Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a way of working with people that recognizes that, metaphorically or literally, each of us is made up a whole bunch of parts, sometimes vigorously disagreeing with each other. Our guest in this episode, Kirsten Davidson, explains how she uses the insights of IFS in her work with couples.

Kirsten’s website is https://mindthegaps.co/.

As we mentioned, Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Is it possible those wonderful qualities of the person you fell in love with—that perfect match for you—could also be the source of problems in your relationship?

Our guest in this episode, Dr. Andrea Medaris, tells us how that can happen, and how to handle it when it does. We talk about Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, and how that can help couples find each other again when they’re feeling disconnected.

Andrea’s website is https://theemotionallogic.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Does Artificial Intelligence have a place in couples therapy? That thought is both intriguing and horrifying, at least to us! Our guest in this episode, Keith Jordan, has developed an app that incorporates AI, with guardrails, to enable clients to get some help between sessions.

Keith’s website is http://www.ctadeliveryllc.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Long-time listeners of our podcast, or those of you who follow my (Bruce’s) work, might recognize that title, “Reigniting the Spark,” as the title of my first book on relationships.

Now I’ve created a self-paced video course based on a lot of the same ideas. In this episode, Judy and I talk about why couples might lose the spark, and how it’s possible to get it back. I talk about some of my favorite ideas: stability, intimacy, and the passion paradox; the need to tolerate anxiety without dissolving into panic; the role of faith as the antidote to panic; and more.

Our podcast website is at https://ctin7.com.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode is Tyler Patrick, a marriage and family therapist who works with couples dealing with betrayal trauma and addiction recovery. Tyler tells us about his own journey, and how the struggles he and his wife went through have both challenged and strengthened their relationship.

Tyler’s website is http://therapybrothers.org/couples-therapy.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Dr. Rachel Orleck, uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in her work with couples. She explains how EFT applies the insights of attachment theory to help couples find safe, deep reconnection.

And, much to my (Bruce’s) delight, she points out that working on communication doesn’t solve the problem! (Recall that one my books is called It’s Not About Communication! Why Everything You Know About Couples Therapy is Wrong.)

Rachel’s website is https://drrachelorleck.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video courses are now available! More information: https://brucechalmer.com/courses. Use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off!

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Why does libido so often seem to fade in a long-term relationship, especially for women? Is it possible it’s not inevitable? Our guest in this episode, Caroline Hood, says it’s not inevitable—and tells how couples can support a great sex life over the long haul. Her forthcoming book is Sex Begets Sex: Reclaiming Desire as an Act of Female Empowerment.

Caroline’s website is https://www.desireinreallife.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video courses are now available! More information: https://brucechalmer.com/courses. Use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off!

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can a couple reinforce and deepen their emotional connection? Our guests in this episode, Dr. Penny Goldmuntz and Rabbi Michael Trachter, are a married couple who help other couples do just that. They tell us about how they work with couples to help them create a “Story of Us,” so they approach both problems and joys with a sense of teamwork and intimacy.

Michael and Penny’s websites are  https://michaelandpenny.com/ and https://pennyandmichael.com. The app Michael describes in the episode is available at https://10minutedate.michaelandpenny.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video courses are now available! More information: https://brucechalmer.com/courses. Use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off!

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

We had a blast having this conversation with Amanda Dames! Amanda is “The Kink Consultant,” on a mission to destigmatize kink, empower exploration, and help individuals and couples build bridges so they can own and express their fantasies safely.

Amanda’s website is https://www.amandadames.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video courses are now available! Information at https://brucechalmer.com/courses.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander #kink #AmandaDames

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

If your spouse or partner has betrayed you, can you heal the marriage? Dealing with betrayal trauma is, obviously, painful and difficult—but can the marriage heal?

In this episode Judy and I talk about the three options couples face when betrayal has happened, and how you might choose among them. And Bruce describes his video course that guides you to a decision.

Our podcast website is at https://ctin7.com.

Information about my video courses:

Betrayal and Forgiveness: https://drbrucechalmer.thinkific.com/courses/betrayal-and-forgiveness-course

The Passion Paradox: https://drbrucechalmer.thinkific.com/products/courses/thepassionparadox

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #discernment #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #betrayal #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

If you’ve been betrayed—or if your partner has accused you of betrayal—what is it about what happened that makes it betrayal? It’s not just semantics. You can be hurt, but betrayal isn’t just hurt. Betrayal shakes your entire foundation—you not only have to doubt your trust, you have to doubt your own judgment. Betrayal trauma is its own category of pain.

