The Yearning Heart Podcast: Real Stories of Love, Relationships and Emotional Growth

Jennifer J Lehr, LMFT
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Yearning Heart Podcast is a soulful space where real people share journeys through love, heartbreak, and healing. Hosted by Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, each episode dives into relationship dynamics, emotional intelligence, attachment styles, and self-love. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, deepening intimacy, or breaking old patterns, you’ll find honest stories and therapist insights to help you create secure, lasting love. Tune in for real stories and expert guidance to help you transform your relationships. Topics: self-love, attachment styles and more.

  1. Parenting Neurodivergent Children & The Work of Marriage | Dr. Nicole Dolan

    10/24/2025

    Parenting Neurodivergent Children & The Work of Marriage | Dr. Nicole Dolan

    Parenting sensitive, neurodivergent children can be both sacred and overwhelming. In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer J. Lehr, LMFT, speaks with Dr. Nicole Dolan—depth psychologist, author, and mother of three—about the profound challenges and transformations that come with parenting complex children and sustaining a conscious marriage. Together, they reveal how healing our own emotional imprints allows us to show up more consciously for our children and partners. They explore how nervous-system imprints shape our relationships, how marriage becomes a crucible for growth, and how conscious parenting invites both partners into deeper healing. ✨ In this episode:• Parenting and marriage under pressure• Understanding nervous-system imprints• The dynamics of self-sacrifice and resentment• Co-parenting and teamwork• The spiritual and ancestral layers of family healing 💜 A powerful conversation about the art of chaos, the work of love, and finding renewal as both a parent and partner. 🔗 Connect:Dr. Nicole Dolan — https://drnicoledolan.comJennifer J. Lehr, LMFT & Author — https://jenniferlehrmft.com 💗 If this episode resonated, please follow The Yearning Heart Podcast and share it with someone who’s on their own healing journey. 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges03:18 Navigating Neurodiversity in Children06:15 The Impact of Parenting on Marriage09:58 Understanding Marital Dynamics and Personal Growth12:56 The Work of Marriage and Emotional Imprints17:41 Finding Balance in Relationships20:29 Individual Responsibility in Partnerships27:52 The Dynamics of Self-Sacrifice in Relationships30:40 Navigating Narcissism and Martyrdom31:52 The Soul’s Journey and Ancestral Influence33:20 Marriage as a Crucible for Growth36:07 Deciding to Stay or Leave: The Inner Conflict38:09 Transformation Through Conscious Work40:08 Co-Parenting Dynamics and Teamwork42:34 The Unique Journey of Parenting a Special Child49:00 The Call for Conscious Parenting Tags: parenting, autism, marriage, relationships, depth psychology, sensitive children, co-parenting, nervous system, trauma healing, personal growth, Jennifer J. Lehr, LMFT, Dr. Nicole Dolan, The Yearning Heart Podcast

