Purposely Peaceful: A Therapist's Guide to Relationships, Emotional Healing & Inner Peace

Jessica Rivera, LMFT
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

What if peace isn't something you find—but something you create? Welcome to Purposely Peaceful: A Therapist's Guide to Relationships, Emotional Healing & Inner Peace. I'm Jessica Rivera, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Quantum Hypnosis Practitioner, and host of Purposely Peaceful. This podcast is for anyone who knows they're meant for more—not necessarily more success, status, or achievement, but a life that feels fully lived. A life where healthier relationships, emotional healing, and inner peace become the foundation for everything else. Each week, we'll explore relationships, boundaries, communication, emotional healing, anxiety, self-awareness, purpose, and personal growth through honest conversations, therapeutic insight, and real-life experiences. You'll leave with practical tools, new perspectives, and meaningful "aha" moments that inspire you to do the inner work and create lasting change. My hope isn't just to give you information. It's to help you see yourself—and your life—differently. To challenge old patterns. To heal what no longer serves you. To create healthier relationships. And to build a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and more peaceful. Because peace isn't something we stumble upon. It's something we build through the way we heal, the way we love, and the way we choose to live every day. If you're ready to create a life that brings you peace, you're in the right place. 🤍

  1. 1d ago

    #46 In-Laws, Family & Boundaries: Who Comes First?

    In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when in-laws, parents, siblings, friends, or extended family begin affecting your marriage or relationship. I love my big family, and I believe there’s room for complicated people, different opinions, forgiveness, and reconciliation. But loving someone doesn’t mean every behavior has to be tolerated. I’m sharing how I think about prioritizing the family unit you’re building, deciding what’s worth addressing, and knowing when a firmer boundary may be necessary. Because boundaries aren’t about controlling other people or immediately cutting them off—they’re about deciding what you’re willing to participate in. Ultimately, I believe we can love our families deeply while still protecting our relationships, our homes, and our peace. Stay connected: More real life, conversations about peace & ways to work with me: All my links hello@purposelypeaceful.com ☕ If you’d like to support the podcast: Buy me a coffee Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Please consider your individual circumstances and seek professional guidance when needed.

  2. Sep 11

    #45 Parenting The Child You Can't Control

    Parenting is one of the hardest relationships we’ll ever navigate. We can guide our children, protect them, teach them, and love them deeply—but we cannot completely control who they become, the choices they make, or the path they take. In this episode, Jessica reflects on raising five children with very different personalities and temperaments. She explores the tension between helping and overhelping, setting boundaries, allowing natural consequences, and accepting that our children must eventually learn to live their own lives. Sometimes the child who worries you the most still turns out okay. Jessica did. Love and compassion matter. Believing things can work out matters. And when we cannot control the outcome, hope may be what carries both the parent and the child through. Follow Purposely Peaceful for honest conversations about relationships, emotional healing, and finding peace through life’s hardest moments. ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and more conversations about peace: https://t.mtrbio.com/purposelypeaceful E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  3. Aug 27

    #44 ADHD in Our Marriage: Understanding, Impact & Staying on the Same Team

    ADHD in Our Marriage: Understanding, Impact & Staying on the Same Team After 17 years together and five kids, Jimmy and I have learned that two people can experience the exact same situation completely differently. In this episode, we’re sharing an honest- and sometimes very funny- look at how ADHD traits show up in our marriage. Jimmy talks about his experiences with forgetfulness, disorganization, impulsivity, task initiation, and having approximately 47 mental tabs open at once. I share what those differences can feel like from the other side. From Jimmy accidentally leaving with my keys on our daughter’s first day of school to reminders that once sounded like nagging, we explore how seemingly small moments can create real tension when they happen repeatedly. We discuss: What ADHD can look like beyond simply “not paying attention”How forgetfulness and disorganization affect the entire familyThe difference between understanding someone’s intentions and ignoring the impactWhy timing and delivery matter during difficult conversationsAllowing your partner time to process instead of demanding an immediate responseUsing reminders as an agreed-upon form of supportWhen acceptance is appropriate—and when a boundary is still neededHow humor has helped us stop turning every frustration into a relationship problemRecognizing the strengths that can come with a brain that works differentlyWhy communication is the golden thread through all of itUnderstanding why your partner does something can completely change how you interpret their behavior—but it doesn’t mean the impact suddenly stops mattering. The goal isn’t for Jimmy to think like me or for me to think like him. It’s figuring out how the two people who are actually here can continue learning, adjusting, and choosing to be on the same team. If this episode reminds you of your own relationship, share it with your person and follow Purposely Peaceful for more honest conversations about relationships, emotional healing, and creating lasting peace. ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and more conversations about peace: https://t.mtrbio.com/purposelypeaceful E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  4. Aug 20

