In today's episode, we are uncovering the reality of boundaries and what they actually mean. We discuss the difference between a boundary and an ultimatum and how to come to terms with our feelings around communicating them in our marriage or to family.   DC membership is open!  Inside this valuable membership, we hammer out what these examples look like in real life, with your real-life scenarios, other members are sharing their situations, not only are you not alone you are seeing...

It’s no secret alcohol can be the cause of many relationship problems, not just with your partner but also with your social circles.   In this episode, we are talking about the boundaries we have (or don’t have) surrounding alcohol and ways to initiate healthy communication with your partner around their drinking habits. Plus we dive into “mom drinking culture” and it’s influence in today’s society.  Don’t forget, that the DC membership is open! Join us inside for ongoing relationship...

DC membership is open!  $35 for the next week (9/25/23-10/1/23) so take advantage of our early bird pricing: https://decodingcouples.mykajabi.com/decoding-couples-membership-lp   Defensiveness is a common relationship problem, especially with people you care about. In this episode, we are uncovering 5 mistakes you could be making when becoming defensive in your communication and what next steps you can take to work on building healthy communication in relationships moving forward.   ...

Today is the day…DC membership is open!  $27 for the next week (9/18/23-9/24/23) so take advantage of our early bird pricing: https://decodingcouples.mykajabi.com/decoding-couples-membership-lp   In this episode, we are breaking down what to do when you’re no longer attracted to your partner, reasons why this can happen and steps to take in rebuilding intimacy for the long run.   We are giving insight into those burning questions: “Should I tell my partner?” and “Is this normal?”     ...

In this episode, Rachel and Stacey break down the "unsexy" parts of sex...to make them feel sexy again! Rachel and Stacey start by discussing what younger versions of themselves used to find attractive and sexy and how it has changed through age and different phases of life. They then dive into topics such as when partner's have different libidos, crying during/after sex, what to do when you or your partner want to try new things in the bedroom but the other doesn't, body image and so much...

This episode tackles all things couples therapy! This episode starts by discussing why couples therapy gets such a bad rap and what typically lands couples in therapy. Rachel and Stacey then share their first experiences in couples therapy…mostly what went wrong. They talk about when individual therapy is more appropriate than couples therapy, and different scenarios that could lead a couples therapist to ask partners to do individual therapy first.    This week’s DC in the DMs is a little...

Rachel and Stacey dive into the magical world of rom-coms, Disney movies and how that has set them up for relationship failure. From relationship expectations to sex and intimacy, Rachel and Stacey discuss different ways the make-believe of movies and tv shows have impacted their romantic relationships and how they show up with their partners. They answer DC community questions on adjusting to “real life” relationships and how to make sense of what real love looks like outside Lifetime...

Rachel and Stacey share their experiences of how the lines blur between their professional roles as couples therapists and regular ol’ people when it comes to relationships and mental health struggles. Rachel discusses how being a professional “soul walker” in private practice impacts her marriage. Stacey shares her struggles with depression and anxiety as well as her experience sharing her medication journey with the Decoding Couples community on Instagram. This week Stacey is in the hot...

This episode unpacks the dynamic between the most common attachment style pairing in relationships: Anxious & Avoidant.  Spoiler alert: This is the exact dynamic of our partnership! We are diving into how each attachment style responds when faced with conflict, attraction, and intimacy. Plus we answer the BIG question: Can this type of relationship work in the long run? If you'd love to work on some of the issues in this episode relationally or individually, check out the Decoding...

This episode is all about the things that are said to a partner(s) that indicate BIGGER issues going on individually or relationally. The things that we can’t seem to forget (or are burned in to our brains) usually mean there are...relationship issues, trust issues, attachment issues , unhealthy or abusive dynamics, resentment and so much more! If you'd love to work on some of the issues in this episode relationally or individually, check out the Decoding Couples Membership (Doors OPEN...

  This week we are joined by Lorena Aynalem, LCSW, to break down mental health in pregnancy and postpartum. We talk about the impact of becoming parents on the relationship and practical relationship advice so all parties can be supported during this time! Learn more about Lorena here:  ps://lorena.aynalem.com/⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lorenaaynalem/⁠ Need more support? Check out these resources! Postpartum Support International (PSI) ⁠https://www.postpartum.net/⁠ The postpartum...

Is it healthy to grieve a relationship while you’re still in it? Is there such a thing as “too much grief”? Do I need to grieve in order to fully heal from my past? We answer these relationship questions and give advice related to grieving your relationships!  

Communication, kids and boundaries oh my! Here are the top things that we wish we had talked about before marriage, moving in together, joining finances, kids and generally just getting serious with a partner! Ready to have the hard conversations so you don’t look back and think “we SHOULD have talked about this!?”..then don’t miss your exclusive discount for Before The Next Step Online Course ...

Does your partner have ADHD? Is your relationship impacted by ADHD? Do you struggle with how to support your partner? Lorena Aynalem, LCSW joins Rachel & Stacey from Decoding Couples to unpack the big and small ways neurodivergence, specifically ADHD, impacts everyone in the relationship and how to move forward and continue to thrive in the partnership. Learn more about Lorena Aynalem here: https://lorena.aynalem.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lorenaaynalem/ Produced by: Joey "Q"...

Have you ever thought this about your relationship or marriage:  “Our highs are so high, but the lows are so low”  Have you ever wondered why you can’t get out of an unhealthy or toxic relationship pattern?  Then you need to listen to today’s episode about trauma bonding! Loving You Is Hurting Me- by Dr Laura Copley’s  https://lauracopley.com/loving-you-is-hurting-me In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts- by Gabor Mate https://bookshop.org/a/56047/9781556438806 IG follow: @nicolesneurosciene ...

Have you felt your parent was emotionally unavailable? Do you have trust issues with your parent(s)? Did the way your caregiver's raised you still impact you as an adult? If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, there's a good chance your adult relationships or marriage have been impacted! We break it down in this episode and give you relationship tips and advice for how to navigate through this! Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting or...

If you have ever wondered: How do you know if you should stay married? How do you know if you should stay in a relationship? How do you know if you should stay with someone? This episode is for you. Rachel's husband Gianni joins the Decoding Couples Podcast for a marriage story unlike you've ever heard before. They unpack how the pandemic, chronic miscommunication, depression, alcohol and trauma derailed their family and almost brought them to divorce. They pull the curtain back on the most...

Rachel & Stacey go over what arguing or fighting fairly in a relationship looks like and what it absolutely does NOT look like. They break down how unfair fighting makes conflict worse, negatively impacts relationship dynamics and ways to fight fairly next time you have conflict with a partner! Produced by: Joey "Q' Quenga & JTB Studios --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/decoding-couples/support

If you are struggling with an unbalanced mental load in your marriage or relationship...but don't know how to fix it...this episode is for YOU! This episode is full of relationship tips and tools so you can finally get the balanced mental load you and your relationship deserve. Before The Next Step Online Course (time sensitive discount included) https://decoding-couples.teachable.com/p/before-the-next-step?coupon_code=PODCAST&product_id=4720123 Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking...

This is all about navigating the relationship dynamic...do I stay or do I go? We cover what keeps people in relationships or marriage they may want to leave, and what are some of the factors that make people actually leave. Listen in for relationship advice and tips on what to do if you find yourself in this position! Books recommended in this episode: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay by Mira Kirshenbaum https://bookshop.org/a/56047/9780452275355 When Things Fall Apart by Puma...

Has pornography been a problem in your relationship? Rachel and Stacey break down the pros and cons of porn in relationships and how to navigate this topic with your partner in a way that increases trust and decreases shame.  Where to find ethical porn: Make Love Not Porn Lustery JoyBear Lightsouthern Cinema Pink Label TV Sssh.com Dipsea (erotic audio/stories)  Sunroom  Remember to take advantage of our FREE Masterclass Stop Fighting Start...

This week, Rachel and Stacey are breaking down common relationship phrases that are meant to be helpful to you and your partnership…but need a little explaining out of therapy jargon! Listen in to learn phrases and tools that will ACTUALLY translate into relationship advice! Remember to take advantage of our FREE Masterclass Stop Fighting Start Talking: https://www.decodingcouples.com/webinar-registration

E19: How to Repair After A Fight So you and your partner had a big fight….now what?! This episode is all about repairing after fights. Listen in for communication tips that will help your relationship regain trust, connection and intimacy after big or small arguments.  Need extra help starting the hard conversations that can lead to repair? Enroll in our FREE masterclass Stop Fighting, Start Talking here: www.decodingcouples.com/webinar-registration

If you are tired of getting shut down or shutting down during conversations with a partner(s)...this episode is for you! Stacey and Rachel identify the most common communication problems and what conflict resolution looks like when it happens! These are marriage tips and relationship advice you don’t want to miss! Download the free PDF we mention in this episode from the link below!  Enroll in our FREE Masterclass Stop Fighting Start...

Have you ever been rejected in the bedroom? Do you have shame around intimacy? Then this episode is for you! Stacey & Rachel break down how shame and rejection show up in relationships, how it impacts relationship dynamics and ways to work through shame and rejection in order to improve intimacy! Enroll in our FREE Masterclass Stop Fighting Start Talking: https://www.decodingcouples.com/webinar-registration