What do you do when a partner replies with “Well, I guess I’ll just never … again” after you share something with them?

In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her co-host Greg answer this question and talk about how to respond to a partner’s "all or nothing" statement in response to a concern raised. Dr. Tracy talks about the underlying emotion in this expression, provides strategies for having a constructive conversation in that situation, and how to break out of this tricky cycle that stops couples from feeling close and connected.

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It’s here! Season 6 of the podcast is launching with a brand-new name: Dear Dr. Tracy! In this episode, Dr. Tracy’s pulling back the curtain on why she made this change, what it means for the future of the show, and how she’s stepping outside her comfort zone to bring you even deeper, more real conversations about relationships, resentment, intimacy, and all the messy in-between moments.

Dr. Tracy discusses why the name change, how you can be part of the show, what’s been going on behind the scenes, a parenting moment she didn’t sign up for (and why she got a cake for it), and what’s coming this season. 

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Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

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Have you ever felt the urge to bite your tongue when something’s bothering you—just to keep the peace? Would you describe yourself as a conflict avoider? Or maybe your partner is a conflict avoider.

In this episode, we dive into the real reasons behind conflict avoidance, uncovering how silent resentments can take a toll on your mental well-being and your bond with your partner. We’ll explore why we often dodge difficult conversations, the long-term impact on both individuals and couples, and share practical steps to move from avoidance to constructive communication.

Whether you’re struggling with unspoken irritations or seeking a healthier way to handle everyday disagreements, this conversation will help you and your partner break the cycle of conflict avoidance. Tune in as we discuss how small (but powerful) shifts can lead to deeper emotional connection and relationship growth. Don’t miss out on these essential insights to transform conflict into a powerful tool for building trust, respect, and closeness.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

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In the season finale of the podcast, Dr. Tracy tackles one of her most frequently asked questions: "How do I get my partner to go to therapy?" But first, she has a special announcement to share: she's writing her second book! Dr. Tracy then dives into the importance of starting therapy early in a relationship to build trust, enhance communication, and address issues before they become critical. She discusses the challenges many couples face, especially when one partner is hesitant, often due to stigma or fear of blame. She shares strategies for encouraging a reluctant partner, including empathetic communication, understanding their concerns, and approaching the conversation with care. The episode also explores the benefits of therapy, such as identifying and changing negative cycles, fostering personal growth, and deepening emotional connection. Dr. Tracy encourages listeners to be patient, respect their partner's pace, and consider therapy as a tool to strengthen and sustain their relationship. 

Leave Dr. Tracy a voicemail here! 

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this show possible!

Cozy Earth - Visit cozyearth.com and use code SHRINK at checkout for an exclusive 35% off.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

Ready to learn how to repair? Save now! Grab my REPAIR workshop      

Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected 

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In today's episode, Dr. Tracy welcomes Eli Harwood, a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the "Attachment Nerd" online community. Eli shares her personal journey of overcoming inherited attachment trauma, emphasizing the importance of breaking intergenerational cycles. Together, Dr. Tracy and Eli explore the pressures of parenting, emphasizing the value of attunement, co-regulation, and being present with children during painful moments rather than trying to eliminate their pain. Eli also introduces her new book, "Raising Securely Attached Kids," which offers insights and practical advice for parents. Key takeaways from this conversation include the importance of repair over perfection in relationships, the necessity of connection in parenting, and understanding that parenting is challenging because it requires confronting our own vulnerabilities. The episode highlights that fostering connection through vulnerability and repair is what truly strengthens relationships. 

Be sure to keep up with Eli on Instagram @attachmentnerd and pre-order her new book here!

Leave Dr. Tracy a voicemail here! 

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this show possible!

Cozy Earth - Visit cozyearth.com and use code SHRINK at checkout for an exclusive 35% off.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

Ready to learn how to repair? Save now! Grab my REPAIR workshop      

Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy delves into how early childhood experiences shape our adult relationships with Dr. Kate Truitt, an esteemed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist known for her expertise in trauma and resilience. Dr. Truitt, founder of the Truitt Institute and CEO of the Amy Research Foundation, shares insights from her memoir, Keep Breathing, highlighting the powerful role of the amygdala—"Amy"—in shaping our responses to safety, lovability, and belonging. Their discussion covers the positive and powerful impact that showing personal vulnerability as therapists has had on their client relationships, the importance of connection, and the difference between codependency and trauma bonding. Dr. Kate expresses that while our past influences us, we have the power to choose healthier paths and that self-compassion is a key to healing and growth. Tune in to discover how understanding these dynamics can lead to deeper self-awareness and stronger, more fulfilling relationships. 

Be sure to keep up with Dr. Kate on Instagram and visit her website here.

Leave Dr. Tracy a voicemail here! 

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this show possible!

Cozy Earth - Visit cozyearth.com and use code SHRINK at checkout for an exclusive 35% off.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

Ready to learn how to repair? Save now! Grab my REPAIR workshop      

Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s safe to say that "mommy brain" is due for a rebrand! In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with Dr. Nikki Pensak, a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker and author of "Rattled," to discuss the challenges and opportunities of motherhood, particularly during the postpartum period. Dr. Nikki shares her journey from academia to becoming a mother, emphasizing the mental health needs of mothers often overlooked. They discuss the transformation of the maternal brain during matrescence, the pressures of social media, and the reality of baby bonding and breastfeeding challenges. Dr. Nikki rebrands "mommy brain" as a brilliant adaptation to motherhood's demands and advocates for early postpartum mental health care. They explore three pillars for thriving postpartum: mental health treatment, understanding motherhood, and thriving beyond birth trauma. The episode flips the narrative on motherhood, viewing it as a profound opportunity despite its challenges. Dr. Tracy concludes with actionable tips: self-compassion, incorporating movement, and practicing present-moment connection. 

Be sure to keep up with Dr. Nikki on Instagram @drnikkipensak and grab a copy of her book here!

Leave Dr. Tracy a voicemail here! 

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this show possible!

Cozy Earth - Visit cozyearth.com and use code SHRINK at checkout for an exclusive 35% off.

Loop - Visit loopearplugs.com and use code LOOPXDRTRACY for 10% off of your order.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

Ready to learn how to repair? Save now! Grab my REPAIR workshop      

Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this mini session, Dr. Tracy talks with Rini and Shaun Frey about overcoming difficult periods in their relationship. Together, they discuss how anger and passive-aggressiveness can lead to disconnection and the importance of initiating early communication before things blow up. Despite eight months of built-up emotions, therapy helped them learn to talk openly and brought them closer. Rini shares her struggle with vulnerability and the expectation that men should take the first step, while Shaun recalls initiating reconciliation after a major fight. They highlight the importance of humour, managing egos, and learning repair strategies, encouraging parents to model these behaviours for their children.

Be sure to keep up with Rini and Shaun on Instagram @ownitbabe and @ownitdad

Listen to the full episode here:

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Greg, AKA, Dr. Tracy's favourite co-host and hubby is back this week to discuss strategies to de-escalate disagreements. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding how escalation occurs and how to effectively de-escalate before diving into the deeper and necessary conversations. They share insights from their own relationship, highlighting how childhood experiences shape behaviour in relationships and the impact of perpetual conflicts. Dr. Tracy and Greg discuss the physical sensations of escalation, common negative communication patterns, and the importance of self-awareness, acknowledgment, and making agreements with your partner to take breaks and return to conflicts with a calmer mindset. They also cover practical techniques for self-regulation and co-regulation and answer a listener's voicemail about navigating loss and its impact on relationships. 

Leave Dr. Tracy a voicemail here! 

A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for making this show possible!

Cozy Earth - Visit cozyearth.com and use code SHRINK at checkout for an exclusive 35% off.

Loop - Visit loopearplugs.com and use code LOOPXDRTRACY for 10% off of your order.

Links:

Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions! 

Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!    

You can now order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here!   

Ready to learn how to repair? Save now! Grab my REPAIR workshop      

Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s mini-session, Dr. Tracy addresses coping with anxious attachment in relationships. She explains that it’s not your fault and stems from unmet needs in the past. Dr. Tracy emphasizes self-soothing with affirmations like “I am loved, I am enough, I am worthy” and highlights the importance of looking inward for acceptance. Understanding triggers, practicing self-compassion, and clearly communicating your needs and struggles to your partner are key strategies. Self-compassion involves acknowledging suffering, recognizing it as a human experience, and offering yourself grace.

Listen to the full episode here:

Spotify

Apple

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