Judy and I talk about what makes something rise to the level of betrayal, and consider circumstances where maybe it’s possible to rethink it.

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #betrayal #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Forgiveness can mean different things—and those differences can have a significant impact on the process of healing when someone has hurt or betrayed you.

Judy and I talk about what forgiveness might mean, and how some ways of understanding it can be disempowering while other ways can be empowering.

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is betrayal trauma? What makes it particularly painful?

Judy and I talk about betrayal, including some insights we’ve gained from our own experience.

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

For many couples, talking about money is the third rail—you just don’t go there, or if you do, you get shocked. Our guest in this episode, Carl Richards, talks about why it’s so hard for couples to talk about money, and why money isn’t just about money. Carl’s “Sketch Guy” column ran in the New York Times for a decade.

Our conversation delved into our personal histories with money and relationships. We had a delightful time talking with Carl, and hope you’ll enjoy the conversation too!

Carl’s website is https://behaviorgap.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is Discernment Counseling? And how might it help you?

In this episode, Judy and I talk about situations in which Discernment Counseling is appropriate, and ways that my approach is consistent with its goals.

You can find more information about Discernment Counseling at https://brucechalmer.com/discernment-counseling-a-different-way-to-decide-what-to-do/.

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https:// brucechalmer.com/courses.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

The term “narcissist” has become something of a slur these days, and our guest in today’s episode, couples therapist James Christensen, recognizes this phenomenon. He doesn’t use the term much in working with couples, but his own experience of recognizing those tendencies in himself has helped him in his work.

We also discuss how the work of the late Dr. David Schnarch—who was also a big influence on my (Bruce’s) way of thinking about couples work—has guided James.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

In an era of political polarization, how can couples survive when they belong to different political tribes? Is it even possible? Well.. Judy and I talk about the possibilities and pitfalls.

The GMA segment we refer to is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwo8--6n0XY.

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https:// brucechalmer.com/courses.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can a couple cope when one partner wants sex more often than the other? Is this inevitable in long-term relationships? Does it have to involve conflict, pressure, rejection, and pain? Our guest in this episode, Laura Jurgens, is an expert on desire discrepancy in couples and how to work through it.

Laura’s website is https://laurajurgens.com/libido.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Why are people having less sex than they used to? What role does AI play in this tendency? Have we evolved to just want sex, or are we actually looking for the deep bond of love? Judy and I talk about these issues, and try to end on a hopeful note (you be the judge!).

Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!

Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https:// brucechalmer.com/courses.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can a couple navigate difficult, often painful transitions at different stages of life, and emerge stronger than before? Our guests in this episode, Art and Tonya Blanchford, tell us how they’ve done it, and continue to do so.

Art’s website is https://artblanchford.com. Tonya’s website for her soon to be open café is https://coastalteacafe.com.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Is couples therapy always a good idea? (Turns out, no!) When might it hurt, and when might it help? And how can you make the best use of couples therapy if you decide you want to do it?

In this episode, Judy and I talk about those topics. The name of the person we mentioned who talked to us about compassionate divorce is Sarene Arias—check out our interview with her at our website, https://ctin7.com.

Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https://tppcourse.brucechalmer.com.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

In this episode, Judy and I talk about Lauren Hall’s concept of Radical Moderation, and why I find the parallels between her ideas and my ideas about couples work so exciting.

Our podcast interview with Lauren is at https://youtu.be/ftqRVeBptqs.

Lauren Halls’ Substack, The Radical Moderate’s Guide to Life, is at https://substack.com/@radicalmoderatesguide.

Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https://tppcourse.brucechalmer.com.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander #RadicalModeration #LaurenHall

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is compassionate divorce? Our guest in this episode, Sarene Arias, works with couples to help them work together to create a healthy family for themselves and their children, even when they’ve decided to end their marriage.

Sarene’s website is https://compassionate-divorce.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https://tppcourse.brucechalmer.com.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#SareneArias #CompassionateDivorce #CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Xanet Pailet, went from a 26-year sexless marriage to become an intimacy coach. We talk about how Xanet helps couples discover deep, passionate intimacy, both sexually and emotionally.

Xanet’s website is https://howtoimprovemylovellife.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#Xanet Pailet #CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander #intimacy

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

And now for something completely different…

More and more people are developing relationships with chatbots—including client-therapist relationships. You might have heard some of the horror stories about chatbots leading people horribly astray, and also some of the positive stories about people finding chatbots can be helpful, supportive voices who are always available and never judgmental.

