Are you tired of sifting through an endless sea of relationship advice, much of which seems more unhelpful than beneficial? We're often bombarded with well-intentioned but sometimes misguided advice. You've likely heard phrases like "never go to bed angry" or "love will conquer all," but do these sayings truly hold the key to a thriving, enduring partnership?

In this episode, we'll explore the common cliches and one-size-fits-all solutions that sound good in theory but often fall short in practice. Discover the art of de-escalating conflicts, the power of emotional vocabulary, and how to recognize unhelpful advice that may be holding you back from deeper intimacy. If you're seeking to transform your understanding of relationships, this episode will empower you to question the common myths and embrace a more profound, lasting connection.

Zach Brittle is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT), and a Certified Relational Life Therapist (RLT). He serves as the founder and co-host of Marriage Therapy Radio and has authored the best-selling relationship guide "The Relationship Alphabet" and the Marriage Therapy Journal. His marriage to Rebecca has been a source of happiness for 24 out of 26 years, with the 8th and 18th years proving to be rather challenging. They live in Seattle with their two adulting daughters.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode

4:55 A peek into Zach’s journey: His work, podcast, and personal life.

9:21 Zack’s unique approach to therapy.

14:23 Debunking the myth: “Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint”

19:20 The influence of language on behavior and choices within relationships.

26:33 Deconstructing defensiveness and criticism: An approach to authentic communication.

29:45 Challenging unhelpful relationship advice.

33:43 The importance of de-escalation and repair in conflict.

40:47 Connect with Zach Brittle and marriage therapy radio.

Mentioned

Marriage Therapy Radio (*Apple Podcast link)

Marriage Therapy Journal (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

The Relationship Alphabet: A Practical Guide to Better Connection for Couples (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

ERP 344: How Our Language Can Steer & Shape Our Relationships — An Interview with Dr. Georgi Gardiner

ERP 058: Beyond the Wedding. What Is Marriage Really Like?

Connect with Zach Brittle

Websites: zachbrittle.com

Facebook: facebook.com/marriagetherapyradio

TikTok: tiktok.com/@marriagetherapyradio

Instagram: instagram.com/marriagetherapyradio/?hl=en

Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins

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Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins 

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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*With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.