How is your relationship? What words would you use to describe it? Is it simply good, or is it great? Is it ordinary—or exceptional? You know, there is nothing to rival the safety and security of a committed, loving relationship in which you KNOW that your partner cares for you above all others and ALWAYS has your back. 

My guest today is an expert on conflict and couples. Anne Goshen helps couples feel close and secure with each other, using the Gottman method of attachment therapy. Anne is also a fellow podcaster; her The Couples Toolbox podcast is coming in mid-September! Join me to learn more about Anne and her work.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

What comes to mind with the word vacation? You may envision a tropical locale, a snow-covered ski slope, historic European cities, or a getaway filled with adventures. What you may not realize, though, is the impact of vacations on couples and relationships. The essential ingredient in a vacation is time set aside for ourselves and our partner. A vacation will reveal things about you and your connection to your partner. Vacations are CRITICAL!

My wife and I just returned from an incredible vacation in the Mediterranean. We took a cruise to Rome and visited Spain and Italy. We spent much time connecting with one another in a stress-free, relaxed environment. We returned feeling refreshed and recharged both individually. There is no doubt that our relationship was strengthened by our time away. Let’s dig deeper into some of the benefits of VACATIONS!

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Welcome to the 72^nd episode of The Couples Expert podcast! Today’s show is dedicated to actor Leonard Nimoy, who died in 2012 of COPD. I grew up as a Trekkie to beat all Trekkies---the ultimate fan of the original Star Trek series. Listen along, and you’ll see why I call this episode, Vulcan Marriage.

Relationships---they enrich our lives in SO many ways. If you are fortunate enough to be in a relationship with a partner, then you know that relationship is very special. It’s the relationship that brings more meaning and significance than anything else in life. And you know, we really all want the same thing: to know that we have a relationship with a partner that is special, authentic, and transparent. We want to feel secure and significant. 

How do we achieve these relationship goals? Fortunately, it’s NOT a guessing game. We have the answers! That’s what this show is all about! We want to turn disconnection into connection, on this wonderful journey called LIFE. Our tips, experts, and advice will show that relationship change CAN be created, and can impact your friends, colleagues, children, and grandchildren. Today’s solo episode topic is the debate whether LOGIC or EMOTION is the best quality in a relationship.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com

Trauma---and connection. Have you ever thought about the relationship between the words? Can true connection exist in a world tainted by trauma? Fortunately for many, the answer is YES. Trauma can steal SO MUCH of the good from our lives and affect relationships in extremely negative ways, but there is HOPE. My guest today is committed to bringing hope, healing and connection to those who have experienced trauma. I’m excited to introduce you to Laura!

Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, practices in Maryland, working specifically with individuals and couples affected by trauma. Laura and I actually met online in a Facebook group, discussing our practices and podcasts. We proudly bond as Terrapins from the University of Maryland! Laura’s podcast is Therapy Chat—definitely worth your time in listening! Laura is a Daring Way facilitator, which is a therapy technique based on the research of Dr. Brene’ Brown. She also implements Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in her practice. 

Laura explains why she found a home within the trauma niche of therapy. After taking classes about violence against women and children, Laura was intrigued by the reasons behind abusive behavior and the oft-repeated cycles of abuse. Children, no matter how young, can experience harmful emotional effects from domestic violence taking place around them. Through her work at a sexual assault crisis center, Laura felt compelled to devote her life’s work to helping people recover from the long-term effects of trauma. She works now to provide therapy, to stop the cycles, and to be part of the CHANGE.

You can read the full show notes and access all the links and resources at www.thecouplesexpertscottsdale.com