At the suggestion of our son Seth Chalmer, we decided to interview a chatbot and see what she (sure sounded like a “she”) says about working with couples as a virtual therapist. You be the judge: would you like to use her as a therapist?

Information about the video course that Bruce mentioned is at https://brucechalmer.com/tpp/ .

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander #ChatbotTherapist

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

There’s a moment in my first sessions with couples that I’ve come to expect. I’ve explained to them a way of understanding what’s happening in many long-term relationships, and then ask them if that resonates with them. And that’s when it happens: that light-bulb moment.

In this episode, Judy and I talk about that way of understanding relationships that leads to the light-bulb moment. Maybe it’ll have the same effect on you.

More information about the course I mention in the episode is at https://brucechalmer.com/tpp.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can couples recover from infidelity? Our guest in this episode, Dr. Monique Thompson, specializes in helping couples do just that. As you’ll notice, I (Bruce) speculated that if I weren’t clearly 20+ years older, Monique and I might have been twins separated at birth—we have very similar outlooks on how to help couples get through the crisis of infidelity.

Dr. Thompson’s website is https://doctormoniquethompson.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#DrMoniqueThompson #CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Couples therapy can help—especially if you know how to use it effectively. Bruce’s recent book, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is becoming a video course. And what you’ll learn can save you time, money, and heartache as you work through the struggles you’re having in your relationship.

More information about the book and the course is at https://brucechalmer.com.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our affiliate is Osuga. Find them at https://osuga.com/?ref=ctin7

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Keri Green, is a sex therapist in San Diego. She tells us how she got into that work (Judy and I heard echoes of Otis from the TV series “Sex Education”), and how she works with couples to help them find a satisfying sex life.

Keri’s website is http://kerigreenlmft.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Bruce’s latest book, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G29NVZ4X

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#KeriGreen #CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Are you wondering if you should stay together or call it quits on your relationship?

This is a question many of the couples who consult me (Bruce) are struggling with. How can you figure it out? We offer some basic guidelines.

And we talk about Bruce’s latest book, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other. It’s a workbook that helps couples find their passion again, or if not, to decide how to move on.

The Passion Paradox is available at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G29NVZ4X

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our affiliate is Osuga. Find them at https://osuga.com/?ref=ctin7

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Juno Thorne, describes his personal—very personal—journey to escape from ideas he found toxic, accept his natural urges rather than suppress them, and revitalize his marriage. His recent book, Sacred Freedom, seeks to show men, especially Christian men influenced by purity culture, how faith and desire can be reconciled.

We did this interview with cameras off, and the picture Juno provided is not of him. We talk about why in the interview.

Juno’s website is https://www.junobthorne.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Bruce’s latest book, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G29NVZ4X

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

#SacredFreedom #PurityCulture #Juno Thorne #CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can you talk to your kids to soothe them and get through to them, rather than shut them down? Our guest in this episode, Dr. David Marcus, has worked with families dealing with high-conflict divorce, and advocated for children with courts and family lawyers. He tells us about his work, including a very moving story about silent sessions with a 15-year-old girl, and the delightful sport of “Mad Ball.”

Dr. Marcus’s website is http://parentrx.org/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What’s the difference between dating and courting? Why do so many women pick guys on dating apps who later turn out to be bad husband material? Our guest in this episode, Jeremy Nelson, has created a dating app with a very different approach, one that promotes intentional courtship with a view toward marriage, rather than hook-ups.

Jeremy’s website is https://marryingamerica.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Watch for Bruce’s forthcoming book. The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other. It will be available soon!

Our affiliate is Osuga, makers of fine products to enhance intimacy. Find them at https://osuga.com/?ref=ctin7.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guests in this episode, Nancy Levine and Rachel Levine Spates, are a mother and daughter who collaborated on a book called Light: A Family Story of Anorexia. Their book is a beautifully written, insightful, and courageous recounting of Rachel’s struggle with anorexia, and how their family was affected.

The book is available anywhere books are sold. Here’s the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Mother-Daughter-Memoir-Anorexia/dp/1578692067/

For help with eating disorders, contact the National Association for Eating Disorders at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What happened to the passionate love you had when you first got together? Is it possible for that kind of love to last?

