In Dr. Tari Mack's interview we discuss:

• The common themes around communication she sees when she does couples therapy
• How to communicate your needs and feelings to your partner
• Tips for how to handle the same conversations/conflicts in a different way
• Getting your spouse to respond instead of ract
• How each person in the relationship is taking a part in the dynamic that is creating the conflict
• Using I statements as a way to not put your partner on the defensive
• Imago Therapy and how to feel heard in your relationship
• The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (by John Gottman) and how using criticism, stonewalling, defensiveness, and contempt when interacting with your spouse is a predictor of divorce
• Suggestions for how to stay connected to your spouse while dealing with the stress of small children and other household obligations
• Identifying when you've been emotionally triggered and what to do about it

Visit www.themodernmomsociety.com/episode20 to access the show notes and additional words of wisdom on motherhood from Tari.

Dr. Tari Mack is a clinical psychologist and relationship expert. She works with individuals and couples in her private practice and is passionate about helping people find purpose and fulfillment. She loves helping couples deepen their connection with each other and figure out how to move past recurring conflicts. She is a mom to 2 daughters, ages 5 and 2.5. Tari has a blog, The Path of Joy, and she is also writing a book for dating singles about how to find your soulmate and remove your roadblocks to finding love. Stay tuned for that!