Episodes
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen explores the belief that "marriage is hard." This idea, though common, plays a significant role in how we approach relationships and can often exacerbate feelings of relationship anxiety.   Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ The influence of societal and cultural beliefs on our view of marriage ✨ How we internalize opinions from social media and people around us ✨ The subjective nature of...
Published 11/15/24
Published 11/15/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to explore the topic of resistance and anxiety. This episode focuses on how resistance to thoughts, feelings, and future outcomes fuels anxiety, and how embracing discomfort can lead to greater peace. McKell dives into: ✨ Understanding how trying to control and resist uncomfortable feelings creates anxiety ✨ The importance of learning to tolerate and allow thoughts and emotions rather than...
Published 11/08/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to explore the question: "What if I'm not really in love?" This episode is perfect for those struggling with doubts about love and wondering whether their feelings for their partner are genuine. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ How our mind can fall into obsessive thinking, constantly seeking to answer anxious questions ✨ The disconnect from emotional and physical...
Published 11/01/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen explores the question "Should I share about my anxiety with my partner?" This episode is perfect for those grappling with when and how to share about anxiety or other concerns in a relationship. McKell dives into the complexities of sharing, discussing: ✨ How problem-solving mode can lead to anxiety-fueled conversations ✨ The importance of grounding yourself before rushing to talk ✨ Tips on navigating the...
Published 10/24/24
Published 10/18/24
n this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen explores the power of approving of your partner.   This episode covers... ✨ How the negativity bias in our brains leads us to nitpick and find flaws in our partners. ✨ The importance of shifting our focus to gratitude and approval to improve our mindset and connection. ✨ Practical steps to practice noticing and vocalizing what we appreciate in our partners and our lives. ✨ McKell shares a personal story about how...
Published 10/11/24
McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to explore the antidote to fear and why it shows up, particularly in relationships. McKell dives into: ✨ The misconception that feelings always reflect reality ✨ The role of exposure and familiarity in reducing fear ✨ How fear often arises during big relationship milestones like engagement or marriage ✨ The importance of stepping into fear to allow your brain to learn and adapt ✨ How resilience and courage can lead to more growth than waiting for...
Published 10/04/24
Today's episode we interview my client Hannah. Hannah is a gem and shares her story of what is possible when you go all in on healing anxiety. ✨How relationship anxiety showed up for her ✨The tools and practices that empowered her to created more freedom ✨Her experience with coaching in a group program ✨Thoughts on attraction and how to dive deeper on those fears ✨And so much more! This is such beautiful episode to find hope and begin leaping towards that future version of you in you that...
Published 09/20/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell dives into why our views on the purpose of a relationship can lead to questioning and doubting the relationship. Intentionally defining the purpose can help develop growth and deeper connection. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:  ✨ How the novelty of a relationship wears off and what that means for your connection✨ The historical perspective on relationships as economic partnerships✨ The modern-day...
Published 09/13/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell delves into how relationship anxiety can be a symptom of struggling to receive love, and how to open your heart more.  Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:  ✨ Understanding the connection between relationship anxiety and receiving love✨ Personal anecdotes on the journey to healing and receiving love✨ How past experiences can create barriers to receiving love✨ The importance of healing shame and unworthiness...
Published 09/06/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell offers tips and tricks for managing morning anxiety. She provides insights and practical tips for better managing anxiety during these specific times of the day. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:  ✨ The habit of scanning your relationship for problems when anxiety arises✨ Why asking “why” isn’t always helpful✨ Understanding the biological reasons for morning anxiety✨ The role of cortisol and the...
Published 08/31/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen dives into the experience of imposter syndrome within relationships, the role of anxiety and OCD in fueling self-doubt, and the importance of recognizing the nuance in our thoughts and feelings, providing valuable insights and practical tips for embracing authenticity and reducing anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ The connection between OCD and self-doubting voice ✨ How the mind’s desire...
Published 08/23/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to understanding how to confidently make decisions in your life. Overthinking decisions is a common struggle, and today we’re diving into how this can affect not only relationships but every aspect of your life. McKell talks through practical strategies to make quicker, more confident decisions, providing valuable insights and practical tips for making decisions with ease and reducing anxiety....
Published 08/16/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to explore how to cope when your partner is away. Being apart from a loved one can stir up anxiety, especially for those with an anxious attachment style. McKell delves into this common issue and offers reassuring guidance on how to navigate the emotional turbulence that may arise when a partner is out of town.  Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ How the brain creates...
Published 08/09/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell talks about common fears and anxieties that arise when your partner is away. She talks through how to shift out of anxiety-inducing worst-case scenarios and provides practical advice on how to soothe ourselves and stay present, helping you feel more confident and secure. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ Understanding the brain's tendency to create anxiety-inducing scenarios ✨ Techniques for staying...
Published 08/02/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen walks you through how anxiety works. McKell shares her insights on the science behind anxiety, its triggers, and how it impacts our daily lives, particularly within relationships. McKell dives into the functioning of the brain's fear response, the role of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and the significance of self-regulation, providing valuable insights and practical tips for managing anxiety. Here’s more of...
Published 07/27/24
Grab the brand new video for How to Stop Overthinking Your Relationship - https://relationshipanxiety.com/stop-overthinking-your-relationship/ Welcome to this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, where your host McKell Kristen delves into the theme of perfectionism in relationships. McKell explores the origins of perfectionism, its impact on romantic partnerships, and provides insights on how to shift towards a more authentic relational dynamic. Here’s what you can look forward to...
Published 07/19/24
Today on the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to stepping into your future self. McKell shares her insights on how envisioning and connecting with your future self can empower you to transform your relationship and help manage anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ The concept of your future self and its impact on your present ✨ The importance of focusing on what you want to create in your relationship ✨ The difference...
Published 07/12/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell teaches how to be more relaxed and less controlling in your relationship. McKell shares her insights on how expectations around controlling behaviors can impact our relationships and our joy. McKell dives into the importance of acceptance, effective communication, and evolving with your partner, providing valuable insights and practical tips for managing relationship difficulties. Here’s more of what you can expect in this...
Published 07/05/24
Worried about feeling bored in your relationship? Tune in for a shift in perspective to navigate boredom with ease and grace.
Published 06/28/24
Ever felt like you're constantly striving for a perfect relationship destination, only to find that it's a perpetually moving target? In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen normalizes relationship challenges and breaks down how to navigate them.  McKell delves into the myth of reaching relationship perfection and why it's okay to embrace the imperfections along the way. She explores the importance of continually evolving and growing together, rather...
Published 06/21/24
Hello and welcome to the Relationship Anxiety Podcast. I'm your host, McKell Kristen. And today we are talking about self-trust and why you need it to have the kind of love you want to have. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ The connection between self-trust and overcoming relationship anxiety ✨ How social conditioning impacts our ability to trust ourselves in relationships ✨ The pitfalls of seeking external validation and direction for your relationship ✨ Practical...
Published 06/14/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a delightful journey of creating more romance in your relationship. Today, we’re diving into how to sprinkle a bit of magic into your everyday life and love. Romance isn’t just about grand gestures or fancy date nights—it’s about romanticizing your life, and making ordinary moments special. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ How to romanticize your everyday life and find joy in...
Published 06/07/24
In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell takes you on a journey to discover the "love idol"—that pesky habit of putting romantic relationships on a pedestal. Ever felt like your partner should be your everything, your ultimate source of happiness? McKell's explains how that sets you up for disappointment and anxiety. McKell dives into why we often expect too much from our partners and how this can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction. She shares a fresh perspective...
Published 05/31/24