We talk about Bruce’s latest book, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other. It’s a workbook that helps couples find their passion again, or if not, to decide how to move on. The paradox of the title refers to the needs we have for both stability and intimacy; we need them both, but they require different, and often conflicting, skills.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

For the audio-only version of this podcast, visit https://ctin7.com.

#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #faith #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Christian de la Huerta, talks about his own journey toward spiritual transformation, and how he helps people along their own journeys.

His most recent books are Awakening the Soul of Power: How to Live Heroically and Set Yourself Free and Conscious Love: Transforming Our Relationship to Relationships.

Christian’s website is https://soulfulpower.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

You’ve heard of the Serenity Prayer, especially in the context of 12-Step programs such as AA. But what is the Meta-Serenity Prayer?

In this episode, we talk about it. Why did Bruce invent it? What does it have to do with faith? Along the way, we also talk about what kind of couples therapy might actually help you, as opposed to wasting your time or making things worse.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Caroline Kobylinski, overcame a history of emotional chaos, substance use, eating disorders, and toxic relationships. She’s applied what she learned through those struggles to helping both individual clients and couples. And she does it with humor and refreshing forthrightness. We had a lot of fun talking with Caroline.

Caroline’s website is http://www.cwkcounseling.com.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Padmini Pandya, has lived and worked all over the world. She shares her experiences, especially in the area of relationships.

Padmini’s website is https://www.youtube.com/@PiecesOfMissMini.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Pornography can be addictive. Our guest in this episode, Chandler Rogers, has founded Relay, an app that helps people with their recovery. We talk about Chandler’s own experience that led him to found the app, how connecting with other people in an atmosphere of supportive acceptance can help heal the shame, and ways couples can rebuild their relationships after a partner discovers behavior they experience as a betrayal.

Chandler’s website is https://www.joinrelay.app/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Is everyone mentally ill? Or is it possible that most of us need support from a caring human being, rather than treatment of a diagnosed illness?

Our guest in this episode, Dr. Alison Greco, is reanimating an idea from last century: paratherapy. She is training people in what she calls Structured Emotional Support, to provide help for people who might need psychotherapy, but want help.

Alison’s website is https://para-thera.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Why do couples so often start off passionately in love, and over time end up feeling miles apart? And if you’re in that situation, what can you do about it?

In this episode, we talk about how that happens and how to deal with it.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Malisa Hapner, told us she maxed out the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire—which means she went through an enormous load of trauma. Judy and I found her journey of overcoming shame and finding compassion for herself and others to be inspiring, and I hope you do too.

Malisa’s website is https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Why are couples surprised when they first experience conflict with each other. And how can they manage it without freaking out? Our guest in this episode, Dr. Jessica Higgins, works with couples to help them get past problem patterns and turn toward each other.

Dr. Higgins’s website is https://drjessicahiggins.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

I’ve worked with couples for whom how to load the dishwasher has been the topic that has brought them close to divorce. What’s going on? Our guest in this episode, Talia Bombola, applies insights from psychodynamic therapy to help couples and individuals figure out what’s going on, and save themselves from a lot of misery in the process.

Talia’s websites are  https://www.therapywithtalia.com/ and https://taliabombola.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Kristan Swan, has been a landscape designer and business coach. We talk about how her work helping entrepreneurs has often overlapped with the kind of relational work that Bruce does with couples.

Kristan’s book Spaghetti on the Wall is designed to help people learn more about themselves and thereby make better decisions. She has also developed an eight-week workshop called “Discovering Your Spiritual Autobiography.”

Kristan’s website is https://kristanswan.com/.

The Stability and Intimacy Assessment form Bruce mentioned is at https://forms.gle/1Pj8MUQDH2cYfbVW7.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

In my book Betrayal and Forgiveness, I define forgiveness as an “inside job.” Among other things, that means that you can forgive people who have committed acts of pure evil—because forgiving just means you can think about what happened without being consumed by anger or panic. Forgiveness is about healing yourself. To paraphrase Anne Lamott, forgiveness gets the rat poison out of you. Then you can think about how to handle the rat.

Defined in that way, forgiveness has essentially nothing to do with your relationship with whoever hurt you. You can forgive people you still don’t trust. You can forgive people you’ll still divorce, or sue, or prosecute. You can even forgive people you went to war against, and would do so again if necessary.

I commented in the book that this implies that I, a Jew, could forgive the Nazis.

Well, Judy and I put that to the test. We returned recently from a Jewish heritage trip to Germany. It was…well, listen and see what you think!

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Judy and I had the great honor and delight of interviewing the doyenne of Jewish cooking, Joan Nathan. Our interview took place on a cruise along the Main River in Germany, where we were on a tour of Jewish historical sites along the Main and Rhine. Joan was on the tour, and we all had the magnificent experience of a bistro meal with her, using her own recipes.

We’ll be doing another episode about how the experience of touring Jewish-related sites in Germany fits in with my (Bruce’s) writings about forgiveness. It’s complicated!

But for this episode, we’re focusing on Joan Nathan. She talks about how her career got started, her long marriage that ended with her husband’s death about five years ago, and more.

Joan’s website is http://joannathan.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Couples in which one or both have a diagnosis of ADHD can encounter some particular challenges. Our guest in this episode, Lisa Rabinowitz, specialized in working with ADHD or otherwise neurodiverse couples. She tells us about how she helps them find their way to more satisfying relationships.

Lisa’s website is https://counselorforcouples.com/.

The assessment tool that Bruce mentioned is at https://forms.gle/1Pj8MUQDH2cYfbVW7. Please take it for a test run!

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Today’s topic: Betrayal and Forgiveness

This short take is about…well, betrayal and forgiveness. What is betrayal? And does forgiveness mean you’ll restore your relationship?

Please subscribe and review us!

Visit our podcast website, ctin7.com, for more about our podcast, access to past episodes, and links to contact us to make suggestions and sign up for a time to be a guest on our show.

Visit Dr. Chalmer’s website, brucechalmer.com, for information on his practice, to find his books, and to sign up for his Substack newsletter.

Visit Laria Zylber’s website, lariazylber.com, for information on her book The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible. (Laria is Judy’s pseudonym, and as you’ll see in the videos on her website, she looks just like Judy, except she has blue hair!)

To see the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/t_EQM32MZso.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Why are so many Millennials deciding not to have children? How does therapy culture affect how young people view the prospect of becoming parents?

Judy and I talk about a New York Times article by Michal Leibowitz that discusses this. She organized her article according to stanzas in Philip Larkin’s poem “This Be The Verse,” which famously concludes, “Get out as early as you can / And don’t have any kids yourself.”

Along the way, we also talk about tribalism—both good and bad!—and mention Daryl Davis’s TEDx talk, where he describes why he, a black man, has attended KKK rallies.

Michal Leibowitz’s article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/opinion/therapy-estrangement-childless-millennials.html

Daryl Davis’s TEXx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/daryl_davis_why_i_as_a_black_man_attend_kkk_rallies

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Today’s topic: The “Oh Shit” Moment

This isn’t about the “Oh shit!” you might say when you’ve hit your thumb with a hammer. This is about—well, you’ll need to hear it to appreciate why I call it the “Oh shit” moment. It’s often a turning point in working with a couple.

Please subscribe and review us!

Visit our podcast website, ctin7.com, for more about our podcast, access to past episodes, and links to contact us to make suggestions and sign up for a time to be a guest on our show.

Visit Dr. Chalmer’s website, brucechalmer.com, for information on his practice, to find his books, and to sign up for his Substack newsletter.

Visit Laria Zylber’s website, lariazylber.com, for information on her book The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible. (Laria is Judy’s pseudonym, and as you’ll see in the videos on her website, she looks just like Judy, except she has blue hair!)

To see the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/5GLAcFW8V7k.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is Post Betrayal Syndrome? Our guest in this episode is Dr. Debi Silber, who is the founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute.

She describes three discoveries about betrayal from her Ph.D. research, and then talks about five stages along the way from betrayal to transformation.

Dr. Silber’s website is https://thepbtinstitute.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Today’s topic: Stability vs. Intimacy—Can We Have Both?

Why are both stability and intimacy necessary for a relationship to thrive? Why do they require different—even conflicting—skills?

Please subscribe and review us!

Visit our podcast website, ctin7.com, for more about our podcast, access to past episodes, and links to contact us to make suggestions and sign up for a time to be a guest on our show.

Visit Dr. Chalmer’s website, brucechalmer.com, for information on his practice, to find his books, and to sign up for his Substack newsletter.

Visit Laria Zylber’s website, lariazylber.com, for information on her book The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible. (Laria is Judy’s pseudonym, and as you’ll see in the videos on her website, she looks just like Judy, except she has blue hair!)

