The Secure Love Podcast with Julie Menanno
Julie Menanno
Welcome to The Secure Love Podcast: Real-Time Couples Therapy with Julie Menanno.
Julie Menanno is a licensed therapist committed to helping couples build secure, lasting connections through Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In each episode, she works with a real couple and just like many of us, they’re navigating life’s challenges, raising kids, managing careers, and strengthening their relationship.
Join us as we explore the power of attachment theory and its profound impact on how we connect with our partners. Together, we’ll uncover negative communication cycles and learn how to replace them with positive, lasting change. By following each couple’s journey, you’ll gain relatable insights and practical steps to apply in your own life.
The Secure Love Podcast is your companion on the path to healthier, happier relationships. Your journey to a more secure love starts now.
Julie Menanno is a licensed therapist committed to helping couples build secure, lasting connections through Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In each episode, she works with a real couple and just like many of us, they’re navigating life’s challenges, raising kids, managing careers, and strengthening their relationship.
Join us as we explore the power of attachment theory and its profound impact on how we connect with our partners. Together, we’ll uncover negative communication cycles and learn how to replace them with positive, lasting change. By following each couple’s journey, you’ll gain relatable insights and practical steps to apply in your own life.
The Secure Love Podcast is your companion on the path to healthier, happier relationships. Your journey to a more secure love starts now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 13min
Do You Think That He Can Love This Anxious Part of You?
Join a heartfelt journey as Melissa tackles her struggles with anxiety and the need for self-acceptance. Guided by insightful conversations, she learns to embrace her imperfections and recognizes the importance of self-compassion. The podcast delves into the connection between childhood attachment wounds and adult relationship patterns. As her partner Drew offers reassurance, they navigate the delicate balance of emotional self-reliance and mutual support. Together, they reveal how vulnerability and understanding can transform love into a secure embrace.
12 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 19min
Perfectionism to Self-Regulation: The Anxious Partner's Journey
Drew, one half of a couple navigating relationship challenges, shares insights on the journey toward secure attachment. The discussion dives into how Drew's laid-back parenting contrasted with his partner's anxious attachment style, leading to miscommunications during family events. They explore emotional regulation, the impact of societal pressures, and the importance of self-soothing over seeking validation from each other. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, self-worth, and fostering deeper emotional connections in relationships.
6 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 27min
The Anxious-Avoidant Conflict Resolution
Drew, one half of a couple working through their relationship with Emotionally Focused Therapy, shares insights alongside his partner Melissa. They dive into the emotional dynamics of their differing responses during a tense dinner involving their son's behavior. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional validation and the complexities of balancing personal needs with collective coping strategies. Melissa and Drew emphasize the necessity of empathy, compromise, and open communication to foster a healthier relationship while navigating the challenges of parenting.
5 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
What the Anxious Partner Needs vs What the Anxious Partner Communicates
The podcast dives into the intricate communication patterns between an anxious partner and their spouse. It highlights how past experiences shape current fears and the critical need for reassurance. The conversation emphasizes articulating emotional needs to avoid misunderstandings. Anxiety in relationships and the complexities of parenting are explored, showcasing how feelings of neglect can arise. Finally, the importance of clear communication and emotional support is underscored, helping partners navigate uncertainty and foster a secure connection.
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
What Happens When the Avoidant Partner Faces Their Anger?
Drew, a dedicated partner and parent, shares his insights on navigating relationship challenges with his wife, Melissa. The discussion dives into the tension between his social desires and her yearning for connection. Drew confronts his struggles with expressing anger, which he often equates with losing control. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging valid emotions and fostering healthy communication. Drew learns how embracing his feelings can bridge the emotional gap with Melissa, promoting a more nurturing family dynamic.
8 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 26min
Fear, Frustration and the Other Side of the Protest
Drew, one half of a couple on a journey of relationship growth, shares insights on overcoming communication barriers with his partner, Melissa. He recounts a dinner incident that spiraled into frustration and fear, showcasing the emotional toll of their disconnect. Drew reveals the 'knot in his stomach' that echoes his struggles to articulate feelings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and understanding in breaking the cycle of misunderstanding, while exploring strategies for fostering intimacy and emotional engagement.
6 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 19min
A Protest for Love: Fighting to be Seen
Drew, one half of a couple navigating relationship challenges, shares insights from his journey with his partner. They discuss the struggle of shifting from daily responsibilities to relaxation during an anniversary trip. The conversation highlights the importance of emotional bids and the pain of connection versus disconnection. Drew and his partner explore feelings of rejection and protest, emphasizing the need for clear communication to foster intimacy. Their experiences remind listeners of the delicate balance between seeking connection and feeling overwhelmed.
4 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 17min
The Social Shift: When Motherhood Redefines Marriage Dynamics
Melissa, a stay-at-home mom, shares her journey of navigating motherhood's challenges, revealing the insecurities and frustrations that plague her. Drew, her partner, discusses his desire for social time, which contrasts with Melissa's feelings of being overwhelmed. They explore how parenthood shifts relationship dynamics, often leading to emotional disconnects. Through therapy insights, the couple learns the importance of validating each other's needs and fostering open communication to bridge the growing gaps in their marriage.
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 33min
The Shame That Blocks Connection
Drew, who bravely confronts childhood shame linked to a painful baseball game memory, shares his anxiety about work and relationships. With guidance from Julie, he learns the power of vulnerability in fostering connection. They explore emotional burdens, the intricacies of avoidance in relationships, and the journey toward self-acceptance. As Drew articulates his feelings, the couple makes progress from isolation to a deeper connection, highlighting the importance of emotional safety and open communication.
4 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 41min
Understanding the Anxious Partner
Melissa, an anxious partner, shares her journey of navigating deep emotions with Drew, her supportive partner. Their conversation unpacks the challenge of feeling like they’re 'getting it wrong' in their interactions. A therapist guides them through understanding how Melissa's tendency to intellectualize her feelings stems from a fear of rejection. They explore the importance of emotional validation and how Drew can better support Melissa's emotional needs. The discussion emphasizes building secure attachments by making space for each other's feelings in relationships.
