Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

​​You become what you consistently tell yourself, whether it is positive or negative, according to the adage "You are who you say you are." This tells us that the thoughts that you feed your mind matter because, unwittingly, they serve as the road map for both your interpersonal relationships and your individual self. You can't really rewrite the past, but having the awareness of how it can impact your life, you give yourself the power to write a new story, a new beginning.  In this episode, Dr. Skerrett explains the concept of couples' resilience and the advantages it has for relationships and elaborates on how couples can develop and nurture their resilience. Karen Skerrett, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and registered nurse with over 40 years of experience as a clinician, academic, and author who specializes in strength-based approaches to healing and change across the lifecycle. She is the author of Growing Married, co-author of Positive Couple Therapy, co-editor of Couple Resilience, and author of the memoir Tell Me Again How I Know You? Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:06 Karen’s transition from nursing to psychology: Targeting towards and focusing on couple's resilience. 11:14 What is couples’ resilience and what makes it a source of positive energy for couple life? 13:24 The importance of the stories we tell our narrative. 18:59 The distinction between a story and a "we-story". 25:31 The seven elements of we-ness. 34:50 Transforming individualistic cultures and behavior into an empowering story. 41:39 Karen's advice and resources to help people build a couple's resiliency. Mentioned Growing Married: Creating Stories for a Lifetime of Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Couple Resilience: Emerging Perspectives (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Positive Couple Therapy: Using We-Stories to Enhance Resilience (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Strengths-based Resilience (SBR) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. Karen Skerrett Websites: karenskerrettphd.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen-skerrett-7a185024 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

When your partner or someone else calls you out or you feel attacked, it's natural to go into defense mode. Humans are simply wired that way. Defensiveness, however, can hinder your ability to relate to others and damage your relationships.  Aperture awareness is an essential skill for open, honest, and healthy communication. While our brains are built to instantly read an aperture, not everyone is aware of this, so they fail to recognize the signs. The good news is that it's a skill that can be acquired. In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Ford elaborates on aperture awareness and its significance in relationships. You'll learn how to read body language as a sign of awareness, as well as some highly structured exercises to help people slow down. Kathryn Ford, M.D. is a relationship expert and creator of the couples therapy model, Aperture Awareness™ — the felt sensation of availability for connection. She's been practicing psychotherapy for over 20 years in private practice and through workshops at Stanford University. She received her M.D. from Brown University Medical School and did her psychiatry residency at The Stanford School of Medicine. In addition to her traditional training, both her yoga practice and her life-long meditation practice have informed her life and her work.  Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 8:02 What sparked Kathryn's interest in mindfulness and relationships? 15:42 Understanding aperture awareness and why it's often disregarded. 21:18 Body language as a sign of responsiveness and awareness. 30:27 Fostering trust by rewarding risk-taking. 32:49 Pumping the brakes and riding the waves. 41:52 How to sift through your partner's words for the kernel of truth. 54:50 The power of slowing down. 58:34 How to connect with Dr. Kathryn Ford. Mentioned About Kathryn Ford M.D. (*Psychology Today) Stanford Continuing Studies Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Dr. Kathryn Ford Website: kathrynfordmd.com Facebook: facebook.com/KathrynFordMD Instagram: instagram.com/KathrynFordMD LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathryn-ford-m-d-1a675b2b Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Keeping your emotions at bay to maintain the harmony in your relationship may seem like a better option than engaging in a conversation that might result in an argument. On the other hand, suppressing your feelings can eventually do serious damage to your relationship. When you spend a lot of time with someone, you may begin to believe that you know everything about them. Starting a conversation may feel terrifying because you anticipate your partner's response and how the conversation will go, but you may or may not be right. In this episode, Susan Scott discusses the causes of relationship plateaus, common misconceptions about love, the effects of poor communication or lack thereof, and the characteristics of a fierce conversation. You'd be surprised at how refreshing that would be if you knew how to approach these conversations in a courageous, loving, and skillful way.  Susan Scott is a bestselling author and leadership development architect who has enabled top executives worldwide to engage in vibrant dialogue with one another, with their employees, and with their customers for two decades. In her latest book, “Fierce Love – Creating a Love that Lasts, One Conversation at a Time,” Susan Scott guides couples through eight must-have conversations to create a fierce love that stands the test of time and grows stronger over the years. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:19 Gradually and then suddenly: Understanding how lack of communication can ruin a  relationship. 16:53 Post-romance stage: Recognizing the causes of a relationship plateau. 23:07 What a fierce conversation looks like. 33:21 Susan's own description of what she considers to be a safe place for meaningful conversations. 40:00 Myths about love that can destroy you and your relationship. Mentioned Fierce Love: Creating a Love that Lasts---One Conversation at a Time (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Susan Scott Website: susanscott.io | fierceinc.com/fierce-conversations Facebook: facebook.com/SusanScottFierce | linkedin.com/company/fierce-inc- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susan-scott-1b63388 | linkedin.com/company/fierce-inc- Twitter: twitter.com/fierce_inc YouTube: youtube.com/user/fierceinc Instagram: instagram.com/fierceconversations_ Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

The majority of women due far more housework than men (in heterosexual relationships). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women spend 47 minutes more on housework on average than men each day. This translates to roughly 5 ½ more hours each week, which doesn’t include childcare, grocery shopping or errands (which women do more of as well). This gender gap has an effect on everyone.  In this episode, Dr. Kate Mangino discusses what she learned from interviewing 40 men in equal relationships to show how gender norms can restrict one or both partners in a relationship compared to what it looks like in equal relationships. Kate Mangino, PhD is a gender expert who works with international organizations to promote positive social change. She has written and delivered curricula in over 20 countries about issues such as: gender equality, women’s empowerment, healthy masculinity, HIV prevention, and early and forced childhood marriage. She brings her lens of social change to her debut book, Equal Partners, which addresses gender roles in the American household. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:51 Promoting social change as an expert and a parent. 9:14 Taking the gender equality conversation into the community. 14:02: How gender norms create inequity and limit the potential of one or both partners. 23:29 An illustration of how partners' tasks are typically divided. 37:42 What exactly is the EP40, and what did Dr. Mangino learn from them? Mentioned Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Connect with Dr. Kate Mangino Websites: katemangino.com Twitter: twitter.com/manginokate Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:00 The increased domestic violence during the pandemic. 7:02 Dr. Kelley’s “aha!” moment that got her interested in helping people who have experienced trauma. 9:49 Why do people react differently to trauma? 14:38 Signs of a potentially abusive person. 28:50 Significant reasons why people are unable to confront or exit this situation. 38:52 Why highly sensitive people struggle more with decision making. 42:41 How to discern whether or not you should end the relationship and where someone in an abusive relationship can find support. Mentioned What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Internal Family Systems Model (*Wikipedia) Connect with Amelia Kelley Websites: ameliakelley.com — insighttimer.com/kelleycounseling Facebook: facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/ Twitter: twitter.com/DrAmeliaKelley Instagram: instagram.com/drameliakelley/ Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

When ADHD has not been identified, a person with ADHD is often doing the best they can to function. However, they will likely struggle with aspects of executive functioning skills in life. Being in a relationship with someone with ADHD can pose extra challenges in working together as a team, especially when it comes to domestic responsibilities, tasks, and decision making. In this episode, Dr. Ari Tuckman provides some insight into how ADHD manifests differently in adult men and women, particularly how it affects a couple's sex life. Additionally, he discusses approaches for resolving conflicts as well as tools and resources that both partners with ADHD and those without can utilize. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, CST, is a psychologist, international speaker, and ADHD expert. He is the author of four books on ADHD, including his most recent book, ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship. He volunteers as the conference co-chair for CHADD, the national ADHD advocacy organization. He is in private practice in West Chester, PA. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 8:11 How Dr. Tuckman became passionate about helping adults with ADHD. 11:52 How each person's experience with ADHD differs. 14:17 ADHD in women vs. men. 18:12 How does ADHD manifest itself in romantic relationships? 22:41 How to make a relationship between people with ADHD work. 29:47 Dr. Tuckman's approach to assisting people with ADHD. 36:03 ADHD and sexual intimacy: effects, tips, and recommendations. 