    #43 Fair Fighting: Conflict Without Destroying the Relationship

    What if fighting doesn’t automatically mean your relationship is unhealthy? Disagreements are going to happen. We’re going to misunderstand each other, lose our patience, and occasionally show up as less-than-ideal versions of ourselves. What matters is how we treat each other when that happens. In this episode, I’m sharing what Jimmy and I have learned about fair fighting throughout our relationship, along with some of the principles I’ve helped clients navigate over the years. We’ll talk about: Making respect the foundation of conflictRecognizing when it’s time to call a timeoutWhy a timeout must be honored, even when the conversation isn’t finishedWhat it means to fight without playing dirtyProtecting the person you love from the cruelest version of youReturning to the conversation instead of using space as avoidanceTaking responsibility, apologizing, and repairing after conflictThe goal isn’t to become a couple that never fights. The goal is to experience conflict without destroying the safety, respect, and love within the relationship. Because peace in a relationship doesn’t mean nothing ever disturbs it. Sometimes peace is knowing that even when things get hard, you’ll find your way back. ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and more conversations about peace: https://t.mtrbio.com/purposelypeaceful E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  5. Jul 30

    #42 Emotional Intelligence vs. Emotional Maturity: Why Knowing Isn't Enough

    Can someone be emotionally intelligent... but emotionally immature? The answer surprises a lot of people. In this episode, therapist Jessica Rivera and her husband, Jimmy, explore one of the biggest misconceptions in relationships: emotional intelligence and emotional maturity are not the same thing. You'll learn why understanding emotions doesn't always translate into healthy behavior, how emotional maturity shows up during conflict, and what to watch for when you're dating or trying to build a stronger relationship. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional maturityWhy conflict reveals emotional maturityHow to recognize emotional growth in yourself and othersCommon relationship patterns that keep couples stuckWhy healthy relationships require practice—not perfectionAlong the way, we share honest stories from our own marriage, the lessons we've learned over 17 years together, and the ongoing work of building a relationship rooted in accountability, growth, and peace. Because knowing better isn't the goal. Living it is. ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on Instagram → @purposely.peaceful Tik Tok→ @purposely.peaceful Facebook→ Purposely Peaceful Youtube→ Purposely Peaceful Website → purposelypeaceful.com E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  6. Jul 23

    #41 Why Couples Stop Caring (Even When They're Still in Love)

    EPISODE 41: Why Couples Stop Caring (Even When They're Still in Love) Why do some couples slowly drift apart—even when they still love each other? This one is a little messy because we recorded a video for YouTube and it was awkward- please have some patience for us. In this episode, my husband Jimmy joins me for our very first conversation together as we explore one of the most overlooked foundations of a healthy relationship: caring. After nearly 17 years together, we've learned that healthy relationships aren't built by avoiding conflict. They're built by continuing to show up for one another through the small, everyday moments that create trust, connection, and emotional safety. In this episode: Why love and caring aren't the same thingWhy couples slowly stop showing up for each otherHow to make your partner feel cared for every dayWhat caring looks like during conflictWhy showing up matters more than perfectionWhat does caring look like in your relationship? 🤍 ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and more conversations about peace: https://t.mtrbio.com/purposelypeaceful E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  7. Jul 9

    #40 Relationships Will Test Your Peace- (Series Starts Here)

