This Complex Life
This Complex Life is a podcast hosted by Marie Vakakis, a therapist and mental health educator, offering practical advice on parenting, raising teenagers, and navigating relationships. Each episode addresses common challenges like understanding teen moods, handling family conflict, and reconnecting with partners, blending professional insights with relatable commentary. The show aims to make life's complexities feel more manageable through honest conversation and actionable tips.
Episodes
Stuck in a Rut? How to Know When It's Time to Pivot with Dr. Tim Sharp
You're halfway through a degree, a job, or a plan you've spent years building, and part of you already knows it isn't right. Saying that out loud feels like admitting you wasted all that time, so you keep your head down and keep going. Psychologist Dr Tim Sharp is back on This Complex Life to talk about his most personal book yet, Lost and Found: How to Wander Your Way to a Better Life, and why ge
Why Is It So Hard for Men to Ask for Help?
You know something's off. You're shorter with the people you love, you're not sleeping properly, and the things you used to enjoy don't do much for you anymore, yet telling someone feels harder than pushing through on your own. If that's where you're at, it doesn't make you weak, and you're not the only one. Family therapist Tham Fuyana is back on This Complex Life to talk about men, shame, and wh
What Parents Get Wrong About Raising Teenage Boys with Dr. Justin Coulson
Your son's bedroom door is shut again, there's a voice coming through his speaker you don't recognise, and you're standing in the hallway wondering whether to knock. Every headline is telling you boys are in trouble, from the manosphere to the show Adolescence that had a whole country looking sideways at their own kid. Underneath all of it sits the pressure to raise a good human and a good man.In
Why Do I Feel Empty When Everything Looks Good on Paper? With Edy Xie
Everything in your life looks good on paper, so why don't you feel good? The study's going well, the job's stable, and your calendar's full. You can explain exactly where your stress comes from and what sets it off, yet actually feeling it is a different story.This week I'm joined by psychologist Edy Xie to talk about high achievers who are functioning but not well, why understanding a problem isn
Are You a Good Girl? The Hidden Cost of People Pleasing with Maryna Bilousova
You say yes before you've even thought about it. Later that night you're lying awake, going over it, annoyed at them and even more annoyed at yourself. You don't want to be the difficult one, so you keep saying yes and the resentment keeps building. In this episode I talk with author and coach Maryna Bilousova about people pleasing, resentment and the good girl conditioning that makes saying no fe
Who Holds You When You're Holding Everyone Else with Fi Mims
You're the one everyone brings their problems to, at work, at home and everywhere in between.By the time the day winds down you've held the school emails, the parent who needs a phone call, the clients and the health advice you keep meaning to follow, and you're not sure who gets to hold any of it for you. It's a lot to carry, and most of us carry it without saying so out loud.Fi Mims, a business
Why You Feel Like Strangers After Years Together
You still say I love you before bed. You still sit next to each other on the couch most nights. Nothing bad has happened, no big fight, no betrayal, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling like you actually know this person.This episode looks at three reasons emotional intimacy fades in long term relationships, even when nothing has gone wrong, and what you can actually do about it this we
Sex Therapy vs Couples Therapy: What's the Difference?
Most people don't know the difference between a sex therapist and a couples therapist, or which one they actually need. In this episode, Tania Wellby, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Sex Therapist, joins Marie to talk about sexual scripts, mismatched desire and why your partner turning you down is almost never about you. It's a direct conversation about the stuff most of us only type
Love Without Desire: Navigating Spark Loss
You love your partner and you'd choose them again if you had to do it all over, so why did you stop wanting sex with them?As a couples therapist, this is one of the most common things I hear from couples, and it's almost never about love running out.In this episode, I break down why love and desire run on completely different systems, how safety and familiarity can quietly work against your sex li
My Partner Wants Sex More Than I Do
The kitchen is finally clean. You've sat down for the first time all day. Then a hand lands on your back and your shoulders go tight before you've decided anything at all. You love them. You're just completely done, and you already know how tonight goes if you say no.This week I answer a listener question from someone who wants sex less often than her partner does and has started to wonder whether
Why Mental Health Advice Doesn't Change What You Do a Conversation with All in the Mind Host Sana Qadar
Why doesn't mental health advice change what you actually do? You can name your attachment style, explain what co-regulation means and know exactly why yelling isn't helping, and still lose it before school drop off. In this episode I talk with Sana Qadar, host of the ABC's All in the Mind, about the gap between knowing the research and using it, the mental health words that have lost their meanin
The 5 Love Languages: What the Research Actually Says
The five love languages have sold over 20 million copies and become one of the most widely used frameworks in pop psychology. Most couples have done the quiz. A lot of them have tried to apply it. In this episode, Marie talks about what the research actually found when the core claims were tested, where the framework falls short in practice, and what consistently shows up in the research as a far
Why does my partner get so defensive?
