Afleveringen

  • Welcome to a very special episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast titled "Attachment Theory and Marriage with Dr. Greg Cheney." Before we dive in, remember to take our ARE quiz based on the brief accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement scale to assess the attachment dynamics in your own relationships.

    In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky and Dr. Greg Cheney to dive into the fascinating world of Attachment Theory and its impact on marriage, especially within the context of military life. Dr. Cheney brings his unique perspective as a chaplain and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience in the military, offering valuable insights into creating secure and connected relationships.

    Together, they explore the importance of safe haven and secure base relationships, the challenges faced by military couples, and practical strategies to strengthen emotional bonds. Join us as we unravel the complexities of attachment in relationships and discover how understanding these dynamics can lead to deeper connections and emotional well-being.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of your relationship Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome to a very special episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast titled "Attachment Parenting with Con Sheehan." Before we dive in, remember to take our ARE quiz based on the brief accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement scale to assess the attachment dynamics in your own relationships.

    Today, we are joined by the esteemed clinical social worker Con Sheehan, who specializes in emotionally focused therapy for families and couples. In this episode, we delve into the world of attachment parenting, exploring how parents' availability and empathetic engagement play critical roles in fostering children's security and resilience.

    Con provides valuable insights into how children cope with feelings of caregiver inaccessibility and how this can influence their behavior and life choices, including the risks of substance use. We also discuss specific challenges faced by military families, such as managing parental roles during deployment and the unique stresses that can impact both children and parents.

    To aid our understanding, Con shares examples from his practice, focusing on creating a family environment where each member's needs are understood and met. We'll emphasize the importance of repair, availability, and intentional parenting—even discussing how therapy, even short-term, can be instrumental for families.

    Whether you're a parent feeling the weight of responsibility or someone interested in emotional and relationship health, this episode is packed with practical advice and deep insights to help you connect more deeply with your loved ones. Join us, and let's start building stronger family bonds today!

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of your relationship Read the show notes for this episode here.
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  • Welcome back to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. Today, we continue our special series on attachment in relationships and are joined by Dr. Clare Rosoman, a Clinical Psychologist in Brisbane, Australia. She is an international trainer in Emotionally Focused Therapy and is the author of "An Emotionally Focused Guide to Relationship Loss: Life after Love," and its companion workbook, Dr. Rosoman brings compassion, expertise, and grounded advice on navigating the turbulent seas of heartbreak. Before we dive in, remember to take our ARE quiz based on the brief accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement scale to assess the attachment dynamics in your own relationships.

    In this episode, we’ll explore the realities of divorce rates among military couples and delve into the "Goldilocks flexibility" needed to manage the delicate balance between honoring our feelings and moving forward pragmatically. Dr. Rosoman will reveal how your attachment style can be a guiding north star through the process of healing and growth after a relationship loss.

    Together, Dr. Rosoman and I discuss attachment theory as it relates to our need for closeness, comfort, and the inevitable impact on our emotional regulation when bonds are severed. We'll also share personal reflections on how varying attachment strategies play out in real life, particularly through the lens of military deployments.

    This episode isn’t just about loss—it's a beacon of hope for rediscovering your capacity to thrive post-divorce, and a reminder that through understanding and grieving, we can emerge resilient and ready for deeper connections.

    So, let's navigate the journey of relationship loss and the transformative power of attachment theory. Whether you're grappling with the end of a relationship or seeking to understand your emotional landscape, we're here to guide you through it—with grace, empathy, and insight.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of your relationship Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome back to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Elizabeth Polinsky. Today, we continue our special series on attachment in relationships with a highly anticipated guest, Dr. Bill Senyard, who brings 25 years of pastoral counseling experience and a deep understanding of attachment theory principles. Before we dive in, remember to take our ARE quiz based on the brief accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement scale to assess the attachment dynamics in your own relationships.

