Queer Relationships, Queer Joy

Looking for signs of a healthy and thriving relationship? We’re diving into recognizing green flags in your connections–from calmness and effective communication to conflict management and healthy boundaries.

Green flags are something that could be very personal to you, and we’re curious to know what you identify as a healthy sign, so write to us at [email protected] or hit us up on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy

When you recognize that you’ve been harmed by a partner or caused harm, and you would like to move forward and reconnect, what does that actually look like? In this episode, we’re discussing repair and accountability, in the context of cancel culture and how what is going on in the bigger social sphere affects our relationships and us individually.

You’ll hear

• How cancel culture lacks genuine intention in repair
• Why it’s important to practice self-compassion in order to take accountability
• A callback to Dr. Jen’s framework, PEACE talks, for resolving conflict

If this episode resonates with you, we’d love to chat with you more about this topic over on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy

Maybe you’ve heard terms such as "narcissist", "gaslighting", and "toxic" in your own relationship, or when scrolling social media. These terms are overused and even weaponized leading to a breakdown in communication which is why we’re exploring the misuse of therapy jargon, differentiating between casual use and actual diagnostic criteria.

You’ll hear

• How certain terms, such as "narcissist," are often weaponized in relationships, leading to unproductive conflicts
• The nuances of trauma and triggers
• How to communicate boundaries without sounding like an ultimatum
• What alternative Melisa would use for “gaslighting”

We’d love to chat with you more about this topic over on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy

Being a queer person in today’s world is traumatic–shaping us and our relationships in complex ways. We discuss how to address these traumas and build stronger relationships with Dr. Jennifer Towns, a trauma therapist and author of a book on trauma and healing. 

You’ll hear

• One tool to keep growth alive in long-term relationships
• How not addressing shame and guilt in relationships can hinder the process of repair
• Why it’s important to move beyond shared trauma as the sole base of a relationship

Check out Jen’s book, “Our Deepest Roots: Navigating Past Trauma to Build Healthier Queer Relationships," and find her on Instagram @your.queer.therapist

We’d also love to chat with you more about this topic over on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy

So you’ve learned how to meet people and start relationships, but like, now what? In this Season 4 kickoff, you’ll get a sneak peak at our focus this season of deepening and maintaining your relationships. 

You’ll hear

• How Keely has found themself in a relationship anarchy model
• Two theories on why it’s difficult to sustain queer relationships over time
• And, the lifelong dream that Keely recently fulfilled

If you want to read ahead for our interview with an author that writes about healing trauma and improving queer relationships, we’ll share the book over on Instagram @Queer_Relationships_Queer_Joy

Are you planning on attending a pride event this year? In this episode, we’re diving into how to navigate pride differently this year and what community compersion looks like.

We’re sharing why communication with your partner(s) is important in preparation for pride, how to set expectations for your pride experience, and three ways you can be a better ally.

Pride events are crucial for celebrating diverse identities and love and we know this episode will prepare you to be present and joyful in these spaces. Chat with us more about this topic over on Instagram @Queer_Therapist_PDX or @ConnectiveTherapyCollective.

And stop by our booth at Portland Pride if you're in the area!

We’re wrapping up season 3! Join Keely and Melisa as they recap what has happened so far this year and what’s happening next. Hear it all on this episode of the Queer Joy Podcast; where two relationship therapists explore what it looks like to see joy in queer relationships.

Desires Worksheet: bit.ly/3MKiTFX

Our website: connectivetherapycollective.com/queer-relationships-queer-joy

FB & IG: @queer_relationships_queer_joy

What are the different intentions behind “finding a third”? What are some tips for unicorns looking to date? How can you create a throuple that is balanced and meets everyone’s needs? Hear it all on this episode of the Queer Joy Podcast; where two relationship therapists explore what it looks like to see joy in queer relationships.

NEW Intimate Desires Worksheet: https://bit.ly/3MKiTFX

Our website: connectivetherapycollective.com/queer-relationships-queer-joy

FB & IG: @queer_relationships_queer_joy

Why would someone live alone while in a deeply romantic relationship (or several romantic relationships)? What are some tips for voicing insecurities? What is a brain thought?!

Hear it all on this episode of the Queer Joy Podcast; where two relationship therapists explore what it looks like to see joy in queer relationships.

This week’s guests are Liana Griebsch and Elizabeth Cunningham.

Liana Griebsch instagram @lianagriebsch

Elizabeth Cunningham instagram @ELZCunningham

Love deeper @love._.deeper

elizabethanncunningham.com

Queer And Poly

Our website: connectivetherapycollective.com/queer-relationships-queer-joy

FB & IG: @queer_relationships_queer_joy

What’s working well in Tara and Maddie’s relationship? How have they worked through previous trauma to be able to connect better? How do they address mistakes? Hear it all on this episode of the Queer Joy Podcast; where two relationship therapists explore what it looks like to see joy in queer relationships.

Find Tara on IG @taralsharp

@alanafaithchenfoundation

@queerpsych_original 

Our website: connectivetherapycollective.com/queer-relationships-queer-joy

FB & IG: @queer_relationships_queer_joy