Dear Dr. Tracy

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with her husband, Greg, to unpack the often-misconceived topic of assertive vs defensive communication styles.    They answer real questions from the community about what it looks like to champion self-respect and a deeper understanding of your partner by lending practical steps to change the defensive patterns in our relationships and implementing assertive and aut...

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, we explore one of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges in long-term relationships: when one partner desires more sex, while the other feels overwhelmed, touched out, or emotionally disconnected. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and couples therapist, breaks down the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, explains why sex can...

When Coldplay’s Jumbotron "kiss cam" (sidenote, it's not a kiss cam, its the Jumbotron Song) sparked global buzz over an affair, it reminded us of a hard truth—infidelity is not entertainment. In this must-listen episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and relationship expert, breaks down the real reasons people cheat, from disconnection and loneliness to conflict avoidance and unmet e...

People talk about setting boundaries—but what if it’s actually avoidance? In this episode, Dr. Tracy breaks down the difference between real emotional boundaries and the kind that push your partner away. Understand the difference and how you can center yourself in creating healthy communication and a stronger connection in your relationship. Keywords: relationship boundaries, avoidant behavior, co...

In this three-parter, Dr. Tracy shares the real conversations happening in therapy and at home. Part 1: Is telling your child “You’re fine” gaslighting? Dr. Tracy unpacks this hot take and why parenting needs more nuance—not more guilt. Part 2: A listener asks if her husband should confront his mother for trash-talking them on social media. Dr. Tracy explores boundaries, control, and what to do wh...

Why do we over-explain, justify, or get defensive—especially in our closest relationships? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the deeper reasons behind the urge to explain yourself, even when it doesn’t bring clarity or connection. Drawing from her work with clients, Dr. Tracy unpacks how childhood wounds, people-pleasing, and fear of reject...

Planning a summer vacation should bring connection—not conflict. But for many couples, time away becomes a pressure cooker for everything they haven’t talked about: the unequal mental load, unspoken expectations, and simmering resentment. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and couples therapist, is joined by her husband Greg to unpack how to prepare your relationship for v...

In this solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores a common but painful experience in relationships: knowing what your partner needs, wanting to show up differently, and still defaulting to old, self-protective patterns. If you’ve ever said, “I love my partner, but I keep shutting down,” or “I know I’m hurting them, but I don’t know how to stop,” this...

In this solo episode, Dr. Tracy shares a personal story about standing up for her child, navigating hard conversations with other parents, and teaching children how to build trust in friendships. She explores what it means to act on your values, model courage, and help kids make sense of complex social situations. RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Disco...

What if the words you're using are keeping you stuck? In part two of this conversation, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Morgan explore how to step out of pathologizing language and into deeper emotional responsibility. You’ll walk away with practical tools to create healthier dialogue, rebuild safety, and connect more meaningfully with your partner. Learn more about Dr. Morgan Anderson - https://drmorgancoachin...

Is your relationship being hurt by the words you’re using? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Morgan, attachment theory expert and psychologist, unpack how terms like “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” and “manipulation” are often misused—and why that misuse is damaging our relationships. Tune in for an honest, expert-led conversation that challenges oversimplified narratives and brings back the nuance...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy unpacks what The Four Seasons on Netflix gets right about long-term love. From emotional distance to growing apart, invisible labor to unspoken resentment, this isn’t just a show—it’s a mirror. And if you're feeling the quiet disconnection in your own relationship, this one's for you. RESOURCES: Join the next More Than Roommates Challenge! ⁠Click here⁠ Want your question...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy shares a personal story about a mug left beside the sink—and how something so small can symbolize something much bigger in a relationship. Sitting with her husband, Greg, they explore how resentment builds in everyday moments, especially during busy seasons like summer when couples often shift into "roommate mode." They talk about: How micro-moments can quietly erode con...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with therapist and author Britt Frank to explore her new book Align Your Mind—a guide to understanding the inner conflicts that leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with ourselves. They talk about the power of "parts work"—the idea that we all carry different inner parts with competing needs and beliefs—and how learning to listen to these parts can tr...

We’ve all heard it: “I said I’m sorry, what more do you want?” In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy and Greg unpack why so many apologies miss the mark — and what you can do when you’re left feeling unseen, dismissed, or even more hurt after hearing “sorry.” Together, they explore why bad apologies happen (hint: it’s not always malicious), the emotional cost of apology fatigue, and the scripts you can us...

Emotional connection isn’t built by grand gestures—it’s created in the quiet, everyday moments between you and your partner. In this episode, Dr. Tracy shares 5 practical ways you can actually build connection with your partner, especially when things feel distant. Whether you’re stuck in the roommate phase or craving more closeness, these simple shifts can bring you back to each other—one intenti...

We’re breaking down the myth of “happy wife, happy life” and why it’s quietly harming relationships. Dr. Tracy and relationship coach Matthew Fray explore how focusing only on your partner’s happiness can lead to resentment, disconnection, and the slow breakdown of intimacy. Learn why sharing your inner world matters more, how to move past the defensive narrative, and creating intentionality in th...

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Tracy reflects on a decade of motherhood—and the ways parenting has reshaped her identity, her marriage, her boundaries, and her inner world. This episode isn’t a guidebook. It’s a truth-telling moment for anyone feeling lost, tired, or stretched too thin.  RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!     Discover your relationsh...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with author and producer Lindsay Jill Roth to talk about her new book, Romances and Practicalities—a love story woven together with 250 thoughtful questions designed to deepen connection and spark meaningful conversations between partners. Together, they explore the space where romance meets real life—how couples can navigate everyday responsibilities without l...

Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, dive into one of the most common relationship traps: the urge to fix rather than connect. After a personal moment of miscommunication, they break down how well-intentioned problem-solving can actually push partners further apart instead of bringing them closer. Greg shares his instinct to fix problems quickly, while Dr. Tracy unpacks the deeper emotional needs that...

Answering your questions! In this bonus episode, Dr. Tracy answers a powerful listener question: “Is divorce contagious?” She explores how a friend’s separation can impact our own relationship, the research behind social contagion, and why moments like these often reflect unspoken needs or desires. Taking her 18 years of working with clients through all seasons of their relationship, Dr. Tracy rem...

Have you ever reacted in a way that felt… bigger than the moment? Maybe your partner forgets to check in, and suddenly you feel unimportant or abandoned. Or you receive a small piece of feedback and spiral into shame. You might wonder, “Why am I like this?” In this episode, Dr. Tracy guides you through how to identify when your inner child is showing up—and how to begin healing those younger parts...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, tackle a communication struggle that so many couples face—understanding why saying "I'm afraid to tell you because of your reaction" backfires. It’s a fine line, and crossing it can quickly turn a conversation into an argument. Dr. Tracy shares a personal experience that sparked this discussion, including a thought-provoking comment from one of her...

Have you ever felt lonely in your own relationship... longing for romance but afraid to ask for it? You’re not alone. So many of us crave connection, but the fear of rejection, disappointment, or even feeling like a burden keeps us silent. In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband Greg dive deep into the emotional weight of longing for more while holding back our true desires. They unpack why ask...

Have you ever been told that if something still triggers you, it means you haven’t healed? This idea oversimplifies trauma, healing, and how the nervous system actually works. In this episode, Dr. Tracy is breaking down why triggers aren’t just signs of unresolved wounds but natural responses from your nervous system—and why healing isn’t about never being triggered, but about recovering faster. W...