Language of Love with Dr. Laura Berman

Have you ever found yourself constantly prioritizing the needs of others while neglecting your own? Do you get anxious when those you care about are anxious or angry? Do you find arguments leave you contorted, desperately seeking forgiveness and acceptance from your partner? If this sounds like you or someone you love, its time to confront the possibility that you may be trapped in the clutches of codependency. This Language of Love Bite, I dive into the complex world of codependency, its roots, its effects on our relationships, and the path to healing. The origin of codependency can be traced back to traumatic childhood experiences, such as being raised by an addict, a narcissist, or enduring emotional or physical abuse. These early life challenges often lead to "parentification," where children assume the emotional and sometimes physical responsibilities of caring for their parents, setting the stage for codependent behaviors later in life.Despite the challenges, I acknowledge the positive aspects of codependency, such as the innate desire to give and receive love. Join me in exploring these insights further and taking the steps toward healing and growth.In this Bite, I explain: Codependency as an addiction and a lifetime of recovery The role of traumatic childhood experiences in developing codependency Codependents' fear of abandonment and susceptibility to toxic partners The struggle to discern authentic love from manipulation The positive and manipulative elements of codependency How to heal from codependency through inner child work and setting boundaries The challenges codependents may face when setting boundaries and standing up for themselves Remember, if you're looking to enhance both your love life and sex life, whether you're in a relationship or not, I highly recommend checking out my free course on Quantum Sex. Additionally, if you're seeking to break free from codependency, there are some valuable resources I suggest exploring. Co-dependents Anonymous is a great program that can provide the guidance you need. Another excellent resource is Melodie Beattie's influential book, "Codependent No More." These resources can offer invaluable insights and support on your journey towards personal growth and independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that your ancestors' traumas could be actively influencing your life today? What if the pain they endured, generations ago, could still shape your relationships, behaviors, and even your DNA? It's a thought-provoking concept, isn't it? Welcome to the world of intergenerational trauma. In this  Language of Love Conversation, I am excited to be joined by Dr. Mariel Buque, a Columbia-trained mystic psychologist, professor, sound bath meditation healer, and intergenerational trauma expert. Dr. Mariel brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion, which centers around her new book, “Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma.” Together, we dive deep into the heart of what it means to carry emotional burdens from our past and how we can liberate ourselves and our future generations from these invisible chains.Here's a glimpse of what we discuss: The impact of healing from intergenerational trauma on family dynamics and relationships The energetic perspective and the impact of past family members on our lives How to handle family members who resist or deny their trauma The concept of “parenting back, parenting forward” and intergenerational re-parenting Seven key areas for fostering growth and healing from intergenerational trauma The potential consequences of anxious-attachment parenting How to impart legacies to future generations and learn to apologize to our kids Remember to check out Dr. Mariel’s book, Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma, for more tools, techniques, suggestions, and guidance on intergenerational trauma. Also, if you are experiencing grief, know that you are not alone in this journey. Consider checking out my course, Good Grief: Healing from Loss with Love, on my website for additional support and guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we’re continuing our journey with Ken and Marla, a couple I've been helping to boost their intimacy. Their story is like so many others. Marla has been opening up about her shyness around masturbation, and I've got to say, I'm proud of her for being so honest. Ken has been amazing, too—totally supportive of Marla's journey into self-exploration.I always tell people how crucial masturbation is for your personal health and really getting to know your body. It's a game-changer, especially for your sex life together. I've recommended a vibrator that I think could be a great fit for Marla, and I'm all about them experimenting to find out what feels good.And it's not just about those intimate moments in the bedroom. Ken and Marla have been finding ways to connect in their everyday lives, which is just beautiful. They're on this path to achieving orgasm together during sex, and let me tell you, they're making some fantastic progress.Here is a glimpse of what we explore: Ken and Marla's relationship update and experiences with intimacy Incorporating a vibrator into sexual activities Guidance on enhancing physical intimacy Ken and Marla's efforts to maintain physical connection Prioritizing Marla's pleasure during intimate moments Recommendations for exploring new ways of intimacy Masturbation and its role in understanding one's body and enhancing comfort Advice on using a specific vibrator and experimenting with different options The importance of consistent physical intimacy and building intimacy in different moments The goal of achieving an orgasm during a sexual encounter and inspiring others through their journey This episode is a big one because it's not just their story—they inspire so many others dealing with the same issues. Stick with me, and let's see where their journey takes us next! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lifelong monogamy can be quite a challenge in our world today. We're living longer, our needs are evolving, and there are so many different factors at play. You see, we humans are kind of wired to be what you could call "serially monogamous." It's like we're designed to form temporary relationships for the purpose of raising children. And interestingly, this ancient instinct still seems to influence our modern relationships. Just look at the stats – divorce rates tend to spike when the youngest child is about 2 or 3 years old. It's a complex topic that's worth exploring, and that's exactly what we'll do in this Language of Love bite.While monogamy may not be our natural state, it's a choice that many of us make for various reasons. Whether it's for the sake of raising children, maintaining stability, or simply because of personal preference, monogamy requires effort and commitment. But with the right approach, it's a choice that can lead to fulfilling and lasting relationships.Visit my website to explore my range of books and courses on love, sex, and relationships, and be sure to tune in regularly to the Language of Love podcast for thought-provoking discussions and invaluable advice aimed at helping you love and be loved better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all grapple with an inner critic, incessantly whispering that we're not good enough or worthy of success and love, fostering a cycle of self-criticism. What if we could tame this relentless voice, breaking free from its grip and embracing our authentic selves? The good news is, we can.In this Language of Love Conversation, I sit down with Neal Allen, the author of Better Days: Tame Your Inner Critic. Neal takes us