    51 min
  2. Healing The Mother Wound - Episode 16

    09/25/2025

    Healing The Mother Wound - Episode 16

    In this episode (16) of The Yearning Heart Podcast, Jennifer J. Lehr, LMFT, speaks with Willow Light, an esthetician, herbalist, and intuitive healer, about her powerful journey of healing from childhood trauma and toxic relationships. Willow shares openly about growing up in foster care, the impact of her mother’s mental illness, and how these wounds shaped her choices in love. From a stable but spiritually mismatched marriage, to a painful six-year relationship with a narcissistic alcoholic, to the deep healing that followed—including psilocybin journeys and therapy—her story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. Now, Willow is in a spiritually aligned relationship with someone she’s known since childhood. Her journey shows how our deepest wounds can lead us toward growth, self-love, and hope. ✨ Topics in this episode: The “mother wound” and “father wound” in relationships Why we sometimes attract toxic partners The seductive pull of narcissistic love Nature, meditation, and psilocybin as healing tools Moving from dependency → toxic entanglement → interdependent love 💜 A story of descent, healing, and renewal—proof that even our most painful chapters can open the way to love. For more information or to read the full transcript for this episode go to https://weconcile.com/yearning-heart-podcast. Chapters 00:00 Healing Through Relationships: Willow's Journey 01:04 Willow's Relationship Overview 02:36 Introduction to Willow's Journey 04:24 The Impact of Early Trauma 07:01 Finding Strength in Adversity 09:53 Seeking Stability: The First Marriage 10:59 Not Chosen - A Wound 14:23 The Shift in Spiritual Connection 17:39 Co-Parenting and Collaboration Post-Divorce 20:58 The Guilt and Shame 22:31 Dreams and Intuition 23:37 Voice of Sabotage 27:11 The New Relationship and the Hook 29:40 Red Flags 30:27 Navigating Alcohol and Relationships 33:57 Alcoholism/ Narcissism/Mother Wound 37:02 Beginning to Leave 41:13 Co-Dependent 41:50 Breaking Free from Toxic Patterns 44:23 Psilocybin Journey 49:52 Choosing to Heal 51:12 New Relationship 59:35 Finding a Healthy Connection 01:02:01 Interdependence 01:02:37 Willow's Relational Arc 01:04:58 Thank You 01:05:49 Connect with Willow 01:06:10 More about Jennifer Lehr LMFT

    1h 7m
  3. Therapist Insights: Mindfulness, Attachment Styles & Core Values in Love

    09/10/2025

    Therapist Insights: Mindfulness, Attachment Styles & Core Values in Love

    In this episode (15) of the Yearning Heart podcast, Jennifer J. Lehr, LMFT delves into the insights shared by Dennis regarding mindfulness, relationships, and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in therapy,how it can be used to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation, and the potential pitfalls of using mindfulness defensively. She also explores how mindfulness can heal anxious and avoidant attachment styles, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen relationships.explores the significance of attachment styles in relationships, the necessityvof growth and shared core values between partners, and the importance of focusing on what works in a relationship to foster connection and understanding.   Takeaways Mindfulness helps strengthen the witness within us. Being mindful allows us to notice our experiences withoutmerging with them. Mindfulness can be misused as a defense mechanism. It's essential to engage with our feelings rather than avoidthem. Attachment styles influence how we can best use mindfulness in relationships. Growth in relationships requires both partners to be willingto evolve. Core values must align for a relationship to thrive. Focusing on what works in a relationship fosters positivity. Communication must be safe and compassionate for effective engagement. Differentiation is key to understanding and relating to apartner. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Mindfulness: A Deep Dive 06:06 Mindfulness Red Flags 07:11 What Do The Feelings Want? 07:43 Mindfulness and Attachment Styles 09:02 Mindfulness as a Cognitive Strength 11:37 When It is Time to Leave a Relationship 15:22 Core Values and Relationship Compatibility 16:50 I Can Only Control Myself 19:32 Engagement in the Process: Detaching from Outcomes 20:50 Focus On What Works Keywords mindfulness, self-awareness, relationships, attachmentstyles, emotional intelligence, personal growth, communication, core values,emotional connection, therapy

    24 min
  4. From Shame to Mindful Love: Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones on 32 Years of Conscious Relationship

    08/28/2025

    From Shame to Mindful Love: Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones on 32 Years of Conscious Relationship

    What does it take to create a 32-year relationship grounded in deep presence, personal growth, and unwavering commitment? In this powerful conversation, Jennifer J. Lehr, LMFT welcomes renowned author and spiritual teacher Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones to share the inner journey behind his long-term marriage and the mindfulness tools that helped himtransform a shame-based upbringing into a conscious, loving partnership. Find his books on Amazon by searching for Dennnis Merritt Jones.

