
Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast | Breaking Silence Around the Secrets We All Carry Secret #36: The Secret Power of Disagreements with Dr. Yael Schonbrun
In this episode of 'Life's Dirty Little Secrets,' hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry welcome back Dr. Yael Schonbrun, PhD, a clinical psychologist, writer, and faculty member at Brown University. Dr. Schonbrun discusses the surprising benefits of disagreements, emphasizing how differences can nourish relationships, foster growth, and help individuals thrive.
She explains the importance of mindset shifts, the role of conflict in couples and society, and shares strategies for turning disagreements into productive and positive experiences. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the challenges of maintaining perspective, and the power of repair in relationships.
- Healthy conflict resolution strategies
- Adversarial collaboration in science
- Parental modeling of repairs
- Self compassion in mistakes
- Personal responsibility in conflicts - Importance of conflict repair
[02:12] The Secret Power of Disagreements
[04:06] Embracing Differences for Growth
[06:47] Healthy Conflict Resolution Strategies
[07:16] Adversarial Collaboration in Science
[11:17] The Elephant and the Blind Men Parable
[14:37] Perspective Taking vs. Perspective Giving
[27:06] The Joint Contributory System
[31:29] Understanding the Goggles Metaphor
[32:15] Personal Anecdote: Misinterpreting Intentions
[33:02] The Inescapable Nature of Our Perspectives
[33:35] Conflict in Relationships: A Humbling Experience
[36:28] The Importance of Sleep and Self-Care in Conflict Resolution
[42:33] The Power of Repair in Relationships
[44:35] Tips for Effective Repair
[49:59] The Importance of Conflict in Personal Growth
About Dr. Yael Schonbrun
Check out Dr. Schonbrun’s last visit on Life’s Dirty Little Secrets Podcast - Secret #7 Parental Guilt with Dr. Yael Schonbrun
Purchase Work Parent Drive by Dr. Yael Schonbrun on Amazon or at your lo
Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.
- ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
- ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
- ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
