Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Dr. Jessica Higgins
  • 4.9 (14)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Empowered Relationship Podcast helps you turn relationship challenges into opportunities and sets you up for relationship success, satisfaction, and intimacy. This podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals and couples into more empowered, conscious, and evolved ways of loving.

  1. 6 HRS AGO

    ERP 526: Why Speaking up Deepens Love, Even When It Feels like Conflict — An Interview with Tonya Lester

    Are you tired of feeling like you have to choose between keeping the peace and being true to yourself in your relationships? Many people mistake silence for harmony, stuffing down their true feelings for fear of conflict, only to wake up one day feeling unheard, unseen, and disconnected. But what if speaking up—being honest about your needs and setting boundaries—was actually the path to deeper connection and intimacy, not the source of division? In this episode, listeners are invited to rethink what it means to be authentic in close relationships, especially when it comes to sharing hard truths or setting limits. You'll hear insights on why self-assertion is not about ruining relationships, but about bringing your whole self into them. By exploring practical strategies, emotional tools, and real-life examples, this conversation guides you in overcoming the fear of rocking the boat—so you can communicate courageously and build relationships where both people feel truly known and valued. Tonya Lester, LCSW, is the author of Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself. A Brooklyn-based psychotherapist and writer known for her work with relationships and communication, her essay "Couples Therapist, Heal Thyself" was published in the Modern Love column in The New York Times, and she has been writing the popular Staying Sane Inside Insanity blog for Psychology Today since 2020. She has been featured as an expert in The Guardian, Newsweek, Well+Good, HuffPost, Fatherly, and the Bumble site, The Buzz.   Episode Highlights 04:03 The link between speaking up, emotional intimacy, and common gendered roles. 07:18 Navigating differences: collaboration, needs, and the relationship as a system. 12:40 Embracing discomfort and staying present with unresolved issues. 13:53 The importance of vulnerability and framing difficult conversations safely. 17:02 Applying healthy pressure: strengthening or releasing relationships. 19:56 Recognizing the "shock absorber" role and its impact on self and intimacy. 23:10 Identifying "shock magnets": escalation, withdrawal, and unhealthy conflict cycles. 27:29 Communicating effectively with kindness. 30:38 Defining self-possession and its role in relational health. 32:49 Using internal signals and "weathervane" emotions for personal growth. 38:11 Building emotional maturity: self-compassion, timeouts, and ongoing practice. 40:38 Understanding and managing emotional activation. 42:42 Addressing hidden relationship dynamics and the importance of modeling boundaries. 48:21 Exploring possibilities: challenging feelings of being trapped and opening to choice. 51:41 Putting clarity into practice: actionable tools and lasting relationship change.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Practice Soft Startups: Begin hard conversations with vulnerability and clarity about your intentions rather than leading with anger or accusation to lower defensiveness in your partner. Name Your Emotions: Before raising a difficult topic, identify and share your underlying emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or longing, to increase openness. Set Boundaries with Clarity: Clearly state what is not working for you in the relationship and propose specific changes, avoiding blame or generalizations. Tolerate Unresolved Issues: Accept that not every problem will have an immediate solution and practice tolerating the discomfort of ongoing, in-process conversations. Take Breaks When Activated: When conflict escalates, or emotions run high, pause the conversation and use activities like taking a walk or shower to regulate your nervous system before returning. Use "I" Statements: Use concise, direct language to express your needs and feelings without attacking or criticizing your partner. Reflect on the System: Regularly assess if both partners are contributing to the emotional work and call out patterns where efforts are imbalanced. Model Self-Possession: Take responsibility for your own happiness and choices, setting an example for both yourself and others—including children—about how to live in alignment with your values.   Mentioned Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) About Tonya Lester (Psychology Today) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (Free guide) How Being "Difficult" Can Assist Growth & Development In Relationship (ERP 360)   Connect with Tonya Lester Website: tonyalester.com Facebook: facebook.com/tlynnlester/ Instagram: instagram.com/tonyalesterpsychotherapy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tonya-lester-b9a3ab14 TikTok: tiktok.com/@tonyalesterlcsw

    54 min

  2. APR 21

    ERP 525: Why 'Right and Wrong' Thinking Is Hurting Your Relationship—and What to Do Instead — An Interview with Anna Sterk