    38 min
  5. Therapist Insights: Falling Out of Love, Codependency, and Rekindling Connection

    08/01/2025

    Therapist Insights: Falling Out of Love, Codependency, and Rekindling Connection

    In this Therapist Insights episode of The Yearning Heart Podcast, Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, unpacks the deeper emotional themes from Episode 12, where Samantha shared her story of reconnection after separation. Jennifer explores the emotional and psychological dynamics of falling out of love, the role of postpartum depression in creating disconnection, and how couples can rekindle intimacy by learning to communicate, express needs, and take responsibility for their relational patterns. This episode also dives into attachment styles, codependency, and the importance of character in sustaining long-term love. 💗 If you’ve ever felt lost in your relationship, struggled with emotional disconnect, or wondered how to rebuild after crisis — this episode offers both clarity and compassionate tools. 💬 Topics We Explore: Why couples fall out of love (and how to reconnect) How postpartum depression affects intimacy and attachment Communication as a bridge to deeper connection Attachment styles and how they show up in conflict Codependency vs. interdependence The role of character, responsibility, and emotional regulation Understanding the roots of infidelity Healing family-of-origin wounds that influence love Growing individually and together 🎯 Keywords: falling out of love, emotional disconnection in marriage, codependency in relationships, postpartum depression and intimacy, secure attachment in love, how to communicate in marriage, healing infidelity, rekindling love 📲 Hashtags: #TherapistInsights #RelationshipHealing #EmotionalConnection #PostpartumDepression #FallingOutOfLove #Codependency #AttachmentStyles #CouplesTherapy #TheYearningHeartPodcast

    30 min
  6. How We Saved Our Marriage After Divorce: A Story of Healing, Separation, and Partnership

    06/06/2025

    How We Saved Our Marriage After Divorce: A Story of Healing, Separation, and Partnership

    From emotional pain to true partnership — in this heartfelt episode of The Yearning Heart Podcast, Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, speaks with certified life coach Samantha Shoemaker about her powerful journey through postpartum depression, separation, and ultimately, reconnection with her husband. Samantha shares how the weight of parenting, mental health struggles, and unresolved attachment patterns challenged her marriage — and how time apart led to self-awareness, therapy, and deep relational healing. Together, they explore the power of accountability, emotional growth, and the work required to truly transform a relationship. Now supporting other women through life transitions as a coach, Samantha offers hard-won insight into what it means to own your story, ask for what you need, and rebuild love from a place of wholeness. 💗 If you've ever wondered whether a broken relationship can be repaired — this episode offers hope, tools, and emotional truth. 💬 Topics We Explore: Navigating postpartum depression and relational distance The emotional impact of parenting and mental health How separation became a catalyst for self-discovery Childhood wounds and their effect on adult attachment Using therapy as a bridge to reconnection The role of accountability in healing a broken bond Rebuilding a partnership through communication and truth Coaching, independence, and emotional self-awareness Empowering women to navigate transitions in love and life Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Samantha's Journey 02:56 The Breakdown of Marriage and Infidelity 06:10 The Path to Healing and Reconnection 11:34 Lessons Learned About Love and Relationships 17:18 The Role of Communication and Connection 22:32 Navigating Parenting Through Divorce 27:32 Ongoing Growth and Independence 31:05 Applying Lessons in Coaching 33:51 Rebuilding Relationships: The Power of Therapeutic Work 🎯 Keywords: saving a marriage after divorce, postpartum depression and relationships, relationship healing through therapy, separation and reconnection, emotional growth in marriage, rebuilding trust in love, coaching for relationship recovery 📲 Hashtags: #MarriageHealing #RelationshipRecovery #PostpartumDepression #SeparationToConnection #TherapyInLove #EmotionalGrowth #LifeTransitions #TheYearningHeartPodcast

