPPORT YOU CRAVE. JOIN THE CLUB. You in on this FREE badassery yet? You are officially invited to my super exclusive/inclusive, [grin] Facebook group, The Joy Junkie After Hours Club! If you've been diggin' the pod, this group will be an extra dose of support, training vids, discussions, coupon codes, behind the scenes and advice from moi! Plus, it's #totes free and your new soul tribe is waiting for you! So, clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR to join the group! #yourewelcome Additional Resources: Check out Relationship Rx! Get on the Deep, Down + Dirty VIP list! Join the After Hours Club: Join the rest of the pod-iance in our secret pod peep group for weekly discussions, extra trainings, and tons of freebies POD #71 - How to Communicate with a Passive Spouse POD #114 - Is Your Jealousy Valid? POD #188 - Is My Partner a Manipulator? Wait… Am I a Manipulator? POD #247 - Effectively Communicating with Your Partner - PART 1 POD #248 - Effectively Communicating with Your Partner - PART 2 POD #258 - Believing You are ‘Enough' The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman How to Leave iTunes Reviews: Click the "Subscribe on iTunes" button below or go to http://tinyurl.com/JJReview Click on blue button that reads "view in iTunes" which will open the podcast into your personal iTunes account Click "Ratings & Reviews" under the show title Click the star rating of choice and then click the "Write a Review" button You can also click "Subscribe" under the podcast photo to be automatically notified of new episodes Want to Submit a Show Topic? Swing by THIS PAGE and let us hear what you would like us to sound off on!

