All too often we get stuck in disconnect patterns when painful emotions arise in relationship. Most of the time, we don't even know we are hurting because we are only aware of our reactions...anger, frustration, criticism etc. When we lead with our reactions, our partner doesn't see our pain, and does not know how to help.

(Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories and examples.)

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins discusses:

• What would happen if we freeze framed the moment right before we react to our partner? What would we learn?
• How we often don't have a road map for how to be with our difficult emotions.
• The strategies we develop to cope with painful emotions in relationship.
• The purpose of emotion.
• What happens when we name painful emotions.
• The groundwork for empathy in relationship.

"Emotion is actually nature's exquisitely efficient information-processing and signaling system..." by Dr. Susan Johnson

Mentioned:

Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication - Free Guide

Podcast:

• ERP 189: HOW BEING "SELFISH" MAY BE THE BEST THING YOU DO FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP – AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. LAURA DABNEY
• ERP 194: HOW TO ALCHEMIZE YOUR TRIGGERS INTO INSIGHT – AN INTERVIEW WITH TOBIN ZIVON

Book: Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships, by Dr. Susan Johnson

Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins:

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Twitter: @DrJessHiggins

Website: drjessicahiggins.com

Email: [email protected]

If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the "Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins" button here.

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If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me.