How To Relate

By Brittani Procknow

Many people try to answer what makes relationships work. This podcast aims to answer how do we work relationships? I’m Brittani Procknow, a relationship therapist working with individuals and couples... more

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FAQs about How To Relate:

How many episodes does How To Relate have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

How To Relate episodes:

May 29, 2025Dating After Divorce with Gwendolyn Watson, LMFT
Welcome back to the How to Relate Podcast! Brittani is here with Gwendolyn Watson! Gwendolyn Watson is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT #147312) based in California, where she supports individuals and couples navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, and the impact of past experiences. Certified in EMDR and trained in Gottman Method (Level 2), she blends clinical insight with a strategic mindset shaped by her decade-long past career at Google in Strategic Partnerships. Outside the therapy room, she writes The Hopeful Partner, a free newsletter exploring how we get in our own way in our relationships—and how to find our way back to deeper connection. Connect with her on Substack, LinkedIn, or her website.

Resources:
Links:
The Hopeful Partner: https://thehopefulpartner.substack.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-watson-lmft-3520821a/
Website: www.gwendolynwatson.com

Brittani's Resources:
https://www.brittaniprocknow.com/
Get your free Intimacy Workbook https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219
For deep dives into relational topics that give you insight and action for how you can relate better, sign up for the How to Relate Newsletter https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc
...more
46min
May 27, 2025 Exploring Desire: Understanding Desire and Keeping It Alive with Jen Wynn, LMFT
Desire is the sense of aliveness in relationships. Brittani is here with couples therapist and sex expert Jen Wynn, LMFT to talk about how we can handle desire discrepancies, responsive vs spontaneous desire, and ways we can explore the meaning of erotic energy in ourselves and relationships.

01:53 Understanding Desire: Beyond the Light Switch
05:59 Spontaneous vs. Responsive Desire
13:47 The Role of Time and Connection in Desire
18:44 Circular Model of Sexuality
26:36 Accelerators and Brakes: The Dual Control Model
29:11 Understanding Desire and Arousal
30:56 The Impact of Shame on Wanting
32:32 Sex Education and Societal Norms
35:38 Breaks and Accelerators in Sexual Desire
37:03 Addressing Unwanted Sexual Pain
38:25 Therapist's Role in Discussing Sexuality
41:29 Exploring Sexual Identity and Pleasure
49:43 Navigating Desire Differences in Relationships
51:07 Resources for Exploring Sexuality
52:25 Validating Desire Changes Over Time
56:05 Increasing Desire in Long-Term Relationships
59:50 Conclusion and Contact Information
...more
1h 1min
May 15, 2025 Trauma, Chronic Illness, EMDR, and Resiliency with Erica Smith
Erica Smith, LCSW is a trauma therapist and practice owner at Whole Mentality. Erica discusses her experience being diagnosed with Lupus, funny trauma stories, and what it means to live with chronic illness. Enjoy this light conversation discussing trauma.

00:34 The Power of Cold Emails
01:27 Trauma and Chronic Illness
01:36 Personal Stories of Trauma
05:32 Living with Chronic Illness
08:53 Understanding Spoon Theory
13:55 The Intersection of Trauma and Chronic Illness
22:41 Defining Trauma
33:54 Exploring Childhood Reactions in Adult Relationships
34:27 Understanding Trauma and Unmet Needs
35:18 Personal Reflections on Trauma Responses
39:05 The Impact of EMDR Therapy
41:53 Navigating Relationships and Trauma
47:01 The Role of EMDR in Healing
01:01:52 Supporting Loved Ones Through EMDR
01:04:51 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Erica Smith
Website https://www.wholementality.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wholementality/
@itsericakendra

Brittani
https://www.brittaniprocknow.com/
Get your free Intimacy Workbook https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219
For deep dives into relational topics that give you insight and action for how you can relate better, sign up for the How to Relate Newsletter https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc
...more
1h 7min
May 08, 2025 Things I Heard While Dating with Emily O'Brien
Emily O'Brien is a freelance writer and author of the book Things I Heard While Dating. This fun conversation includes our own dating stories, excerpts from the book, and lessons from the real world of dating. Have fun with this episode! Highly recommend listening with a friend and share your own dating stories.
00:35 How Emily Created 'Things I Heard While Dating'
02:34 Hilarious and Awkward Dating Stories
04:18 The Blueprint of Relationships
11:31 The Cool Girl Phenomenon
19:30 Speed Dating Adventures
26:33 Unbelievable Name Critique
27:06 Supporting Evidence for Name Dislike
28:32 Personal Stories and Reactions
30:15 Memorable and Awkward Compliments
31:45 Cyclist Stereotypes and Dating
33:07 Unexpected and Shocking Comments
39:45 Navigating Dating Expectations
44:30 Reflections on Dating Stories
46:58 Share Your Dating Stories!

Emily O'Brien
https://emilytellsstories.com/
Buy the book https://www.amazon.com/Things-Heard-While-Dating-compilation/dp/B0DJMW6Y7C

Brittani's Resources
https://www.brittaniprocknow.com/
Get your free Intimacy Workbook https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219
For deep dives into relational topics that give you insight and action for how you can relate better, sign up for the How to Relate Newsletter https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc
...more
49min
May 01, 2025 Workplace Wellness: Beyond the Corporate Ladder with Merrill Wood
Welcome back to How to Relate: The podcast that aims to answer how we can do relationships better. This episode is with Merrill Wood, a licensed therapist, consultant, and co-founder of Monday Wellness. We'll explore themes such as:
The narratives around work stress
The arrival fallacy
How societal and institutional pressures shape our professional lives
Merrill emphasizes that addressing these issues requires creating supportive workplace cultures, leveraging resources, and balancing values to sustain both professional and personal fulfillment.

Merrill's Resources:
https://www.mondaywellness.com/
https://www.ivyandoakcounseling.com/merrill

Brittani-
https://www.brittaniprocknow.com/
Get your free Intimacy Workbook https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219
For deep dives into relational topics that give you insight and action for how you can relate better, sign up for the How to Relate Newsletter https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc
...more
50min
April 24, 2025 Understanding Each Other: A Deep Dive into Relationship Dynamics with Christian Charette
Want to know what happens behind the scenes of couples therapy? Welcome to the couples therapist's couch with Christian Charette. Christian deep dives into how couples can find emotional connection through creativity, curiosity, and intention.

00:45 Journey into Couples Therapy
03:07 The Practicality of Couples Therapy
04:42 Challenges in Therapy and Real-Life Application
06:05 Family Systems and Therapy
08:13 The Importance of Connection in Relationships
21:33 Intentional Connection and Creativity
30:31 Curiosity and Differentiation in Relationships
34:50 Understanding Emotional Connection in Relationships
37:40 The Importance of Curiosity and Non-Judgment
38:48 Challenges Facing Modern Men
41:17 Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability
47:39 The Role of Intimacy in Relationships
01:04:23 Intentional Living and Relationship Strategies
01:07:23 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Workshops

Christian's Couple Forward Workshops
https://coupleforward.com/couples-workshops-2/
Work with Christian
https://coupleforward.com/

Brittani-
https://www.brittaniprocknow.com/
Get your free Intimacy Workbook ⁠https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219⁠
For deep dives into relational topics that give you insight and action for how you can relate better, sign up for the How to Relate Newsletter ⁠https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc⁠
...more
1h 10min
April 17, 2025 What's Happening with Young Men? Lessons in Male Vulnerability and Mentorship with Justin Carotti
What's happening with young men?
Brittani is with Justin Carotti! Justin is an experienced coach, mentor, clinician, and clinical supervisor. primarily works with young adults in a variety of clinical settings, ranging from residential care to in-home treatments. He considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to form meaningful and supportive relationships with those he serves. In addition to his work at Valiance, Justin is also an adjunct faculty member of Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut. He studied at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington for his bachelor’s in Social Work and at the University of Connecticut

Episode Resources:
Find Justin
https://www.valiancecounseling.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincarotti/

How to Relate:
IG @brittani_procknow
www.brittaniprocknow.com
Get your free Intimacy Workbook https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219
How to Relate Newsletter https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc

...more
1h 1min
April 10, 2025 Your Guide to Relationship Dynamics: Communication and Connection
Communication problems are not the real problem: they're a symptom of the problem. Get to know what's underneath, how to communicate better, and how your attachment styles are coming into play.
00:29 Understanding Communication Issues in Couples
02:09 Exploring Boundaries in Relationships
03:30 Emotional Regulation and Accountability
04:34 Roles in Couple Dynamics
05:53 The Complexities of Communication
07:48 Attachment Theory and Human Needs
14:16 The Infinity Loop: A Tool for Relational Work
21:53 Individuation and Differentiation in Relationships
28:43 Effective Communication Strategies
35:31 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
...more
37min
April 03, 2025 Unspoken Hardships: Navigating Maternal Mental Health with Megan Davis
For anyone who has thought, "There are so many struggles no one told me about as a mom," then this episode is for you. In this episode of the How to Relate Podcast, Brittani is here with Megan Davis, a therapist specializing in maternal mental health. Discussion topics include the challenges and nuances of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, the importance of sleep, self-compassion, and support systems for new mothers. Megan also delves into acceptance and commitment therapy, offering insights and practical advice for new and expecting parents navigating the early stages of parenthood.

00:00 Importance of Maternal Mental Health
00:22 Understanding Maternal Mental Health
01:51 Challenges and Symptoms in the Perinatal Period
08:03 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for New Moms
15:19 Addressing Birth Trauma and Partner Support
25:34 Balancing Parenthood and Self-Care
38:27 Advice for New Moms and Different Stages of Motherhood
43:33 Conclusion and Resources

Show Resources:
Megan Davis's website https://www.megandavispsychotherapy.com/
IG @megadavispsychotherapy

Free Resources
Igniting Intimacy Workbook
https://relate-co.kit.com/b956780219

Sign Up for the How to Relate Newsletter! A relatable newsletter for relational intelligence (mixed with anecdotes, rants, and humor). Sign up Here:
https://relate-co.kit.com/53d0baec9c

IG: @brittani_procknow
...more
47min
March 27, 2025 Two Human Needs: Security and Exploration
In this solo episode we're going through the importance of security and desire for individuals and couples. You'll learn:
Importance of relational security and having a home base
Importance of desire and novelty
How to be a creative couple
How to explore individually
Why modern couples feel more pressure than ever

Find me @brittani_procknow on Instagram
Sign up for the Newsletter: https://relate-co.kit.com/e9f87bb2dc
...more
14min

FAQs about How To Relate:

How many episodes does How To Relate have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.