What’s the best way to overcome conflict in your relationship? How does it change based on your attachment style? And can you use what we know about our biology, and our memory, to keep a relationship from getting past the point of no return? In today’s episode, we’re blessed with a return visit from Stan Tatkin. Along with training couples therapists and conducting workshops for couples all over the world, Stan is the author of Wired for Love, Wired for Dating, and the recent audio program from SoundsTrue - RelationshipRx: Insights and Practices to Overcome Chronic Fighting and Return to Love. Stan’s work blends Attachment Theory with Interpersonal Neurobiology, helping couples leverage science to succeed in long term relationships. It’s always a treat to have him here on the show, and our conversation today will give you fresh insights into how to fight, how to repair, and how to transform conflict into something that helps you and your partner grow closer together. As always, I’m looking forward to your thoughts on this episode and what revelations and questions it creates for you. Please join us in the Relationship Alive Community on Facebook to chat about it! Also, see below for links to our other episodes with Stan Tatkin. Sponsors: Along with our amazing listener supporters (you know who you are - thank you!), this week's episode has two amazing sponsors. Each has put together a special offer for you as a Relationship Alive listener. Please visit them to take advantage of their offer and show appreciation for their support of the Relationship Alive podcast! First are the folks at TakeCareOf.com. Through a unique online quiz, they help you figure out exactly what vitamins and herbal supplements you need to achieve your optimal health. They use high-quality ingredients, and can save you as much as 20% over comparable store-bought brands. On top of all that, they are offering you 25% OFF your first month if you visit takecareof.com and use the coupon code “ALIVE” at checkout. This week is also being sponsored by Hungryroot.com. Hungryroot.com is a service that sends healthy, delicious, plant-based and gluten-free foods to you, each week. They're easy to prepare (either ready-to-eat or ready in less than 10 MINUTES). And - special shoutout to their cookie dough - which you can eat raw (or bake for a healthy dessert). This is by far the best prepared food delivery service that we've experienced. And you can get $25 off your first TWO orders if you use the coupon code "ALIVE" at checkout - at Hungryroot.com. Resources: Check out Stan Tatkin's website Listen to Stan Tatkin’s new release, RelationshipRx, offered through SoundsTrue. Read Stan Tatkin’s books FREE Relationship Communication Secrets Guide - perfect help for handling conflict... Guide to Understanding Your Needs (and Your Partner's Needs) in Relationship (ALSO FREE) www.neilsattin.com/wired3 Visit to download the transcript, or text “PASSION” to 33444 and follow the instructions to download the transcript to this episode with Stan Tatkin. Here are links to our other episodes with Stan Tatkin (prior to this one): Episode 19: Recipe for a Secure, Healthy Relationship Episode 50: Wired for Dating and Love - Psychobiology Amazing intro/outro music graciously provided courtesy of: The Railsplitters - Check them Out Transcript: Neil Sattin: Hello and welcome to another episode of Relationship Alive. This is your host, Neil Sattin, and we are coming to you in full Technicolor today, which is a first for Relationship Alive, not a first for our illustrious and lovely guest, Stan Tatkin, who's back on the show. He was here in episode 19 way back when we started, talking about a recipe for a secure and healthy relationship. He was also here talking about his book Wired For Dating and Love and talking about psychobiology, which we'll address a little bit in today's episode, back in episode 50. And you can listen to either of those episodes by visiting neilsattin.com/wired or neilsattin.com/wired2. We'll make this one neilsattin.com/wired3, so you can download. We'll have a transcript for this episode and any related links that we talk about over the course of our conversation. Neil Sattin: So we're here to talk about a couple of things like when we dive in to the work as a couple and that work involves how you maintain your connection, how you maintain your safety, while at the same time keeping things exciting, but not too exciting because you're collapsing into fights and distress. It's a balancing act and it requires a level of skill that we are just now really coming to grips with, like what skills are required when it comes to relational excellence in long term relationships. And Stan is one of today's leading experts in how to navigate that well. And one thing that I loved, Stan, in listening to your recent recording that you did for Sounds True called Relationship Rx, which is all about overcoming chronic fights in a relationship, I love that you were right upfront by saying, "Hey, if you're in a real relationship, you're gonna be dealing with this. I deal with this." I deal with this with my wife, with my children. And so there's not this halo that somehow because we're relationship experts that we're not affected by things like getting triggered and getting knocked off balance and having to come back and repair. I'm excited to have you here to get real about this art of how we stay safe and secure and there are also a few specific questions that I have for you along the way that have come in from listeners to the Relationship Alive podcast. Stan Tatkin: Sure. Neil Sattin: It's a pleasure to have you back, so thanks for joining me today. Stan Tatkin: Thank you, Neil. It's good to be back. Neil Sattin: Awesome. Awesome. I would like to just... Let's just have a nutshell summary of psychobiology. What do you mean by that since your approach is a psychobiological approach to couple's therapy, which is the PACT that we see behind you here for those of you who are watching. Stan Tatkin: Well, think of it as study of the brain and the body. We could say it's psycho-neurobiology or neurobiology, but psychobiology is basically taking a developmental approach to the human primate lifespan and in particular pair bonding with and between humans. This is basically a capacity model, meaning we're looking at social-emotional development from even in utero. But postnatally, we're looking at the networking of these structures and the function of these structures that allow us to be effective human beings with each other, particularly when it comes to attraction and when it comes to distress. Those are the two areas that encompasses the burden placed on people who are and are not socially-emotionally intelligent. Neil Sattin: Right, so this question of how we as organisms, like what generates attraction in us on a physiological level as well as a psychological level and then also how do we manage the problem states that come up. Stan Tatkin: Yes. Neil Sattin: On a physiological and psychological level. Stan Tatkin: Yes. And a lot of what we see between human beings is psychological to be sure, but not in the traditional sense. A lot of what happens between people is involving automatic systems that are recognition based and not thought based. They're recognition based because we're fundamentally memory. That's how we operate. Everything we do is based on memory. There is, on balance, very little that we do that requires the kind of cognition, predicting, rotating objects in three dimensions in our head, planning. All of these things contingent kinds of processing. We don't do that at any given time during the day, very much compared to how much we are automated and how much we are using these very lightning-fast recognition systems. And so we're talking here about the human condition, not about individuals, per se. Neil Sattin: Yeah, I loved in Relationship Rx where you talked about how when we first meet someone, we experience them, it's this amazing novel, new thing, a new person in our lives. But that very quickly, you use the phrase, "we automate them", we push them back into the rote memory that allows us to just function automatically with that person. Stan Tatkin: Yes, nature has built in energy conserving functions in our brain and in our body. If we didn't have these, we wouldn't survive, we wouldn't be here. So we can only perceive so much, hear so much, feel, taste, smell so much. We only have so many neurons for those things. And because there's so much sensory motor information that we have to process at every moment, the brain has to gate or limit that information. And especially limit the amount of information that floats up to consciousness or awareness. So most of the time we are doing things on a level where we're not being told, we don't get permission or give permission to some of the things that we do by these primitive areas that are recognition memory based that allow us to go through the day and do the many, many things that we do and still conserve energy. So, this is not a bug, it's a feature. But in relationships it can also be a bug. Neil Sattin: Yeah, right, exactly. Because then you could be stuck in painful memories of what's happened either in your relationship or the things that happened long ago that your relationship evokes, right? Stan Tatkin: Well, yes. In the love relationship in particular, a relationship I think of as the hardest one on the planet. The reason it's so difficult is that it is a dependency relationship that replicates the earliest ones we had before the age of 12. And it has a very long memory. Whereas at work, with friends, it's there but it's not animated in the same way as it is when we start to depend on somebody and they become permanent in our head, or at least we think they are. And that's when we start to remember what it's like to depend on somebody. The good things and the not so good things. So, this again, is how we roll. This is the nature of the beast, which is us. And it's normal. But the more history that's there that makes us anxious and fearful of what will happen, the more our behavior is altered in a way that causes relationship troubles. Neil Sattin: So, what you mean is the more history you have the more pain you've experienced. Stan Tatkin: The more history that's not resolved or corrected by other intimate relationships. So, we're hurt by people, we're healed by people. The kinds of things that we remember in relationship has to do with interaction. It has do with memory of how we felt and our perception at the time. Not to mention our ability to think at the time, developmentally. We're not... For instance, there's a misnomer that we marry our mothers or our fathers. That's not true. We marry those people who we recognize as familiar, both in ourselves and in the people that we've been around. But what triggers us is the experience of being on the other end of those interactions. So, I feel as I did when I was with my father and he yelled at me. I feel as I did when I was with my mother and she was late to pick me up at school, again and again. Stan Tatkin: So, these injuries are what we anticipate the next time we depend on somebody. This is simply a memory issue. It can go away, also, but that's another discussion. It goes away in the relationship through reparative actions. Both partners have to really understand this. Again, nature doesn't build this into our DNA as something we are aware of and we do well because nature does not have a plan for long term relationships. Nature has a plan for mixing up the gene pool. That's it. The rest of it is on our shoulders. So, we have to now understand how the brain works, how the human being works, what not just causes problems in love relationships, but many of those problems are gonna be with all relationships if we don't really understand what we're dealing with. Neil Sattin: Let's tackle that for a moment. And I don't want this to take over our entire conversation as it easily could. But, here we are in modern culture. There's a vibrant dialogue happening about whether or not we are designed to be monogamous. And we had Helen Fisher on the show talking about how in a lot of societies...In a lot of societies that more like serial monogamy is kind of built into the structure of their societies and that, in a way, that's more natural. And yet here we are talking about successful long-term relationships and acknowledging that in some respects, we're battling nature, we're battling biology in order to do that. And of course, doing that, when I think about clients I've worked with, and I'm sure you have this all the time, that there's this element of, "Well, why not? Okay, you're having a really hard time, go your separate ways, find new people, do it all over again. Why not do that?" So where do you come down, 'cause I think you, like I do, do come down on the side of, "No, there's a lot to be gained in figuring this out and supporting each other as you grow and blossom in your life and doing that with one long-term partner." And I'm curious to know, do you believe that? Or is it in flux for you? Or what are your thoughts around that? Stan Tatkin: Well, there are very... Very few animals on the planet are actually monogamous. The ones that are is what we study like the prairie vole. Prairie voles. The dik-dik. The smallest antelopes in Africa. One dies, the other dies. They work together. They are devoted to each other because their lives depend on it. And there are certain voles, by the way, that are absolutely not monogamous, and a lot of it has to do with the brain structure and a lot of it has to do with neurochemicals and so on. There are some humans that are more monogamous than others. You spoke with Helen. Helen believes that there are some babies that are born into an environment where there's a lot of testosterone, and those babies grow up into adults who have great sex lives, very, very long sex lives, but they also stray from their partners. They also have anger management issues. They also have other issues. So we have to have another reason, if we're going to be monogamous, to be monogamous, and that is entirely a top-down process. Top-down meaning it's one like we would do with moral reasoning. Why should we not kill? There's moral reasoning around that. Why should we be monogamous? Well, you don't have to be. If you say that you are polyamorous, that's fine, but why are you polyamorous? Stan Tatkin: So here, now, we're talking about the human capacity to override urges, impulses, mood, personality, all sorts of things, in order to get along. Here we're talking about social contract theory. How do societies, people get along? How do civilizations get along? Well, if you let people do what they do, they don't get along. They kill each other. They rob each other. They pillage. They do all sorts of things. History has proven that to us. So how do people then get along? Well, religion was one way, get people to fear a god and that God is watching you all the time, that will keep you in line. We come up with tablets from on high, the Ten Commandments, thou shalt not kill. That doesn't mean thou shalt not kill if I'm in the mood. Even a two-year... Or three-year-old knows what it means. You don't do it, right? So these are ideas that form societies, form civilizations so that people can get along together. That is not because they are the same people. They are different people with different backgrounds and different wants and needs, different brains. Stan Tatkin: Now, when we talk about a couple, we're talking about the smallest unit of a society. That's a two person system, and it operates by rules of social justice as well, unless there are no principles, in which case it's the wild west. So why are you gonna be monogamous? That's the important thing. Why is it a good idea for you? And why is it a good idea for your partner? And if you can't sell the idea to your partner, it's not gonna work. Stan Tatkin: If you can't say with complexity why it serves a personal good and a mutual good, you won't do it. So here we're talking about the human capacity to override what would be our more primitive natures, because human beings are fundamentally selfish, impulsive, moody, changeable, we're moving through time also. There are all these factors that can really get in the way of a long-term relationship. So there has to be some unifying ideas that pull people together, that both people are on-board with, otherwise they won't do it. So that's what I think. But we're talking about two people having a vision on the big ticket items agreeing on where they're going and that they agree on certain principles that ensure that they're protected from each other and everyone else, like does the relationship come first, above all things. It doesn't have to, but if one person says yes and the other person says, no, there will be trouble. Stan Tatkin: So that's how I'm thinking, not so much whether people are monogamous or should be monogamous, or they should be serial monogamists or whatever they do. Usually I don't see people that are unhappy, so they're doing all this stuff and they're fine. But when they're not fine, they come in to see me and you, right? Neil Sattin: Right, exactly. And I wanna dive into that 'cause I think it would be really helpful to talk about how to fight well, and I know that's the bulk of your Relationship Rx program that came out with Sounds True. And I also hear in what you're talking about, 'cause you have a new book coming out as well, right? We Do. Stan Tatkin: We Do, which is a pre-commitment, a pre marital book. Neil Sattin: Yeah, so it must be tackling some of these questions about, why are we even doing this to begin with? Stan Tatkin: Why are we even doing this? What's the point? Why do we get paid the big bucks? What do we serve? Who do we serve? What's the point of this whole thing? And it's remarkable how many people cannot answer that question. Neil Sattin: Yeah. Chloe and I are actually doing a series on the podcast for our wedding vows where we're doing one vow at a time and just talking about why they were important for us and what the principles were and the values underlying the various vows that we made to each other. Stan Tatkin: Right. And it becomes sort of your ethical and moral compass, which then when you have children, that is something that they see not hear about. If you wanna see how to fight, kids, watch Mom and I. We fight, we say things, we apologize, we come back together again, watch what we do. How many couples can say that. And so that's wonderful that you're doing that. Are you gonna make them plaque worthy? Do you have a plaque? Neil Sattin: [chuckle] I think posters are coming out for sure. They're definitely Instagram worthy anyway. [chuckle] And at the same time, it's great I think, because it's a dynamic thing. So even though we made vows and those in some ways are static, 'cause those are the promises we made to each other. But even in just sitting down to talk about each one, they become a living thing. I feel like I'm talking about the Constitution being a living document. But it's kind of along those lines where by being in conversation about our agreements, it gives us the opportunity to live into them more and to decide like, "Wait a minute. Is that what I really meant?" Or, "Is that what you really meant?" And yeah, it creates conversation. Stan Tatkin: The purpose of that, what you're talking about, is to make life easier, is to make the relationship easy because the world is not, life is not, but the relationship should be. Resource should not be resource expending to a degree where you're tied up with each other. So the whole idea of having these agreements, these principles that you believe in, whether you're together or you're not together, whether one person does it or not. This is what you stand for. The reason to do that is it makes everything easier. And when one of you falls off the wagon in some way, the other person just invokes, "Remember, this is what we do." And if you are true to your word, the answer should be, "You're right. I'm so sorry." That makes life easier. Stan Tatkin: When you both are on the same page with big items, that reins in both of your behavior. It's so funny, I just saw a couple this morning like this. They never talk about this stuff. They don't have any big ideas that bring them in or inform what they're going to do, if then. And so they just basically do what they want, which is what most people do, and then they wonder why they end up with a more threatening experience in the relationship and accrue all this unfairness and injustice. So these are very important things to have the big ideas that we can cling to, that we can see, that override these day to day shifts and changes in us. Otherwise, we're not safe. And so that's why the rigor of not just coming up with these principles, but also defending them when challenged by somebody. Can you say to somebody in a complex way why you've decided to be monogamous, why you decided to tell each other everything and be fully transparent. 'Cause if you can't then what's to hold you in when you don't feel like doing these things? So they're really important. Neil Sattin: Yeah. And that reminds me of something else you were talking about in Relationship RX that made an impression on me, which is the importance of creating safety in relationship not just to avoid creating problems and not just to foster positive energy in your relationship, but because when you are safe it actually allows you to live a more complex life. And I'm not talking about complex like, "I'm overwhelmed because my life is so complicated." I'm talking about the kind of complexity that helps you feel like you're alive and thriving and not just doing the same thing over again. You're not in a procedural, rote life. You're actually engaged and curious, but that safety is really required for you to engage in life that way. Stan Tatkin: This is something that people don't understand until they break the relationship, usually by some act of betrayal. Is that the safety and security system is really all the couple has. It is the foundation, it's the ground they stand on. And if either partner messes with that, it is like being... It's like having an earthquake or a volcanic eruption. It takes a long time to recover from that. And unfortunately, people will learn this by making that mistake. But that is really the foundation of these inter-dependent relationships, where lives depend on fealty and radical loyalty because that's not how the world operates. And so the couple is agreeing to do something that nobody else will do because people are basically a burden. They're doing things for each other as full burdens that nobody wants to do unless they get paid a lot of money. And that's what makes them special. But they have to both see that this is mutually assured survival and thriving, and also mutually assured destruction. That's the power they have over each other. And adult couples who are wisened to this, get it. And they know that there are lines they do not cross, and they do not mess with the safety or the security system of the relationship. Neil Sattin: And that brings us into the conversation about attachment and attachment styles and how that impacts safety. And we spoke about this the other times that you were on the show. So I don't wanna spend too much time there. But one thing that has been interesting since you've been on the show is that a lot of people come to the dialogue by saying, "Oh, I'm a wave and my partner is an island", or "I'm an island, and my partner is a wave". And I guess for the most part, it's the waves who are coming. The islands don't tend to come to the conversation, so at least in my experience, the waves are like, "What the fuck do I do with my island partner? How do I bring them to the table?" And this makes me think of two things. One is some reassurance from you about... Well, one like how to not bludgeon your partner with the labeling and how confining that can be. Stan Tatkin: Right. Neil Sattin: And then the second part is also... Actually there are three parts. [chuckle] So one is how to not bludgeon. The second is recognizing that there's some malleability in who we are. And I recognize that there have been times in my life where I've been totally secure. I've been that anchor that you talk about. And then even like Chloe and I were talking about this just before you and I started talking. Like at the beginning of our relationship, I was more of a wave and she was more of an island. And somewhere along the way, we actually switched sides and I became more island-ish and she became more wave-ish. And in truth, we end up more and more anchored with each other, which is, I think where you wanna be. So there's not bludgeoning, there's malleability and what's behind that. And then the last piece is, how do... This is for you waves out there and maybe for you islands too who are listening. It's how do you bring a partner to the table? Especially a partner who seems shut down. If you're a wave in those circumstances, you might be thinking, "Oh, I either have to learn to live with this, or I have to ditch this relationship because this person is not willing to show up with me. It's too threatening for them." That's a lot. Stan Tatkin: Okay. I've got it. Let me take them in turn. Neil Sattin: Alright. Stan Tatkin: One of the things that I was horrified when I wrote the second book with islands, anchors, and waves, was people starting to read it coming in and self identifying, and I thought, "Oh boy, here we go". And here's the problem with it. One, the human mind needs above all to feel, or to be organized, to be able to take experience and to be able to organize it. And one of the ways it organizes is by categorizing and comparing and contrasting, that's part of the human mind. And so as much as we don't like categories, we always seek them anyway. The problem with it is that the categories organize some kind of experience in order to understand something, but it also can be used improperly. Just like religious texts can be used improperly. Everything could be used improperly, the DSM IV, or V rather can be used improperly. So it's not going away. We will always categorize, but problem also, about misusing this need of ours is also not going away. So here's the skinny on it. These are not personalities. These have to do with adaptations to environment. Stan Tatkin: When we talk about someone who's anxious-avoidant, or anxious-ambivalent, or I call that group sometimes angry-resistant because of studying babies, how they look. We're talking about a reaction to a system or a relationship, the most probably important relationship, the primary one where there's uncertainty, anxiety in the interactions, right? The baby... The child learns to adapt to the needs and the behaviors and the expectations as perceived by the caregivers, right? And then makes the adaptations. Stan Tatkin: However, the problem is, is that these adaptations are born out of feeling afraid or anxious. "If I do this, this will happen. If I don't do this, this will happen." And so, as John Bowlby found, that insecurely attached babies, children, adults carry a bigger burden through life because their dependency relationships carry with it a memory of what could or will happen actually, that changes their behavior that actually, as I said before, will cause problems in the relationship. So I'm afraid of being used. I'm afraid of being interfered with, having my independence taken from me, having my stuff taken from me, being co-opted, used as a doll or as a performer. Dance for grandma, all of that. Gee, that was really nice, but also nobody saw me. Nobody really explained things to me. I didn't get that kind of interaction. This family was all about performance and all about appearances, and that is a burden. And I'm angry because I resent that. Or if I'm in a family where I had to take care of one of my parents and emotionally regulate them, I was discouraged from growing up, separating, individuating, and I was rewarded for being little dependent. I'm angry about that because I can never grab what I want. I have to wait for it to come to me and then I will be rejected and punished. How do I know this? I remember it. Stan Tatkin: So, we're talking about fear. When we talk about attachment, we're only talking about fear of what I know has happened and I anticipate it happening again. That's all it is. It's around safety and security. These descriptions are not real people. There is no theory that actually defines a real person. It defines aggregates of people. A general idea that might be useful for a physician or a clinician to be able to reconstruct, based on very little knowledge, what this person's trajectory might be, what they're likely to do in the near future. That is useful for helping people. But unfortunately, it's used to bang each other over the head and to wrongly self identify because of this condition that is part of the human bug of trying to label thyself, and it's false. So we have to understand that these are ideas. They're not people. Real people are more complex. Secondly, to your second point, this is... Attachment was studied with babies and adult attachment came later, it's still in its formative years. And it is, again, based on aggregates of people, not individuals, per se. And it doesn't take into