RelateWell with Dr. Rick Marks

The effects of abuse and traumatic events on children is well known and established.  But how do these effects show up as adults and how we do relationships, in particular, marriage?  Dr. Rick and Angelia explore the effects of childhood trauma on marriage and adult relationships.

Landmark studies reveal how trauma affects the brain and one's future relationships.  The ACE's study, a national study was very revealing and has led to greater understanding and clarification of how childhood abuse affects an individual and their ability to connect and bond.  Dr. Rick and Angelia explore this study and its impact on individuals and families.

Mind reading is not healthy in relationships.  As a matter of fact, it can be a form of dirty fighting and power over another.  You could be wrong in that instance!  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss relationships and how assumptions, mind reading and emotional triggers work together to create disruptions, hurt and disconnection.

Research reveals that there are three primary ways in which people attach: secure, anxious or avoidant.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss these forms of attachment, how they form and how they interact with others.  Additionally, they close with the five stages of marriages over time.

We all know that little voice, that sits in the back of our head, and talks a lot.  That inner voice tends to be critical, negative, fearful and suspiscious.  We call that voice "It."  And yet, most of us listen to that voice and give it honor.  Thus we make poor decisions for ourselves and in our relationships.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about our inner critical voice and how to live a...

Fatherlessness is an epidemic problem in America and the research data on the effects on boys is quite disheartening.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about fatherlessness on children and in particular, the effects on boys.

Every marriage will have conflict and sometimes one or both partner uses passive aggressive techniques to get their way.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss the nature of passive aggression and its effects on one's spouse and the relationship.

There are different views of marriage from traditional roles of husband and wife to equalitarian roles where both are equal.  Respect is essential in decision making and power struggles exist when couples disrespect who gets to make a decision.  In every relationship there are decisions that need no input from one's spouse.  Yet there are also US decisions: those decision that the couple must...

The term codependency has been around for awhile and many books have been written on the topic.  It is closely associated with addictions of all forms.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss codependency, reveal it traits, how to identify it in marriage and what one needs to do to correct codependent behavior.

We all need to know we have some control in our lives.  But we can not control everything.  Mature adults recognize they have limited control and the Serenity Prayer is a great prayer to reinforce this.  However, some people and spouses need to control others and circumstances.  What is this control about and how do you deal with it?  Dr. Rick Marks and Angelia discuss this issue.

Rejection in life is a part of life.  It should be expected.  However, sexual rejection by one's spouse is very painful.  Dr. Rick Marks and Angelia Savage discuss the idea of intimacy anorexia and sexual rejection in marriage.

My wife, my son and his wife and myself all came down with Covid at the same time.  Dr. Rick talks about his Covid journey, his marriage and what he learned.  Tune in to this open and honest look into the effects of Covid and what impact it had on his marriage and family.

To live your life and relationsihps well, living authetically is maturity.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about living life with authenticity and what research reveals about living such a life for one's own mental and spiritual health as well as one's relationships.

Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about the fact that sometimes its the small sacrifices that make the biggest impact on love.  It seems that the BIG things do, but much research reveals that the small things have the greater impact.  Also, with summer coming, what can families do to keep the impact going for the family.

Over time, couples stop talking and yet,  confiding is the key to bonding to any relationship.  Additionally, the vows couples make today are changing from their promises to how each feels about their partner.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss how couples can stay connected through continuing deepening love over time through communication, confiding, and keeping love fresh.

Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss what couples can practically do to divorce proof their marriage.  

One of the best institutions to help enrich and strengthen marriages is the local church.  However, very few churches actually have ongoing and sustainable marriage ministries.  Churches with active marriage mentoring ministries, are finding over time that their marriages are getting healthy and stronger.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss the need for churches having mentoring ministries and how Relat...

The pandemic is about over and things are opening back up in society.  And some interesting research and articles are coming out about the effects of the pandemic.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about this research and what we are learning.  

Were you aware of the brain research on addictions and how this impacts your ability to love, be loved and how it can change your personality over time?  Ever heard of an Addictive Personality?  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss on this episode.

The recent announcement of the divorce of Bill Gates and his wife has brought back into public focus what is called "Grey Divorce."  Boomers have been the most divorcing generational cohort in America...and still are.  Dr. Rick and Angelia confront this trend, what it means, its implications for communities and families, and how to divorce proof your marriage.

Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about the nature of jealousy, what is is psychologically and spiritually, and how it damages one's self and others.

Is marriage counseling beneficial?  Many say no.  Some say yes.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about the benefits of marriage counseling and when couples should seek help.  

The concept of the soul mate is controversial.  Some say "yes" to the idea.  Some say "no" to the concept.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss the origins of the idea and the four leading definitions regarding a soul mate and then share what they think about the topic.  

Every relationship has what we call an USness to it.  The idea that when Us flourishes both will flourish.  Yet, in every Us is a YOU!  And to the degree that YOU are healthy and mature will dictate whether one can give to their relationships in healthy and mature ways.  Dr. Rick and Angelia talk about the connection between being a healthy individual and one's relationships and the three typ...

The Dibble Institute leads the way in teaching healthy relationships to youth across North America.  Dr. Rick and Angelia discuss their nine signs of a healthy relationship and apply these to everyone and all relationships.