on an enlightening journey exploring the human psyche and the often-ignored superego. He shares his expertise on how the inner critic develops, its intentions, its impact on our lives, and fantastic strategies for recognizing and dealing with it. Taming the inner critic isn't just about finding peace; it's a path towards something more profound, something spiritual. We unpack: How to recognize and address the inner critic's impact on our lives The role of compassion in understanding the inner critic  The paradox of perfection and productivity The "Peter Pan Kid" analogy The connection between releasing the inner critic and experiencing moments of grace and divine presence Make sure to visit Neal Allen's website to learn more about the great work he does. You can connect with him on social media too, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter(X) for updates. If you want to improve yourself and conquer that negative voice inside you, you should definitely read his amazing book "Better Days: Tame Your Inner Critic. Make sure to visit my website to check out my books on love, sex and relationships and explore my available courses. Tune in regularly to The Language of Love for great discussions and thought-provoking conversations with accomplished individuals and experts offering invaluable advice on how to love and be loved better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself caught in the complicated dance of self-sabotage, where the haunting echoes of past trauma manifest as destructive behavior, over using substances and withdrawal from the world? In this Language of Love Session, Pamela opens up about her struggles with self-sabotaging behavior and past trauma, including excessive drinking and withdrawing from people due to past abuse.In this episode, we’re diving into: Maintaining self-love and overcoming self-sabotaging behavior The impact of past trauma on self-perception and behavior The importance of acknowledging and speaking about past trauma  The role of somatic experiencing therapy in healing trauma  The physical symptoms and coping mechanisms associated with unresolved trauma  Finding peace, love, and happiness within oneself Remember, the journey toward self-love and healing is a continuous process, but with the right tools and support, it is indeed possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another Language of Love Bite! This week I'm going to explore the concept of inner child work and how it can heal past traumas and improve relationships. So, what exactly is inner child work? Well, it's all about connecting with those wounded parts of ourselves that were hurt during our childhood. These parts often carry unresolved emotions and traumas that can impact our adult lives and relationships.One key aspect of inner child work is recognizing that these emotions are just parts of us, not our entire being. By understanding that these wounded parts are separate from our true selves, we can approach them with compassion and create space for healing.Embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery as we explore the transformative power of inner child work. Let's heal our inner wounds and nurture healthier relationships. Check out Richard Schwartz's book, No Bad Parts, along with my course, Good Grief: Healing from Loss with Love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heart aches and and heart breaks will happen for each of us—trust being broken, losing someone we love, or wounds from the past—can shape our lives in significant ways. But the good news is that we can grow through adversity into even better versions of ourselves. In this Language of Love Conversation, I have the honor of hosting the incredible Brandi Sellers-Jackson. Brandi, a masterful storyteller, birth and postpartum doula, and the creative force behind "Not So Private Parts," joins me to discuss her profound new book, "On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life's Great Labors." We dive deep into the heart of trauma, infidelity, grief, and the powerful journey of healing.We unpack: The four “labors”: relationship, mental health, grief and loss, and feeling bothered The path to and power of finding gratitude even in the darkest times The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships and mental health The concept of re-parenting oneself for healing from childhood trauma The courage it takes to harness self-intimacy and truly know oneself The strength it takes to move forward after betrayal Remember to check out Brandi’s book, On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life's Great Labors, and to connect with her on Linkedin.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of hearing the same old advice about love and dating? Are you finding it difficult to navigate the dating world, or finding love in a world of swipes, catfishing and ghosting? If you are looking for love and want some advice that will change your whole dating game for the better, tune into this episode of Language of Love Conversation, I sit down with Damona Hoffman, a celebrity dating coach and author of "F the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love Story". In our conversation, we debunk the common myths about love and dating and how these misconceptions can hinder the process of finding love. We talk about: The common myths and misconceptions about finding love Understanding the concept of "butterflies" in relationships The importance of curiosity and attraction in dating Mindful dating and finding partners on a similar level of awareness Exploring different avenues for dating, including online dating, setups, and communities For more insights and advice from Damona, check out her podcast, Dates and Mates, and her book, F the Fairy Tale, which offers hope and actionable advice for navigating the challenges of modern dating. You can find more information about her book and testimonials from satisfied readers on her website, damonahoffman.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with my lovely friend Susan Grau, an incredible intuitive medium who has gained international recognition for her work. We'll be diving into her new book, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons, as well as exploring her journey and the fascinating experiences she's had along the way.Susan's story is truly remarkable. She has faced and overcome immense challenges which helped her to discover her intuitive abilities and connect with the other side. She believes that there is hope in eternal life and love and that by understanding our own experiences, we can find healing and growth.We explore so many fascinating topics including how to connect with loved ones on the other side, how to tell the difference between spirit guides and passed loved ones who are coming through, and so much more. Susan sheds light on how to recognize the constant support available to us from the angelic realms and how to invite it more actively into our lives. I hope you're as excited as I am to delve into this conversation with Susan Grau. Her wisdom and experiences are sure to inspire and enlighten us all.Susan and I dive into: How Susan's near-death experience made an impact on her perspective on life Susan's early childhood experiences with intuitive abilities Susan's experiences as a medium and helping others through grief How to connect with the other side and find hope in eternal life and love The difference between spirit guides and loved ones who have passed away How to develop a strong connection to our divine and intuitive skills  Remember to grab a copy of Susan’s book Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons. Happy reading! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices