Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

Reduce Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness & Stonewalling (The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse), and Improve Communication with Certified Gottman Therapist & Master Trainer-Dr. Michael McNulty


Listen Later

This is another fantastic episode for both partners in a Neurodiverse Love relationship to listen to.  After 40 years of research, John and Julie Gottman have helped thousands of couples better understand each other and implement tools and strategies that can help them move from surviving to thriving.  During this episode, we talk with Dr. Michael McNulty, a certified Gottman Therapist and Master Trainer of the Gottman Method, to understand how some of these research-based strategies and tools can help you and your partner better understand each other and thrive!

Many of you may have heard of "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness and Stonewalling" and how each can have a negative impact on any relationship.  During this episode, Dr. McNulty, guides us through the "anecdotes" for each of the "Horseman".  In addition, you will learn more about ways to create "soft start-ups" instead of criticizing your partner.  How important it is to "take responsibility" for the things that you have said or done, rather then reacting and being defensive.  We also discuss the value of talking about yourself, your needs and feelings, rather then speaking badly about your partner and treating them with contempt.  In addition, you will learn how important it is to "take breaks" when one of you is feeling overwhelmed and flooded.  This can help prevent "stonewalling" and what others may call "shutdowns" or "burnout".  We also talk about important ways to forecast or plan "re-entry back into the home" after a day of work.  Using this Gottman strategy can help reduce or prevent meltdowns and shutdowns.  In addition, we talk about the importance of a weekly "State of the Union" meeting with your partner, to discuss what has gone well, what needs improvement and ways in which to address things differently.  This tool can help couples better understand each others needs and differences.

Dr. McNulty also briefly introduces the concepts the Gottman's developed called  the "Sound Relationship House" and "Love Maps" and why they are important for every couple to understand.  

You can reach Dr. McNulty by email at: [email protected] or through his website at: www.chicagorelationshipcenter.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Neurodiverse Love Conversation Cards are available for purchase.  If you would like to buy a deck, please check out the "Conversation Cards" page on our website at: www.neurodiverselove.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  • If you liked this episode, please rate the episode and subscribe to the podcast, so that you don't miss an episode.
  • If you would like to learn more about neurodiverse relationships, you can check out our website at: www.neurodiverselove.com
  • You can also follow Mona on Instagram @neurodiverse_love
  • If you are interested in joining the free on-line peer support groups being offered for the non-autistic/neurotypical partners, please send Mona a DM on Instagram or send an email at: [email protected]
  • Thanks for being a part of the Neurodiverse Love community!

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Neurodiverse Love with Mona KayBy Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4
    • 4.4

    4.4

    45 ratings


    More shows like Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay

    View all
    Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

    Therapy Chat

    679 Listeners

    ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

    ADHD Experts Podcast

    1,327 Listeners

    Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

    Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

    2,503 Listeners

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast

    1,397 Listeners

    Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

    Neurodiversity Podcast

    422 Listeners

    The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

    The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

    287 Listeners

    IFS Talks by Aníbal Henriques, Tisha Shull & Alexia Rothman

    IFS Talks

    192 Listeners

    THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST by Holly Blanc Moses

    THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

    638 Listeners

    Two Sides of the Spectrum by Meg Ferrell

    Two Sides of the Spectrum

    236 Listeners

    Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19    Uniquely Human

    Uniquely Human: The Podcast

    418 Listeners

    Meet My Autistic Brain by The Autistic Woman™

    Meet My Autistic Brain

    310 Listeners

    At Peace Parents Podcast by Casey

    At Peace Parents Podcast

    367 Listeners

    AuDHD Flourishing by Mattia Maurée

    AuDHD Flourishing

    101 Listeners

    YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship with Jodi Carlton, MEd by Jodi Carlton, MEd, LLC

    YOUR Neurodiverse Relationship with Jodi Carlton, MEd

    27 Listeners