David and hypnotherapist Helen Hart discuss how knowledge of our nervous system can help with our relationship. We are not broken, our emotional regulation system does exactly what it is meant to do! Firstly, exactly how do our childhood experiences inform our adult experiences? Understanding who we are drawn to as partners and calming our nervous system to calm the relationship. The topic of substance use was brought up as a way that some people try to manage their relationship.

Guest Barb opens-up about living with a narcissist and about dealing with some of the power and control issues. The episode also covers some the behavioural traits of a narcissist, how to manage narcissistic behaviour, contingencies and why Barb chooses to stay in the relationship.

In this Episode, hosts David and Debra take a little time to introduce themselves and briefly talk about some of the challenges faced while being married 25 years.

With a special guest Cassie, the theme of this episode revolves around beginning and maintaining a relationship; fast-moving relationships, sticking at it, the death of first love (and holding a candle). Cassie discusses navigating Social media within your relationship and the constant comparisons and the struggle to feel secure in relationship.

We also touch on finding relationships face-to-face vs social media, online judging and how dating has changed; monogamy and the legacy of one night stands. Cassie talks briefly about growing-up with social media and questions ‘to post?’ or ‘not to post’? (are some things too important to post?).

The episode rounds-off with a discussion around five communication keys for a healthy relationship;

1. Be sensitive,
2. Be honest (and understand what honesty means to your partner),
3. Create safety,
4. See and acknowledge your partner’s perspective and
5. Understand that all your words have meaning to your partner (even if you don’t mean it).