    Ever found yourself stuck in an argument, desperately clinging to being "right," only to realize it's pushing you further from the person you love? So many of us fall into this silent trap—believing that our idea of respect, kindness, or connection is universal, only to watch as those assumptions breed tension, misunderstanding, and emotional distance in our relationships. In this episode, listeners are invited to challenge these rigid notions of right and wrong that quietly erode intimacy. By exploring the difference between complaints and vulnerable requests, unpacking the dangers of labeling and moral certainty, and learning practical approaches for negotiating needs, the conversation uncovers what it really takes to foster lasting understanding and resilient connection. Get ready to rethink the very foundations of how you communicate and repair with the people who matter most. Anna Sterk is a senior RLT therapist and a member of the RLI Faculty. Her clinical career has been focused on systems and relationships from the beginning. She began training in Relational Life Therapy in earnest in 2012, became a certified Relational Life Bootcamp Facilitator in 2020, and joined the Faculty of the Relational Life Institute in 2022. This role has allowed her to teach other therapists and coaches while continuing to spread the RLT message of relationality.   Episode Highlights 04:01 Exploring subjectivity in relationship concepts. 07:57 The pitfalls of morality, rightness, and labeling in intimacy. 12:27 Vulnerability in requests versus complaints. 14:44 Getting specific: Turning desires into clear requests. 17:51 Curiosity, listening, and creating shared understanding. 22:05 Personal stories: Differing definitions of connection and cherishing. 24:05 Navigating disconnection: The role of pain and realistic expectations. 28:36 The one-up/one-down dynamic and its impact on relationships. 31:11 Cultivating accountability, ownership, and accepting limitations. 34:08 Relational grieving as a pathway to joy and acceptance. 37:42 Moving beyond othering and embracing interconnectedness. 41:36 Developing relationship skills and accessing support resources.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Take time to specifically identify what you genuinely want from your partner, rather than settling for broad complaints or vague wishes. Shift from criticizing to making a clear, vulnerable request, even if it feels risky to do so. Openly discuss with your partner what concepts like "respect," "closeness," or "connection" mean to each of you to uncover differences in expectations. Actively listen to your partner with curiosity, aiming to understand their unique perspective instead of preparing your rebuttal. Recognize that pain, misunderstanding, and moments of discord are a normal part of relationships and do not always signal that something is wrong. Release the urge to insist on having the right answer or moral high ground, allowing for both perspectives to coexist. Grieve the reality that you may not get everything you want from your partner, and focus on appreciating what you do receive. Show curiosity toward your partner's reality and model personal responsibility by expressing your needs without blaming or shaming.   Mentioned Relational Life Institute Therapist/Practitioner Finder Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with Anna Sterk Websites: annasterk.com | relationship-work.com Instagram: instagram.com/relationalmft

    47 min

  3. APR 14

    ERP 524: Rethinking Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Be Okay — An Interview with Dr. Margaret Cochran