To see the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/8TNv4NaV5NY.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is Radical Moderation? And how can that idea help heal the hyper-polarization that characterizes not only politics but family relationships these days? Our guest in this episode, Professor Lauren Hall, tells us about her work and how she came to it. As Judy mentions early in the interview, I (Bruce) have called myself a radical moderate for decades. (“What do we want? Moderation! When do we want it? When it’s appropriate!”)

Lauren’s website is https://www.laurenkhall.com/. Her Substack is “The Radical Moderate’s Guide to Life.”

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Dr. Bonnie Comfort, was married for 33 years to a man she deeply loved and who deeply loved her. And they remained married until his death from cancer. A beautiful story with a sad ending—but, as is always true, not the whole story. Bonnie tells us about the struggles she and her husband went through, particularly around issues of sexual compatibility. Those struggles taught her a lot about herself: the pressures she was subject to, the ways she unintentionally cooperated, and the ways she was able to come into her own power and gain self-respect. In her soon-to-be-published memoir, Bonnie offers some of that hard-won wisdom.

Bonnie’s book is Staying Married is the Hardest Part: A Memoir of Passion, Secrets, and Sacrifice. Her website is https://bonniecomfort.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Have you read my latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again? Would you be willing to leave a review? It’s super-easy. Just go to this link, give a rating (5 stars, I hope!), say something about the book, and submit. And thanks!

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Today’s topic: Rethinking ADHD

Is ADHD a disease, or even a disorder?  Or is it a description of one end of a spectrum? Why does the distinction matter? I talk about a recent New York Times article in which long-time ADHD researchers describe how they are re-examining their assumptions. Then I tell one of my go-to stories about working with a high school kid who was diagnosed with ADHD and hadn’t been told yet—but his teachers had been told.

Here’s the article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html

Why am I ranting about ADHD in a blog about couples therapy? Well, because the way ADHD hardened into a black-and-white diagnosis, as if it were analagous to diabetes, is a great example of psychosclerosis—hardening of the categories (see Short Take #1). And psychosclerosis is often what’s plaguing couples.

Please subscribe and review us!

Visit our podcast website, ctin7.com, for more about our podcast, access to past episodes, and links to contact us to make suggestions and sign up for a time to be a guest on our show.

Visit Dr. Chalmer’s website, brucechalmer.com, for information on his practice, to find his books, and to sign up for his Substack newsletter.

Visit Laria Zylber’s website, lariazylber.com, for information on her book The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible. (Laria is Judy’s pseudonym, and as you’ll see in the videos on her website, she looks just like Judy, except she has blue hair!)

To see the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/78kA6eTMtAs.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

If you’re having trouble with sex in your relationship, you might want to consult a sex therapist, and our guest today, Dr. Emily Jamea, is precisely that. But what if it’s not about problems—what if what you want is to get past “good-enough” sex to levels you’ve only dreamed about? Well, Emily is all about that as well. Her recent book, Anatomy of Desire, describes how “flow,” as popularized by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a key to unlocking passion and desire in a couple. She talks about five secrets and how to apply them. Judy and I had a great time talking with Emily, and we think you’ll love this episode.

Emily’s website is https://emilyjamea.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

As our guest in this episode, Charity Sinclair, puts it, “I’ve been on a lot of shit dates. No, really—literally shit dates.” Dates, she means, in which the guy was carrying around a stool sample. Or was carrying around dog shit.

And, she says, she’d take a shit date over a toxic date any time. In our conversation, Charity tells us about calling off her wedding just weeks before, when she discovered that her fiancé had been carrying on multiple relationships for years, lying and gaslighting in all of them. She writes—often hilariously—about what she learned from these and other experiences in her book We’re All Dating the Same Guy.

Charity’s website is https://sameguybook.com/podcast.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

We live in polarized times. It’s hard to have conversations across the great divide—as soon as we detect signs that someone we’re talking to is on the other side, we tend to shut down our ability to hear and think about what they’re saying.

Our guest in this episode, Matt DiGeronimo, is a Navy veteran who realized when he took off the uniform that he wanted to be able to tell his grandchildren, when they ask him what he did in that turbulent era of 2025, that he did more to heal the country than simply rant on social media. Matt has developed tools to help people communicate across the divide, starting with one-on-one encounters in our living rooms and kitchen tables. His most recent book is Actualization: Becoming the Person Worthy of Your Dreams.

You can find more about Matt at https://beyondplatitudes.substack.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Today’s topic:

The Dread Disease, “Hardening of the Categories”

Please subscribe and review us!

