Relationship Real Talk

Mental Health and Relationships


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In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Grant Mullen, a retired mental health physician from Ontario, Canada, who has dedicated his life to helping people heal emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Along with his wife Cathy, Dr. Mullen teaches internationally on how medical treatments and spiritual deliverance work together to break the chains of emotional distress. Today’s discussion delves into the fascinating world of relationships, examining what makes them healthy or unhealthy. Dr. Mullen shares key insights from his own journey and his extensive work with couples, offering practical wisdom on building a lasting, fulfilling relationship.

We'll explore how relying on your partner for emotional fulfillment can be detrimental, while healthy relationships thrive on independence, mutual support, and giving. Dr. Mullen also stresses the importance of a strong relationship with God as the foundation for emotional health in marriage.

His website: ⁠drgrantmullen.com⁠Join his Free Your Mind program ⁠https://members.drgrantmullen.com/⁠

The link to their marriage retreat:⁠https://drgrantmullen.com/marriage-unlimited-tropical-getaway/⁠


Key Takeaways:

  • Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships: Dr. Grant Mullen emphasizes that healthy relationships are based on giving, while unhealthy ones are based on taking. In unhealthy relationships, partners lean on each other for emotional fulfillment, leading to a fragile dynamic. Healthy relationships, on the other hand, involve two individuals standing side by side, supporting one another while maintaining independence.

  • Emotional Self-Reliance: A key to a healthy relationship is emotional self-sufficiency. Each person should have their emotional needs met internally, particularly through their relationship with God, allowing them to give out of an "overflow" of emotional health, rather than seeking to extract happiness from their partner.

  • The Importance of Pre-Marital Preparation: Dr. Mullen suggests that young couples, particularly those considering marriage, should focus on developing emotional health and a strong sense of self before entering into a relationship. Knowing who they are and what they can give is crucial for a lasting, healthy marriage.

  • Personal Experience: Dr. Mullen and his wife Cathy experienced a marriage crisis due to emotional dependency on each other. Their journey through counseling taught them about the importance of healthy emotional boundaries and giving within a relationship, which they now share with others through their teachings.

  • We’d love to hear from you! What stood out to you in today’s episode? Leave your comments, reviews, and any thoughts you have. Your feedback is valuable as we continue these meaningful conversations!

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    Relationship Real TalkBy Marie