This episode explores what it’s really like to be in a relationship as a partner with ADHD, including the emotional and relational challenges that often go unseen. We unpack common ADHD traits in relationships, how they impact communication, connection, and conflict, and offer practical strategies to build self-awareness and create positive change. Ideal for anyone navigating ADHD in relationships or supporting a partner with ADHD. 

Keywords: ADHD, relationships, mental health, self-awareness, support strategies 

Chapters

00:00 Understanding ADHD in Relationships

02:51 The Emotional Landscape of ADHD Partners

03:38 Cognitive Challenges of ADHD

06:21 Impact on Sexual Dynamics

07:35 Recognizing Strengths and Contributions

09:53 Practical Tips for Positive Change

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

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🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

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📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

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Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

Most of us want to believe that when we start a relationship, we’re beginning with a clean slate. But the truth is, we all bring "uninvited guests" into our partnerships, old hurts, family patterns, and painful memories that we thought we’d left behind.

In this episode, we’re opening up about a new direction for the show. We’re stepping away from general advice to focus on the messy, high-stakes reality of couples who are truly struggling. We’re talking about what happens when life gets heavy, whether that’s through broken trust, the shadow of addiction, or those deep wounds from the past that just won’t stay buried.

The Realities We’re Facing

We want to pull back the curtain on why we react the way we do when we’re hurt or scared. We’ll be exploring:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to New Focus on Couples Therapy

03:34 Understanding the Impact of Past Experiences

06:35 Exploring Addiction in Relationships

09:17 The Role of Shame and Belonging

11:00 Building Healthier Relationships Moving Forward

⭐Keywords

Relationships | Therapy | Past Experiences | Addiction | Betrayal | Emotional Healing | Couples Therapy | Mental Health | Personal Growth

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

Constantly nagging or feeling 'never good enough' in love? ADHD's hidden role in relationships explained—bridge the neurotypical clash now."

ADHD suspicions (diagnosed or not) disrupt partnerships silently. Hosts Ali and Ros reveal therapy insights: why ADHD brains spark friction beyond "lazy" labels, and proven bridges to deeper connection.

00:00 Understanding ADHD in Relationships

01:20 The Impact of ADHD on Non-ADHD Partners

03:55 Managing Chores and Responsibilities

06:16 The Dynamics of Attention and Interest

08:58 Building Awareness and Compassion

12:06 Takeaway Tips for Couples

15:05 Resources and Future Episodes

📍 Resources mentioned:

https://www.adhdmarriage.com/

Books: The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps - https://amzn.eu/d/0eqHRESO

Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD - https://amzn.eu/d/0e48TJKi

✨ We want to hear from you:

Couples! If you have had couples therapy and it has transformed your relationship and you would be happy to share your experience as guests on an episode, we would love to hear from you.

Suggest a Topic: What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? Do get in touch to let us know.

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ If this episode helped you, and you would like to contribute to production of future episodes, you can help us via this link: buymeacoffee.com/relationallives  Any amount is helpful to us. 

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

Struggling to communicate because childhood never taught you how? Or maybe you're outgrowing your partner? Ali and Ros explore real listener dilemmas in this 'Dear Therapists' episode of Relational Lives.

00:00 Exploring Communication Patterns in Relationships

02:25 Understanding the Impact of Childhood on Adult Relationships

05:23 The Role of Awareness in Communication Challenges

08:12 The Consequences of Suppressed Emotions

08:37 Navigating the Dilemma of Unspoken Needs

11:16 Navigating Personal Growth and Communication

14:45 Understanding Relationship Dynamics After 25 Years

20:52 Reframing Relationship Endings

23:27 Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Separation

✨ We want to hear from you:

Couples! If you have had couples therapy and it has transformed your relationship and you would be happy to share your experience as guests on an episode, we would love to hear from you.

Suggest a Topic: What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? Do get in touch to let us know.

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!

  Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

What happens when your partner’s brain is wired differently than yours? In this episode, hosts Ali and Ros explore the unique dynamics of neuro-mixed (or neuro-distinct) couples, where one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical.

We move past the stereotypes to look at the daily reality of loving across neurological lines, offering a roadmap for couples looking to bridge the gap between two different ways of experiencing the world.

00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in Relationships

03:16 Navigating Change and Anxiety

05:13 Sensory Differences and Intimacy

07:54 Communication Challenges and Alexithymia

10:52 Processing Speed and Relationship Dynamics

13:57 Fairness, Justice, and Conflict

16:50 Social Engagement and Exhaustion

18:31 Takeaway Tips for Couples

📍 Resources mentioned:

Embrace Autism | The ultimate autism resource

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode, relationship therapist Catherine Topham Sly shares insights on rekindling intimacy after having children, addressing the emotional and physical challenges couples face, and practical tips for reconnecting.