Visit our podcast website, ctin7.com, for more about our podcast, access to past episodes, and links to contact us to make suggestions and sign up for a time to be a guest on our show.

Visit Dr. Chalmer’s website, brucechalmer.com, for information on his practice, to find his books, and to sign up for his Substack newsletter.

Visit Laria Zylber’s website, lariazylber.com, for information on her book The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible. (Laria is Judy’s pseudonym, and as you’ll see in the videos on her website, she looks just like Judy, except she has blue hair!)

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Can a couple who have fallen out of love regain their passion for each other? What is Imago Relationship Therapy, and how can it help? Our guest in this episode, Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, is the founder of the Marriage Restoration Project, which offers intensive retreats, group workshops, and online courses.

Rabbi Slatkin’s website is https://www.themarriagerestorationproject.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What would you do if you found out at your father’s funeral that he had been having affairs? Your father, whom you had loved, honored, and trusted? Recently I’ve talked with several people in similar situations. Judy and I talk about how they might work on healing from that kind of betrayal.

We also talk about a dilemma a woman wrote to the NY Times Ethicist column about: Should she reveal to her adopted cousin that she (the cousin) was the product of an incestuous relationship? The article we refer to in this episode is at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/magazine/adoption-incest-secret-ethics.html.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Do you ever find yourself drowning in digital stimulation and demand? How does digital overwhelm in work life relate to life as a couple? Our guest in this episode is Craig Mattson, a professor of communication who has studied the disconnection and intensity many workers feel in their work lives. And as a person of faith, Craig has invoked teachings from biblical texts as relevant to these very modern issues, in ways that we (Bruce and Judy) find fascinating. Let us know what you think!

Craig’s website is https://www.themodeswitch.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Leah Spasova, is the CEO of LifeSexperts, which offers coaching and training to individuals, couples, and organizations about healthy relationships. We talk with her about her multi-layered approach to helping couples with sex and relationship issues.

Leah’s website is https://www.lifesexperts.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

We’ve had many wonderful guests, and like parents with their children, I don’t want to compare them. But I do think this is one of our most important episodes.

Our guest, Wilk Wilkinson, is a Christian conservative who has taken on the mission of helping this country heal from what he terms toxic polarity. Through his own “Derate the Hate” podcast, as well as his work as a volunteer with Braver Angels and the Prohuman Foundation, Wilk fosters respectful conversation among people across the political spectrum.

Wilk’s website is https://deratethehate.com/

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Are you in a sexless marriage? Our guest in this episode, Dr. Rachel MacNeill, is a pelvic floor physical therapist who specializes in helping people with intimacy issues. She also helps people with urinary incontinence (did you know that Kegels are usually not the answer? I didn’t!).

Among the sexual issues we talk about are the myth (often) of low libido in women, dyspareunia and how to treat it, what queer relationships can teach straight couples, and more.

Rachel’s website is https://www.rachelmacneillintimacycoaching.com/. Rachel is offering a one-time 20% discount for an appointment with her (intake or follow-up) to our listeners--use the discount code SEVENWORDS. She also offers a 7-day Pleasure Challenge at this link.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What is it like to be “neurospicy”? How does neurodivergence affect relationships? Our guest in this episode is Kristen Williamson, the self-proclaimed “queen of chaos.” Judy and I had a delightful time with Kristen—she exudes a contagious joy, and I hope you’ll catch it too by tuning into this episode.

Kristen’s website is https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristensmith0045/. On Instagram, she’s at https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

When one partner in a relationship tells the other, “I think I want out,” their relationship will never be the same. They might break up, or they might stay together, but either way they’ll have a new relationship. Our guest in this episode, Dr. Becky Whetstone, works with couples dealing with that relationship crisis. She’s been through it herself, and she’s done research, and based on that experience and learning she helps couples turn their crises into opportunities for growth.

Becky’s recent book is I Think I Want Out: What to Do When One of You Wants to End Your Marriage. Her website is https://marriagecrisismanager.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode is Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Rabbi Cohen has written about how you can “reverse-engineer” your life, so you can live now in ways that will help shape the kind of legacy you want to leave at the end of your life. We talk with Rabbi Cohen about how we can learn to recognize and cultivate “Elijah moments,” and how that skill can benefit couple relationships.

