In this conversation, Nina, Jennifer, and Emmalee explore the complexities of emotional energy, expectations in relationships, and the concept of radical acceptance. They discuss how deeply feeling individuals navigate their emotions and the impact of their partner's feelings on their own emotional state. The discussion delves into anxiety, the dynamics of partnership, and the importance of self-care and emotional management. They emphasize the need to differentiate between what we need and what we want in emotional support, ultimately advocating for self-awareness and self-care as foundational to healthy relationships. In this conversation, Jennifer Chaiken and Emmalee Bierly discuss the profound impact of childhood experiences on emotional management and self-trust. They explore the challenges of parenting in survival mode, the concept of radical acceptance versus taking action, and the complexities of adult friendships. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing emotions, navigating control in relationships, and the natural evolution of friendships over time. They emphasize the need for open communication and the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering healthy connections.

00:00: The Power of Emotional Energy

03:01: Navigating Expectations in Relationships

06:13: Understanding Radical Acceptance

08:52: The Spiral of Anxiety and Emotional Responses

12:05: The Dynamics of Partnership and Emotional Support

14:59: Self-Care and Emotional Management

17:57: The Need vs. Want in Emotional Support

24:40: Childhood Influences on Emotional Management

27:10: Survival Mode in Parenting

28:47: Radical Acceptance vs. Action

31:09: Navigating Control in Relationships

35:12: The Complexity of Adult Friendships

40:24: Grieving Friendships and Social Dynamics

Emmalee Bierly & Jennifer Chaiken are both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, co-owners of The Therapy Group, a collective of warm, authentic therapists, and co-hosts of the ShrinkChicks Podcast! They believe in being down to earth, authentic, and transparent, which are values they bring both to their practice as well as their podcast! Their mission is to make therapy more relatable and accessible, working to break down that clinical wall.

Connect with Emmalee and Jennifer:

The Therapy Group: www.thetherapygroup.com (Emmalee and Jen's co-owned private practice that has warm, down-to-earth, therapists accepting new clients nationwide)
ShrinkChicks Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinkchicks/id1483261668 (Emmalee and Jen's weekly podcast where they discuss therapy and therapeutic topics in a relatable, accessible way)
Instagram pages: @shrinkchicks and @thetherapygrp

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