The Relationship Blueprint: Unlock Your Power of Connection

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Are you struggling to understand your partner's seemingly perplexing behaviors? The mystery might lie in neurodiversity – the natural variation in how human brains function. 

In this eye-opening conversation, Imago therapist Ian Tomlinson brings his unique perspective as both a relationship expert and an autistic man diagnosed at 53. With warmth and candor, he dismantles harmful myths about autism while offering practical wisdom for couples navigating neurological differences.

"It's a difference, not a deficit," Tomlinson emphasizes, challenging the pathologizing framework that has dominated our understanding of neurodivergent minds. Far from lacking emp...

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When betrayal shatters trust in a relationship, the cultural script is clear: there's a victim and a perpetrator. But what if we've been thinking about affairs all wrong?

Master Imago therapist Gene Shelley guides us through a profound reframing of infidelity that moves beyond blame and judgment. With decades of clinical experience helping couples navigate the aftermath of affairs, Gene offers a compassionate perspective on what's really happening beneath the surface when someone betrays their partner.

"Affairs are not really affairs," Gene explains. "They're an acting out of unmet...

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What happens when the spark fades? That question haunts couples across all life stages, from newlyweds to empty nesters. In this illuminating conversation with Nikki, a dual-certified Imago therapist and sex therapist, we uncover the delicate interplay between emotional connection and physical intimacy that shapes our relationships.

Nikki dismantles common misconceptions about sex therapy with warmth and candor. Forget awkward demonstrations or uncomfortable scenarios—this is talk therapy that creates safe spaces for exploring desires and addressing barriers to satisfaction. By integrating these approaches with Imago Relationship Therapy's focus on childhood wo...

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What does it mean to mother ourselves, and why might this be one of the most important relationships we'll ever develop? Dr. Nedra Fetterman joins the Relationship Blueprint podcast to explore the profound impact of our earliest experiences with caregivers and how these shape our internal dialogue throughout adulthood.

Dr. Fetterman, a psychologist and Imago faculty member, shares her personal journey of growing up with a teenage mother who, despite physical presence, was emotionally unavailable. Through this lens, she introduces us to the concept of the "mother wound" - the lasting...

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When relationships falter, many couples seek help without understanding what makes therapy truly effective. Dr. Kathy MalcolmHall joins the Relationship Blueprint to reveal the four research-backed common factors that determine success in couples therapy, regardless of approach.

The conversation opens by contrasting individual therapy with couples work, examining how the shift from personal pathology to relational understanding creates powerful healing opportunities. "Most therapists help couples move from vilification to partnership," Dr. MalcolmHall explains, highlighting how blaming and diagnosing partners ("he's a narcissist" or "she has ADHD") undermines connection. Instead, effective therapy...

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What if the recurring conflicts in your relationship aren't about incompatibility but instead signal that your unspoken agreements need updating? Bob and Wendy Patterson, married for 44 years and pioneers in relationship therapy, introduce the revolutionary concept of relational contracts that could transform how you connect with your partner.

Drawing from their personal journey through power struggles and miscommunications, the Pattersons reveal how unconscious agreements form naturally during the romantic phase but often become problematic as partners grow and change. Wendy candidly shares how her oldest-child tendency to direct her husband collided...

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Ever watched your teenager struggle with what comes next after high school? The pressure to choose the "right" college major or career path can be overwhelming for young people—and equally stressful for the parents trying to guide them.

Brian Eames, a certified Birkman consultant, reveals how this powerful personality assessment can transform how teenagers approach their futures. Having worked with students from high school through their twenties, Brian shares fascinating insights into how the Berkman helps young people discover career paths that align with their natural strengths and needs.

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Michele Naudé, Imago therapist and faculty member from South Africa, shares profound insights about the parenting journey, with special focus on single parenting and the constant balance between struggles and celebrations.

• The concept of being a "good enough parent" rather than striving for perfection
• How showing up consistently, being warm and reliable creates safety for children
• Understanding that every interaction builds our children's "imago" - their blueprint for future relationships
• The unique challenges of single parenting and managing parental exhaustion
• Why validation is crucial when communicating with teenagers

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Discover the importance of creating a shared vision for relationships and how it can enhance emotional intimacy. Sophia Slate joins us to discuss practical insights for couples seeking to clarify and establish their relationship goals.

• Exploring the concept of relationship vision 
• Discussing why a shared vision matters for couples 
• Steps to write and articulate your relationship vision 
• Understanding the value of differences in relationships 
• Creating a vacation vision to enhance shared experiences 
• Establishing weekly rituals to keep the vision alive 
• The role of appreciation and gratitude in nurturi...

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Join us for an inspiring episode as we celebrate the joy of welcoming new life into the world with the birth of Baby Jonah Gray. This episode is a heartfelt discussion on the journeys of parenting, the innate challenges that come with it, and how our past shapes our present as parents. We dive deep into the tapestry of family dynamics, reflecting on the teachings and strategies shared by parenting expert Marcia Ferstenfeld. 

As we recount the profound experiences of parenting, we emphasize how critical relationships are in shaping our interactions w...

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This episode dives into how understanding polyvagal theory can profoundly impact our ability to connect in relationships. Hayley Hoffman, an Imago therapist, explores the importance of safety, co-regulation, and practical strategies, encouraging listeners to cultivate curiosity and playfulness to navigate conflicts and enhance connection.

• Understanding polyvagal theory and its implications for relationships 
• The role of safety in thriving relationships 
• Exploring the concept of co-regulation and nonverbal communication 
• How to manage emotional reactions and create space for connection 
• Introducing the "SIFT" framework for emotional awareness 
• Strategies like breath and moveme...

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This podcast episode explores the complexities of love and relationships, focusing on lifelong intimacy rather than one-day celebrations. Equipped with practical advice from Dr. Harville Hendricks and Dr. Helen LaKelley Hunt, listeners learn how to cultivate lasting love through communication, removing negativity, and celebrating shared experiences.

• Discussing the deeper meaning of Valentine’s Day in long-term relationships 
• The significance of managing expectations in love 
• The importance of a zero negativity approach to sustain intimacy 
• Transforming negative interactions into healing dialogues 
• The role of childhood experiences in shaping relationship dyn...

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This episode focuses on the often-overlooked topic of menopause, featuring Jessica Ames, who shares her personal journey and insights into how hormonal changes can affect women's lives and relationships. It discusses the importance of informed care, recognizing symptoms, and advocating for better health support for menopausal women. 

• Jessica reflects on her own experiences with menopause 
• The 2002 study on hormone replacement therapy and its implications 
• Understanding the three stages of menopause 
• Symptoms of menopause that are frequently misattributed 
• The importance of recognizing hormonal shifts in women’s health 
• Advocating f...

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This episode delves into the profound complexities of grief within relationships and how couples can support each other through challenging times. Through Allison Dragony’s insights, listeners learn about the importance of open communication, understanding neurodivergence in emotional responses, and creating safe spaces for dialogue when navigating loss.

• Exploring the impact of business loss on personal relationships 
• The importance of connection during grief 
• Demonstrating Imago dialogue techniques for deeper communication 
• Discussing the significance of pregnancy loss and its emotional toll 
• Navigating grief in neurodivergent families 
• Encouraging listeners to seek h...

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Discover how embracing anger can transform your relationships in our latest episode of the Relationship Blueprint. We've invited Adela Moldovan, a distinguished therapist from Romania, to share her profound insights on the complex ways anger is socialized in children and its impact on adult relationships. Have cultural norms led you to suppress your emotions? Adela reveals how societal expectations often discourage girls from expressing anger and pressure boys to hide their fears, contributing to adult challenges in communication and connection.

As we navigate the turbulent seas of anger in relationships, we...

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Join us for an enlightening conversation as we kick off the second season of the Relationship Blueprint with a fantastic guest, a seasoned clinician and co-creator of the "Connected Parents and Thriving Kids" course. Together, we unravel the profound influence of childhood experiences on our adult lives and relationships, and the promise of understanding our past to forge healthier futures. We dive into the concept of "upriver prevention," an inspiring metaphor that highlights the critical importance of addressing childhood needs early on, setting the foundation for a conscious and intentional adulthood.

...

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Ever wondered why our New Year's resolutions fizzle out despite our best intentions? Discover the underlying factors that can make or break your goals as we explore the nuances of clarity, motivation, and accountability. Together, we'll examine how viewing your objectives through a relational lens can uncover unhealthy ties with yourself or external influences. Ask yourself why change is necessary and re-evaluate past methods to unlock the true potential of your aspirations. Learn why mental health is more than just a buzzword but a pillar of sustained motivation and how regular check-ins can...

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Have you ever wondered how your personal contributions shape the dynamics of your relationships? Join me as I recount my transformative experience with the Imago Relationship Theory, a journey sparked by an unforgettable appearance from Dr. Harville Hendrix on Oprah. This episode serves as both an invitation and a promise: you'll gain invaluable insights into nurturing healthier connections by understanding your own role in relationship dynamics. Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, the brilliant minds behind Imago, bring their wisdom to the forefront, offering tools that extend beyond personal relationships to...

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Join us for an illuminating conversation with Maureen Brine, a leading figure in addiction recovery and Imago Relationship Therapy. With over three decades of experience, Maureen opens up about her personal journey, exploring how growing up as an adult child of an alcoholic and being a mother to a son in recovery has shaped her unique approach to healing. Maureen shares her belief that interventions are profound acts of love, underscoring the critical role of family in the recovery journey. She also offers a glimpse into her upcoming book, "Recovering Hearts," which promises...

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Peace advocate and imago therapist Orly Warhman shares her unique perspective on life in Israel amidst ongoing conflict. With a son serving in the military reserve and a daughter organizing a Woodstock Peace Festival, Orly's family embodies the duality of life in a war-torn region—balancing duty and the the desire for peace. Discover the profound personal narratives as Orly discusses the emotional toll of living under missile threats and how her family's efforts aim to bridge divides, fostering understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Our conversation dives into the transformative power of...

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In this conversation, Colleen Kowal and Rebecca explore the intricacies of communication in relationships, especially during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of setting intentions, understanding perceptions, and practicing effective communication to foster deeper connections. The dialogue emphasizes gratitude and appreciation as vital components in nurturing relationships, while also addressing the challenges of genuine communication. The episode concludes with a commitment to practice these principles in everyday interactions, highlighting the transformative power of a positive mindset in relationships.

Unlock the secrets to nurturing your relationships with the communication strategies shared...