PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!

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In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cervantes joins me in our brand-new studio to discuss how couples get stuck in emotional cycles of conflict, drawing on Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy. We explore how triggers, core fears, and attachment styles—like the classic pursuer and withdrawer dynamic—shape our reactions and create distance in marriage. 

Together, we talk about the importance of self-awareness, grace, and integrating emotional and spiritual growth to break these patterns and build deeper connections. We also highlight the 5 stages that happen in conflict, which are: 

1. Trigger
2. Body symptom
3. Emotional response
4. Belief response
5. Action

This is an insightful, practical conversation for anyone wanting healthier, more loving relationships.

For daily thoughts from Stephen, visit DoctorMarriage.org.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Discussion of relationship conflict and emotional loops based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
• Exploration of emotional responses and core fears that contribute to conflict in marriages.
• Explanation of the cycle of triggering events, body responses, emotional reactions, beliefs, and final actions in relationships.
• The impact of attachment theory on adult relationships and the dynamics of pursuer and withdrawer roles.
• Importance of self-awareness and understanding personal emotional patterns to break cycles of conflict.
• The connection between emotional understanding and spiritual growth, emphasizing grace in relationships.
• Encouragement for couples to create new patterns of connection and support each other.
• Closing thoughts on the significance of building a strong, loving attachment in relationships.

More Resources:

• Hold Me Tight* by Dr. Sue Johnson
• Find a Counselor
• Understanding Emotionally Focused Therapy

Related Podcasts:

• Conflict Management for Marriages Healing from Betrayal
• The Harms of Negative Talking
• Assumptions vs. Communication: The Battle for Relational Harmony

*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.

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