Relationship Renovation: Marriage Advice for Better Communication, Trust & Intimacy

What are some common reasons that partners may be resistant to attending couples counseling, and how can you address their concerns? How can you effectively communicate with your partner about the importance of attending couples counseling, even if they are initially resistant? How can setting boundaries and being patient with the counseling process help to overcome resistance, and improve the ove...

How does shame impact intimate relationships, and what are the signs to look out for? What are some common triggers of shame in intimate relationships, and how can they be managed? How can individuals overcome the grip of shame and cultivate healthy communication in their intimate relationships? Are there specific strategies or techniques couples can use to overcome shame and strengthen their bond...

How does the ego affect our ability to have a loving relationship with our spouse? What are some common obstacles that the ego creates in relationships, and how can we overcome them? What strategies can we use to stay connected with our spouse during difficult moments and overcome the ego's negative influence? Can mindfulness and self-awareness help us recognize and overcome ego-based behavior...

What are emotional triggers in a relationship and how do they arise? How can emotional triggers affect the stability of a couple's relationship and lead to conflict? What are some common emotional triggers that couples experience and how can they be identified? Are there effective strategies that couples can use to manage their emotional triggers and maintain a stable relationship? In any rela...

What are some common roadblocks that prevent couples from having constructive conversations during difficult times? How can individuals recognize their own defensive reactions during a challenging conversation and stay calm and open-minded instead? What are some effective strategies for initiating a difficult conversation with a partner who might be resistant to discussing the issue? How can coupl...

What strategies can be used to de-escalate conflict when tensions are running high, and how can we ensure that both parties feel heard and respected in the process? How can we build trust and foster communication in relationships that have a history of conflict, and what are some effective ways to rebuild damaged relationships? When is it appropriate to seek outside help or mediation to navigate h...

What do you feel are the most important qualities needed to create a loving relationship? How do you balance trust and openness with healthy boundaries? How can couples stay connected when their lives become busy? How do you handle disagreements or conflict in a loving way? What can couples do to stay on the same page when life changes, such as when children come into the picture? This podcast is...

What is emotional reactivity and how does it impact relationships? Why is it important for a spouse to be emotionally present for their partner during periods of emotional reactivity? How can one practice being emotionally present for their spouse during times of emotional reactivity? What are some common mistakes people make when trying to support their spouse during emotional reactivity and how...

What strategies can couples use to overcome the challenges of adjusting to parenthood in the first year after having a baby? What are new parents' most common challenges in their baby's early days and weeks? What tips do relationship experts have for maintaining a strong connection between couples during the stressful first year of parenting? How can couples continue to prioritize their re...

How can consistency in communication improve the dynamics of a romantic relationship? What are the inherent challenges in sustaining new thoughts and behaviors? How does consistency in meeting each other's needs impact the overall satisfaction in a romantic relationship? In what ways can being consistent in a romantic relationship contribute to a healthy and long-lasting partnership? This epis...

How do your past experiences influence your approach to relationships? In what ways can unresolved emotional baggage from our past negatively impact our current relationships? How can we recognize patterns of behavior in ourselves that may be stemming from our past? What are some effective ways for individuals to work through past traumas to have healthier relationships? How can couples communicat...

Are there times when you feel stuck in your relationship? Do you become frustrated with your partner/spouse and lose hope that they are willing to make your relationship a priority? Do you want to feel more love and connection in your relationship? Topics in this episode A series of questions to help you and your partner examine your relationship in a curious and positive way Why couples struggle...

In this episode, Tarah and EJ interview Chris and Kasey, a couple who went through their Relationship Renovation In Office Program. They discuss their personal journeys through substance abuse struggles and how couples counseling helped them learn to communicate and love each other in ways they had never experienced. Topics in this episode Insecure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles and how...

Do you struggle with jealousy in your relationship? Does trust create a barrier to healthy intimacy? Topics in this episode Understanding that jealousy can be a useful emotion if understood more deeply The difference between jealousy and envy The complexity of jealousy and how fear can be the primary problem with jealous moments Dr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color out...

Are you unsatisfied with the sex in your relationship? Is sex pleasurable for you and your partner/spouse? Do you crave a more exciting and satisfying sexual relationship with your partner? Topics in this episode How to cultivate an exciting and mutually satisfying relationship The importance of "co-creating" mutual pleasure How "radical honesty" regarding intimacy is freeing and o...

Does your communication strengthen your relationship? Do you understand how to cultivate vulnerability? Would you like to be closer to your partner/spouse? Topics in this episode Subtle ways couples pull apart during an argument Understanding how attachment issues (the past) create obstacles to caring/loving communication Strategies to deepen the love in your relationship The importance of persona...

Is it hard to trust your partner? Do you have a difficult time understanding and communicating about trust? Does anxiety affect your relationship in a negative way? Topics in this episode How negative core beliefs about yourself or the world diminish trust in your relationship Specific tools to use when arguments or conflicts happen Discussion of how trust is not just about fidelity or jealousy Em...

Do you lack confidence in your parenting? Would you like to learn more about how early childhood affects you as an adult? Topics in this episode How instincts versus intentional parenting change your parenting style The importance of recognizing an infant's need for autonomy A vast amount of resources to educate parents Liz offers private consultation and group courses, many on zoom, in Educar...

Is it difficult to begin a discussion about intimacy in your relationship? Do you understand your partner's thoughts and feelings about sex and intimacy? Do you want to improve your intimate relationship? Topics in this episode Learning how to understand how your partner's sexuality developed as a young person How to have a compassionate, understanding, and connected intimate relationship...

Are you and your partner struggling to connect intimately? Is the subject of sex something both of you avoid? Do you crave a deeper connection but don't know how to communicate about it? Topics in this episode Why couples struggle to communicate about sex and intimacy The importance of cultivating empathy when a couple struggles with different sex drives The importance of self-reflection, pers...

Do you and your partner struggle to feel connected in your parenting? Are there family dynamics that pull you and your partner apart? Topics in this episode The importance of staying connected in your relationship and why couples often pull apart in stressful moments Common struggles for blended families Communication strategies that foster loving and respectful interactions The importance of crea...

Do you feel insecure in your relationship? Are you having a hard time understanding why you are struggling to resolve conflict in a healthy way? Are you struggling to give and receive affection from your partner? Topics in this episode Steps to create security in challenging moments How to build an "emotional bank account" for complex moments The importance of creating emotional connection...

Do you feel emotionally connected with your partner? Do you know how to discuss feelings in your relationship? Would you like to connect with your partner on a deeper level? Topics in this episode A step by step exercise to help you and your partner understand each other's feelings Tarah and EJ go through each question in order to help couples understand the tone and content of this exercise E...

Do you and your partner struggle to connect in a vulnerable way? Is it difficult to create connected and openhearted moments? When couples let down their guards and connect in a vulnerable way they feel more deeply connected. They become more affectionate and supportive of one another and create a foundation of love and admiration. Topics in this episode A six question exercise to help you and you...

Do you feel satisfied in your relationship? Is it hard to communicate to your partner about your needs? Do you sometimes wonder what your partner needs from you? Do you understand your own needs? Having the ability to understand and communicate your needs to your partner/spouse is an essential element in having a loving, connected and intimate relationship. When couples understand each other's...