In this insightful episode, we sit down with Becky Whetstone, a seasoned marriage crisis therapist, to navigate the complex world of relationships and marriages. Becky shares her personal journey from experiencing a marital crisis to becoming a renowned relationship expert. She discusses the crucial stages of a deteriorating marriage, the importance of proper therapy, and how her groundbreaking book aims to fill a void in traditional marriage counseling.

Becky provides valuable advice on maintaining individuality in a relationship, the impact of early marriages, and how to navigate the challenges of raising children in a split family environment. The conversation also touches on the delicate subject of religious beliefs in marriage and divorce, offering a compassionate perspective for those grappling with such dilemmas. Discover practical tips on how to address marriage crises early to prevent irreparable damage.

Whether you're in a struggling marriage, thinking about divorce, or simply interested in enhancing your relationship skills, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a leading voice in marriage crisis management.

Connect with Becky: https://medium.com/@doctorbecky

Welcome back to Slice of Empathy, where in this episode, we transition from Patrick's childhood traumas to explore Valerie's equally compelling journey. Valerie, Patrick's wife and co-host, opens up about the emotional challenges she faced growing up in a household that lacked emotional warmth and support.

The episode sheds light on the silent struggles Valerie experienced, from the absence of a supportive family environment to the decision to leave home at 18 for her safety. Valerie discusses the pressures of growing up in a chaotic, abusive home and the long-term effects that shaped her adult life, her marriage, and her pursuit of emotional healing.

Join us as Valerie bravely shares her experiences with therapy, the realization of past trauma, and her path towards a healthier emotional state. This powerful dialogue also touches on the importance of establishing boundaries, understanding emotional needs, and learning to find strength in vulnerability.

In this episode, we sit down with Coleman Housefield, a seasoned marriage and family coach, to explore the intricacies of adult friendships and how they evolve through different life stages. Coleman shares valuable insights on the natural progression of friendships, emphasizing that relationships often align with different seasons of our lives.

We dive into the importance of emotional responsibility in marriage and how taking ownership of our emotions can transform not only our romantic relationships but also our interactions with friends and family. Coleman provides actionable advice for fighting fair in relationships and nurturing connections that reflect interdependence.

The conversation also touches on the pivotal decision of parenthood, offering guidance for couples facing differing views on having children. Coleman illuminates how our upbringing shapes our perspectives on becoming parents and how to break free from generational cycles.

Join us as we explore the dynamics of modern relationships, the challenges of maintaining old friendships, and the journey of fostering new connections with practical wisdom that can be applied in everyday life.

Connect with Coleman:

Website: www.colemanhousefield.com

Podcast: The Ordinary Family