00:00 Introduction to Catherine Topham Sly

01:32 Catherine's Journey into Relationship Therapy

05:29 The Impact of Parenthood on Relationships

11:34 Navigating Sexuality and Intimacy Post-Childbirth

17:16 Communication Challenges in Relationships

19:00 Seeking Help: When to Reach Out for Support

20:00 Navigating Relationship Transitions

23:08 The Impact of Parenthood on Intimacy

27:13 Understanding Emotional Connections in Relationships

32:47 Opening the Conversation About Sex

35:14 Utilizing the Workbook for Relationship Growth

41:17 Awareness and Compatibility in Relationships

42:20 The Risks of Self-Discovery

43:30 Navigating Relationship Patterns

44:31 Key Takeaway Tips for Couples

📍 Resources:

Ways to contact or follow Catherine:

Website: https://insightconnection.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightandconnection/

Back In The Sack: https://insightconnection.uk/sex-after-kids/

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode, we explore what it really means to feel “triggered” and why some reactions in the present are powered by unhealed moments from the past. We look at how triggers show up in the body and nervous system, how they’re shaped by earlier relationships, and why they can feel so fast and overwhelming. You’ll hear practical ways to spot your own triggers, pause before reacting, and respond with more self-compassion. We also explore how triggers play out in close relationships, and how understanding them can move couples from blame and shutdown towards more safety and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Triggers

01:19 Understanding Triggers and Reactions

04:01 Recognizing Personal Triggers

07:03 Defensive Reactions and Their Roots

10:01 The Impact of Triggers on Relationships

13:01 Exploring Emotional Responses

16:01 Triggers in Digital Communication

17:55 The Impact of Exclusion on Self-Perception

20:15 Understanding Triggers from Past Experiences

26:36 The Role of Core Beliefs in Emotional Reactions

31:29 Strategies for Managing Triggers and Reactions

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode, we’re joined by Monica Tanner, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, to explore the myths that quietly shape our expectations of marriage. We dive into what actually helps couples communicate more openly, rebuild intimacy, and create relationships grounded in mutual respect. If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” you’ve been taught about love, this conversation offers a refreshing and practical new perspective.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marriage Myths

01:51 Monica's Journey and Background

07:00 Communication: The Key to Relationships

10:09 Identifying Common Marriage Myths

18:50 The Importance of Collaboration in Marriage

22:31 Navigating Communication in Relationships

27:16 Challenging Myths Around Sexuality

30:56 Cultivating Compassionate Curiosity

37:10 Key Takeaways for Relationship Growth

📍 Resources mentioned:

Book: https://a.co/d/025VpZLO

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KnkyQGEr20TnQsfmx7kX0?si=01e6f9237346405f

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode of Relational Lives, the hosts explore what it really means to listen, and to feel heard, in our relationships. They unpack the idea of ‘holding space’ for one another, the subtle barriers that get in the way of meaningful communication, and the difference between simply hearing and truly being present. Blending personal stories with professional insight, they reflect on how different communication styles shape connection and disconnection alike. The conversation offers practical ways to build deeper understanding, patience, and curiosity, reminding us that genuine listening is less a skill we have, and more one we keep learning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Listening and Being Heard

02:54 Understanding Holding Space

05:51 Barriers to Effective Listening

08:40 The Impact of Emotions on Listening

11:44 Examples of Effective Listening

14:37 The Role of Curiosity in Communication

17:47 Influences on Our Ability to Listen

18:34 The Importance of Being Heard

21:29 Overcoming Communication Barriers

23:52 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

27:15 Finding Courage to Communicate

30:01 Techniques for Effective Listening

32:57 Creating Space for Both Voices

36:38 The Journey Towards Better Communication

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  

In this episode, Ros and Ali explore the vital role that boundaries play in our relationships, how they shape connection, protect well-being, and promote self-respect. They unpack what boundaries really are, the different forms they take, and why so many of us struggle to set or maintain them. Along the way, they consider the influence of family dynamics, workplace norms, and personal history, highlighting how self-awareness is key to boundary setting. The discussion wraps up with compassionate, practical guidance on building boundaries that feel both confident and kind.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships

06:24 Types of Boundaries: Physical, Emotional, and More

12:09 Navigating Boundaries in Family Dynamics

17:51 Workplace Boundaries and Professional Relationships

21:09 Understanding Boundaries and People Pleasing

24:37 The Impact of Childhood on Boundaries

29:39 Recognizing and Changing Boundary Behaviours

35:46 Practicing Assertiveness in Setting Boundaries

39:43 Reflecting on Personal Boundaries and Growth

📍 Resources mentioned:

Things you might notice in yourself and in the relationship when your boundaries are being crossed.

Many people only recognise boundary crossings through these kinds of feelings and patterns, and that noticing them is often the first step toward making kinder, clearer choices in relationships.

What you might notice in yourself

What you might notice in the other person’s behaviour

What you might notice over time

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?  

✨ Drop us a message:

[email protected]

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk