Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Have you sat down to dinner with your partner only to find them on their cell phone most of your time together? Does your significant other consistently bring their computer into the bedroom, and you have a feeling of being dismissed? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Lori about the damaging effects of digital devices on relationships. Whether you are interacting with family, friends, or a partner, spending an excessive amount of time and avoiding others instead of interacting with them one-on-one can cause mistrust, a feeling of neglect, and displace couple intimacy. (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   Bio:  With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lori has worked with thousands of clients, both domestic and internationally. Through her countless hours of research, Dr. Lori’s commitment to helping businesses, families, and individuals overcome the problems created by device usage. Her book, The Effects of Texting on Marital Relationships, offers a poignant data-packed critique on texting within marriage, including its often negative impact. In addition to working one-on-one with clients, Dr. Lori advises businesses on the operational effects of over-connected employees, managing technology, distractions in the workplace, and driving employee productivity. In this episode, Dr. Lori Whatley and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  How device usage can create challenges in relationships. How overuse of technology affects our levels of anxiety, quality of sleep and creates depression. Learn how human contact and in-person interactions affect our mood and brain chemistry. Why it takes up to 25 minutes for us to refocus after a digital distraction. How the amount of digital device usage can cut down on quality family and relationship time. How boundaries and rules can help couples resolve issues with overuse of digital time. How to deal with concerns of device addiction, jealousy and different ways of approaching social media in relationships. Listen in to find out why it's important that we learn to balance our digital devices as a society, the red flags of using too much daily technology, and how digital devices affect our focus. Learn why our attention span is shorter now than ever, how technology can be used as a tool for avoidance in a relationship, and how the overuse of a digital device can create distrust. “Everyday as I was working with couples, digital devices came up in our sessions.” by Dr. Lori Whatley “The world needs to know how we are effected relationally and individually by our digital device issues.” by Dr. Lori Whatley “The effect of technology is truly like another woman or another man in the relationship.” by Dr. Lori Whatley “A “like” on social media is not the same as love in person.” by Dr. Lori Whatley “Sometimes people fill their life and their hours up with their social media world and then they have no time left for in-person connection .” by Dr. Lori Whatley Mentioned: Connected and Engaged by Dr. Lori Whatley The Effects of Texting on Marital Relationships By Dr. Lori Whatley  Family Assessment on Dr. Lori Whatley's website ERP 011: How Technological Impacts Our Relationship  Connect with Dr. Lori Whatley Dr. Whatley on the web Get great information on her blog Check out her new book Connected & Engaged Read The Effects of Texting on the Marital Relationship Visit with Dr. Whatley on Instagram Chat with Dr. Whatley on Facebook 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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me.

Bio:  Chris Seiter, the founder of Ex Boyfriend Recovery and Ex Girlfriend Recovery has been helping thousands of broken hearted individuals win their exes back for over a decade. Implementing the very creative "no contact rule," which shuts down communication between exes for a certain period of time such in order to create space for each partner allows for healing, self recovery, and an opportunity for both of you to potentially come back together as a couple, which Chris believes is the key to long lasting success. (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.) In this episode, Chris Seiter and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  How going through a break-up can be fertile ground for self-development and self-discovery.  What happens when we do not have closure or time to process insights and understandings.  How to use tactical empathy to address other's objections to move through resistance.  What to focus on when communicating (and not through text).  How to get in the right space emotionally.  The importance of giving adequate time, space and distance to reflect.   How to keep the end goal in mind and work towards creating a better relationship.  “It is not about your ex, it is about you.” by Chris Seiter Mentioned:  Ex Boyfriend Recovery (website) Ex Girlfriend Recovery (website) Ex Boyfriend Recovery (podcast) Ex Girlfriend Recovery (podcast) Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication – Free Guide   Connect with Chris Seiter Websites: www.exboyfriendrecovery.com www.exgirlfriendrecovery.com Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialExBoyfriendRecovery/ Youtube: Chris Seiter Podcasts: https://www.exboyfriendrecovery.com/podcasts/   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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

Bio:  Sarrah Rose is the founder of the tantric sex coaching platform Tantric Activation. She developed her coaching techniques by studying tantra, mixing in evolutionary biology, and adapting the method for practical use in the modern world. Sarrah was trained in the tantra method in India. She then earned her certification as a Sex, Love and Relationship Coach from the Tantra Institute of Integrated Sexuality. (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.) In this episode, Sarrah Rose and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  How to use your sexual energy in a conscious way rather than being controlled by it.  Becoming more aware of your patterns, shadow work, so that you can be more aligned in your mind, heart and sexuality. How your breath, sound, movement and focus helps you integrate the flow of energy throughout your body.  How to deal with challenges, like performance anxiety, fear of rejection, and being shutdown or closed off to sex.   How we train our body away from human physical touch when we use vibrators and porn.  Why couples stop having sex and what is critical to know about the 3 stages of love.  “For thousands of years, women have had to choose whether they were going to be accepted by society or express their sexuality.” by Sarrah Rose Mentioned:  Tantric Activation Sarrah Rose (website) Helen Fisher (website) Allison Armstrong (website) Relationship Map to Happy Lasting Love Free Guide   Connect with Sarrah Rose Website: Tantric Activation Facebook: facebook.com/TantricActivation/ Instagram: instagram.com/tantricactivation/  Twitter: @IAmSarrahRose    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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

One of the most difficult tasks in relationships is to maintain our sense of self...to not loose our self in relationship. This can be even more challenging during times of conflict, stress and uncertainty. And especially true when our partner is pressuring us to be something different or when we fear their reaction and ultimately a loss of approval and love.  (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins discusses:  How important it is to work on becoming differentiated in relationship. The fallout of not maintaining a solid sense of self.  What it looks like when couples get stuck in emotional fusion and gridlock.  Dr. David Schnarch's Four Points Of Balance: Solid Flexible Self, Quiet Mind - Calm Heart, Grounded Responding, and Meaningful Endurance.  How differentiation relates to our passion, sexual desire and sexual intimacy.    "A solid sense of self develops from confronting yourself, challenging yourself to do what's right, and earning your own self-respect. It develops from inside you rather than from internalizing what's around you." by Dr. David Schnarch   Mentioned:  Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication – Free Guide Crucible Institute Dr. David Schnarch (website) Intimacy & Desire, by Dr. David Schnarch (book) Resurrecting Sex, by Dr. David Schnarch (book) Passionate Marriage, by Dr. David Schnarch (book) ERP 110: HOW TO MANAGE TWO MAJORLY CONFLICTING NEEDS IN RELATIONSHIP (podcast) ERP 234: How To Deal With Fears Of Intimacy – Part two (podcast) ERP 233: How To Deal With Fears Of Intimacy – Part One (podcast) ERP 223: How To Deal With Difficult Emotions – Part One (podcast) ERP 224: How To Deal With Difficult Emotions – Part Two (podcast) Dr. Susan Johnson's website 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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

Bio:  Karl Staib is the author of Bring Gratitude and the Creator of the 30-Day Bring Gratitude Challenge. He has helped thousands of people train their brains. He developed the Dig to Fly method and SOAR technique to help his clients become more resilient and happier. He also created the Legendary Leader Method to help leaders build better relationships with their employees so they are happier and more productive. He has been featured by Forbes, NPR and Zen Habits and worked with Philips Global, Southwest Research Institute and Pioneer Nation. (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Karl Staib and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  How using a gratitude journal can help us: think differently, gain more self-understanding, and be a better person.  How building awareness of our patterns and tendencies will give us insight into our growth areas.  Emotions can create connection or disconnection in relationship. Karl's Dig To Fly method and the 5 key questions to ask ourselves when we are having a hard time.  How to shift from being a negative person into a positive person and not letting letting negative thoughts dictate our actions. “Each day is "what it is" for 99% of it, and it is up to us (our attitude) to adjust to the world around us versus the world adjusting to us.” by Karl Staib In solid relationships, partners bond over positive things rather than negative things.  Karl's SOAR technique for a daily practice of gratitude and a healthy mindset.  “We don’t need big wins in life to feel happy. Small daily wins keep our mindsets strong and make it easier to appreciate the big wins.” by Karl Staib Mentioned:  Bring Gratitude by Karl Staib (book) 30 Day Gratitude Challenge Karl Staib Relationship Map to Happy Lasting Love Free Guide   Connect with Karl Staib Website: Bring Gratitude   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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

Bio:  Mike McNulty, PhD is a psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy, and the founder of The Chicago Relationship Center, and practices in Evanston and Highland Park, IL. Dr. McNulty is a senior certified Gottman relationship therapist and master trainer for The Gottman Institute, who leads workshops for couples and professionals in the United States, Ireland, and Sri Lanka. He has traveled to Sri Lanka 22 times since the 2004 tsunami to provide training to paraprofessional counselors.   (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Dr. Michael McNulty and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  What is ambiguous loss? How ambiguous loss affects the grieving process and how to address this type of loss. What to do when we have different perspectives and/or a different positions on an issue (i.e. like how to deal with Covid-19). How couples with different perspectives can work together and support each other.  When problems become gridlocked and the stress and disconnect that results. What helps us be more flexible and creative, so that we can cope better and be more resilient together.  How to build rituals for connection, meaning and significance. “Grief becomes frozen. People do not know what they are grieving, and how to begin to move forward with life.”      Mentioned:  Coping with Uncertainty During COVID-19: An International Gottman Trainer Shares Their Perspective by Dr. Michael McNulty (Article) Ambiguous Loss Dr. Pauline Boss' website Chicago Relationship Center  Website The Gottman Institute Website Dr. Susan Johnson Website The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties by William J. Doherty (book) Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (book) Gottman Card Deck   Connect with Dr. Michael McNulty Email: mikemcnultyphd@gmail.com Website: Chicago Relationship Center    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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

Bio:  Ericka Young founded Tailor-Made Budgets in 2005 after she and her husband Chris climbed out of nearly $100,000 in debt. She is a certified financial coach by Ramsey Solutions and combines her passion for helping people with creative debt reduction techniques so everyone can have a path to financial freedom. Ericka teaches her message of debt freedom through her e-newsletters, personal and group coaching, workshops, best-selling book and speaking engagements.   (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Ericka Young and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  The different ways people are fairing financially during the pandemic.  What each of the three camps are experiencing and what they would benefit from considering moving forward. Learning how to anticipate and evaluate the health of your career industry. Using caution and being prepared as we move through this next phase.  How to be aligned with what matters most to you and your significant other.  How to weather the storm if you are taking a big hit during this time.  How to not loose track of your financial goals as a family, even during the pandemic.  Learning to be creative and in control of your personal economy.      Mentioned:  ERP 207: How To Get Out Of Financial Debt When Working Together As A Couple – An Interview With Ericka Young (podcast) Tailor Made Budgets  Website 7 Day Money Challenge Free Video Series (Opt-in)   Connect with Ericka Young: Email: ericka@tailormadebudgets.com Website: Tailor Made Budgets  Instagram: @tailormadebudgets Facebook: TailorMadeBudgets   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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me.   

