The Couples Expert

People talk about relationships as if they are optional. Without connected relationships, our world is dark and bleak.

In this episode, we talk about why love is so much more than a 4-letter word! Join us!

How is your relationship? What words would you use to describe it? Is it simply good, or is it great? Is it ordinary—or exceptional? You know, there is nothing to rival the safety and security of a committed, loving relationship in which you KNOW that your partner cares for you above all others and ALWAYS has your back. 

My guest today is an expert on conflict and couples. Anne Goshen helps couples feel close and secure with each other, using the Gottman method of attachment therapy. Anne is also a fellow podcaster; her The Couples Toolbox podcast is coming in mid-September! Join me to learn more about Anne and her work.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

What comes to mind with the word vacation? You may envision a tropical locale, a snow-covered ski slope, historic European cities, or a getaway filled with adventures. What you may not realize, though, is the impact of vacations on couples and relationships. The essential ingredient in a vacation is time set aside for ourselves and our partner. A vacation will reveal things about you and your connection to your partner. Vacations are CRITICAL!

My wife and I just returned from an incredible vacation in the Mediterranean. We took a cruise to Rome and visited Spain and Italy. We spent much time connecting with one another in a stress-free, relaxed environment. We returned feeling refreshed and recharged both individually. There is no doubt that our relationship was strengthened by our time away. Let’s dig deeper into some of the benefits of VACATIONS!

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Welcome to the 72nd episode of The Couples Expert podcast! Today’s show is dedicated to actor Leonard Nimoy, who died in 2012 of COPD. I grew up as a Trekkie to beat all Trekkies---the ultimate fan of the original Star Trek series. Listen along, and you’ll see why I call this episode, Vulcan Marriage.

Relationships---they enrich our lives in SO many ways. If you are fortunate enough to be in a relationship with a partner, then you know that relationship is very special. It’s the relationship that brings more meaning and significance than anything else in life. And you know, we really all want the same thing: to know that we have a relationship with a partner that is special, authentic, and transparent. We want to feel secure and significant. 

How do we achieve these relationship goals? Fortunately, it’s NOT a guessing game. We have the answers! That’s what this show is all about! We want to turn disconnection into connection, on this wonderful journey called LIFE. Our tips, experts, and advice will show that relationship change CAN be created, and can impact your friends, colleagues, children, and grandchildren. Today’s solo episode topic is the debate whether LOGIC or EMOTION is the best quality in a relationship.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Trauma---and connection. Have you ever thought about the relationship between the words? Can true connection exist in a world tainted by trauma? Fortunately for many, the answer is YES. Trauma can steal SO MUCH of the good from our lives and affect relationships in extremely negative ways, but there is HOPE. My guest today is committed to bringing hope, healing and connection to those who have experienced trauma. I’m excited to introduce you to Laura!

Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, practices in Maryland, working specifically with individuals and couples affected by trauma. Laura and I actually met online in a Facebook group, discussing our practices and podcasts. We proudly bond as Terrapins from the University of Maryland! Laura’s podcast is Therapy Chat—definitely worth your time in listening! Laura is a Daring Way facilitator, which is a therapy technique based on the research of Dr. Brene’ Brown. She also implements Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in her practice. 

Laura explains why she found a home within the trauma niche of therapy. After taking classes about violence against women and children, Laura was intrigued by the reasons behind abusive behavior and the oft-repeated cycles of abuse. Children, no matter how young, can experience harmful emotional effects from domestic violence taking place around them. Through her work at a sexual assault crisis center, Laura felt compelled to devote her life’s work to helping people recover from the long-term effects of trauma. She works now to provide therapy, to stop the cycles, and to be part of the CHANGE.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Everyone longs to be "in love" and have a deep connection to a partner that will always be there for them. Part of being connected is also revealing your vulnerability. That's not a part of love that we normally look forward to. No one enjoys being vulnerable. Today's guest is Veronica Kallos-Lilly and she is going to guide us through the steps to have a L.O.V.E. connection!

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Why is having a plan for your relationship important? Yesterday we talked about the map for your relationship. So today, I want to talk about why this is important.

In therapy, we learn that we all have a need for attachment in our lives. When we have that one relationship that is truly secure, it will take you to the end of time, and you will feel completely different about life. 

Having a fulfilling life while being attached to another person who will be there through thick and thin; it’s you against the world, is what we all crave. All of us! I’m here to tell you this sort of relationship is possible and if you aren’t there yet, we can get you there!

You can connect with Stuart at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com.

People come to see me all the time to get some help with their relationship. I have a map here that I will use on my vacation. It will keep me from getting lost when I am traveling to areas I’m not familiar with.

Many times when you seek help in your relationship, help is sought out from people that don’t have a map. They don’t know how to keep you from getting lost in your relationship.

That’s one of the most rewarding parts of my work - helping couples follow the map to having a fulfilled and very connected relationship.

You can have the relationship that you always dreamed of. It can be the most rewarding relationship of your life, if you look for the map!

You can connect with Stuart at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

How many of you have a plan and a strategy for success in your relationship? Everyone that participates in sports understands having a strategy to win and enjoy success. It takes hard work to achieve success in sports, and also in our relationships.

If you have challenges in your relationship that you need some help with, make sure you find someone to help you that has a strategy for success in your relationship. In business, you need a plan and in relationships, you need a plan. This plan will help you overcome the triggers and challenges you face.

You don’t have to settle for a relationship filled with fighting.

You can get in touch with Stuart at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com.

Relationship challenges can be overwhelming. Realizing that each problem is not the same can bring you some relief. You don’t have to attack each problem separately, which makes it seem like there is so much to fix!

Each of the challenges is just a symptom of a problem. Normally, just a couple of problems. So once you decide to solve the problems as a team, then you get rid of all your symptoms at once.

By addressing that main issue together, then it can make all the other issues seem like no big deal.

If you understand how to deal with the issues,not the symptoms, then you can truly make some progress in your relationship!

Contact Stuart at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com.