account a two person system, which is ultimately much more complex, unpredictable, and phenomenological. So now you have two people interacting at lightning speeds, becoming a system where you cannot tell who's leading or following. Stan Tatkin: And is that an island or a wave? I don't know. This person is acting more distancing that causes the other person to cling more. More often than not, people who pair bond are more alike than they're not. More alike. They just look like a duck, but they're a dog. And we can test this out in clinic by shoving them together, especially the person who says, "Oh, I want so much more. I want to be loved. I wanna be held. I wanna be kissed. I want more sex and everything". And then you move toward them really quickly and you go, "Would you like somebody who'd cling to you?" And they go, "No, no, no, no." Okay. So, this is an illusion that's created by the homeostatic process of a two-person system, like a Mickey Mouse balloon. You squeeze one ear and the other one gets bigger. You squeeze the other ear and the other one gets bigger. That's couples. Where there's one, there's the other. I guess, all of this to say that it doesn't matter, because two people, no matter where they're coming from, can get along as long as they have a unifying idea of why they're together and why they're interdependent. That overrides everything. Stan Tatkin: And what you're describing about getting somebody to come to the table, whether it's an island, or a wave, or a jackal, it really has to do with survival. Is it in your best interest to be difficult and to cause your partner pain, which is gonna come right back at you, that's self-harming. Is it in your best interest to avoid conflict when that actually creates conflict, do it and have a good time. When you are in a couple, it is a three-legged race. One of you goes down, the other goes down. The two of you are affecting each other immediately. There's nothing I can do to you Neil that you won't do right back. And this is [chuckle] the clown show, sometimes. That is us. We don't realize this because we've been acculturated to this idea that we're autonomous, we should be autonomous, independent individuals, but we are not. That's partly true. We are dependent creatures. We are herd animals that pair bond in herds, and there's no getting away from that. So, that's the big picture answer. Stan Tatkin: As for the island, islands have to understand that conflict avoidance is by itself threatening. There's no way you can be conflict avoidant and not threaten your partner, it's not possible. So, that has to be looked at. And the other partner, the wave, who's constantly bullying and battering and pursuing and can't let go, that's not gonna work either. So, both of them have to reel themselves in, in order to create a secure functioning relationship that protects them both from each other. That's how it's, ultimately it's gonna work, there is no other way. I hope that answers all three. Neil Sattin: Yeah that was great actually. And it makes me wonder... Okay, let's bridge in to the conversation of... Let's just say, "Okay, this isn't quite working. And I wanna weigh whether I'm an island or a wave, to bring that up that creates safety and brings both of us to the table." So how would you approach that in coaching a couple through that kind of dialogue? Stan Tatkin: Also consider this, if the two of you, any two of you were on an island together alone, you'd either kill each other or you'd find a way to get along and work collaboratively and cooperatively. Collaboratively and cooperatively, that's the key. We have mutual interests, you and I. And sometimes people have to get beaten over the head until they figure it out. If you had two kids and they're not getting along, put them in a room, you don't get out until you guys agree on something that's good for both of you, they'll do it. And a lot of this has to do with expectation. [chuckle] Neil Sattin: I'm glad we're not veering into parenting strategies or... [laughter] Stan Tatkin: Not yet. I'm not gonna talk about... Just leave a little bowl of water for them. But I say this because there are places and conditions in the world where people get this naturally because they don't have time for this. They're dodging bullets, they're dealing with real world dangers, they have to work together. And again, the environment enforces this, but to get two people to do this really requires them to work together as a team to see that they depend on each other for anything that's gonna be good, and they have to work together or it will not work in any part of the universe. That's just not how it's gonna work. Unfortunately, we bring to the table our childhood experiences and what we saw with our parents, and many of us, maybe most of us did not see that. And so we only do know what we know, and what we know is what we experienced, and that's it. I experienced that there's too much unfairness in my family, too much injustice, too much insensitivity, so now I behave that way, and I accuse you of being that way. I know when you're doing it, I don't know or care when I'm doing it. So there has to be a "come to Jesus here" of reckoning of how are we going to do this, you and I. So we work together, given our differences, meaning that at the bottom of this we accept each other as is, and we go from there. And sometimes you work with what is not working. Stan Tatkin: How do we put that into a principle that both of us can buy into, that will reign us in, that will solve that problem, not by being different but by doing business different together. And again, that has to do with a certain level of maturity of understanding this is a two person psychological system, not a one person psychological system. And most people out there operating as a one person system, which will never work because it's too unfair, it's too insensitive. And so, people will eventually complain. So the answer to that is, what do we stand for? Why are we doing this? What's the point of this? What we're gonna do for each other we couldn't pay someone to do? Beyond attraction, beyond interest, beyond being in love, what's the point of us? And looking down the road in the long run, not just today or tomorrow. And it has to be cooperative and collaborative, otherwise it cannot work. That's what I'm heavy on with couples in my office, and when I see them not getting that, I'm very strong about this, I expect them to do this. There is no other way for them to get through therapy with me except if they do this, otherwise they'll fire me. But again, expectation is the big thing. Neil Sattin: And maybe what I'm also hearing there...Is the importance of both people realizing it's not that I have to not be me, it's almost like just a little bit less of me, a little bit, but less of me in the dysfunctional way. Like, if we're willing to both look at a situation and say, "You know what? When I just... " Rather than, let's just say like for me when I'm feeling more islandy, it's because I haven't trusted that my partner could really hear what I had to say. And it would be... Or that I could deliver in a way that wasn't gonna blow up into something crazy. So for me, it's easier to just go and be in my own world or deal with it on my own, than it would be to lean into the relationship and vice versa. When I've been more of a wave, I can recall times where I've been more like, "Oh, if I'm not willing... If I let this go, then it's never gonna get resolved. It's up to me to pull my partner into this conversation, into this dialog no matter what". And of course, in the process driving them crazy. So I'm talking about one person being able to have a little bit more space, but in the context of recognizing, if all I do is take my space, then the things that actually matter to me may never actually get resolved. Neil Sattin: And my partner may never actually get to know me because they just know the still waters part of me, but they don't get the run deep part of me. Or on the other side, my partner may never really know me because I've turned the volume up so loud on who I am that their system is just blocking them from me as much as possible. But in that context, both people can come to the table and be honored in who they are. Stan Tatkin: Right. This is a very good point. No, people have to be who they are. You don't do these relationships to be a different person, you do these relationships to be... To relax and to be exactly who you are. But having said that, you're in a two person system, therefore, when dealing with you, I have to take care of you and me at the same time. I can't just take care of me. If I want to get anywhere or get anything or to be heard, then I have to keep you in mind every moment, watch you, watch your face, you are my audience. If I blow you out of the water, game over for me. If I'm insensitive and I don't notice I just stepped on your toes or hurt you and I don't stop the presses and go, " I'm sorry, are you okay, did I do that thing again?" If I don't do that, I lose. And so this is this way. It's not this way, this way, and you're in each other's care. Therefore it's not just about you, it's about you paying attention to the other person, your audience. How do they hear things, how do they see things? I know you knew, I know what makes you tick. I know what scares you. I know what uplifts you. I know what I do that makes you crazy. And if I don't acknowledge that or take care of you at the same moment, I lose you as an audience and now we're going to be at war. Stan Tatkin: So people should be who they are. But they have to remember that what they do, what they say, how they sound has an impact on this other person who has their own prism that they're looking through, and that prism is changing constantly according to their state of mind. This is where the consideration and the realization that I'm talking to a different animal, the animal that is you, I have to be a Neil whisperer, or I get nothing. You have to be a Stan whisperer or you get nothing. And so many of us talk and act as if we're the only ones here. And it doesn't bother me if you did that, I don't know why you're upset. It's all about me. And I don't realize if with this animal, that's Neil. If I approach on the left, I get bit, I keep approaching on the left 'cause I'm angry, I should be able to approach on the left. I'll get bit every time. That's stupid. It really is about not being a different person, but about fucking getting it in your head that you are with someone who's different and you have to know that at all times or you suffer the consequences. Full stop. Neil Sattin: Yeah. Yeah. Stan Tatkin: And when we lose, we lose. We learn, we dust ourselves off. Oops! Sorry. And then we get another chance 'cause the universe keeps pitching us. There's always a chance to get it right and to work it out. But the key is also coming back to the table and fixing it. Always, because of the memory problem. If we don't fix things quickly it goes into long term memory, and now we've got a whole bunch of backwash that we have to litigate. Neil Sattin: Yeah. Wow! There's a lot right there in that last bit to unpack. So there's the question of, if we don't repair quickly, then we're creating more challenges for ourself in terms of how we recover as a whole, as a couple. Stan Tatkin: Yes and that's the Biology part of it. Memory becomes Biology, it becomes in our body, and it becomes part of that fast recognition system. So that as soon as you begin to tilt your head a certain way, your voice starts a certain way. "I know what you're gonna do. I'm gonna shoot first and ask questions later because I've been down this road." Neil Sattin: Right. And then there's the other piece which is so important, and it's come up over and over again on the show, which is that you're doing two simultaneous things. You're probably doing more than two, but let's just say you're doing two simultaneous things when you're in conversation or let's say an argument with your partner, which is, there's the content of what you're trying to resolve, but then there's also managing awareness of, "Oh, I'm triggered. Oh, my partner's triggered." And once that's happening, all bets are off and we have to come back to being in, you call them the ambassador part of the brain, but being in the fore brain so that we can actually be social and creative with each other. Let's talk a little bit more about like, "Alright, we've got some challenging shit that we gotta deal with as a couple." How do we do that in a way that honors an awareness that probably what's gonna happen is one or the other of us is gonna get hijacked, and how do we... How do we do it responsibly without avoiding it? Because we're worried that if that happens one too many times, we've just blasted ourselves in our long-term memory. Stan Tatkin: The rule of thumb is avoid nothing but keep it short. We're entering into an area of importance, where there's stress, where there's distress, where there's memory, where there's proceed with caution. Therefore it's incumbent for us to remain orderly. By "orderly", we stick to one topic and one topic only. There's no two people that can handle two or more topics when they're under stress, it will never happen. If we wanna get anything out of this effort, if we wanna get something done we have to be disciplined, orderly, and stick to one thing. That's on both people to do, stay on task. The first person who brings up an issue wins or at least goes first. And my job, if you have a grudge or something that you're upset about, my first thing I do if I want to get anything from this is I have to lead with relief. I have to do something that disarms you, let you know I'm a friendly, otherwise I lose you as an audience member, and now we're going down that road. "You're right. I know I do that. I know I have a... " And I don't say, "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sorry you thought of it that way. I know I do that and I'm sorry I did it. I honestly... It doesn't matter whether I meant to do it or not, but I'm sorry that I did that. Here's though my gripe in return." Stan Tatkin: But we're regulating each other because if at any time, because we have this negativity bias and our brains are built more for war than love, at any time, we can set a fire that's going to encompass or just kill both of us. A lot of this is being skillful, both people putting fires out quickly so we can proceed. If you don't feel that I can fix, repair, make right, make amends, admit a wrong, then you are going to increase your blood pressure, your heart rate, you're getting closer to what we call a hypothalamic system, which basically means fight, flight or freeze. And now we're going to start to go to war. Good times, right? So remaining orderly, sticking to one topic, first things first, one at a time, and keeping it short. People don't understand that when we're under stress our ability to take in words or to formulate words and thought becomes impaired the more our blood pressure increases. This is simply again, has to do with readying ourselves for what feels like we have to take action on. We have to watch that with each other, otherwise, we blow each other out of the water. Stan Tatkin: I'm gonna keep it short. I'm gonna say, "It really bugged me, what you did. It really hurt my feelings when you did that in front of everybody." Full stop. The more I talk, the more I'm holding you in a position where it's not neutral. You're going to increase in your arousal and I'm gonna pay for that. Also, the more I talk, the more likely I will throw in a dangerous word or phrase. And now, that's all we'll be talking about, is that piece that you're brain is sweeping for that says, "Okay, I thought you were pulling out a gun. I'm doing that now." Fast, short, friendly. Both people are agreeing that they're trying to get into mutual relief as quickly as possible. How quickly can we take this off the table and then have lunch? And people don't often know how to do this, they don't know how it works. We don't really resolve too much, but we relieve each other so we can push the ball forward. And now, I'm okay for now until the next time. "I'm sorry, I hurt you." "You do that all the time." "I know. I know, I'm sorry I did that. I was really nervous and that's why I did it. I wasn't thinking of you. That's not cool. You know what would help me, is the next time I do that, 'cause I know I'll do it again, is just when you start seeing me do that, just cue me, or just before we walk in the room, remind me." Stan Tatkin: Now, this is smart because we're creatures of automation and reflex. If I tell you, "Neil, don't do that again." You will do it again. Because like I said, we don't think we just act and react reflexively. So chances I'm gonna do that thing again is 100%. If you remind me just before, predict me, I won't do it. If you let me know right away and then I can fix it. And then I start to remember not to do it. People again, have to understand how memory works. But people let things slide, they wait until two weeks later, it's like being angry with your dog for peeing this morning. Dog is upset, but doesn't know what you're talking about. We're that way as human beings, we're not that smart. [chuckle] Neil Sattin: I'm curious too. There is one thing that jumped out at me as part of your conversation about resolving fights, and I love this emphasis on, Keep it simple and short, and come back, come back to each other. You also talked about the way that we sometimes start up a conversation that it creates more harm than good versus being willing to just kinda lay it on the table right upfront as opposed to the, "There's something that's been bothering me for a while and I really wanna talk." just blah, saying it. So what's behind that? Stan Tatkin: That is anxiety, and it's also a particular style of way of processing information whereby people many times think out loud. And thinking out loud is fine but you have to understand that as you're thinking out loud, you're boring your partner, or you're making them wonder what the punchline is. And so because we have this negativity bias, in the absence of knowing something, we're going to fill it in with something not so good. As I'm leading up to this and I'm telling you, "Neil, I don't wanna say this because it's gonna hurt your feelings. Your blood pressure is going up, your heart rate is going up. And don't get mad, please. Last time you got really mad at me, and then I had to go to my mother's for the rest of the weekend. Blood pressure going up there, and... And I'll try not to hurt you." By this time, the next thing that's gonna happen after I stop is you're gonna punch me because I alerted you to something and you're physiologically doing what you're supposed to do. You're supposed to prepare for the tiger who's gonna eat you. Stan Tatkin: That's not good. Where as we wanna lead with relief and go. The first thing is, you're right or I'm sorry I did that. Or can you explain what it is 'cause I don't even know what I did, but something that relieves that person quickly. Also, you wanna hit it and then repair, then take it down. "So you know what? I'm not going tonight and now you're upset with me. Let me explain why." Okay. So the reason for this is all physiological. I hit it when you have the most head room, because with news, anything, there's a spike and then I soothe it, then I fill in. But if I fill in before, that's called burying the lede, I'm taking too long to get to my point and arousing you unnecessarily. And so it's the other way around. All of this is based on, again, biology, physiology. It's not personal, it's just how we are. So you hit it and then you explain and soften from there, but you also relieve somebody immediately when they're upset with you. Does that make sense? Neil Sattin: Yeah, and I can see the value in that. Yeah, for sure. Because of that very reason that whether it's your own anxiety, I don't want to deal with this problem or the way that you're stirring up the other person's anxiety. At that point, you're in this reciprocal anxiety circuit. Your mirror neurons are probably going crazy. Stan Tatkin: Imagine you're a child and you're getting a shot. And the doctor says, "Okay, sweetheart I'm gonna stick this big fucking needle into your little tiny arm. And it's gonna hurt like crazy for a second. And are you up for that? I'm gonna give you a lollipop, so maybe you can choke on it." Right? No it's like, "Oh, look over there boom, done. [laughter] I'm sorry, I'm sorry, sweetie for hurting you. But it's all over now." Okay. So maybe people will get it with that image. Neil Sattin: Right. Right, I swear there's a viral video somewhere of that happening, and then the little kid, "Boom!" right in the nose. [laughter] I know I've seen that. Stan Tatkin: It's unwise. Neil Sattin: Right. Well, but overall, the message is intact, which is, if you're always setting the stage that you are there with your partner, you're not out to get your partner, and even when you have bad news to deliver, "I'm not going tonight and I'm still here with you. I wanna work through this. No one... We both don't get out of this unless we're both succeeding here." So if you can hold your own... Your partner's disappointment while you're holding your truth around why you can't go, just using that example, then you're gonna avoid getting punched on the nose by offering the bad news because you're there in a context of mutual support. Stan Tatkin: Right. The... Neil Sattin: Yeah, it's like, "How do we always preserve that context?" Stan Tatkin: The reason for these errors... 'Cause they are errors. The reason for these errors is, the reason I am doing that with you, is because I'm thinking of me. I'm not thinking of you. I'll say I'm thinking of you, but I'm not. I'm thinking of me. I'm afraid of how you'll react. I'm afraid of the consequences of my sins. And that signals something to you quite different. You don't know that. All you know is what I'm serving you with. And this is where people are misunderstanding each other all the time. I think I'm communicating this, but I'm not. That's because I'm thinking only of me, I'm not thinking of my person. So, again, we're back to this idea of a two person system, of taking care of myself and the other person at the same time. And this is the selfishness or the self-centeredness of insecurely attached people, is that they consider themselves first, and even they're sparing... Their partner is also saving themselves. And it's not really considerate. It's not really sensitive. A lot of this gets taken care of once we get the idea. I have to consider you, not consider the consequences for me. And if we're doing that for each other, we're serving each other, and that's how we remain respectful and safe. Neil Sattin: Yeah, great. It's such an important skill because disagreements will occur in relationship. They need to. They need to because you're two different people so... And that makes me think about one other thing, but do we have time for one more question? It's actually... Stan Tatkin: Sure. Neil Sattin: We're at quarter past the hour. What often comes up in this conversation toward the end, we established, "Okay, we wanna create safety for each other. We wanna... And I get it. Even when we're fighting, we're gonna focus on the safety." But then there's the flip side, which is, "Wait a minute. If we're feeling so safe and cozy with each other, where's that hot... Where's that passion? Where's the sex? Where's the excitement that comes from the tension of... " I don't know. That hasn't been my experience in relationship, but it's a question that comes up, which is like, "Wait a minute. Isn't the safety gonna kill something? Are we gonna be too safe in our relationship?" I'd love to hear a quick answer on that. Yeah. Stan Tatkin: Well, a lot of people keep the thrill alive by scaring each other and that's not good either. That'll kill you soon. Being safe with each other is not about eroticism. Being safe with each other is knowing that you can depend on each other with your life. But if you're always wondering whether the relationship will exist tomorrow or whether your partner's gonna betray you, that may make you feel more excited about your partner, but that sucks. There are other ways to be excited about your partner [chuckle] without scaring the shit out of each other. Neil Sattin: Yeah. [chuckle] Stan Tatkin: And that has to do with knowing how to co-create exciting love, which is the dopaminergic addictive love that Helen also talks about, Helen Fisher. But it's well-known, and that is through direct eye contact, it's through shared novelty attending to a third thing that's completely new, doing things together that neither of you have ever done, levels the playing field, but also quiet love, which is basically shutting up and just relaxing together without doing anything. So there's all sorts of ways to co-generate these states, but people have to understand that it's done that way. And it will never ever, ever be the way it was when you first met because it's impossible. You know too much about each other, that doesn't mean you know everything about each other, and it doesn't mean that you really know each other as well as you think because of that memory problem, that automation issue. Stan Tatkin: When we automate each other, we only think we know each other. And that's where we're all making all these errors. When I look into your eyes and we stay there in a gaze you suddenly become a stranger enough to me to where you are different and I can't predict you in this moment. That's exciting. And if I'm not looking at you, you're the same as I always thought in my head, I don't see anything different 'cause I'm not looking. So the antidote to automation, the only antidote other than senility is presence and attention. That's it, [chuckle] presence and attention. There could be a time when we become senile and we go, "Oh God, you look like a pretty young woman. Who are you?" [chuckle] Then it's all new and fresh again, but I don't think you wanna wait for that to happen. Neil Sattin: Yeah, I think that's also why it's so important to foster the skill of being curious, because as much as you wake up your curiosity, then you're probably pulling people out of that automatic place into a place of like, "Wait a minute. I actually don't really know you. And what can I discover about you?" Stan Tatkin: Automation is a trance. It helps us get through life and do things that we ordinarily couldn't do. We wouldn't get out of a corner of a room if we didn't have that feature. But it also makes us bored. It also makes us think that we know what we know. And by the way, people wonder why time flies faster as we get older. That's because we've automated more things and we're not exposed enough to new things. We don't throw ourselves into novelty anymore and so why wouldn't time fly by? Everything's automatic. So this is another reason to do this now with your child, with your partner, with your parents while they're alive. Is to be present, pay attention, look. Look at every detail of the face, of the eyes. People are interesting. They're not interesting in our own heads, just not. Neil Sattin: Yeah, so true. I love that. Well, Stan it's always great to have you on the show. You have such deep wisdom to offer and I'm glad to... Like now we've got the trifecta. Not that... I mean I hope to have you on again of course, but this is a perfect next dose in the series of Stan Tatkin on Relationship Alive. Your work is obviously having a huge impact on our culture. I know because people are talking about it all the time and I love your Relationship Rx recording that just came out, it's eight hours long. So there's a lot to offer a couple that's learning how to handle problematic situations with more ease, more resilience. Looking forward to your We Do book coming out. And as I mentioned at the beginning of our conversation, if you wanna download a transcript, you can visit neilsattin.com/wired3, wired referring to Stan's earlier books "Wired for Love" and "Wired for Dating", or you can always text the word passion to the number 33444, follow the instructions and you can download the transcript that way. Stan, if people want to find out more about your work, what's the best place for them to visit? Now I know you're training therapists, as well as working with lay people. Stan Tatkin: Right, so if you want to attend any of our couples retreats, which we do all over the world, and there are several coming up now in East Coast and West Coast, go to thepactinstitute.com; our schedules are up for this year and also if you are a therapist and you want to be trained in this, that's how this started, was teaching therapists, and if you're interested it's really a fun approach. Same place, go there and our schedule is up there for the entire year inside United States and outside. Neil Sattin: Great, great, and I've heard from at least one person in your trainings how amazing they are and how much they're getting about how to work with couples. Hopefully you train people how to tell it like it is. [chuckle] You either come out alive or you die together, you gotta figure... [chuckle] So hopefully they get that from you as well. Stan Tatkin: Thank you Neil, and congratulations for your upcoming book. Neil Sattin: Yeah, thanks so much.  

Grab your seat in Relationship Rx!   Sometimes communicating with your partner can feel like you're trying to solve a Rubik's cube with your feet… and with your eyes closed. And even though you feel like you are using all of the words and explaining yourself over and over and over, it seems like you are even farther away from solving this intricate puzzle. And, now somehow your partner is pissed at YOU. Wait, what? How did we get here? This cycle is unbelievably common because, um, where exactly are we supposed to learn how to communicate effectively? School? Mom and Dad? Hell, no. Media? Uh, nope. Your last relationship? Probably not. So, cut yourself some slack and be compassionate. The great news is that EFFECTIVELY communicating with your partner isn't that complicated and you can make huge changes in your relationship dynamic just from making a few subtle shifts. If you tuned in last week, you heard me sound off on some of the most common ways we try to get through to our partner which often ends in nothing but frustration, freak-outs, and fuming. This week, I'm covering off five things you can do that will drastically change your ability get your message across to your partner. This pod explores: How to figure out what you role in the matter may be (even if you would rather make it his/her fault) The one essential piece of communication you're probably neglecting every single time you chat with your partner How to present your “side” of the sitch to your partner in a way they can actually hear you What to do if the two of you start raising your voices and get all heated Radical Communication, Connection, + Intimacy RELATIONSHIP RX NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! Ever feel like you're banging your head against the wall by having the same god-damned convo over and over and over and continuing to get absolutely nowhere? Just imagine being able to have thoughtful, intimate conversations with your partner where you both feel heard and understood. Wait, whaaaaa!? No matter what state your relationship may be in… Whether you are super happy, kinda happy, or not-at-all happy, this course will radically change how you communicate and connect with your spouse. Even if they aren't on board. Even if you already know what they'll say.[ Clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR to snag your spot and start the process of creating a relationship you LOOOOOVE. #yesplease THE JOY JUNKIE AFTER HOURS CLUB! COMPLETELY FREE FACEBOOK GROUP. TONS OF SUPPORT YOU CRAVE. JOIN THE CLUB. You in on this FREE badassery yet? You are officially invited to my super exclusive/inclusive, [grin] Facebook group, The Joy Junkie After Hours Club! If you've been diggin' the pod, this group will be an extra dose of support, training vids, discussions, coupon codes, behind the scenes and advice from moi! Plus, it's #totes free and your new soul tribe is waiting for you! So, clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR to join the group! #yourewelcome Additional Resources: Grab your seat in Relationship Rx! Join the After Hours Club: Join the rest of the pod-iance in our secret pod peep group for weekly discussions, extra trainings, and tons of freebies How to Leave iTunes Reviews: Click the "Subscribe on iTunes" button below or go to http://tinyurl.com/JJReview Click on blue button that reads "view in iTunes" which will open the podcast into your personal iTunes account Click "Ratings & Reviews" under the show title Click the star rating of choice and then click the "Write a Review" button You can also click "Subscribe" under the podcast photo to be automatically notified of new episodes Want to Submit a Show Topic? Swing by THIS PAGE and let us hear what you would like us to sound off on!

Grab your seat in Relationship Rx!   When you are at odds with your partner, it's highly likely that the two of you go over and over the exact same topic and get a shit-ton of NOWHERE. Perhaps you are discussing if the kids should go to public or private school or how much is reasonable to spend on new fencing for the yard or who's responsible for taking the dog to the vet. Each of you have a strong opinion, yet it seems like you both aren't making any headway with the other person. Why does this happen? Like, over and over. I'll tell you why: Because most of the time, we're more concerned with being “right” than we are concerned about really, truly understanding our partner. But, they're being so unreasonable! Um, yeah. So are you. This episode is the first of a two part series which addresses communicating effectively with your partner. In this episode, we cover off the most common (and wildly unsuccessful) communication tactics that many couples employ to get their points across. This lesson is all about examining what hasn't been working and calling it out so you can learn aaaall the effective tools next week. #yourewelcome This pod explores: How your lack of communication may be taking years off your life (Totally serious) How your attachment to being “right” doesn't allow your partner to hear you. Like, EVER. When you should absolutely NOT try to have a serious convo with your partner Two words you must eliminate if you want to start getting your point across Radical Communication, Connection, + Intimacy RELATIONSHIP RX NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION! Ever feel like you're banging your head against the wall by having the same god-damned convo over and over and over and continuing to get absolutely nowhere? Just imagine being able to have thoughtful, intimate conversations with your partner where you both feel heard and understood. Wait, whaaaaa!? No matter what state your relationship may be in… Whether you are super happy, kinda happy, or not-at-all happy, this course will radically change how you communicate and connect with your spouse. Even if they aren't on board. Even if you already know what they'll say. Clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR or click that image to the right to snag your spot and start the process of creating a relationship you LOOOOOVE. #yesplease THE JOY JUNKIE AFTER HOURS CLUB! COMPLETELY FREE FACEBOOK GROUP. TONS OF SUPPORT YOU CRAVE. JOIN THE CLUB. You in on this FREE badassery yet? You are officially invited to my super exclusive/inclusive, [grin] Facebook group, The Joy Junkie After Hours Club! If you've been diggin' the pod, this group will be an extra dose of support, training vids, discussions, coupon codes, behind the scenes and advice from moi! Plus, it's #totes free and your new soul tribe is waiting for you! So, clickety-click RIGHT HUURRR or click that image to the right to join the group! #yourewelcome Additional Resources: Grab your seat in Relationship Rx! Join the After Hours Club: Join the rest of the pod-iance in our secret pod peep group for weekly discussions, extra trainings, and tons of freebies John and Julie Gottman of The Gottman Institute - statistics quoted in podcast are from the book, The Relationship Cure Dr. Brene Brown - statistic quoted in podcast is from her book, Braving the Wilderness How to Leave iTunes Reviews: Click the "Subscribe on iTunes" button below or go to http://tinyurl.com/JJReview Click on blue button that reads "view in iTunes" which will open the podcast into your personal iTunes account Click "Ratings & Reviews" under the show title Click the star rating of choice and then click the "Write a Review" button You can also click "Subscribe" under the podcast photo to be automatically notified of new episodes Want to Submit a Show Topic? Swing by THIS PAGE and let us hear what you would like us to sound off on!