    Relationships Will Test Your Peace What if the quality of your relationships has more to do with the quality of your peace than you realize? In this episode, I share the personal journey that completely changed the way I view relationships—and why I've chosen to begin an entire series on this topic. We'll explore how the pursuit of inner peace led me to rethink self-respect, mutual respect, and the people we allow closest to us. This episode lays the foundation for the weeks ahead as we explore the relationship skills that have the greatest impact on creating a more peaceful life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why the pursuit of peace naturally led me to relationshipsThe connection between self-respect and inner peaceHow healthy relationships are built on mutual respectWhy growth changes relationshipsThe foundation for building healthier, more peaceful connections✨ Next week, my husband Jimmy joins me for a conversation about marriage, growth, and the lessons we've learned together over the years. I can't wait to share it with you. ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on Instagram → @purposely.peaceful Tik Tok→ @purposely.peaceful Facebook→ Purposely Peaceful Youtube→ Purposely Peaceful Website → purposelypeaceful.com E-mail: hello@purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

  8. Jul 2

    #39 Time To Take Up Space

    Episode 39: Time to Take Up Space What if the life you've been longing for simply can't fit inside the version of you that's still trying to stay small? So many of us spend years shrinking ourselves—not because it's what we truly want, but because it feels safer. Safer than being judged. Safer than disappointing others. Safer than being seen. In this episode, we're exploring what it really means to take up space and why becoming more fully yourself isn't selfish—it's part of creating genuine inner peace. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why so many of us learn to play smallThe hidden beliefs that keep us stuckThe connection between authenticity and inner peaceThe simple questions that can help you uncover where you're holding yourself backWhy taking up space is one of the most peaceful things you can doJournal Prompts Take some time to reflect on these questions: • Where am I holding myself back? • What is it costing me to stay small? • What would my life look like if I stopped hiding? • Where in my life am I waiting for permission that only I can give myself? Continue the Journey If this episode resonated with you, these episodes pair beautifully with today's conversation: Episode 38 – Confidence You Can't Break Discover why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build by facing what scares you. Episode 37 – Challenging Fear And Doing it Anyway A conversation about moving forward before you feel ready and why waiting for confidence often keeps us stuck. Episode 13 – The Road to Peace Starts with Self-Love Learning to love yourself isn't optional—it's the foundation for becoming fully who you were created to be. Episode 28: You Have to Be the Best at What You're the Worst At, Title: That One Sentence That Changed My Life (and Maybe It'll Change Yours Too). Sometimes our greatest growth begins with the very thing we're most afraid to do. Timestamp: 00:00 Welcome Back Update 00:34 Why We Play Small 01:29 True Peace Definition 02:10 My Story Of Hiding 03:08 Choose Your Life 03:23 Journal Prompts Clarity 04:48 Worthiness Without Proof 05:18 Avoidance And Ego 07:31 Someday Dreams Reminder 09:04 Do You Love Returning Home 09:58 Being Seen Online 12:01 Permission To Take Space 12:34 Final Sendoff ✨ Stay connected: Want to see more of my real life and glimpses of peace? Follow me on Instagram → @purposely.peaceful Tik Tok→ @purposely.peaceful Facebook→ Purposely Peaceful Youtube→ Purposely Peaceful Website → purposelypeaceful.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as professional advice, and each individual should assess their personal situation and seek professional guidance when needed.

See All (46)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

What if peace isn't something you find—but something you create? Welcome to Purposely Peaceful: A Therapist's Guide to Relationships, Emotional Healing & Inner Peace. I'm Jessica Rivera, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Quantum Hypnosis Practitioner, and host of Purposely Peaceful. This podcast is for anyone who knows they're meant for more—not necessarily more success, status, or achievement, but a life that feels fully lived. A life where healthier relationships, emotional healing, and inner peace become the foundation for everything else. Each week, we'll explore relationships, boundaries, communication, emotional healing, anxiety, self-awareness, purpose, and personal growth through honest conversations, therapeutic insight, and real-life experiences. You'll leave with practical tools, new perspectives, and meaningful "aha" moments that inspire you to do the inner work and create lasting change. My hope isn't just to give you information. It's to help you see yourself—and your life—differently. To challenge old patterns. To heal what no longer serves you. To create healthier relationships. And to build a life that feels lighter, more intentional, and more peaceful. Because peace isn't something we stumble upon. It's something we build through the way we heal, the way we love, and the way we choose to live every day. If you're ready to create a life that brings you peace, you're in the right place. 🤍

Information