    Are you stuck in the painful loop of blame, shame, or resentment after a breakup or conflict? "Forgive and forget" sounds simple, but the reality of moving forward—especially when trust or boundaries have been violated—often feels like an impossible task. The baggage we carry from past relationships can quietly dictate our choices and limit our possibilities for genuine connection and growth. In this episode, listeners are guided through the often-misunderstood concept of forgiveness, exploring why it is a vital process for both personal growth and deeper intimacy. The conversation delves into actionable steps for self-forgiveness, reframing painful experiences into opportunities for learning, and examining how releasing emotional burdens can pave the way for new, healthier connections. With practical insights for embracing boundaries, processing emotions, and nurturing gratitude, this episode serves as a roadmap for anyone seeking freedom from the past and the courage to open up to authentic relationships. Dr. Margaret Cochran is a transpersonal psychologist, LCSW, educator, and media personality with over 25 years of clinical experience. She blends ego, transpersonal, and energy psychology to help clients truly heal—not just manage symptoms. Featured on BBC, ABC, FOX, and HuffPost, she's also known on TikTok as "The Relationship Doctor." She makes mental health accessible, practical, and disruptive enough to inspire real, lasting change.   Episode Highlights 03:34 Forgiveness as a foundation for healing and growth in relationships. 07:16 Self-forgiveness and personal accountability after toxic relationships. 10:37 The role of boundaries in building intimacy and navigating change. 15:28 Facing uncertainty and embracing growth in relationship transitions. 16:46 Breaking through limiting beliefs and habituated patterns. 21:59 Taking inspired action toward change and possibility. 23:25 Visualization and quantum jumping: tools for transformation and forgiveness. 29:28 Understanding how the body holds emotion in forgiveness work. 30:50 Rewiring the brain with gratitude and somatic techniques. 34:38 Moving beyond victimhood: Conscious change and self-agency. 38:49 Managing internal resistance and self-sabotage with compassion. 42:32 Celebrating possibility: Cultivating trust and courage. 44:31 Practical forgiveness in everyday relationships and seeking qualified support.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Begin with Self-Forgiveness: Reflect on your role in past relationships and allow yourself grace for mistakes, focusing on learning rather than blame. Acknowledge and Process Emotions: Give yourself permission to fully feel and express emotions after a relationship injury or betrayal before moving into reflection. Embrace the Learning: Ask yourself what lessons you can take from difficult experiences and how you can use them for personal growth. Practice Gratitude Daily: Each morning and evening, list things you're grateful for—even small ones—to start shifting your mindset and emotional state. Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries: Clarify what you will and will not participate in, and openly communicate agreements and limits in relationships. Use Visualization Techniques: Imagine or visualize a future version of yourself who has grown, healed, and responded differently—let this guide your present choices. Pause and Ask Questions in Conflict: Instead of defending yourself, ask your partner open-ended questions to better understand their feelings and experiences. Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Notice and question any "shoulds," "musts," or impossibility statements (from yourself or others), and remain open to possibilities previously believed unattainable.   Mentioned Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with Dr. Margaret Cochran Websites: drcochran.com Facebook: facebook.com/drmcochran YouTube: youtube.com/@drmargaretcochran Instagram: instagram.com/doctorcochran LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-margaret-cochran Podcast: drcochran.com/podcast

    49 min

  4. APR 7

    ERP 523: The Subconscious Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Love — And How to Break the Cycle – An Interview with Riana Malia

    Are you living a life that looks great on paper, but feels like something's missing beneath the surface? You've climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, yet relationships and real fulfillment seem just out of reach. The cycle of "almost, but not quite" can leave even the most accomplished individuals wondering why old patterns keep resurfacing and why true connection remains elusive. In this episode, listeners will explore how subconscious beliefs, habitual thought patterns, and unresolved emotional baggage shape the dynamics of love and connection. Through practical approaches like interrupting negative cycles, clarifying desires and values, and learning to rewire internal narratives, this conversation offers actionable steps to break free from unhelpful relationship patterns and begin creating the kind of intimacy and fulfillment you truly crave. Riana helps high-achieving women who've built a life they're proud of in their career, family, friendships, and growth, but still feel stuck in the same old love patterns. Through her signature method, she helps them rewire the subconscious beliefs and recode the nervous system responses that have shaped their relationships for decades, so they can finally create extraordinary love that matches the life they've built.   Episode Highlights 04:01 Finding identity during life transitions. 08:31 Getting exactly what you ordered. 11:54 Rewiring neurology and internal beliefs. 13:01 Exploring therapeutic approaches. 17:24 Breaking negative thought patterns. 22:02 Accessing emotions to change behaviors. 24:39 Creating your vision board. 27:56 Shifting to positive self-talk. 31:44 Clearing out mental clutter. 35:04 Shifting mindset and frequency. 42:27 The power of forgiveness. 46:13 Steps to heal relationships.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Clarify Your Desires: Take time to specifically identify what you truly want in relationships and life, beyond vague wishes, by listing your non-negotiables and values. Perform the Away/Toward Exercise: Write out everything you don't want on one piece of paper ("away") and all that you do want on another ("toward") to bring awareness to your focus. Wear a Rubber Band: For 72 hours, wear a rubber band on your wrist. When you notice negative thoughts, snap them to create an instant pattern interrupt and remind yourself to shift focus. Redirect Your Thinking: When you catch yourself focused on the "away" list, immediately replace the thought with something from your "toward" list or its positive opposite. Cultivate Genuine Gratitude: If struggling to generate positive feelings, ground yourself in something you are authentically grateful for in the present moment. Serve Others: If feeling stuck, perform a small act of kindness to shift your emotional state and break negative patterns. Incrementally Improve Your Emotional State: Don't force a leap from low emotions to joy—focus instead on moving up one or two levels on the emotional scale at a time. Release the Old Story: Set boundaries around retelling painful past stories to others; instead, focus conversations on new goals and dreams to reinforce a forward-looking identity.   Mentioned Extraordinary Love Index™ (Free Diagnostic Quiz) Brilliance Brunch (Events Page) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love  (free guide)   Connect with Riana Malia Website: rianamalia.com Facebook: facebook.com/RianaMalia YouTube: youtube.com/@rianamalia Instagram: instagram.com/rianamalia TikTok: tiktok.com/@rianamalia121 Podcast: podcast.rianamalia.com