In this episode we talk to Dr. Beverly Kitaen-Morse who is an internationally renowned therapist in the field of psychotherapy and couples counseling. And she’s going to delve out some relationship advice! But we also goes much deeper into understanding why we interact with the world in the way we do.  Beverly’s husband Dr. Jack Lee Rosenburg, who recently passed, was an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of psychotherapy. They had an incredible marriage. And for decades, Beverly and her husband worked side by side, to develop what is called - Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP), which is a psychotherapy that recognizes and treats the physical, psychological, and spiritual nature of a human being. It is based on the premise that the body, mind, and spirit are not separate, but rather integrated parts of a whole person. Unlike other modalities, IBP puts a strong emphasis on breathwork to promote mindfulness and alleviate depression and anxiety. Jack and Beverly co-wrote the book The Intimate Couple and their work is taught globally at IBP institutes around the world.  I’m currently in a 3-year program studying IBP, I just completed my 2nd year, and throughout the program I’ve seen dramatic personal growth and a new found ability to break free from old patterns and create lasting change. Beverly and studying IBP has had a profound impact on my life so I really hope you guys find value in this conversation. Re-listen and take notes for maximum impact!  So we got a little carried away and have a monster interview here so I split into two parts -  In Part 1 we discuss:   •How Beverly went from a housewife without a college education to a dr in her 40’s •Why your same “themes” continue to come up in every relationship  •How Beverly and her husband created IBP to make sure that the things that got in the way of their first marriages wouldn’t get in the way of their marriage •Why it’s difficult to sustain change… whether it’s in diet, relationships, exercise, bad habits.. etc. •The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do to change an unwanted behavior or pattern •How our early childhood wounds directly impact the way we see the world today •And why we need to work with our mind AND our body in order to make lasting changes   In Part 2: •Beverly offers up her #1 piece of relationship advice  •we learn how to stop interrupting our happiness •The MOST important thing you can do for your child as a parent •How to wake up and live from your true self and feel a greater level of aliveness •Practices you can use in your relationship to increase connection  •And much much more!    SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE LISTENING: •what is a destructive theme or pattern that you bring to your relationships?  •And in general, what is an area of sensitivity for you, something that particularly triggers or upsets you?  Just take note of them. I think you’ll find it useful to get the most out of these episodes.   Links from the episode:  http://www.ibponline.org http://www.esalen.org Sustaining Constancy Series The Intimate Couple (book) The General theory of love (book)   More on The Daily Cordial podcast: subscribe here www.thedailycordial.com facebook twitter instagram pinterest  

