ERP 366: How To Assess The Health Of Your Connection — An Interview With Dr. René Vázquez del Valle

In today's fast-paced world, we often hear about the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship, but how do we actually assess the health of our connection? In this episode, Dr. Réne Vázquez del Valle, a psychotherapist, and author of "Head Heart Crotch Connections: How Not to Fail in Search of Your Perfect" shares his simple yet profound formula for evaluating the head, heart, and sexual connection in our relationships and provides tips for identifying areas of weakness and working on them. Dr. Vázquez del Valle breaks down his technique and offers a free connection scale on his website, allowing individuals to assess their level of connection and identify areas that need improvement. Join us in this insightful conversation as we explore the importance of connection and how to maintain its health. Dr. René G. Vázquez del Valle, DSW, received his MSW at Columbia University and his Doctorate at the CUNY Graduate School. He was an Adjunct Professor at Long Island University; guest speaker at both the NYU School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and CUNY Law School. He retired from the NYS Office of Mental Health after 30 years of clinical practice. He currently resides in NYC and East Hampton, NY, and works as a private practice therapist. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 3:44 How to assess success or failure in a relationship and the different factors that contribute to it. 13:16 The importance of descriptive language and mutual connection in relationships. 17:26 The importance of different types of connections in a relationship. 23:40 Understanding your partner’s needs: Enhancing connection in relationships through emotional, sexual, and intellectual fulfillment 28:52 Analyzing the fight-or-flight response to improve connection in relationships. 31:07 Understanding attachment style and types of connections. 33:25 Defense mechanisms and their impact on an individual's ability to connect with others 39:56 Understanding marianismo and the effects of shame on connection and wellbeing. 44:00 Dr. René Vázquez del Valle talks about his book and explains how the simple formula of assessing head, heart, and crotch connections can have profound effects on people's lives. Mentioned Head, Heart, Crotch Connections: How Not to Fail In Search of Your Perfect Union (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connection Rating Scale Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. René Vázquez del Valle Websites: renev.authorchannel.co Facebook: facebook.com/reneleo2 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rené-vázquez-del-valle-dsw-lcsw-r-71484563 Instagram: instagram.com/rene_vdelv Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ 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.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.