    52 min

  5. MAR 31

    ERP 522: Fair Isn't 50/50: How Couples Build a Financial Partnership That Works - An Interview with Heather and Douglas Boneparth

    Money isn't just about numbers; it's the silent language shaping intimacy, trust, and fairness in our closest relationships. Beneath the surface of budgets and bank accounts often lies a tangled web of beliefs, emotions, and unspoken histories that can spark misunderstanding, resentment, or even distance between partners. The challenge? Finding a way to transform financial conversations from battlegrounds into bridges of deeper connection. In this episode, listeners will discover how to unpack personal money stories, identify invisible patterns, and create a foundation for fairness that goes far beyond splitting expenses down the middle. Practical examples and candid advice converge to help couples open up vulnerable, constructive conversations, nurture curiosity about one another, and build flexible habits for lasting financial teamwork. Whether you're just beginning the dialogue or looking to deepen your connection, this episode offers tools and insights to help you turn financial friction into opportunities for growth, understanding, and shared abundance. Douglas Boneparth is the founder of Bone Fide Wealth in New York City. He sits on the CNBC and Investopedia advisory councils and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and more. Heather Boneparth spent more than a decade as a lawyer in the insurance industry before joining the firm as the director of business and legal affairs. They co-write a weekly couples and money newsletter called The Joint Account.   Episode Highlights 04:28 Defining fairness in relationships. 09:23 The importance of curiosity in relationships. 11:38 Talking openly about money. 14:54 Opening up about money struggles. 20:05 Interview process revealed insights. 23:23 Avoiding miscommunication in relationships. 25:57 Quarterly money dates for couples. 27:42 Building consistency with money. 31:19 Collaborative goal-setting and self-growth. 34:32 Balancing personal and shared goals. 38:02 Expecting the unexpected in life. 42:33 Where to find more resources.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Schedule Quarterly Money Dates: Set aside time four times a year to discuss finances and personal goals as a couple, creating consistent opportunities for communication and connection. Begin With Wins: Start each money date by acknowledging positive progress and successes, which fosters a supportive atmosphere for more difficult conversations. Include Personal Goals: During conversations, explicitly ask and share individual goals for the next few years to ensure each partner's aspirations are recognized and supported. Use Conversation Starters: Utilize provided questions at the end of each book section to initiate deeper discussions about financial behaviors, values, and histories. Practice Curiosity: Maintain a mindset of curiosity about your partner's experiences and stories, continually learning and deepening understanding throughout your relationship. Acknowledge the Challenge: Embrace the discomfort of exploring your financial histories and patterns, understanding that growth requires facing difficult topics. Adapt Your Approach: Identify and adjust to each partner's preferred communication and learning style for financial topics—for example, using visuals instead of numbers if that helps. Allow Time for Change: Give yourselves space between meetings to try new financial behaviors and see if they work before making more decisions or adjustments.   Mentioned The Joint Account (Newsletter) Money Together (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with Heather and Douglas Boneparth Website: domoneytogether.com | bonefidewealth.com X: x.com/dougboneparth Instagram: instagram.com/averagejoelle | instagram.com/dougboneparth

    44 min

  6. MAR 24

    ERP 521: Resentment as a Mirror and What It Reveals About You and Your Relationship - An Interview With Katie Rössler