In this episode we talk to Dr. Beverly Kitaen-Morse who is an internationally renowned therapist in the field of psychotherapy and couples counseling. And she’s going to delve out some relationship advice! But we also goes much deeper into understanding why we interact with the world in the way we do.    Beverly’s husband Dr. Jack Lee Rosenburg, who recently passed, was an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of psychotherapy. They had an incredible marriage. And for decades, Beverly and her husband worked side by side, to develop what is called - Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP), which is a psychotherapy that recognizes and treats the physical, psychological, and spiritual nature of a human being. It is based on the premise that the body, mind, and spirit are not separate, but rather integrated parts of a whole person. Unlike other modalities, IBP puts a strong emphasis on breathwork to promote mindfulness and alleviate depression and anxiety. Jack and Beverly co-wrote the book The Intimate Couple and their work is taught globally at IBP institutes around the world    I’m currently in a 3-year program studying IBP, I just completed my 2nd year,  and throughout the program I’ve seen dramatic personal growth and a new found ability to break free from old patterns and create lasting change. Beverly and studying IBP has had a profound impact on my life - I mean it’s been a game-changer for me. So I really hope you guys find value in this conversation. I’m anxious to hear what you think.    So we got a little carried away and have a monster interview here so I split into two parts -   In Part 1 we talk about    How Beverly went from a housewife without a college education to a dr in her 40’s Why your same “themes” continue to come up in every relationship  How Beverly and her husband created IBP to make sure that the things that got in the way of their first marriages wouldn’t get in the way of their marriage Why it’s difficult to sustain change… whether it’s in diet, relationships, exercise, bad habits.. etc. The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do to change an unwanted behavior or pattern How our early childhood wounds directly impact the way we see the world today And why we need to work with our mind AND our body in order to make lasting changes   In Part 2: Beverly offers up her #1 piece of relationship advice  we learn how to stop interrupting our happiness The MOST important thing you can do for your child as a parent How to wake up and live from your true self and feel a greater level of aliveness Practices you can use in your relationship to increase connection  And much much more!    SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE LISTENING:   what is a destructive theme or pattern that you bring to your relationships?  And in general, what is an area of sensitivity for you, something that particularly triggers or upsets you?   Just take note of them. I think you’ll find it useful to get the most out of these episodes.   Links from the episode:    http://www.ibponline.org http://www.esalen.org Sustaining Constancy Series The Intimate Couple (book) The General theory of love (book)   More on The Daily Cordial podcast: subscribe here www.thedailycordial.com facebook twitter instagram pinterest