Rabbi Cohen’s website is https://www.rabbidanielcohen.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Julie’s website is https://www.thesecurerelationship.com/. She can be found on Instagram at @thesecurerelationship.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

For the audio-only version of this podcast, visit https://ctin7.com.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Improv is all about spontaneity, fun, listening, and being willing to play. How can improv help you improve your relationships, romantic or otherwise? Our guest in this episode, Andrew Davies, combines his love and training in theater and Judaism, and beings the joy of improv to children and adults of all ages. We had fun talking to Andrew, and we hope you’ll have fun listening to this interview.

Among the many nuggets of wisdom Andrew offers is a brilliant hack for making the concept of “date night” possible even for parents of young children.

Andrew’s websites are https://www.artlyworking.com/ and https://www.thebibleplayers.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What should you know before you start therapy? Christina Caron wrote an article about that in the New York Times (link below), and Judy and I talk about the four things Caron wrote about, and apply them specifically to couples therapy. As we discuss, therapy is often fluid, especially with couples. Goals can shift, the two members of the couple can differ in their opinions about how the therapy is going, and success isn’t always easy to define. As I’ve written about in one of my books (It’s Not About Communication), couples therapy is often like improv theater.

The article we refer to in this episode is at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/well/start-therapy-tips.html.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here’s the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Our guest in this episode, Gregory Diehl, describes himself as a Romantic Idealist, which, he explains is a fundamentally hopeless position since perfection is impossible. And he remains an idealist even as his own love life hasn’t yet come to fruition. We talk about his ideas about the complementarity of masculinity and femininity, and about the retreat center he has established in Armenia.

Gregory’s website is https://www.gregorydiehl.net/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Talking about gender issues can be a minefield. Talking about ways in which not only women, but men too are victims of implicit bias can get you canceled—as evidenced by what happened to our guest’s book when he wrote about that. Our guest, Jack Kammer, has the distinction of being a target of cancel culture before the term was coined. We talk about his experiences thinking, speaking, and writing about bias against men. We also talk about why it’s so difficult to get men to go to couples therapy.

Here’s the link we mention to my (Bruce’s) video called “How Do You Get Your Reluctant Guy to Go to Couples Therapy with You?”: https://youtu.be/SlGtc9NoaA4

Jack’s website is https://www.malefriendlymedia.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Okay, I (Bruce) get to rant in this one. Bring on the arguments! How does the good idea of diversity turn into the ideology that makes universities insist that candidates for faculty positions sign loyalty oaths? How does the good idea of understanding the experience of trans people turn into the ideology that says you can’t question whether someone who grew up in a male body should be allowed to swim on the girls’ team? How does the good idea of differential diagnosis turn into the ideology that totalizes and pathologizes people?

More generally, how do ideologies turn otherwise intelligent, caring people into malevolent idiots?

At the end of this episode, I specifically invite people who’d like to argue with me to come on as a guest. Maybe that’s you! Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

What can you do if your husband tells you he no longer loves you, and is ending your marriage? Do you have to just give up? Our guest in this episode, Sophie Orozco, faced that very situation. And her friends, advisors, and therapists told her to just accept it and move on. But Sophie was determined to find a better outcome. She gave herself a year, and discovered that not only could her marriage be saved, but that it was better than it ever was. She shares what she learned with her coaching clients. Judy and I found her story inspiring, and hope you do too.

Sophie’s website is https://www.sophieorozco.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Is your therapist a quack? We’ve talked about how to know if you should leave a relationship—what about a relationship with a therapist? What are the signs that you should dump them? As you’ll hear in this episode, thinking about that led us to talk about when diagnoses, such as ADHD or narcissism or Borderline Personality Disorder, can be damaging, even though they are also often useful. Feel free to argue with me!

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

How can men be better husbands and partners? Our guest in this episode is Angelo Santiago, a Marriage and Relationship Coach with a specialization in helping men become better husbands. Angelo had me (Bruce) on his podcast, “Better Husband,” and we were delighted to return the favor.

Angelo’s website is https://www.angelosantiago.com/.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

A listener question prompted this episode: “Fred” wrote to us asking how to know when to end a 40-year marriage. Judy and I talk about this dilemma from several angles. How do couples get to that point after so many years of relative stability? What’s the role of intimacy in a couple? Are there ethical issues to consider? Let us know what you think.

Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer’s newsletter right from our homepage.

Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

Bruce’s latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.

***

RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:

If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.

📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):

Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/

💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):

If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/

🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):

Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/

🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):

If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/

👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/

Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.