Dear Dr. Tracy

Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to set boundaries with family, or how to repair your marriage after a fight about in-laws? In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish dives into two powerful listener questions that so many couples and families struggle with.First, Dr. Tracy explores the question: “Is it okay to intentionally avoid a sibling who constantly makes hurtful comments?” If you’ve ever dealt with toxic siblings, family tension, or sibling rivalry as adults, you’ll learn the difference between avoidance and boundaries, how to protect your emotional health at family gatherings, and how to communicate your limits without guilt.Then, she answers: “How do I repair my marriage after a fight about my mother-in-law wanting to live with us temporarily?” Dr. Tracy walks through a step-by-step process for marriage repair after conflict, including nervous system regulation, setting healthy in-law boundaries, and finding a way to work as a united team with your partner. If you’ve ever argued about your mother-in-law moving in, intrusive in-laws, or family living arrangements, this segment will give you the tools to navigate conflict, reconnect, and rebuild trust in your marriage.Key topics in this episode:Setting boundaries with siblings who cross the lineThe difference between avoidance and boundariesHow to stay emotionally safe during family gatheringsRepairing your marriage after an argument about in-lawsNavigating mother-in-law conflicts and living arrangement disputesBuilding a united front with your partnerPractical communication strategies for family conflictIf you’ve ever searched for “how to set boundaries with in-laws,” “toxic sibling relationships,” or “repair after marriage fights,” this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical steps forward. Jefferson Fisher's The Next Conversation book: Amazon Link Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most expecting parents prepare everything for baby—birth plan, hospital bag, freezer meals, nursery, car seat—but rarely prepare their relationship. Clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the realities of the postpartum relationship—from mental load and sleep deprivation to resentment, disconnection, and shifts in intimacy after birth. She’s joined by Dr. Cassidy Freitas, LMFT (San Diego–based, mom of three, host of Holding Space), who specializes in supporting millennial parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. This conversation normalizes that hard ≠ bad and that relationships move through seasons. When it’s hard, it’s a signal to get support, strengthen co-parenting, and rebuild connection—not a verdict on the marriage. What they cover (no fluff): Why “a baby brings us closer” is a myth for many couples Postpartum mental health: postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression (including partner/dad depression) Communication skills and repair after conflict when you’re exhausted Values-based parenting and co-parenting teamwork Generous interpretation and soft start-ups to reduce blame Intimacy after baby and micro-connection rituals that fit real life Boundaries with in-laws/grandparents and navigating extended family Need structured help? For on-demand tools to share the mental load, improve communication, and feel like a team, explore Be Connected. Dr. Cassidy’s private practice websiteFollow Dr. Cassidy on InstagramListen to Holding Space RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alyssa Blask Campbell, founder of Seed and Sew and bestselling author, joins to discuss the emotional landscape of kids aged 5–12. They explore why age seven marks a pivotal shift in independence and identity, addressing emotional pushback. Alyssa introduces her Collaborative Emotion Processing method, emphasizing attunement over control. Listeners learn effective strategies for sibling conflicts and the root causes of childhood lying, advocating for curiosity instead of punishment. This enlightening conversation provides practical tools for nurturing emotional intelligence in both parents and children.