    In this episode, we'll explore the profound questions of "can I count on you" and "am I worthy of love," as we discuss how our earliest experiences shape our capacity for forming secure emotional connections. Dr. Senyard will guide us through the four quadrants of attachment theory—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—shedding light on how these styles influence our behaviors and relationships.

    We also delve into the intersection of attachment theory and spirituality, examining how a relationship with God can provide a sense of security and value, aiding in emotional self-regulation. Dr. Senyard shares insights into how spiritual attachment impacts interactions in our relationships, with a special focus on the unique challenges that military families may face.

    Through this journey, we'll confront the fear cycle, understand how to express hurt constructively, and learn the role of pastoral and EFT marriage counseling in fostering secure connections. Dr. Senyard will also introduce his "good enough parent online" program, offering faith-based, scientific parenting tips catered to improving parent-teen interactions, a resource that's especially relevant to our military families listening in.

    Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship with your partner, navigate parenting in the digital age, or understand the power dynamics within spirituality, this episode provides guidance to help you out. So tune in as we seek to communicate, connect, and grow together right here on The Communicate & Connect Podcast.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of your relationship Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of relationships to uncover the secrets of connection and communication. I'm your host, Elizabeth Polinsky, and in today’s episode, we're joined by Dr. James Hawkins, an expert Emotional Focused Therapy Trainer. Together, we'll explore the world of attachment theory in relationships, especially through the lens of military couples.

    The very essence of attachment – our inherent need for close, intimate connections – can sometimes lead us into a dance of pursuit and withdrawal with our partners. We’ll delve into why 80% of couples fall into this relationshiip pattern and how our past experiences shape the way we reach for or respond to our loved ones.

    Dr. Hawkins brings a unique perspective to the table, teaching us how to navigate emotional signals, the effects of emotional flooding, and the importance of a "mission" focus in our relationships. In discussing implications for military coouuples, we discuss the invaluable role of rituals in maintaining connections despite physical distance and the strategy of visual and emotional connection during times of separation.

    For all you military couples out there, we understand the nuances of emotional regulation that your lifestyle demands. From turning down the dimmer switch of emotions during deployments, to flicking it back on to reconnect with family post-deployment, this episode aims to shed light on the delicate balance needed for a secure attachment bond – a cornerstone of resilient relationships.

    As always, remember that while our podcast is packed with valuable insights, it's not a substitute for professional therapy. We encourage you to take our attachment quiz (link below) to gain a deeper understanding of your relationship's dynamics and know when it may be time to seek counseling.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of your relationship Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome to The Communicate and Connect Podcast for Military Relationships. In today's episode, Attachment Theory 101, our host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky delves into the fundamental concepts of attachment theory and its impact on relationships, especially in the context of military couples.

    Elizabeth, a marriage counselor with a PhD in couples therapy, explores how attachment theory influences the development of personality, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms in both children and adults.

    Drawing from her research, Dr. Polinsky emphasizes the importance of building secure attachment bonds in relationships and discusses the role of mutual caretaking, sexuality, and exploration within secure relationships. She also introduces the concept of anxious and avoidant attachment styles, shedding light on how they manifest in relationships.

    Furthermore, she unveils a special freebie, The ARE Quiz, designed to help couples assess the security of their attachment bond. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the fascinating world of attachment theory with Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Access the ARE: Are You There for Me? Relationship Quiz to help you understand the quality and security of yoru relatiionship Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast! In this episode, we have a vital conversation on our agenda: Different Types of Abuse in a Relationship. We delve into this sensitive topic due to an unexpected rescheduling, but it's a discussion that cannot be overstated in its importance.

    In our episode, we'll explore various forms of intimate partner violence, from the more apparent physical and emotional abuse, to the often-overlooked financial and digital dating abuse. We'll dissect the differences between situational partner violence and intimate terrorism and discuss why understanding these distinctions is crucial before considering measures like divorce.
    Statistics reveal that intimate partner violence and emotional abuse are alarmingly common, and we'll talk about the stigma faced by male victims and the prevalence of bi-directional violence, with a specific look at its impact in military relationships.

