039: Healing from trauma while in a relationship with Karen Robinson
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Release Date: 06/01/2023
063: Understanding and Overcoming the Freeze Response in Relationships with Lauren Dry
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
In this episode of the Communicate and Connect Podcast, Liz talks with relationship coach Lauren Dry about the freeze response and how it shows up in communication, connection, and conflict. The freeze response is one of the most misunderstood nervous system reactions, especially in relationships. It can look like emotional shutdown, disconnection, or indifference but it’s actually a survival mechanism. Lauren explains why the freeze response happens, how it affects both partners, and what you can do to move from disconnection to reconnection. In this episode, you’ll learn: What...
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062: How to deal with different parenting styles with Adam Angel
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to this episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we tackle the ever-relevant topic of how to deal with different parenting styles. In today's conversation, host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky is joined by Adam Angel, a specialist in supporting new dads and an advocate for thoughtful, collaborative parenting approaches. This episode is particularly significant for military families, who often face unique challenges and transitions. Adam begins by sharing his personal journey into fatherhood during the pandemic, which led to his development of a supportive group for new dads....
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061: How to improve intimacy in a relationship with Chloe Mascord
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
In this episode of The Communicate & Connect Podcast, host Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky welcomes intimacy expert Chloe Mascord to the show, where they dive deep into the intricacies of nurturing intimacy within relationships, with a special focus on the unique dynamics faced by military couples. Chloe, renowned for her expertise in the field, discusses the common challenges and misconceptions surrounding intimacy, emphasizing the crucial distinction between intimacy and sex and the need for emotional closeness for a fulfilling intimate life. Throughout the episode, Chloe offers a wealth of...
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060: How to make your relationship STRONG with Kristal Desantis
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to Episode 060 of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have an enlightening conversation with the incredible Kristal Desantis, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we delve into the often-overlooked dynamics of men in relationships and the societal expectations that shape their roles and behaviors. Kristal shares her insights on the shifting roles of men, particularly the challenge of being valued for performance over personhood. We'll unpack the powerful metaphor of "lipstick on a...
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059: Military Spouse Relocation - Navigating leaving friends and home behind with Leigh Conant
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to Episode 59 of the Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we have a deeply insightful conversation lined up with our special guest, Leigh Conant, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the military community. In this episode, we dive into the emotional and logistical complexities of military spouse relocation. Leigh shares her personal experience moving from a well-established community in New Orleans to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, detailing the mix of excitement and profound grief that comes with leaving friends...
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058: Coping with PCS Stress with Michelle Farmer
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, titled "Coping with PCS Stress with Michelle Farmer," we dive deep into the unique challenges faced by military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Joining us is Michelle Farmer, a true expert in navigating military life, having experienced it from multiple perspectives—as an army brat, a service member, a military spouse, and a member of the reserves. Michelle and Dr. Polinsky explore a range of topics, from the complexities of communication within families and...
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057: Navigating living overseas and OCONUS military life with Brianna Mendoza
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, we're diving into the unique challenges and enriching experiences that come with living overseas and navigating OCONUS military life. Our special guest, Brianna Mendoza, brings her wealth of experience as a military spouse and graduate student in marriage and family therapy, specifically focusing on military therapy. Brianna will share her journey of moving to Japan post-COVID, highlighting her adventures in nature hikes, traditional onsen visits, and connecting with locals through a...
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056: How to make a Military Marriage Work with Darrell and Veronica Williams
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast with your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode, we're delving into the unique challenges and triumphs of military marriages with our special guests, Darrell and Veronica Williams. With an impressive 26-year marriage behind them, Darrell and Veronica share their journey from high school sweethearts to long-distance partners, offering invaluable insights into navigating military life together. Dr. Polinsky wraps up this heartfelt conversation by expressing gratitude for the wisdom and mentorship shared by the Williamses, and reminding...
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055: Attachment Theory and Domestic Violence with Jef Slootmaeckers
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome to Episode 55 of The Communicate & Connect Podcast! I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the complex world of attachment theory and its intertwining with domestic violence, especially within the military context. Joining us is Jef Slootmaeckers, an Emotionally Focused Trainer with ICEEFT and therapist with a profound understanding of the relational dynamics related to domestic violence. In this episode, we explore the intricate balance between emotional regulation and survival strategies, focusing on the pivotal questions of...
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054: How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Relationships with Megan McCullough
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
Welcome back to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we explore the intricate dynamics of relationships and mental well-being, especially within military families. I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, and today we delve into Episode 54: "How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Relationships." Joining us is Megan McCullough, a licensed clinical social worker and military spouse with 19 years of experience navigating the unique challenges of military life. In this episode, we'll uncover the often unspoken struggles faced by military spouses, who are expected to "suck it up" and push...
info_outlineWelcome to The Communicate & Connect Podcast, where we delve into the essentials of managing and healing from trauma while in a relationship. In episode 39, "Healing from Trauma While in a Relationship," host Elizabeth Polinsky sit down with special guest Karen Robinson, a seasoned trauma recovery expert. Karen brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive career as a military therapist and social worker with the Department of Defense. Whether you're part of a military couple or a civilian, this episode is filled with valuable insights into how trauma can profoundly impact relationships and how couples can take active steps toward healing and reconnection.
In this power-packed discussion, we explore Karen's personal journey as both a survivor and an expert, revealing how trauma manifests emotionally, physically, and relationally. She guides us through the challenges couples face, especially military couples, in maintaining effective communication and keeping the spark of playfulness alive amidst adversity. Karen offers actionable strategies for improving communication, resolving conflict, and fostering closeness, ensuring couples have the tools needed to rebuild their bond.
Discover Karen’s innovative concepts like the importance of establishing boundaries for time, the healing potential of maintaining playfulness, and the necessity for effective conflict resolution strategies. Learn about the transformative potential of mindfulness, mediation strategies, and the benefits of attending couples therapy to navigate your path to recovery. With detailed advice on creating a self-care toolbox and fostering empathy, Karen provides a roadmap for couples to reconnect and thrive together.
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