    Resentment is the silent killer of connection—creeping in beneath the surface, quietly eroding the intimacy and trust between partners. Too often, the frustration we feel in our relationships stems not just from our partner's actions, but from deeper unmet needs and patterns we haven't paused to examine. When left unaddressed, this silent disconnect can blossom into the so-called "roommate syndrome," where couples drift apart, stuck in cycles of survival mode, logistical interactions, and emotional isolation. In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how resentment actually reveals more about personal boundaries, self-care, and unmet needs than we may realize. Through practical examples and honest conversation, you'll learn how to transform defensiveness, blame, and silent frustration into curiosity, accountability, and genuine reconnection. Discover why emotional distance develops over time, how to identify its earliest signs, and actionable steps—from gratitude practices to clearer communication—that can help rekindle connection and reset relationship dynamics, even in the midst of midlife transitions and complex challenges. Katie Rössler is a relationship strategist, licensed therapist, and creator of the REBUILD method, a transformational relationship alignment program for high-achieving, international couples. She's the author of two books, host of the Relationship Reset podcast, and has spoken on stages around the world. With over 15 years of experience, Katie guides couples from silent resentment to deep reconnection and supports women in perimenopause as they evolve into the powerful, grounded leaders they're becoming.   Episode Highlights 04:41 The impact of differences and cultural dynamics on relationship resentment. 07:40 How unmet needs and self-reflection fuel resentment. 13:00 Moving from victimhood to agency in relationship roles. 15:45 The importance of receiving gratitude and connection. 19:56 Overcoming barriers to receiving affection and connection. 23:01 Breaking the roommate cycle: Practical steps to reignite emotional and erotic connection. 40:02 Learning new relationship skills: Navigating change and discomfort. 42:39 Midlife transitions: How hormonal and developmental shifts affect relationships. 44:27 Moving through midlife challenges together: Ownership, education, and growth.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Get curious about resentment—ask yourself what's underneath your feelings and why they're showing up. Practice expressing gratitude and intentionally receiving it from your partner, rather than deflecting or minimizing the gesture. Separate "project mode" from "connection mode" by scheduling regular couple's check-ins focused on emotional connection, not logistics. Communicate your needs and boundaries clearly, even if it feels uncomfortable, to foster mutual respect and support. Invite your partner into your interests and joys—share what excites you and make space for curiosity about each other's experiences. Normalize messy or vulnerable moments by slowing down, breathing, and allowing space for emotion, rather than rushing to fix things. During challenging life phases (like midlife or perimenopause), educate and support each other by learning together and having open dialogue. Establish annual visioning sessions as a couple to create shared goals that prioritize your relationship alongside everyday tasks.   Mentioned Relationship Reset Podcast Couple's Visioning Workbook Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with Katie Rössler Website: katierossler.com Instagram: instagram.com/katie.rossler LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katierossler

    51 min

  7. MAR 17

    ERP 520: Why We Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns and How to Change Them — An Interview With Dr. Molly Burrets

    Have you ever wondered why you keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try to change? It's almost as if, despite our best intentions and awareness, we're drawn to the familiar—even if it's painful. The fear of uncertainty trumps the discomfort of what we know, leaving many stuck in cycles of repeated conflict, unmet needs, and unclear intentions. In this episode, listeners are guided through the origins of these repeating patterns, from early attachment experiences to later life trauma, and how they shape the template for adult relationships. The conversation explores the power of both individual and relational healing, offering practical strategies to update old habits, develop emotional intelligence, and communicate needs in ways that foster clarity and connection. If you're ready to step out of old cycles and into more intentional, empowered relationships, this episode breaks down the tools and insights you need to begin that journey. Dr. Molly is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Los Angeles with 16 years of experience in psychotherapy, research, and teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She specializes in couples therapy and reproductive mental health, with a particular passion for supporting high-achieving women, non-traditional couples, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC, and Veterans. Dr. Burrets also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department at USC and has been featured as a relationship expert in TIME, Vogue, CBS, HuffPost, and more.   Episode Highlights 05:47 Why we repeat relationship patterns and the power of the familiar. 09:18 How early childhood attachment and trauma shape our relationships. 11:49 The dual paths of healing: Individual and relational growth. 16:35 Practicing healthy responses to triggers in relationships. 18:16 Developing self-regulation skills and navigating relationship conflict. 21:34 The value of vulnerability and facing uncomfortable outcomes. 26:50 Communicating intentions and building trust when trying new behaviors. 30:14 Navigating needs, fears, and the importance of reasonableness in relationships. 33:34 Finding and expressing your voice: Moving from silence or aggression to assertiveness. 35:42 The role of resentment and envy in recognizing your needs. 39:50 Balancing individual responsibility with relational needs and self-care. 44:00 The importance of emotional intelligence and practicing self-connection.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Reflect on recurring relationship patterns and notice any familiar dynamics, rather than judging or shaming yourself for them. Acknowledge how your early-life experiences and attachments shape your current relationship behaviors—awareness is the first step toward change. If you notice unmet needs or frustration, pause and bring curiosity to your reactions instead of defaulting to blame or criticism. Practice pausing when triggered; take a deep breath, notice sensations in your body, and consider a more thoughtful response. Communicate vulnerably and clearly with your partner, directly sharing your feelings and needs rather than masking them with anger or withdrawal. Invite support—let loved ones or professionals know you're working on new habits and ask for feedback or guidance as you practice. Cultivate self-care rituals (like morning journaling or meditation) that help you regulate your emotions and connect with yourself. Remind yourself that you don't have to be "fully healed" to be in a relationship; embrace growth as a continual, relational process.   Mentioned Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with Dr. Molly Burrets Website: drmollyburrets.com Instagram: instagram.com/drmollyburrets