49:04 Tools and resources. Mentioned ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) ADHD Coaches Organization Sex needs a new metaphor. Here's one … (*TED Talks) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with Dr. Ari Tuckman Websites: adultadhdbook.com Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Although co-dependence is often referred to as being unhealthy, to some extent, it is beneficial in marriages. Deeper connections are made when partners lean on one another and give and receive as acts of generosity rather than as acts of service. In this episode, John David and Ana Gabriel Mann discuss conflict resolution using their five secrets to success, which are condensed versions of their own experiences and expertise and are found in the book they co-authored. John David Mann is the coauthor of over 30 books, including nine New York Times and national bestsellers. His writing has earned the 2017 Living Now Book Award’s “Evergreen Medal” for its “contribution to positive global change.” Ana Gabriel Mann earned her Master’s degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, and corporate trainer. She currently coaches Go-Giver Marriage clients and leads the Go-Giver Marriage Coaches Training Program. John and Ana have been dreaming about writing “The Go-Giver Marriage” together for two decades. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 4:29 John and Ana’s love letter to the world. 5:49 What does it mean to be a part of the "us"? 12:59 A description of the book's two main parts. 29:07 Frequently asked questions that Ana poses to couples. 30:50 Replacing criticism with appreciation. 45:21 The distinction between allowing and controlling. 52:01 How the opposing negative patterns prevent you from growing personally. 55:53 Go-Giver’s couples-focused courses and programs. Mentioned The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About the Five Secrets to Lasting Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication Connect with John David & Ana Gabriel Mann Website: gogivermarriage.com Facebook: facebook.com/johndavidmann | facebook.com/anagabrielmann Twitter: twitter.com/JohnDavidMann | twitter.com/anagabrielMann LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndavidmann | linkedin.com/in/ana-gabriel-mann-a2aa6011 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. No matter how great your relationship with your partner is, conflicts are inevitable, and that is not always a bad thing. Depending on how well you manage them, they can either weaken or strengthen your relationship. Most people don’t even realize that they are responding to conflicts out of fear. When a problem arises, they automatically arm up to protect themselves, which leaves it unresolved and eventually breeds resentment. In this episode, Tami Kiekhaefer discusses how fear manifests itself in conflict situations through physical cues and an illustration. Most importantly, she explains how you can apply this knowledge to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Tamara Kiekhaefer, LCSW, has operated her psychotherapy practice since 2002. She provides individual, family, and couple therapy around anxiety, depression, domestic violence, trauma, relationships, and empowerment. Tami is a certified yoga instructor and weaves concepts of holistic therapy into her clinical work. Her first book provides hands-on tools required to work through the past, stabilize the present, and prepare for a loving relationship. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 4:56 How her divorce equipped Tami help other people even more. 9:40 How she confronted the criticism about her failed relationship while working as a couple’s therapist. 14:34 How fear manifest itself during conflict. 18:29 Physical signs of fear. 24:38 The roots of anxiety. 29:00 The Cone of Fear—a visual representation of the fear of rejection and fear of abandonment. 38:58 How to overcome the fear of rejection and abandonment. 42:33 An overview of her book, Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love. 46:56 Learn more about the services she is offering. Mentioned Preparing for the Jungle: Avoiding Snakes and Pitfalls on the Path to Healthy Love (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Cone of Fear Prepare for the Jungle (online self-paced course) Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication Connect with Tami Kiekhaefer Websites: healthyhealing.net Facebook: facebook.com/groups/womensempowermenttoolkit | facebook.com/tamikieklcsw TikTok: tiktok.com/@tamikiek_lcsw Twitter: twitter.com/tamikiek Pinterest: pinterest.com/tamikiek/_created Instagram: instagram.com/tamikieklcsw LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tami-kiekhaefer-32298a8 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Every one of us struggles with something that impacts our relationships. We were raised to believe that whatever we struggle with—be it self-worth, emotions, or body image—is a flaw. Despite the fact that we are heavily influenced by our society, we are taught that we are all unique individuals who have the power to make our own decisions. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus discusses how to recognize our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions as well as how to practice being mindful of them. She urges everyone to venture a little further outside of their comfort zones and develop their mental and emotional fortitude so they can begin to make decisions they never had before. Jennifer Gunsaullus, PhD, is a sociologist, international intimacy speaker, and relationship and communication coach, and the author of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women. Dr. Jenn has presented two TEDx Talks, co-hosts the podcast Sex Talk with Clint & the Doc, and she has collaborated on projects with Planned Parenthood, the Global YPO Spouse/Partner Network, Erica Lust films, and Dr. Ruth’s Sex for Dummies book. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 5:50 How Dr. Jen became interested in sexuality and mindfulness. 7:49 Why is mindful intimacy so crucial?  20:43 Obstacles to profound intimacy and how mindfulness overcomes them. 47:48 A practical step you can take to begin engaging in mindful intimacy. Mentioned From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Sex Talk with Clint & the Doc Podcast American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists (AASECT) Sex, Consent, & Gender - A Personal Story about Consent Violation - Sex & the Price of Masculinity Female sexual shame hurts us all | Jennifer Gunsaullus | TEDx Phoenixville Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus Website: drjennsden.com Facebook: facebook.com/jennifer.gunsaullus Twitter: twitter.com/drjennsden YouTube: youtube.com/user/drjennsden Instagram: instagram.com/drjennsden LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenn Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Marriage entails a commitment to support one another through both good and bad times. The traditional vow goes along the lines of, "For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part," which means the couple stays together no matter what. The truth is that most couples hope for a bright future and a long-lasting romantic relationship, but they don't expect or prepare to go through the worse and sickness parts. In reality, it’s not always convenient and easy. The hormones and attraction wear off, and other problems arise. In this episode, Dr. George and Vanessa Naum sit down and talk about some significant topics that every couple should consider before getting married; how health issues can affect the relationship; and some doable steps couples can take to strengthen their relationship. Best Friends Again is a physician marriage coaching company helping physicians and healthcare professionals reignite their marriage through a customized approach based on the unique needs of physician and healthcare professional families. Dr. George and Vanessa Naum’s own battle-tested physician marriage, generational physician family heritage, and expertise from coaching hundreds of marriages off the ledge have paved the way for their revolutionary program: 90 Days to Clarity and Connection, a blueprint for guiding healers in healing their own relationships, saving their families, and enjoying their careers. They believe that you really can have it all. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 6:30 What Dr. George and Vanessa Naum learned from their own experiences and the inspiration behind their desire to help other couples. 12:37 Things that are significant but rarely discussed before getting married. 34:24 Compassionate intuition as an important ingredient in a healthy marriage. 38:33 How acceptance and suppression of emotions affect a relationship and how Dr. George and Vanessa help couples deal with it.  42:39 The 4 R’s of a committed relationship. 45:36 How health issues can affect relationships. 50:13 Programs and resources for cultivating healthy relationships. Mentioned What's Forever For? A Physician's Guide to Everlasting Love and Success in Marriage (FREE chapter of Dr. Jeep’s book) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Dr. George and Vanessa Naum Website: BestFriendsAgain.com Facebook: facebook.com/askdrjeepandvanessa Twitter: twitter.com/@askdrjeep LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drgeorgenaum Instagram: instagram.com/bestfriendsagain Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.

Making the choice to leave an abusive relationship can be one of the most difficult things a person has to do. Without the right resources and support, it would be hard to move on even after you have cut your ties with your abuser. Being in an abusive relationship causes you to constantly pay more attention to your surroundings than is necessary. So, in this episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley discusses some useful techniques for managing feelings of anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance, as well as how to retrain your body to feel secure in any situation. Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained hypnotherapist, art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist, and meditation and yoga teacher. She is a presenter and writer in the “science-help” field, focusing on relationships, highly sensitive people, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD. She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women’s issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS's Work/Life Program in Cary, NC, and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 7:18 How to rediscover yourself and rebuild your self-confidence after an abusive relationship. 20:32 Managing feelings of anxiety, stress, and hypervigilance. 40:43 Useful strategies for beginning self-healing. 43:04 A summary of her book, What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship and the narrative that inspired it. Mentioned What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship (*Instagram) High Heels and Heartache Podcast (*Apple podcast) ERP 321: How to Tell the Difference Between an Abusive Relationship & a Toxic Dynamic — An Interview with Dr. Amelia Kelley Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Amelia Kelley Websites: ameliakelley.com — insighttimer.com/kelleycounseling Facebook: facebook.com/DrAmeliaKelley/ Twitter: twitter.com/DrAmeliaKelley Instagram: instagram.com/drameliakelley/ Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.