Having less stress at Christmas - synching your expectations around money, spending time with wider family and chores

In this episode of "The Relationship Maze," Tom and Angela dive into the different developmental stages of relationships, exploring the model developed by Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson from the Couples Institute. 

Drawing parallels with early childhood development, they discuss the stages of adult relationships:  symbiosis, differentiation, practicing, rapprochement, and mutual interdependence. Each of these stages serves a specific function in the development of the relationship and each of these stages requires particular developmental tasks of each individual as well as the couple as a team.

Tom and Angela unpack the challenges and dynamics couples face at each stage, from the initial euphoria of the honeymoon phase to the struggles of couples who don't move beyond this initial stage. These often present in couples therapy and face the challenges of enmeshment or hostile dependency.  Tom and Angela also touch on the complexities of partners being at different stages in relationships and provide insights into navigating these relationship stages towards a healthier and fulfilling connection. 

If you're looking to understand and improve your relationships, join Tom and Angela as they guide you through this enlightening exploration.

00:00 Couples Institute's relationship model based on developmental stages.
05:52 Stages of couple relationships: symbiosis and differentiation.
06:59 Seeing people in a different light is natural.
11:49 Practicing stage focuses on individual autonomy and self-esteem.
15:26 Stage of relationship development towards mutual interdependence.
18:16 Mutual interdependence creates a secure, mature relationship.
19:59 Rare to have partners at different stages.
25:12 Couple therapy: partners' different developmental phases challenge.
26:57 Visit relationshipmaze.com for improving your relationships.

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Relationship Maze. In today's episode  Tom and Angela dive into the challenges of online dating, particularly the phenomenon of ghosting. 
They discuss the impact of being ghosted, potential reasons for ghosting, and offer valuable insights into maintaining a positive attitude and healthy mindset when navigating the complexities of modern dating. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to approach early stages of dating and learn strategies for building fulfilling relationships in the digital age.

00:00 Challenges of online dating addressed in podcast.
03:54 Traditional dating relied on personal connections, trust.
09:42 Overwhelmed with choice due to restaurant abundance.
11:10 Early dating involves projecting rather than knowing.
13:36 Early red flags signal potential relationship issues.
18:45 Building connections takes time for genuine attraction.
22:17 Online dating takes time and patience.
24:27 Take time, attraction can develop, respect yourself.

In today's episode of The Relationship Maze, Tom and Angela delve into the world of warning signs in relationships, focusing on both early and later indicators of potential problems. 
They discuss the yellow flags that may indicate areas of concern in a relationship, such as inconsistent attention, dismissive behaviour, lack of communication, issues with ex-partners, differing life stages, mental health challenges, and deceptive dating profiles. Join them as they navigate through the complexities of relationship warning signs and offer valuable insights on how to identify and address potential red flags. 
Tune in to gain valuable insights that may help you navigate the maze of relationships with confidence and clarity.

00:00 Recognizing red and yellow relationship warning signs.
03:17 Yellow flag: partner's ambiguity about relationship.
08:52 Cultural influences on emotional expression in men.
11:44 Watch for warning signs of negative behavior.
15:14 Friend disapproval could be a red flag.
18:41 Past experiences can affect relationships, self-esteem.
21:05 Excessive reassurance can become coercive control.
24:55 Deception and mistrust in relationships over concealment.
27:26 Age prejudice complicates the need for honesty.

Welcome to today's episode of "The Relationship Maze." In this episode hosts Tom and Angela delve into the early warning indicators of potentially problematic relationships. They discuss warning signs such as physical and emotional abuse, gaslighting, love bombing, excessive jealousy, boundary violations, and substance abuse. 
With insights into each warning sign, they provide valuable advice on what to look out for in relationships and how to navigate these challenges. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these warning signs and learn how to address them effectively. 
So, join us on this enlightening exploration of the intricate dynamics of relationships.

00:00 Early warning signs in a new relationship.
05:28 Abusive relationships and coercive control explained briefly.
07:25 Gaslighting overlaps with abusive relationships, affecting mental health.
10:11 Expressions of strong emotions in relationships are critical.
15:15 Podcast discusses narcissism and love bombing tactics.
17:40 Evaluating partner behavior, signs of unhealthy relationship.
21:17 Supportive help needed for partner with addiction.
23:51 Recognize and address relationship boundary violations.

In this episode of "The Relationship Maze," hosts Tom and Angela dive into the complex question of how to know if you truly love someone.
They explore the different stages and dynamics of love in relationships, including the early passionate phase, the role of attraction, the challenges of unconditional love, and the importance of differentiation in couple relationships . They emphasize the need for continuous reflection and communication in relationships to prevent crises and maintain a healthy, loving connection.
With practical insights and thought-provoking discussions, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted nature of love in relationships.
Join Tom and Angela as they unravel the intricacies of love and offer valuable guidance for nurturing and sustaining meaningful connections.
00:00 Distinguishing between falling in love and loving.
03:23 Instant chemistry in relationships is often problematic.
08:28 Unconditional love requires meeting agreed needs.
11:53 Transition from idealization to realistic perception in relationships.
16:40 Evaluate relationship, prioritize well-being over love.
19:19 Review love, clarify desires in relationship, understand.
24:08 Prioritize communication and understanding in relationships.

Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training. 
Tom:  https://www.counsellinginenfield.co.uk/
Angela: https://angeladierkscounselling.co.uk/

In this episode of "The Relationship Maze" podcast, Tom and Angela delve into the complex topic of arguments and conflict in relationships. They discuss the inevitability of disagreements between partners and emphasize the importance of understanding and effectively managing arguments. The hosts provide valuable insights into the different types of arguments and the underlying issues that may lead to conflicts in relationships. They address the significance of recognizing one's conflict style and offer practical tips for handling arguments in a constructive manner. Additionally, they highlight the potential for deeper connection and personal growth that can arise from navigating conflicts with openness and understanding. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how to navigate arguments and conflicts in relationships and discover strategies for fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections with your partner.

00:00 Conflicts in relationships are inevitable due to differences.
05:11 Peeling away layers to reveal deeper issues.
08:09 Relationship issues stem from childhood learned behaviors.
11:31 Recognizing stonewalling to improve relationship patterns.
15:31 Identify patterns and intentions in partner behavior.
18:34 Consider tone to avoid sounding blaming. Create understanding.
20:53 Conflict can deepen connection in relationships.
23:39 Openness in discussing change is crucial.

Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.
Tom:  https://www.counsellinginenfield.co.uk/
Angela: https://angeladierkscounselling.co.uk/

Welcome to The Relationship Maze podcast! Today, we're diving into the 10 most annoying habits that partners have, and exploring what it means for your relationship. Tom and Angela discuss common grievances that can become major frustrations and provide insights on how to address these annoyances and create a more harmonious relationship. 

Stay tuned to learn how to navigate through these common relationship pitfalls and improve your connection with your partner.

00:00 Dealing with annoying partner habits for better relationship.

03:36 Engage in active listening for effective communication.

08:22 Overcoming challenges in perception, noise, and therapy.

12:15 Celebrate small tasks to associate good feelings.

13:46 Household task imbalance causes relationship dynamic shift.

16:50 Limit phone use in important situations.

22:23 Controversial BBC show teaches dog training for husbands.

24:30 Visit relationshipmaze.com for relationship improvement tips.

Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.
Tom:  https://www.counsellinginenfield.co.uk/
Angela: https://angeladierkscounselling.co.uk/

Welcome to The Relationship Maze podcast where we delve into the complexities of human relationships. In today's episode hosts Tom and Angela explore the intriguing characters and family dynamics in the popular series "Succession." They delve into the complexities of the relationships depicted in the show and draw parallels to real-life experiences. From the desperate need for parental love to the impact of childhood attachment styles on adult behavior, the hosts dissect how the characters' personalities and struggles reflect relatable human experiences. 

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of the characters and their relationships, offering valuable insights into our own relational behaviors. And if you're interested in understanding and improving your own relationships, head over to our website  therelationshipmaze.com for free resources and our online conflict style quiz. 

Tune in as we navigate the intriguing world of "Succession" and discover how it relates to our own lives.

00:00 Estranged family dynamics in media mogul's empire.
05:23 Logan Roy gives breadcrumbs of love.
08:08 Eldest of three siblings with addiction problems.
10:47 Many UK founders quickly form intense relationships.
13:18 Clients struggle with abusive relationships due to self-image.
17:31 Shiv is manipulative and toxic in marriage.
21:31 Covering unhappiness with fantasy, it's engaging.
24:24 Explore family dynamics through constellation shifting therapy.

In this episode of The Relationship Maze, Tom and Angela delve into the topic of healing from emotional wounds.

They draw parallels between the physiological process of healing a wound and the emotional healing process. They emphasize the importance of awareness and understanding the cause of emotional wounds as the first step in the healing journey. They also discuss different therapeutic perspectives and methods for processing and healing emotional wounds.

Throughout the conversation, they stress the significance of seeking help and acknowledge that healing takes time while highlighting the resilience and flexibility of the human mind and body.

Tune in to discover valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the path to emotional healing.

00:00 Unconscious childhood experiences impact emotions and healing.
04:13 Our body has amazing capacity to heal.
08:26 Final stage: wound healing, physical and emotional.
10:00 Pain brings uniqueness, meaning, and strength over time.
13:12 Physical trauma can lead to delayed awareness.
17:09 Grieving for childhood losses is an important phase.
21:11 Therapeutic techniques involve present perspective and dialogue.
24:30 Seeking help is important for healing.
25:51 "Improve relationships, mental health, take quiz, subscribe."

Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.
Tom:  https://www.counsellinginenfield.co.uk/
Angela: https://angeladierkscounselling.co.uk/

In this episode of "The Relationship Maze," hosts Tom and Angela delve into the topic of setbacks. They explore the different types of setbacks, how they affect us emotionally, and the importance of learning from them. 
By sharing personal experiences and examples, they discuss the impact of setbacks on various aspects of life, including relationships and career pursuits. They also offer valuable insights on handling setbacks, reframing them as opportunities for self-reflection and growth. 
The hosts emphasize the need to find realistic and achievable goals within our control while dealing with setbacks. Join Tom and Angela as they explore the dynamics of setbacks and provide practical tips for navigating through life's challenges.

00:00 Strategies for overcoming setbacks in life discussed.
05:37 Allow yourself time to process emotions fully.
08:46 Stoicism can help, but analysis is crucial.
10:07 Accepting challenges and taking personal responsibility.
15:33 Questioning purpose but determined to complete studies.
16:25 Recovering from setbacks and nurturing self-care.
19:25 Perspective on failure: only feedback, empowering.
22:47 Systemic thinking relevant in relationships and setbacks.
25:38 Set outcome based on own actions for success.