    We'll also scrutinize traditional therapy approaches and why they may have fallen short, leading us to the growing research that supports the use of couple therapy, especially emotionally focused therapy, for situational couple violence.

    We acknowledge the societal pressures and the risks of escalation that come with experiencing violence in a relationship. Our goal is to offer a haven for listeners to learn, seek support, and understand the reality of abuse, and the importance of professional help, whether through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Military One Source, or our own ten-week Relationship Email Course.

    Remember, this podcast is not a substitute for therapy, but a guide to educate and support. If any content in today’s episode triggers you, please reach out for help from a professional.

    Prepare to learn, grow, and connect as we navigate the complex and troubling waters of relationship abuse. Stay tuned as we dive deep into the different types of abuse, their manifestations, and steps toward healing and healthier relationships.

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome back to another episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a very special episode in store for you. We will be diving deep into the highs and lows of military life as a couple with our guests, Shanon and Matthew Morris. Shanon is a Navy veteran, and Matthew is a former Marine, making them the perfect pair to shed light on this unique and often challenging experience.

    In this episode, we'll discover how they met on a dating app called Bumble and embarked on a first date that lasted for hours, setting the stage for a truly meaningful connection. From there, we'll explore their whirlwind romance, with an engagement within seven months and a wedding within nine months. But as military life would have it, their journey was filled with various hurdles and hardships, including deployments, a motorcycle accident, and the tough process of going through the medical board and discharging from military service.

    As we delve into their story, Matthew and Shanon will share how their military career took an unexpected turn, forcing them to navigate a period of transition together. Alongside this, they also faced other major life changes, like Shanon getting laid off and discovering they were expecting a baby. Throughout it all, they found strength in their motto, "fighting naked," which encompasses vulnerability, light-heartedness, and the ability to resolve conflicts.

    Join us as we explore the lessons they've learned along the way, including their advice on effective communication and the importance of aligning core values. Plus, they recommend a fantastic book for couples to spark meaningful conversations about finance, spirituality, and more. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful and uplifting episode on navigating military life as a couple with Shanon and Matthew Morris. Let's dive in!

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome back to another episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a very special episode for you.

    Joining us are the dynamic duo of Drs. Dustin and Kerry Brockberg, experts in the field of chronic pain. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of chronic pain in relationships.

    We often think of pain as purely physical, but it goes beyond that. The "acute pain mindset" that we're all familiar with doesn't apply to chronic pain, which requires ongoing interventions. In this epsiode, we expand our definition of pain to include not just physical pain, but also emotional and social pain.

    Drs. Brockberg bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this conversation as we explore the unique challenges that military service members and veterans face when it comes to chronic pain and reintegrating into society. We also delve into strategies for chronic pain management, ranging from relaxation techniques to cognitive behavioral therapy. Towards the end of the episode, we discuss the critical role of support systems and acceptance in managing chronic pain.

    So, if you're ready to deepen your understanding of chronic pain in relationships, join us in this episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast with Drs. Dustin and Kerry Brockberg. It's time to challenge our perceptions and explore new ways of supporting veterans and service members who experience chronic pain. Let's dive in!

    >>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome back to another episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a special guest joining us, military spouse and therapist Braquelle Murphy. In this episode, we'll be diving into the powerful topic of advocating for yourself. Braquelle shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, making difficult decisions, and finding the support necessary to pursue her dreams. From navigating long-distance relationships in the military community to facing setbacks in her career, Braquelle's story is both inspiring and relatable. We'll explore the importance of surrounding yourself with the right support system, how to choose the people who will uplift you, and the significance of taking proactive steps even in the face of discomfort. So, whether you're seeking motivation to advocate for yourself or looking for practical tips on navigating challenging situations, this episode is for you.

