The Relationship Maze

Relationship advice
  • 4.7 (12)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Relationship advice and exploration. Two experienced and passionate relationship therapists, Angela Dierks and Tom MacKay, talk about all aspects to do with building fulfilling relationships, dating and marriage advice. All successful relationships start with a good look at yourself. Learn more about your relationship style and what makes you tick in relationships - the good, the bad and the ugly. We explore challenges that you might face when dating or in your relationships such as arguments and conflict, miscommunication, stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem and much more. We consider how you can understand and change your behaviour and build more hope, resilience and strength. And we provide you with plenty of insight and advice on building a long lasting and successful relationship whether you are currently dating, just set out in a relationship or are in an established relationship or marriage.

  1. 11/26/2024

    The Love Conundrum: How to Know If It's Truly Love

    Send us a text Welcome to The Relationship Maze, the podcast dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of love and relationships. Today we dive deep into the age-old question: Is it really love?  In today's episode, we explore the distinctions between love, lust, and projection, examining how love evolves and matures over time. We discuss the importance of nurturing love as an active, ongoing process, challenging the Hollywood myth of effortless, always-intense romance. We'll share insights on how to recognize real love, the role of curiosity and commitment, and the necessity of embracing both joy and pain in a relationship.  So if you're ready to deepen your understanding of love and build fulfilling connections, stay tuned for an engaging and enlightening conversation. Don't forget to visit our website, therelationshipmaze.com, for more resources and our comprehensive online course. Let's get started! 00:00 Loving is active; being in love is static. 06:11 When does desire mature into genuine love? 09:36 Love grows from curiosity about differences. 11:58 Embrace love's full emotional range, expect effort. 15:01 Perceived love stems from unresolved past issues. 19:07 Unconditional love needs trust and balance. 23:31 Is it really love? Assess mutual expressions. 26:06 Commit to love; openness overcomes relationship differences. 27:47 Podcast break; explore past episodes and resources. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    29 min

  2. 09/17/2024

    The Power of Differentiation: Strengthening Bonds While Honouring Individuality

    Send us a text Welcome back to The Relationship Maze! In today's episode, "Differentiation," Tom and Angela dive into a crucial phase in relationship development known as differentiation.  Have you ever felt that your partner is not the same as they were during the honeymoon period? Or struggled with being yourself in the relationship? You're not alone. Differentiation, a concept originally developed by Margaret Mahler, is all about recognizing and navigating the differences between you and your partner. We'll explore why it's natural for relationships to evolve, why noticing differences can be a good thing, and how this stage can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and deeper connection.  Tune in to learn how to navigate this challenging yet essential phase and transform your relationship into something even more rewarding. Don't forget to subscribe and visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources to help you on your journey! 00:00 Mahler's theory: infants learn self differentiation stages. 04:59 Difficulty arises when relationship moves past symbiotic stage. 08:00 Partner's differentiation feels like an abandonment threat. 11:13 Recognize and respect partner's individuality and differences. 13:34 Arguments arise from unmet relationship expectations. 17:55 Couples therapy and resources help navigate conflicts. 19:59 Learning to communicate safely and empathetically is crucial. 24:48 Empowering stages, therapy options, podcast, course info. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    26 min

  3. 08/26/2024

    The Importance of Empathy: A Key to Fulfilling Relationships

    Send us a text Welcome to The Relationship Maze, where we explore the intricate dynamics of human connections. In today's episode, Tom and Angela delve into a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of relationships: empathy.  Are you finding that your partner doesn't truly hear you, or that they're more inclined to fix your problems than genuinely listen? This episode is for you.  Join us as we unpack what real empathy entails, the difference between empathy and sympathy, and practical steps to foster deeper emotional connections. We'll also discuss the common pitfalls and challenges in being empathic, particularly when facing conflicts or emotional distress. Tune in and discover how enhancing your empathy skills can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships.  Don't forget to subscribe and visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and our comprehensive online course. 00:00 Empathy is complex, requires attuning to others. 03:34 Empathy involves leaving assumptions, being inquisitive. 08:07 Empathy doesn't mean carrying your partner's burden. 12:25 Partners struggle with empathy during difficult conversations. 15:31 Open-minded approach to empathetically respond positively. 19:36 Couples therapy available in person and online. 20:47 Support and empathy are crucial in relationships. 23:31 Visit relationshipmaze.com for relationship help and resources. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    24 min

  4. 08/06/2024

    From Teddy Bears to Smartphones; Comfort or Crutch? Our Use of Transitional Objects

    Send us a text Welcome to The Relationship Maze!  In today's episode, Angela and Tom delve into the fascinating world of transitional objects—those cherished items or objects, like a childhood teddy bear or a keepsake, that provide comfort during challenging times. The notion of transitional objects was developed by pediatrician and psychotherapist Donald Winnicott; they serve as a bridge between our internal emotions and the external world. But what role do they play in our adult lives, and can our reliance on them sometimes indicate deeper, problematic issues that need addressing?  From phones as modern-day comfort objects to the role of transitional objects in relationships, we explore both the benefits and potential pitfalls of these psychological safety nets. Stick around to uncover how understanding transitional objects can help you improve your relationships and personal well-being. Don't forget to head over to therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and take our free argument style quiz to discover your conflict style in relationships. Let's get started! 00:00 Psychotherapy term stems from child-mother separation. 05:22 Comfort objects provide a sense of security. 07:09 Transitional objects provide comfort and reassurance. 09:45 Negative emotions labeled bad, need to change. 15:35 Reflect on the impact of digital disconnection. 17:03 Using Niles' presence and hair for winning. 21:05 Questioning projection and expectations in relationships. 24:43 Therapy is important for personal development. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    26 min