Georgianna Rivera is a Certified Professional Speaker and the Founder of Relationship Rx. She is passionately committed to helping successful women understand and transform their relationships. Her clients praise her for her work, which assists them to find a sense of empowerment, to trust in their ability to develop positive solutions and to find a path to peace and stability.

In our third episode of Bedtime Stories with Brittany Crocker, we look at the surprisingly high number of post-menopausal women who suggest "hot flashes" are keeping them up at night when filling out their Tenn Words forms. UT Medical Center OBGYN Bob Elder joins us to discuss menopause and how hot flashes can affect sleep patterns and productivity. Caitlin Deaver from Relationship RX and the Lisa Ross Birth and Women's Center comes to the studio to talk about co-sleeping. And Misty Goodwin and Chris Smith from Knoxville Knox County Homeless Coalition talk with Brittany about the dangers faced by East Tennessee's homeless when they sleep outside during the summer.

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Relationship RX

Tune in as Patricia interviews Marni Battista, Executive Relationship and Dating Expert, and the founder of Dating With Dignity, a premier coaching company based in the Los Angeles area. Dating With Dignity is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages create successful, fulfilling relationships by creating self-love and awareness, and taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings and actions. In addition to coaching hundreds of men and women to create love filled lives and 25 years of relationship and dating experience, Marni has been a guest on a number of radio shows, including Better Sex Radio and Relationship RX.. She is also a featured blogger on a variety of websites, including Atractology.com and SistasInTheCity.com. She hosts unique events in the Los Angeles area dedicated to improving her clients' quality of life and relationships.

Tune in as Patricia interviews Marni Battista, Executive Relationship and Dating Expert, and the founder of Dating With Dignity, a premier coaching company based in the Los Angeles area. Dating With Dignity is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages create successful, fulfilling relationships by creating self-love and awareness, and taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings and actions. In addition to coaching hundreds of men and women to create love filled lives and 25 years of relationship and dating experience, Marni has been a guest on a number of radio shows, including Better Sex Radio and Relationship RX.. She is also a featured blogger on a variety of websites, including Atractology.com and SistasInTheCity.com. She hosts unique events in the Los Angeles area dedicated to improving her clients' quality of life and relationships.

Tune in as Patricia interviews Marni Battista, Executive Relationship and Dating Expert, and the founder of Dating With Dignity, a premier coaching company based in the Los Angeles area. Dating With Dignity is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages create successful, fulfilling relationships by creating self-love and awareness, and taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings and actions. In addition to coaching hundreds of men and women to create love filled lives and 25 years of relationship and dating experience, Marni has been a guest on a number of radio shows, including Better Sex Radio and Relationship RX.. She is also a featured blogger on a variety of websites, including Atractology.com and SistasInTheCity.com. She hosts unique events in the Los Angeles area dedicated to improving her clients' quality of life and relationships.

Tune in as Patricia interviews Marni Battista, Executive Relationship and Dating Expert, and the founder of Dating With Dignity, a premier coaching company based in the Los Angeles area. Dating With Dignity is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages create successful, fulfilling relationships by creating self-love and awareness, and taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings and actions. In addition to coaching hundreds of men and women to create love filled lives and 25 years of relationship and dating experience, Marni has been a guest on a number of radio shows, including Better Sex Radio and Relationship RX.. She is also a featured blogger on a variety of websites, including Atractology.com and SistasInTheCity.com. She hosts unique events in the Los Angeles area dedicated to improving her clients' quality of life and relationships.

Join the Relationship RX show every third Thursday of the month for Relationships on the Rocks questions and answers with Coach Lisa and Love Coach Rinatta.

Join the Relationship RX show every third Thursday of the month for Relationships on the Rocks questions and answers with Coach Lisa and Love Coach Rinatta.

Join the Relationship RX show every third Thursday of the month for Relationships on the Rocks Questions and Answers with Coach Lisa and Love Coach Rinatta. Love Coach Rinatta’s shows has been so popular that Coach Lisa has invited her to be a regular guest on the show. So tune in to listen to us every third Thursday of the month and call in with your relationship on the rocks questions. Love Coach Rinatta is an internationally known love coach, dating, relationship & marriage expert, and author of numerous eBooks and ecourses on how to attract and keep a great relationship or marriage. If you want a deeply loving relationship in your life, working with her as your coach can be of tremendous help. Visit her blog at http://www.lovecoachblog.com.