Love presents a great opportunity, and it can also feel like a great risk. Especially, when we have felt hurt in the past. If we are not conscious (and aware), we can mistake the fear we feel as an indication that something is off in the relationship or with our partner. The key is to recognize the fear you feel makes sense (understand it's origins) and learn how to work with the fear, so that you can learn to develop more intimacy with your significant other. In the episode, I reference the book "The Highly Sensitive Person In Love," by Elaine Aron.  (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins discusses:  How we question our lovability when we have felt hurt in the past.  How love and intimacy can be threatening.  Fear of loss of control and how to deal with it.  Fear of one's "attack and destroy" impulses and what to do about it.  Fear of being engulfed and how to take care of yourself.  Fear of commitment and what to consider. Fear of disliking the other for subtle annoyances and how to negotiate this with your partner.    "Love feels whole, energizing and integrating all parts of us. But wholeness would also mean integrating any repressed, split-off anger and destructiveness." by Elaine Aaron   Mentioned:  Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication – Free Guide ERP 233: How To Deal With Fears Of Intimacy – Part One (podcast) The Highly Sensitive Person In Love, by Elaine Aaron The Most Dangerous Stories We Make Up, by Brené Brown ERP 018: How To Deal With Feelings Of Anger In Relationship (podcast) ERP 223: How To Deal With Difficult Emotions – Part One (podcast) ERP 224: How To Deal With Difficult Emotions – Part Two (podcast) Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships, by Dr. Susan Johnson ERP 110: HOW TO MANAGE TWO MAJORLY CONFLICTING NEEDS IN RELATIONSHIP (podcast) ERP 093: HOW THE “SHADOW” INFLUENCES OUR GROWTH IN LIFE AND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH DR. KEITH WITT (podcast) ERP 217: HOW TO DEAL WITH STONEWALLING IN RELATIONSHIP (podcast) Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment, by Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks (book) 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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

While we want to experience love and intimacy, it can often bring fears to the surface. The fears often have ties to previous pain and are subconscious or unconscious until we enter into a love relationship. In the episode, I reference the book "The Highly Sensitive Person In Love," by Elaine Aron.  (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins discusses:  How fears of intimacy develop in one's life. Ways people distance themselves emotionally as a result of a fear of intimacy. How love and intimacy can be threatening.  Fear of exposure and rejection and how to deal with it.  Fear of angry attacks and what to do about it.  Fear of abandonment and how to take care of yourself.    "To me intimacy means being authentic, revealing to another your most private and true-in-this-moment self - thoughts, feelings, bodily self." by Elaine Aaron   Mentioned:  Shifting Criticism into Connected Communication – Free Guide The Highly Sensitive Person In Love, by Elaine Aaron ERP 110: HOW TO MANAGE TWO MAJORLY CONFLICTING NEEDS IN RELATIONSHIP (podcast) ERP 221: HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND WORK WITH SELF-SABOTAGE IN RELATIONSHIP AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIANNA WIEST (podcast) ERP 093: HOW THE “SHADOW” INFLUENCES OUR GROWTH IN LIFE AND IN RELATIONSHIP WITH DR. KEITH WITT (podcast) ERP 217: HOW TO DEAL WITH STONEWALLING IN RELATIONSHIP (podcast) Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment, by Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks (book) 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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me. 

Bio:  Melissa Costello is a Transformational Eating Coach, Holistic Nutritionist, Speaker and Author. Her mission is to empower busy professionals to get off the yo-yo dieting rollercoaster and end emotional eating so they can lose the weight that is holding them back from living a life they truly love. Melissa’s in-depth training in Spiritual Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and holistic coaching along with her own personal struggles provides the foundation for her clients to experience powerful breakthroughs and sustainable, profound transformation.   (Please listen to the podcast episode or read the transcript to hear explanations, stories, and examples.)   In this episode, Melissa Costello and Dr. Jessica Higgins discuss:  Looking at our relationship to food and how we use food for more than just it's nutritional value. How to know if you struggle with food or have issues around food.  The stress of emotional eating and/or viewing our body's in a negative way. How to tune out all the noise that keeps us confused and conflicted about how to eat and what to eat.  The challenges couples face together around food and eating. How to turn towards your body's wisdom and intelligence.  Gaining clarity and confidence in making decisions for the health of OUR bodies.      "What was one negative thing someone said to you about your body, where you made a decision about yourself?" —  Melissa Costello    Mentioned:  Smash The Wellness Industry  NYT article Killing Us Softly Wikipedia   Connect with Melissa Costello: Email: missy@karmachow.com Website: Karma Chow Instagram: @karmachow Facebook: KarmaChow   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!   If you are interested in developing new skills to overcome relationship challenges, please consider taking the Connected Couple Program or engaging in relationship coaching work with me.