  5. 07/22/2024

    Embracing the Unknown: A Journey Through Liminal Spaces

    Send us a text Welcome to another episode of The Relationship Maze. Today, we're diving into the intriguing concept of liminality. Have you ever felt stuck in a transitional space, like when you're between jobs or navigating a significant change in your relationship? That disorienting, ambiguous phase is what we explore in this episode.  Originating from anthropology, liminality describes the period between pre-ritual status and the completion of a rite of passage. We'll discuss how these transitional spaces can be both unsettling and transformative, impacting areas like adolescence, career changes, and relationship shifts.  We'll also touch on how understanding and navigating liminality can lead to personal growth and creativity. So if you're in a period of flux and looking for ways to find balance and direction, stay tuned. And don't forget to check out our online course and free resources at therelationshipmaze.com to help you along your journey.  Subscribe now, and let's dive into today's episode on liminality. 00:00 Exploring the concept of liminality in life. 03:42 Transitioning through life stages can be disorienting. 09:18 Recognizing and tolerating uncertainty in liminal spaces. 11:23 Struggles in reaching goals lead to challenges. 13:28 Trusting leads to new levels of thought. 16:30 Break down overwhelming feelings, find distance, surf. 21:57 Frustrating tip-of-the-tongue experience; mind finds solutions. 23:03 Acknowledging liminal space, acknowledging time for change. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    25 min

  6. 07/08/2024

    Taming the Anger Beast: Managing This Troublesome Emotion in Relationships

    Send us a text Welcome to another episode of The Relationship Maze! Today, hosts Angela and Tom delve deep into the complex and often challenging emotion of anger, particularly within the context of relationships.  They explore what anger is, when it can be healthy to express it, and strategies for managing it effectively. Anger is frequently a secondary emotion in response to a primary one, such as sadness or hopelessness.  In this episode your hosts discuss anger from the perspective of someone who as is angry as well as the perspective of the partner who is at the receiving end of anger. Tom and Angela look at the underlying emotions that drive anger and at ways that enable you to  communicate more effectively during heated moments. Plus, they discuss the impact of past experiences on how we express and perceive anger. The way you relate to anger is very much informed by your past. Tune in as we navigate this fiery emotion and learn how to transform it for healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Don't forget to visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on our latest episodes! 00:00 Understanding and managing anger in relationships. 03:34 Blaming and anger often stem from underlying emotions. 07:04 Seeking help to manage perceived threats. 10:42 Learned behavior from parental influence shapes responses. 13:35 Factors affecting relationship success and personal reflection. 17:20 Reflect on anger, seek therapy for understanding. 18:56 Effect of being in a relationship with anger. 23:44 Therapy can help address and understand anger. 26:11 Learn to manage anger and develop relationships. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining  loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    27 min

  7. 06/24/2024

    The Three Most Common Relationship Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Send us a text Welcome to another episode of The Relationship Maze! In today's episode, "Relationship Mistakes," hosts Tom and Angela dive into some of the most common pitfalls that couples face and provide insights on how to avoid them to create happier, more fulfilling relationships. Drawing from their extensive experience with couples therapy, they explore issues like blaming your partner, the importance of honesty, and the critical role of active listening. Whether you're looking to improve your current relationship or establish a solid foundation in a new one, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Don't forget to visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and subscribe to stay updated. Let's begin! 00:00 In relationships, take ownership and avoid blaming. 06:37 Past experiences influence interpretation of current events. 08:29 Blaming and protective identification in psychotherapy discussed. 11:23 Honesty in relationships is crucial for harmony. 14:50 Trust and communication build stronger relationships. 20:30 Active listening: engaging, curious, understanding partner's perspective. 22:01 Listening for intention, not just gathering information. 24:28 Active listening and empathy are crucial components. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining  loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    25 min

  8. 06/03/2024

    The Relationship Maze: How to Improve Self Esteem and Enrich Your Relationships

    Send us a text Welcome to today's episode of The Relationship Maze! In this episode, hosts Angela and Tom dive deep into the complex topic of self-esteem. They explore the origins of self-esteem, including how early relational experiences shape our perception of ourselves. Angela and Tom discuss the impact of low self-esteem on different areas of life, from relationships to work, and delve into the challenges of changing ingrained beliefs about ourselves. Together, they provide insights on how to challenge and shift these beliefs to cultivate a healthier sense of self-worth. Join us on this insightful journey of self-discovery and personal growth on The Relationship Maze. 00:00 Exploring the importance and building of self-esteem. 03:36 Self-esteem affects life choices and outcomes. 08:44 Possible genetic influence on differences in interpretation. 11:07 Changing self-perception can lead to happiness. 14:55 Situations can impact self-esteem; not always bad parenting. 18:03 Reevaluate beliefs, fears, and feelings for self-esteem. 21:14 Exploring beliefs and limitations to improve life. 22:46 Self-care and self-respect improve relationships and happiness. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining  loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up. Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. Tom's website Angela's website Struggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course. Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

    24 min
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Relationship advice and exploration. Two experienced and passionate relationship therapists, Angela Dierks and Tom MacKay, talk about all aspects to do with building fulfilling relationships, dating and marriage advice. All successful relationships start with a good look at yourself. Learn more about your relationship style and what makes you tick in relationships - the good, the bad and the ugly. We explore challenges that you might face when dating or in your relationships such as arguments and conflict, miscommunication, stress, anxiety, depression, low self esteem and much more. We consider how you can understand and change your behaviour and build more hope, resilience and strength. And we provide you with plenty of insight and advice on building a long lasting and successful relationship whether you are currently dating, just set out in a relationship or are in an established relationship or marriage.

Information

  • Creator
    Relationship advice
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Relationship Maze
  • Show Website
    The Relationship Maze