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Welcome back to another episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a very special guest with us, Karen McMahon. In this episode, we delve into the topic of recovering from divorce. Karen, a divorce coach herself, shares her personal journey of going through a high conflict divorce and how it eventually became a catalyst for her personal growth and transformation. We explore the importance of self-reflection, taking responsibility, and finding forgiveness and compassion in order to heal and move forward. Karen also touches on the impact of divorce on children and the significance of modeling healthy relationships for them. If you're currently going through a divorce or have experienced one in the past, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we dive into this conversation on recovering from divorce with Karen McMahon.

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • For Veterans leaving military life and transitioning to post-military life, there is often a healing journey that they have to go through. This journey can also involve self forgiveness. In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews Air Force Veteran Bob Taylor on his journey toward self forgiveness and his advice to other Veterans.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    Bob Taylor's journey toward self forgiveness How to start the process toward self forgiveness Advice for Veterans working toward self forgiveness How military spouses can support the journey toward self forgiveness 5 signs of when to get professional help

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Many military couples are impacted by the experience of traumatic events, and this can take a toll on the relationship. In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews trauma expert Karen Robinson on ways to heal from trauma while in a relationship.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    Symptoms of trauma How trauma impacts relationships Ways couples can work on improving communication after trauma And individual and relational healing after trauma

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • How do you communicate needs in a relationship? In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews mind-body coach Juliette Karaman on she teaches her coaching clients to communicate their needs in relationships.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    The difference between relationship coaching and couples counseling The importance of communicating needs in a relationship How to communicate needs in a relationship Juliette's tips for military couples

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Which business strategies can be helpful for relationships? In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews relationship coach, Dr. Robin Buckley on business strategies she teaches her relationship coaching clients.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    The difference between relationship coaching and couples counseling How to pick a good coach Business and coaching strategies for relationships Dr. Buckley's tips for military couples

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • How do military spouses have their own careers while being married to the military? In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews Dr. Elaina DaLomba on the findings from her research related to how military spouses navigated their careers.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    How military spouse careers are related to relationship satisfaction Challenges military spouses face in employment Ways military spouses have been creative to pursue their careers even with the challenges of military life The key takeaways from Dr. DaLomba's research on military spouse employment

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Having a personal identity is important for your relationship but can also help you stay more grounded in the face of life stressors. In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews LaQuita Monely on how to have a personal identity in a marriage.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    What is identity and why is it important? Challenges of identity as a military spouse. How having your own identity is related to marriage success. Tips for military couples and spouses to develop a sense of identity.

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Everyone has overwhelming emotions from time to time that impact their relationships. Learning to deal with overwhelming emotions can be helpful in terms of being able to get your needs met, but also in being able to have better communication with your partner. In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews Jackie Schuld on dealing with overwhelming emotions in a marriage.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    Dealing with emotions in a marriage Why effectively dealing with emotions is especially important for military couples How Jackie Schuld teaches her clients to deal with overwhelming emotions Steps to identifying your needs beneath emotions:​ Tips for military couples dealing with overwhelming emotions

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Very few people actually want advice when they are coming to you with a problem! In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Polinsky interviews Lisa Ligouri on the benefits of sharing personal experiences versus problem solving or advice giving in personal relationships.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    The difference between experience sharing and advice giving How experience sharing can lead to deeper connection and relationships Steps in successful experience sharing Ways military couples can use experience sharing

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.
  • Does premarital counseling actually help? This is the twelfth and final episode of a series on Getting Ready for Marriage. In this podcast episode, marriage counselor Elizabeth Polinsky interviews Reverend Erica Callicutt on the benefits of premarital counseling.

    In this podcast episode, we discuss:

    Benefits of premarital couples counseling The process of premarital counseling What to expect from working with a pastor versus a counselor for premarital counseling How to find a premarital counselor

    Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

    Download the Getting Ready for Marriage Checklist here. You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here. Read the show notes for this episode here.