Solving Disconnection & Creating Connected Relationships (for Couples & Parents)

Jason A Polk
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Is it possible to solve the disconnection issues in your relationship? This podcast will explore how to solve it, but here's a hint: it takes ongoing work. The good news is that when we know how to have a harmonious and connected relationship, it feels good and can motivate us to keep doing it. This podcast is for couples and parents. We explore how to help you have a strong relationship with your partner and your kids if you have them. Jason A. Polk is a relationship therapist and a Clini-Coach® based in Denver, CO. He loves helping couples have more connection through this podcast and individualized marriage retreats and couples intensives. He's a father of two young daughters and has helped couples for over ten years. He believes we can simultaneously have a healthy relationship and be great parents.

  1. 21 OCT

    69: 6 Signs You Need to See A Couples Therapist

    Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode, Jason Polk, a couples therapist with over 10 years of experience, shares the six key signs that indicate it might be time to seek couples therapy. He explains why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and offers practical examples and personal insights. Six Signs It's Time for Couples Therapy: Constant Fighting: Recurring arguments over both small and big issues, often with deeper cycles beneath the surface.Constant Avoidance: Lack of communication and emotional distance, which can be more damaging than fighting.Deep Resentment & Contempt: Sharing resentment without boundaries, leading to defensiveness and a cycle of blame.Mistrust: Persistent uneasiness, anxiety, or infidelity that undermines trust in the relationship.Lack of Connection: Not making time to connect, which can amplify annoyances and distance.Inability to Repair After Conflict: Struggling to reconnect or be vulnerable after disagreements.Key Takeaways: Couples therapy is a proactive step toward a healthier relationship.Repairing after conflict and maintaining connection are essential skills.Even therapists benefit from couples therapy!Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 66: More on repairing after conflictPersonal stories and examples from Jason’s own relationshipIf you recognize any of these signs in your relationship, consider contacting a couples therapist. Remember, seeking help is a sign of hope and commitment to growth. Couples Therapy in Colorado Thanks for listening! For more episodes and resources, subscribe to the podcast and follow Jason Polk for ongoing insights into relationships.

    9 min

  2. 25 SEPT

    68: Can marriage counseling work with a narcissist?

    Send us a text Show Notes: Understanding Narcissism in Relationships Host: Jason Polk, Couples Therapist & Agency Owner Episode Overview: In this episode, Jason Polk explores the complex topic of narcissism and its impact on relationships. He breaks down what it means to be a narcissist, the origins of narcissistic behavior, and how these patterns affect both partners and families. Key Topics Covered: Jason's definition of narcissismQuote on shame and false empowerment in the development of narcissistic traitsHow narcissists respond to feedback and accountabilityThe emotional toll on partners of narcissists, including depression and loss of selfThe challenges and strategies of marriage counseling with a narcissistic partnerThe importance of leverage and motivation for change in therapyPractical advice for partners, including setting boundaries and reclaiming your voiceResources Mentioned: PDF on functional psychological boundaries Takeaways: Change is possible, but it requires motivation and structurePartners have more influence than they may realizeSometimes, the work is about reclaiming your own needs and sense of selfConnect with Jason Polk: For more support or to learn about therapy options, reach out to Jason and his team of RLT therapists. Jason's agencies:  Colorado Relationship Recovery – Couples Therapy Real Therapists Group (insurance-based practice)

    9 min

  3. 8 JUL

    67: Therapeutic Journeys: Brandon on RLT and Relationship Dynamics

    Send us a text Jason Polk, a seasoned therapist specializing in couples therapy, hosts Brandon Schwartz, LCSW, from Colorado Relationship Recovery on the podcast.  Brandon shares his journey of becoming a therapist, influenced by overcoming bullying, depression, and a transformative experience with his own therapist in middle school.  He discusses his educational path, shifting from a desire to join the Marines to pursuing psychology, eventually finding his passion in couples therapy.  The conversation touches on the modalities of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and its differences from other therapies, the concept of grandiosity and narcissism in relationships, and the profound impact therapy can have on personal and relational growth.  Brandon emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, and differentiation in therapy, explaining why he finds his work both revolutionary and rewarding. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:09 Brandon's Journey to Becoming a Therapist 02:47 High School and College Experiences 04:04 Choosing Marriage and Family Therapy 05:36 Impactful Therapy Experience 09:02 Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and Couples Work 13:57 First and Second Order Change in Therapy 15:34 Family Influence and Accountability 18:28 Understanding Human Behavior in Therapy 19:20 The Importance of Self-Realization 20:22 Personal Wake-Up Calls 22:21 The Role of Direct Feedback 25:31 Defining Narcissism in Therapy 31:51 The Revolutionary Impact of Couples Therapy To learn more about Brandon and work with him, visit his About page.