Your partner gets defensive and suddenly the conversation you needed to have is completely buried. Now you’re defending yourself, they’re defending themselves, and whatever you actually needed to talk about is gone. This is one of the most common things I see in couples therapy, and in almost every case there’s more going on underneath the surface than it looks like from where you’re standing.What
Grief: How to Cope and Support Someone Grieving
Grief is one of those feelings we don't talk about very well, even though every single one of us will live through it. In this solo episode I sit with grief in all its forms, from the loss we expect to the loss that knocks us sideways. I talk about what helped me, what I see in the therapy room, and the small practical things that actually make a difference when you're the one grieving or the one
How to fall back in love with your partner
You still like each other. You get along well. There's no crisis, nothing obviously broken. You've just stopped feeling in love the way you used to, and you're not sure whether you can get it back. That's the Ask Marie question this episode answers, and it comes up more often than almost anything else I hear in my consulting room.What this episode coversWhy what you're describing is extremely comm
7 signs your partner is emotionally checked out
You're spending time together. Dinners, dog walks, evenings on the couch. Nobody's fighting, nothing is obviously broken. Something feels completely off and you can't quite point to it. In this episode I walk through seven signs your partner might be emotionally checked out, even when everything looks fine from the outside.What this episode coversSign 1: Questions that became routine rather than c
Feeling lonely in your relationship? Ask Marie
Feeling lonely in a relationship even a good one? This is one of the most common things I hear in therapy, and one of the hardest feelings to name.You're in a relationship with someone you love. Nothing dramatic is wrong, there's no big fight, no obvious reason and most of the time you feel lonely. That's the Ask Marie question this episode answers, and it's one of the most common things I hear ac
Bad marriage advice with Monica Tanner
You've probably received the same relationship advice everyone gets. Never go to bed angry. Just communicate more. Send them the link. Some of it sounds reasonable and most of it gets misapplied in ways that create more problems than they solve. Monica Tanner is a Relational Life Therapy certified relationship coach, podcast host and author of the Amazon bestselling book Bad Marriage Advice, and s
The Fawn Response: What It Is and how to change it
If you've ever agreed to something and immediately regretted it, apologised for something that wasn't your fault, or changed your opinion halfway through a conversation just to keep the peace, this episode is for you. The fawn response is one of the least understood nervous system patterns and one of the most invisible. It looks like being easygoing, warm and accommodating. From the outside it can
Help, We Keep Fighting About Money
Most couples have had the same money argument dozens of times without ever having the real conversation underneath it. Research shows that 58% of Australian couples report finances as a major source of conflict, and a study of over 5,500 couples found the pattern of the conversation predicted the outcome, not the financial situation.This episode covers:Why money fights are almost never about the m
Sex and Disability: Pleasure Is for Everyone
Sex and disability. Two words most people still find uncomfortable in the same sentence. I sat down with sexologist Casey Payne to talk about what we get wrong, why pleasure belongs to everyone regardless of how their body works, and what it actually looks like to reclaim intimacy after disability, illness, or a body that's changed.Things DiscussedWhy disability and sexuality are both taboo and wh
The Psychology of the Ick — and What It Says About You
The ick in dating, it’s that moment where someone does something completely normal, and your whole body just shuts down. A 2025 study found that 64% of people have felt it, and about a quarter ended the relationship because of it. It is a real psychological phenomenon, and it might be telling you more about yourself than the person across the table.This episode covers:What the ick actually is and
Is Your Wounded Child Ruining Your Relationship?