    49 min

  8. MAR 10

    ERP 519: From Love to Leadership: Creating Alignment in Family Life - An Interview with April Eldemire

    Love alone isn't always enough to keep everyone under one roof feeling connected and secure. Despite the dream of harmony and the promise of new beginnings, many families find themselves struggling with uncertainty, misaligned expectations, and recurring conflicts that love simply can't resolve. Is it possible to create a sense of "home" where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—without sacrificing your relationship or your own well-being? In this episode, listeners will discover why building a thriving blended family isn't just about love—it's about creating alignment through clear roles, structure, and intentional communication. The conversation explores the real-life challenges that stepfamilies and modern families face, including competing parenting philosophies, the presence of ex-partners, and loyalty struggles with children. Listeners will learn actionable strategies such as the Pause, Align, and Present method for unified parenting, tips for connecting before correcting, and ways to foster trust and emotional safety while honoring everyone's unique needs. Get ready to transform overwhelm into clarity, and confusion into a cooperative partnership—one step at a time. April is a licensed marriage and family therapist, stepfamily expert, and founder of Couples Thrive. She specializes in helping modern couples, especially those in blended families, create emotional safety, reduce conflict, and parent as a united team. She is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most research-backed approaches for couples, and her work has been featured in national outlets like Psychology Today and the Gottman Institute.   Episode Highlights 06:09 Unique challenges blended families face as they merge different histories and systems. 09:56 Building alignment through clear structure and defined expectations. 12:24 Navigating family differences with the 60-30-10 rule. 14:19 Smoothing family life with weekly check-ins and defined roles. 19:09 Setting realistic expectations and practicing patience in blended families. 23:22 Overcoming common challenges through preparation and planning. 25:22 Unifying parenting decisions with the Pause, Align, and Present method. 28:13 Modeling teamwork and authentic connection during disagreements. 31:34 Building mutual respect through the power of pausing. 35:58 Balancing parental authority while empowering children's voices. 39:36 Building trust as a stepparent by navigating loyalty binds. 43:19 Fostering respectful communication with clear boundaries and rules. 46:40 Helping blended families thrive with expert tools and support.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Start a shared journal or Notes app with your partner to track moments of alignment and areas of struggle throughout the week. Set aside time for a weekly alignment conversation where you review your journal and discuss patterns and sticky points together. Establish clear roles and expectations in your family system, considering each person's strengths and the needs of the children. Practice the "Pause, Align, and Present" method in moments of disagreement: pause the discussion, align privately, and then present a unified decision to the family. Use a 60-30-10 rule—aim for 60% compromise, navigate 30% gray areas, and allow 10% flexibility for the sake of peace. Involve children appropriately by hearing their voices and feelings, but maintain parental authority when making decisions. For stepparents, focus on connection before correction—build rapport and trust first before stepping into disciplinary roles. Regularly review your family values, using "we language" and modeling respectful communication, especially during challenging transitions or conflicts.   Mentioned Stepfamilies: Love, Marriage, and Parenting in the First Decade (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) ERP 313: How To Become A Successful Blended Family — An Interview With Ron Deal ERP 256: The Mistakes People Make When Blending Families And What To Do Instead – An Interview With Tracy Poizner Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide)   Connect with April Eldemire Website: couples-thrive.com Facebook: facebook.com/AprilEldemire YouTube: youtube.com/@couplesthrive Instagram: instagram.com/couplesthrive LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/april-eldemire-lmft-8a8b3059 TikTok: tiktok.com/@couples_thrive

    51 min
See All (526)

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Empowered Relationship Podcast helps you turn relationship challenges into opportunities and sets you up for relationship success, satisfaction, and intimacy. This podcast is designed to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals and couples into more empowered, conscious, and evolved ways of loving.

Information

You Might Also Like