    34 min

  4. 13 JUN

    66: Repair, what it means and why it's so hard

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' therapist and coach Jason Polk delves into the importance of repair in relationships, why it's challenging, and how to effectively navigate it. Polk explains the concept of repair as restoring relationships after conflicts and discusses two main barriers: ego and lack of skills. He shares personal insights and strategies, including the importance of repairing in the moment and post-conflict methods like offering a sincere apology and sharing vulnerability. He emphasizes that repair is vital for healthy relationships and provides practical advice for couples to enhance their connection. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize repair over ego for the sake of their relationships and families. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Understanding Conflict and Repair 01:11 The Role of Ego in Repair 03:39 Repairing in the Moment 05:15 Repairing After a Fight 08:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Feedback Wheel PDF This episode was inspired by this blog: The Art of Repair: What It Means and Why It's So Hard

    9 min

  5. 29 APR

    65: Marriage Counseling Vs Divorce

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' Jason Polk, a therapist and coach with over 10 years of experience, discusses the financial and emotional costs of marriage counseling versus divorce.  Jason highlights the expense and emotional toll of contested divorces, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000, compared to the relatively lower cost of marriage counseling.  He explains how counseling can help either salvage a relationship or make the separation process more compassionate and dignified. Jason states that counseling can be valuable in creating healthier futures, whether couples stay together or separate. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:27 Marriage Counseling vs. Divorce: An Overview 00:39 Financial and Emotional Costs of Divorce 02:17 The Role of Marriage Counseling 05:23 When Divorce is Inevitable 06:15 Cost Comparison: Counseling vs. Divorce 06:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Couples Intensive episode. This episode was inspired by Jason's blog post.  Jason's marriage counseling practice.

    8 min

  6. 5 APR

    64: What is cheating?

    Send us a text Understanding Cheating: Definitions, Impacts, and Pathways to Healing In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' therapist and coach Jason Polk explores the complex topic of cheating.  He delves into the different forms of infidelity, including financial and emotional cheating, and emphasizes the importance of explicit agreements between partners.  Polk also discusses the synonyms and antonyms of cheating and provides insights into how a lack of openness can create a breeding ground for infidelity.  Key takeaways include the critical role of trust, honesty, and transparency in preventing and recovering from betrayal. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:22 Defining Cheating and Infidelity 01:12 Types of Cheating 02:03 Importance of Agreements in Relationships 03:29 Emotional Affairs and Implicit Agreements 05:00 Antonyms of Cheating 05:21 Conditions Leading to Cheating 06:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This blog inspired this episode: What is considered cheating?

    8 min

  7. 5 MAR

    63: What Is the Purpose of Marriage?

    Send us a text Jason explores the purpose of marriage beyond initial infatuation and love chemicals.  He explains that marriage is an essential emotional refuge and economic partnership, providing a place for vulnerability, acceptance, and the sharing of resources.  Jason discusses typical relationship dynamics like the pursue-withdraw cycle and how past experiences shape our partner interactions.  He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the relationship to foster connection and joy. Through understanding and intentional effort, marriage can bring resilience and confidence. By succeeding as a team, it can make life more enjoyable and less expensive. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:25 The Science of Love and Monogamy 01:07 Impact of Upbringing on Relationships 02:40 Purpose of Marriage 03:17 Emotional and Economic Benefits of Marriage 04:57 Challenges in Marriage 06:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To read the blog that inspired this episode, you can check out: What's the Purpose of Marriage? A Marriage Counselor's Perspective. Click here to learn more about Jason's couples therapy agency.

    7 min

  8. 18 FEB

    62: 10 Tips to Fix Your Relationship and Get Back on the Right Track

    Send us a text In this episode, Jason shares ten actionable tips to help couples maintain harmony, reduce disharmony, and effectively repair their relationships.  The tips are structured within a framework that includes understanding the phases of harmony, disharmony, and repair.  Key points include connecting with your partner through daily gestures, understanding and navigating attachment dynamics, using timeouts to prevent conflicts, making effective apologies, showing vulnerability, using communication tools like the feedback wheel, and taking things less personally.  The goal is to foster more connection and less conflict in relationships. 00:00 Introduction to Relationship Tips 00:06 Understanding Relationship Phases 00:47 Tips for Maintaining Harmony 02:37 Addressing Disharmony 06:04 Effective Repair Strategies 08:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links: State of the Union Meeting Feedback Wheel Relationship (Attachment) Quiz This episode in 10 tips to fix your relationship in blog form.

    10 min
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About

Is it possible to solve the disconnection issues in your relationship? This podcast will explore how to solve it, but here's a hint: it takes ongoing work. The good news is that when we know how to have a harmonious and connected relationship, it feels good and can motivate us to keep doing it. This podcast is for couples and parents. We explore how to help you have a strong relationship with your partner and your kids if you have them. Jason A. Polk is a relationship therapist and a Clini-Coach® based in Denver, CO. He loves helping couples have more connection through this podcast and individualized marriage retreats and couples intensives. He's a father of two young daughters and has helped couples for over ten years. He believes we can simultaneously have a healthy relationship and be great parents.

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