Have you ever had a reaction to your partner that felt huge?Like a ten out of ten response to something small?You are crying over coffee.They are confused.You are both thinking, what just happened?It makes sense that this feels confusing. Most couples are not fighting about the present moment. They are reacting from something older.In this episode, I explore how your wounded child shows up in adul
Attachment Styles in Conflict: Breaking the Cycle
If you keep having the same argument with your partner, it might not be about the topic at all. Often, it is not about the dishes, the plans for the weekend, or who forgot to call back. How you fight, well, that could be based on your attachment style. In this episode, I’ll explore how anxious and avoidant attachment styles show up during conflict and why they can create painful cycles that feel i
5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late
So many couples say the same thing when they come to therapy. We probably should have talked about this earlier. Not because of one big issue, but because of all the small conversations that got pushed aside.In this episode, I’m sharing five relationship topics that come up again and again in my therapy sessions. Things like how to talk about personal goals, navigating money and shared responsibil
I Got a Promotion and My Partner Isn’t Happy for Me
Sharing good news with your partner should feel connecting. Yet for many people, moments of success can quickly turn into hurt or tension when the response feels flat, awkward, or dismissive.In this episode, I respond to a listener question about getting a promotion and feeling unsupported by their partner. I unpack three common reasons this happens and what is often going on underneath the surfac
Why Won’t My Partner Communicate With Me
Why won’t my partner communicate with meIt’s one of the most common questions I hear in the therapy room and it’s usually coming from someone who feels shut out, unheard or like they’re carrying the emotional load on their own.In this episode of This Complex Life, I’ll share what’s often really going on when communication feels blocked, when you keep fighting or arguing. Because most of the time,
Soulmates Or More Like Roommates?
Do you want to feel closer to your partner, but feel unsure how to bring it up?Many couples care deeply about each other and still drift apart. Life gets busy. Conversations become practical. Emotional connection fades quietly. Not because people stop trying, but because the harder conversations get avoided.In this episode, I talk about why relationships drift even when there is love and good inte
They Should Just Know and Other Ways Relationships Get Hard
Have you ever found yourself thinking my partner is not the same person I fell in love with.Maybe you still care deeply but something feels off.Conversations go in circles.You keep fighting about the same thingsOr you feel lonely even though you are still together.This is a pattern I see often in my work as a couples therapist. Most couples want the same things. Connection. Safety. Feeling valued.
Is This Anxiety or Is My Brain Just Freaking Out
Anxiety can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when your brain reacts faster than you can make sense of it. In this episode, I talk with Dr Jodi Richardson about the difference between everyday stress, overwhelming worry and anxiety that needs more support.We explore why anxiety shows up in the body, why discomfort often feels unsafe and how childhood patterns can affect the way we manage
Breakups, Masculinity and Men’s Mental Health
Breakups can be hard on all of us, they can shake our sense of self in ways we don't expect. For men, the emotional impact is not something that's often spoken about. They’re taught to suck it up and get on with it. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Michael Wilson, a Research Fellow focused on men’s mental health and suicide prevention to talk about why men often str
Rethinking Who You Are After Having Kids with Bronte Taylor
People often imagine that parenthood clicks into place the moment a baby arrives. For many, the emotional changes, the exhaustion and the adjustment to a new sense of self are far more complex than expected.In this episode, I speak with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Bronte Taylor about what it really feels like to lose and rebuild parts of yourself after becoming a parent.We talk about ho
Making Sense of ADHD in Therapy
ADHD is often misunderstood, especially in therapy. In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with ADHD coach Ron Souers about what happens when therapy meets the realities of living with ADHD.We explore what it means to understand ADHD beyond the label, how it impacts emotions, relationships, and self-worth, and why self-compassion and curiosity make all the difference.You’ll hear about:The em
Turning ADHD Struggles into Strengths
ADHD can bring creativity, energy, and passion, but it can also make everyday life feel chaotic or overwhelming.In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with Ron Souers, ADHD coach and host of Don’t Mind Me, I Just Have ADHD. We explore how understanding your ADHD brain can turn struggle into strength, and how self-compassion plays a huge role in that process.You’ll hear about:Why ADHD is more
Growing Yourself Up with Dr Jenny Brown - Encore
We all like to think of ourselves as grown-ups, but what does it really mean to grow yourself up? And how does that shape every relationship you have at home, at work, and with the people you love most?In this encore episode, I’m joined by Dr Jenny Brown, author of Growing Yourself Up: How to Bring Your Best to All of Life’s Relationships. We explore what maturity actually looks like in practice,
Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore
Does it ever feel like your teenager just doesn’t hear you?You remind them about chores, offer advice, try to connect and all you get back is silence, an eye roll, or a quick “whatever.”In this encore episode, I unpack one of the biggest frustrations parents face: why teens seem to tune parents out and what’s really going on beneath the surface.You’ll hear about:Why advice often makes teens
Parenting, Rejection and Connection
As kids grow into teens, they start to need more independence, and for many parents, that shift can feel like rejection. When your child pulls away, stops talking, or wants less of you, it’s easy to take it personally.In this encore episode of This Complex Life, I unpack why this happens, what it means for your relationship, and how you can respond in ways that protect connection instead of wideni
The psychology of rejection and what to do about it
Rejection stings, whether it’s a friend pulling away, not getting the job, being ghosted, or a partner feeling distant. Our brains don’t like ambiguity, so they fill in the blanks with painful stories about not being good enough, smart enough, or lovable.In this encore episode, I explore:Why rejection hurts so much and how it’s linked to survival wiringThe ways we often respond, withdrawing,
Help. My teens aren't interested in me. What do I do?
It can feel heartbreaking when your teenager pulls away, shows little interest in your life, or seems dismissive of family connections. This is a common experience for many parents, and while it can feel personal, it’s often just part of healthy adolescent development.In this episode, I talk through what’s happening for teens at this stage, and what parents can do to stay connected without p
Healing the Unmet Needs of Our Younger Selves
Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation? Maybe your partner forgot something small, and suddenly you felt worthless. These moments often have roots in our past.In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Tamera Broughton to talk about how our unmet childhood needs show up in adult life, relationships, and emotional reactions. We explore how trauma is more than bi
The Future of Friendships: Are We Getting Lonelier?
Friendships are some of the most important relationships we have, but they’re also one of the easiest to neglect. In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m joined by Steph Clarke, futurist, facilitator, and author of How to Friend, to explore whether we’re really facing a loneliness epidemic, how friendships evolve as we age, and why maintaining meaningful connections takes intention.We talk about
Affairs, Trust, and the Work of Healing After Betrayal
Affairs can devastate a relationship, leaving couples questioning everything they thought they knew about each other. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with couples therapist Andrea Dindinger to talk about healing after betrayal, the slow process of rebuilding trust, and the courage it takes to move forward. We unpack why affairs happen, what betrayal does to relationships, and
Suicide, Grief and Connection: An R U OK? Day Conversation
When suicide is mentioned, the room often goes quiet. The heaviness of the topic shows how much fear and stigma surround it, but also how important it is to talk about.In this solo episode of This Complex Life, I explore the silence around suicide, why the subject feels so confronting, and the impact it has not only on families and communities but also on practitioners who sit with these stories.Y
What Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good Therapy
Therapy is often described as a safe and healing space, but that’s not always the reality. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to explore what bad therapy can teach us about being better therapists and more empowered clients.We talked about what happens when therapy misses the mark, why repair ski
What Therapists Get Wrong (and How We Can Do Better)
Lessons learned from Very Bad Therapy. The Very Bad Therapy podcast has changed the way I think about therapy and the stories we do and do not tell. This episode is a replay from Inside Social Work with hosts Ben and Carrie.I loved this podcast and I learned so much from listening to it. It speaks to both therapists and non therapists, and it fits perfectly with the theme of This Complex Life. The
The 4 Habits that Predict Relationship Trouble
Have you ever had a fight with your partner that started over something small but somehow turned into a huge blow up? It’s rarely about the dishes, the bills, or who walked the dog. The way we argue matters more than the content of the fight.In this solo episode, I talk about the four relationship habits that John and Julie Gottman call the “Four Horsemen” patterns of conflict that predict r
Why Do We Keep Drifting Apart in Our Relationship
It doesn’t usually happen with one big fight. Most couples who find themselves feeling distant say it crept up slowly. Busy schedules, kids, work, distractions and one day you realise you’re living more like housemates than partners.In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk about why couples drift apart, what research tells us about disconnection, and the small everyday actions that keep love a
Cassandra Syndrome
Have you ever tried to explain what’s wrong in your relationship, only to be told you’re overreacting, imagining it, or making it up?In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m talking about Cassandra Syndrome, the experience of feeling unheard, dismissed, or invisible in your own reality. While it’s often linked to partners of people with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergence, the truth is i
When Dream Jobs Fade, Men Redefine Masculinity, and Lived Experience Leads Suicide Prevention
What if your dream job stopped feeling like a dream? What if suicide prevention strategies missed the voices of those who know it best? And what if modern masculinity was being reshaped right in front of us?In this Weekly Wrap, I explore three powerful stories making headlines in mental health and relationships. From rethinking passion at work, to placing lived experience at the heart of suicide p
Is Falling in Love with an AI Companion Considered Cheating?
What emotional relationships with chatbots reveal about loneliness, safety, and the fear of real intimacySomeone recently said their AI companion understands them more than their actual partner. That it listens, responds with care, and never judges. For them, it felt like love. But is it?In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m looking at the growing number of people forming emotional connections
AI Affairs, Clinic Closures, and the Mental Health Cost of Early Smartphones
AI affairs, vanishing therapy clinics, and phones before age 13Cheating with a chatbot. Therapy clinics shutting almost overnight. And new research on what smartphones are doing to young people’s mental health. These stories aren’t just news headlines. They are real issues showing up in therapy sessions and kitchen table conversations.Here’s what stood out this week:Chatbots and cheatingMore peopl
Why Are We So Fascinated by Other People’s Affairs?
Affairs grab our attention. Whether it’s someone in the news or a friend of a friend, we tune in, pass judgement, or quietly reflect on our own relationships. But what is it that makes cheating stories so captivating?In this episode, I talk about why we care so much about other people’s affairs. I explore how unmet needs, identity, and longing can show up in relationships. I unpack what betrayal c
The Weekly Wrap Men, Tech, and Trust
When a breakup becomes life-threatening, why the Coldplay affair is stirring up fears about trust and betrayal, and what teens are really saying about how technology is affecting their mental health.This week:Men, separation and suicide risk New research from Orygen shows separated men are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide. We explore why this matters and what support is available. →
Is this a red flag or just discomfort?
Not every uncomfortable feeling in a relationship is a warning sign. Sometimes it’s about growth, not danger.In this episode of This Complex Life, I explore how to tell the difference between genuine red flags and the emotional discomfort that comes with learning, stretching, and getting close to someone. From conflict to communication styles to how we ask for space, not everything unfamiliar is u
10 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Not all red flags are loud or obvious. Some show up in small, repeated moments that leave you feeling uneasy.In this episode of This Complex Life, I unpack 10 relationship red flags you shouldn’t ignore. These aren’t just the dramatic ones like cheating or lying, they’re the quieter patterns that can slowly wear you down over time.I talk about how to tell the difference between a red flag and a mi
Why Love Isn’t Enough When Trust Is Missing
Love matters, but without trust, relationships can’t feel safe.In this episode of This Complex Life, I will share what happens when couples love each other deeply but still feel disconnected. We often think love will carry us through anything, but when trust is missing, the relationship can start to erode.I share why trust breaks down (even without betrayal), how to recognise the small moments tha
When Your Teen Struggles to Make Friends. What Parents Can Do That Actually Helps
It’s hard to watch your child struggle to make friends. You might feel stuck between wanting to help and not wanting to push too hard.In this episode of This Complex Life, I answer a listener’s question "Hi Marie. My daughter has trouble making friends. We really pinned all our hopes and things changing when she started high school this year, but it has come around to the school holidays again and
Why We Avoid Talking About Sex (And How to Start)
Why We Avoid Talking About S3x (And How to Start)Conversations about sex often feel awkward, avoidant or emotionally loaded. I talk about what’s happening underneath the surface, how gender myths and pressure shape desire, and what couples can do to reconnect with honesty and care.In this episode, I share :How emotional safety shapes intimacyWhat’s really behind avoidance in long-term relationship
Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana
What if your therapist just gets it and you don’t have to explain everything from scratch?That’s what this episode is all about. I sat down with Tham Fuyana, Social Worker family Therapist and Educator, to talk about what it’s like navigating therapy as a BIPOC client. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people/ person of colour In this episode, Tham shares his reflections grow
Why You Don’t Feel Good Enough (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)
Do you ever feel like you're just not good enough, even when you're doing all the right things? In this conversation with psychologist Belinda Gibson, we explore the roots of that persistent feeling of inadequacy. We unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing and harsh self-talk can sneak into our lives and affect our relationships, even when we don’t realise it.We talk about where these beliefs st
Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad.
Do you overthink everything? Lie awake, running through worst-case scenarios?Worry can be exhausting. It often shows up as planning, perfectionism, or a loop of “what if” thoughts that are hard to switch off. In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr Lillian Nejad to talk about what worry really is, how it differs from anxiety, and why some people find it so difficult to stop.We expl
Are We Failing Young People?
What happens when society changes faster than young people can adapt?I’m joined by psychologist Jamie Maserow to explore the hidden impacts of lockdowns, remote learning and technology on young people’s wellbeing. We unpack how the disruptions of recent years have shaped mental health, learning, and relationships, and why connection needs to come before correction.We also talk about why many tradi
Discernment Counselling
What if one partner wants to work on the relationship and the other isn’t sure they want to stay?In this episode, I talk with therapist Anne Carter about discernment counselling, a structured and supportive process for couples where one or both partners are ambivalent about staying together.We explore what makes this approach different from traditional couples therapy and how it helps couples make
Not Having Enough Sex in Your Relationship?
Wondering if your relationship should involve more sex or comparing yourself to what you think is normal? You're not alone. Many couples quietly struggle with mismatched desire, emotional disconnection or unclear expectations about what intimacy should look like.In this episode, I talk about what it really means to not be having enough sex, how responsive desire plays a role in long-term relations
What Makes Inclusive Relationship Therapy Work
What happens when love meets change? In this episode we explore the unique challenges and strengths of queer and gender diverse relationships, especially when one partner is transitioning. Therapist Jani Forest Wyatt joins me to unpack the myths, the moments of growth, and the importance of inclusive and affirming couples therapy.Jani shares insights from both professional and personal experience,
6 Things Emotionally Healthy Couples Don’t Do
There’s a lot of advice about what to do to build a strong relationship. But what about the things emotionally healthy couples don’t do?Join me, Marie Vakakis, a therapist, mental health, and relationships educator. In this episode, I explore six common habits that can damage trust, connection, and communication—and why avoiding them can make a big difference.Key takeaways:Sarcasm, eye-rolling, an
Unspoken Expectations in Relationships Are Hurting You Here’s Why
Ever caught yourself thinking, "They should just know what I need"? Unspoken expectations are one of the biggest sources of frustration in relationships. When our partners don’t automatically meet our needs, it can leave us feeling unheard, unloved, or even resentful. But here’s the thing—expecting someone to read your mind rarely works.Join me, Marie Vakakis, and my guest, psychotherapist Tracy P
Can Laughter Really Be Medicine?
In tough times, joy can feel out of reach. But sometimes, a single shared laugh has the power to lift the weight of the world—even in a hospital room, a funeral, or a difficult conversation.In this special episode, I’m adding my voice to Podcasthon , a global movement of over 1,600 shows across 47 countries. Instead of just mentioning a charity at the end, I wanted to go deeper and dedicate this e
Feeling More Like Housemates Than Partners? How to Rebuild Friendship in Your Relationship
Ever feel like you and your partner are just co-existing rather than truly connecting? Maybe your conversations revolve around schedules, bills, and logistics, rather than shared experiences and meaningful moments.Join me, Marie Vakakis, therapist, mental health and relationships educator, as I share why friendship is the foundation of a strong relationship, how couples drift apart over time, and
How Couples Therapy Can Improve Mental Health with Trish Purnell-Webb
Couples therapy isn’t just about fixing relationship problems—it can also play a huge role in improving mental health. Many people think of therapy as a last resort when things are falling apart, but research shows that relationship support can also help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulation.I’m joined by Trish Purnell-Webb, a clinical psychologist, certified Gottman therapist
Big Fights Over Small Things?
Ever had a small disagreement spiral into a huge argument? Maybe it started with an eye-roll, a forgotten text, or a messy kitchen bench. Suddenly, it’s not about the dishes—it’s about feeling unheard, unappreciated, or disconnected.Join me, Marie Vakakis, a therapist, mental health, and relationships educator. In this episode, I unpack why small fights often mask deeper issues, how to tell the di
Why Waiting Too Long for Couples Therapy Can Make Things Worse
Many couples only seek therapy when their relationship is already in serious trouble. But by the time they reach out, years of unresolved issues, built-up resentment, and unhealthy patterns can make it harder to repair their connection. So, what happens when couples wait too long to get support, and why is early intervention so important?Join me Marie Vakakis, a therapist, and mental health and re
It’s Not About the Fight—It’s How You Fight
Why do we keep having the same fight?It can feel frustrating when the same arguments keep coming up. But conflict is not the problem. It is how we handle it that makes the difference. Research shows that most relationship conflicts are ongoing, yet avoiding them only builds resentment. The good news is that conflict, when managed well, can actually strengthen trust and connection.I am Marie Vakaki
How Couples Therapy Works (And When to Start)
Have you ever wondered when the right time is to try couples therapy? Or if you even need a major issue to start? Many people hesitate to seek support for their relationship, often waiting years before getting help—sometimes even separating without exploring their options.Today, we’re tackling the most common questions about couples therapy, from how to know if it’s right for you to what actually
Why does grief feel so lonely?
Have you ever wondered why grief feels so isolating?Many people expect grief to follow a straight path, something to "move on" from after a set amount of time. The reality is far more complex. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and grief researcher Liam Spicer to explore what grief is, the myths that surround it, and how we can better support ourselves and others through loss.Grief is a
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact with Kathryn Eberly
How Past Experiences Shape Our LivesWhy do certain situations trigger such strong emotions? Katheryn Eberly, a mental health social worker and family therapist, joins me to explore how early experiences shape our beliefs, why past wounds still affect us, and how we can start to shift unhelpful patterns.Key TakeawaysTrauma affects how we see ourselves and respond to stress."Big T" trauma stems from
How to Align Your Life with Your Values
Have you ever wondered if your goals truly reflect what’s most important to you? In this episode, clinical psychologist Patch Callahan joins me to break down the difference between values and goals and why living by your values is the key to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.We explore how to uncover your core values, navigate challenges in defining them, and integrate them into your everyday
Is It Time to Rethink Your Relationship with Booze?
Have you ever found yourself questioning your drinking habits or wondering why alcohol feels so deeply woven into our social lives? This episode will inspire you to take a closer look at addiction, coping strategies, and the pressures around drinking.In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Tara Hurster, an expert in addiction and substance use, to challenge the myths surrounding addiction an
Are We Really Fighting About the Christmas Ham?
Holidays are meant to be magical, but let’s be honest – they can also be a whirlwind of stress, unmet expectations, and arguments over things like... ham on napkins. Ever found yourself mid-fight during the holiday season, wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” This episode is for you.As a therapist, I see this all the time in my sessions: couples bickering over seemingly small things that
Are Your Holiday Boundaries Strong Enough?
Does the holiday season leave you feeling stressed and overcommitted? With endless parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings, it’s easy to say yes to everything and forget about your own needs. In this episode, I’m sharing how to set boundaries that protect your energy, time, and budget, so you can truly enjoy the festive season without the burnout.I’ll explore why setting boundaries matters