    35 min
  7. Therapist Insights: Tools and Knowledge for Anxious Attachment Style

    03/14/2025

    Therapist Insights: Tools and Knowledge for Anxious Attachment Style

    n this Therapist Insights episode, Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, unpacks the emotional complexity of the anxious attachment style and offers therapeutic tools to support healing, regulation, and deeper connection. Jennifer explores how early emotional wounds manifest in anxious relational behaviors — from fear of abandonment to heightened sensitivity and emotional reactivity. She shares strategies for self-regulation, boundary setting, and clear communication, while highlighting the importance of compassion, intuition, and differentiation in building secure relationships. 💗 This episode is a supportive resource for anyone who struggles with anxious attachment and is working to build healthier, more secure love. 💬 Topics We Explore: What anxious attachment looks like in relationships How to self-regulate when triggered (especially with avoidant partners) Recognizing and healing personal emotional wounds Using timing and calm communication to express needs Compassion and accountability in relational dynamics Differentiation: staying connected while being yourself The impact of negative self-talk on love and self-worth How intuition helps identify red flags Building secure, emotionally safe relationships Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Relationship Dynamics 00:53 Understanding Partner Needs and Differences 01:50 Anxiety and Avoidance03:46Curiosity and Compassion in Relationships 04:53 Wounds 06:03 The Anxious Avoidant Struggle 07:53 The Negative Cycle 09:44 The Importance of Self-Regulation 12:04 Communication Examples 13:20 Communication and Asking for Needs 15:08 Impact of Parents and Survival Strategies 17:22 Secure Relationships 17:55 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships 18:35 Friendship, Compassion, Curiosity, Attunement 18:58 Differentiation 21:09 Developing Healthy Communication Skills 23:45 Listening to Our Bodies 25:11 Self Talk 26:28 Parent's Communication 27:16 Inner Voice 28:07 Listening to Intuition and Red Flags 29:28 Closing 🎯 Keywords: anxious attachment healing, therapist advice for anxious partners, self-regulation in relationships, communication in insecure attachment, emotional triggers and self-worth, building secure relationships, understanding attachment trauma 📲 Hashtags: #TherapistInsights #AnxiousAttachment #AttachmentHealing #EmotionalTriggers #SecureRelationships #SelfRegulation #RelationshipCommunication #TheYearningHeartPodcast

    30 min
  8. What Makes a Relationship Healthy: Compassion, Triggers, and Mutual Care

    02/21/2025

    What Makes a Relationship Healthy: Compassion, Triggers, and Mutual Care

    n this heartfelt episode, Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, speaks with Kristina about the emotional complexities of building healthy relationships. Kristina shares her personal experiences navigating early relationship challenges, recognizing narcissistic patterns in past partners, and learning the value of emotional safety, compassion, and self-awareness. Together, they explore how generational trauma, anxiety, and communication blocks impact love — and how healing begins with self-compassion and mutual care. 💗 This episode offers a relatable and hopeful look at what real growth in relationships can look like. 👉 For deeper therapeutic insights on this topic, listen to the follow-up “Therapist Insights” episode on healing relational patterns and building secure love. 💬 Topics We Explore: Recognizing the signs of a healthy vs. unhealthy relationship How compassion and communication build emotional safety Triggers, anxiety, and body-based awareness in love The legacy of generational patterns on romantic behavior Identifying narcissistic traits in past partners Self-reflection and personal growth through relationship Why mutual care is foundational in lasting love Chapters 00:00 Understanding Relationships: A Journey of Growth 06:03 Navigating Triggers and Communication 11:35 The Importance of Timing in Conversations 17:37 Generational Influences on Relationship Skills 22:30 Recognizing Narcissism in Relationships 26:48 The Foundation of a Healthy Relationship 29:26 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose  🎯 Keywords: signs of a healthy relationship, emotional safety in love, compassion in relationships, recognizing narcissism, communication and triggers in relationships, generational trauma and dating 📲 Hashtags: #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalSafety #CompassionInLove #RelationshipTriggers #NarcissisticTraits #SelfCompassion #TheYearningHeartPodcast

    30 min
See All (18)

Trailer

About

The Yearning Heart Podcast is a soulful space where real people share journeys through love, heartbreak, and healing. Hosted by Jennifer Lehr, LMFT, each episode dives into relationship dynamics, emotional intelligence, attachment styles, and self-love. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, deepening intimacy, or breaking old patterns, you’ll find honest stories and therapist insights to help you create secure, lasting love. Tune in for real stories and expert guidance to help you transform your relationships. Topics: self-love, attachment styles and more.

Information