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores why partners often feel like they “say the wrong thing” or come across as too critical. Drawing on a listener’s story, she highlights how inner criticism, rejection sensitivity, and Enneagram One tendencies can fuel negative interaction cycles. Dr. Tracy offers practical strategies—such as pausing before speaking, softening startups, naming the cycle, and practicing the Most Generous Interpretation—to help couples move from disconnection to repair. Emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and emotional safety, she shows how couples can shift out of criticism and defensiveness into healthier communication, deeper connection, and stronger relationships. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY and get on your way to being your best self. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.comMint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is joined by her husband Greg for part two of their deep dive on trust in relationships. Building on last week’s conversation about the difference between love and trust, attachment styles, and how trust is broken, this episode focuses on five powerful ways to rebuild trust after betrayal or disconnection. Listeners will learn why small daily actions matter, how to repair after ruptures, and why vulnerability and transparency are key to intimacy. Dr. Tracy also unpacks the role of self-trust and shares practical scripts couples can use in moments of insecurity or defensiveness. Through real-life therapy insights and community Q&A, this conversation tackles infidelity, emotional withdrawal, resentment, and even the feeling of getting “the ick” in long-term relationships. Whether you’re wondering “Can I trust my partner again?” or struggling with consistency, accountability, or broken promises, this episode provides actionable strategies to strengthen emotional intimacy and rebuild connection. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACYAirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with her husband, Greg, to tackle one of the most common questions in relationships: “I love my partner, but why don’t I trust them?”Together, they unpack the difference between love and trust—and why love alone doesn’t guarantee a secure relationship. Drawing from real client stories, parenting examples, and their own marriage, they explore how trust is built in micro-moments, why small cracks (like inconsistency, broken promises, or emotional withdrawal) can erode trust, and how attachment styles shape the way couples experience security.Listeners will learn about:The key differences between love vs. trust in relationships.How attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant) affect intimacy and connection.The subtle ways trust can be ruptured through micro-betrayals, emotional shutdowns, or lack of repair.Why trust is not just about fidelity, but about reliability, safety, and honoring vulnerability.Reflection questions to help you assess the balance of love and trust in your own relationship.This episode lays the groundwork for part two, where Dr. Tracy and Greg dive into how to rebuild trust after it’s been broken and answer listener questions.Whether you’re married, dating, or simply curious about the psychology of relationships, this episode offers relationship advice, marriage insights, and practical takeaways to help couples build stronger, more connected partnerships. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Create a stronger relationship with Dr. Tracy's online program: Be Connected Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Dr. Tracy and Greg explore a listener’s struggle with saying no to her husband’s request—especially when his disappointment feels “loud and heavy.” During a tense family vacation at his parents’ cottage, she wanted to leave early, but agreed to stay longer to avoid upsetting him—only to end up in tears.They unpack:Why so many people put their own needs aside to keep the peaceHow fear of disappointing a partner can quietly erode connectionThe difference between compromise and self-abandonmentHow to tolerate a partner’s disappointment without spiraling into guiltPractical ways to have hard conversations while staying connectedThis episode is for anyone who has ever said “yes” when every part of them wanted to say “no,” offering tools to protect personal well-being, communicate with clarity, and strengthen the relationship. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with her husband, Greg, to unpack the often-misconceived topic of assertive vs defensive communication styles.    They answer real questions from the community about what it looks like to champion self-respect and a deeper understanding of your partner by lending practical steps to change the defensive patterns in our relationships and implementing assertive and authentic responses.    In this episode, they discuss:  Important examples of defensive and assertive responses   How modelled communication styles from your personal history effects your present communication styles    The effect that the words we use have on our inner narratives   The ways that adequacy, shame, and self-worth play a part in our responses   How self-respect is a key player in understanding defensiveness   The key differences between the female and male experience in our responses    How assertiveness creates space for your thoughts, feelings, needs, and your partner’s understanding     This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and HoneyLove. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY HoneyLove: Save 10% at honeylove.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Luxury bedding. Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, we explore one of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges in long-term relationships: when one partner desires more sex, while the other feels overwhelmed, touched out, or emotionally disconnected. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and couples therapist, breaks down the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire, explains why sex can feel like part of running a marathon for some partners, and unpacks how sex is often a bid for connection—not just physical pleasure.You’ll learn how emotional and sexual intimacy are wired differently, how to stop taking rejection personally, and what practical steps couples can take to rebuild connection without blame or pressure. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the sex-versus-talk dynamic, this episode will help you deepen your understanding—and find a new way forward, together. Join my More Than Roommates Challenge now and spend the next ten days feeling more connected. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ ACORNS Early debit card and smart app for kids: ⁠⁠acornsearly.com/tracy⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Coldplay’s Jumbotron "kiss cam" (sidenote, it's not a kiss cam, its the Jumbotron Song) sparked global buzz over an affair, it reminded us of a hard truth—infidelity is not entertainment. In this must-listen episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and relationship expert, breaks down the real reasons people cheat, from disconnection and loneliness to conflict avoidance and unmet emotional needs. You’ll learn: Why affairs happen (it’s not always about sex) The truth about shame, betrayal, and emotional wounds How couples can begin to heal after infidelity Whether you’re rebuilding trust, struggling with betrayal, or reflecting on your own relationship, this episode offers insight, compassion, and powerful takeaways. Keywords: infidelity, why people cheat, relationship betrayal, marriage repair, emotional affairs, rebuilding trust, couples therapy, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠     Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices