The Relationship Maze

Send us a textWelcome to The Relationship Maze, the podcast dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of love and relationships. Today we dive deep into the age-old question: Is it really love? In today's episode, we explore the distinctions between love, lust, and projection, examining how love evolves and matures over time. We discuss the importance of nurturing love as an active, ongoing process, challenging the Hollywood myth of effortless, always-intense romance. We'll share insights on how to recognize real love, the role of curiosity and commitment, and the necessity of embracing both joy and pain in a relationship. So if you're ready to deepen your understanding of love and build fulfilling connections, stay tuned for an engaging and enlightening conversation. Don't forget to visit our website, therelationshipmaze.com, for more resources and our comprehensive online course. Let's get started!00:00 Loving is active; being in love is static.06:11 When does desire mature into genuine love?09:36 Love grows from curiosity about differences.11:58 Embrace love's full emotional range, expect effort.15:01 Perceived love stems from unresolved past issues.19:07 Unconditional love needs trust and balance.23:31 Is it really love? Assess mutual expressions.26:06 Commit to love; openness overcomes relationship differences.27:47 Podcast break; explore past episodes and resources.Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.Tom's websiteAngela's websiteStruggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course.Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

Send us a textWelcome back to The Relationship Maze! In today's episode, "Differentiation," Tom and Angela dive into a crucial phase in relationship development known as differentiation. Have you ever felt that your partner is not the same as they were during the honeymoon period? Or struggled with being yourself in the relationship? You're not alone. Differentiation, a concept originally developed by Margaret Mahler, is all about recognizing and navigating the differences between you and your partner. We'll explore why it's natural for relationships to evolve, why noticing differences can be a good thing, and how this stage can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and deeper connection. Tune in to learn how to navigate this challenging yet essential phase and transform your relationship into something even more rewarding. Don't forget to subscribe and visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources to help you on your journey!00:00 Mahler's theory: infants learn self differentiation stages.04:59 Difficulty arises when relationship moves past symbiotic stage.08:00 Partner's differentiation feels like an abandonment threat.11:13 Recognize and respect partner's individuality and differences.13:34 Arguments arise from unmet relationship expectations.17:55 Couples therapy and resources help navigate conflicts.19:59 Learning to communicate safely and empathetically is crucial.24:48 Empowering stages, therapy options, podcast, course info.Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.Tom's websiteAngela's websiteStruggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course.Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

Send us a textWelcome to The Relationship Maze, where we explore the intricate dynamics of human connections. In today's episode, Tom and Angela delve into a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of relationships: empathy. Are you finding that your partner doesn't truly hear you, or that they're more inclined to fix your problems than genuinely listen? This episode is for you. Join us as we unpack what real empathy entails, the difference between empathy and sympathy, and practical steps to foster deeper emotional connections. We'll also discuss the common pitfalls and challenges in being empathic, particularly when facing conflicts or emotional distress. Tune in and discover how enhancing your empathy skills can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships. Don't forget to subscribe and visit therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and our comprehensive online course.00:00 Empathy is complex, requires attuning to others.03:34 Empathy involves leaving assumptions, being inquisitive.08:07 Empathy doesn't mean carrying your partner's burden.12:25 Partners struggle with empathy during difficult conversations.15:31 Open-minded approach to empathetically respond positively.19:36 Couples therapy available in person and online.20:47 Support and empathy are crucial in relationships.23:31 Visit relationshipmaze.com for relationship help and resources.Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.Tom's websiteAngela's websiteStruggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course.Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

Send us a textWelcome to The Relationship Maze! In today's episode, Angela and Tom delve into the fascinating world of transitional objects—those cherished items or objects, like a childhood teddy bear or a keepsake, that provide comfort during challenging times. The notion of transitional objects was developed by pediatrician and psychotherapist Donald Winnicott; they serve as a bridge between our internal emotions and the external world. But what role do they play in our adult lives, and can our reliance on them sometimes indicate deeper, problematic issues that need addressing? From phones as modern-day comfort objects to the role of transitional objects in relationships, we explore both the benefits and potential pitfalls of these psychological safety nets. Stick around to uncover how understanding transitional objects can help you improve your relationships and personal well-being. Don't forget to head over to therelationshipmaze.com for more resources and take our free argument style quiz to discover your conflict style in relationships. Let's get started!00:00 Psychotherapy term stems from child-mother separation.05:22 Comfort objects provide a sense of security.07:09 Transitional objects provide comfort and reassurance.09:45 Negative emotions labeled bad, need to change.15:35 Reflect on the impact of digital disconnection.17:03 Using Niles' presence and hair for winning.21:05 Questioning projection and expectations in relationships.24:43 Therapy is important for personal development.Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.Tom's websiteAngela's websiteStruggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course.Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.

Send us a textWelcome to another episode of The Relationship Maze. Today, we're diving into the intriguing concept of liminality. Have you ever felt stuck in a transitional space, like when you're between jobs or navigating a significant change in your relationship? That disorienting, ambiguous phase is what we explore in this episode. Originating from anthropology, liminality describes the period between pre-ritual status and the completion of a rite of passage. We'll discuss how these transitional spaces can be both unsettling and transformative, impacting areas like adolescence, career changes, and relationship shifts. We'll also touch on how understanding and navigating liminality can lead to personal growth and creativity. So if you're in a period of flux and looking for ways to find balance and direction, stay tuned. And don't forget to check out our online course and free resources at therelationshipmaze.com to help you along your journey. Subscribe now, and let's dive into today's episode on liminality.00:00 Exploring the concept of liminality in life.03:42 Transitioning through life stages can be disorienting.09:18 Recognizing and tolerating uncertainty in liminal spaces.11:23 Struggles in reaching goals lead to challenges.13:28 Trusting leads to new levels of thought.16:30 Break down overwhelming feelings, find distance, surf.21:57 Frustrating tip-of-the-tongue experience; mind finds solutions.23:03 Acknowledging liminal space, acknowledging time for change.Contact us for information about individual counselling/psychotherapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision or CPD training.Tom's websiteAngela's websiteStruggling with a lot of conflict and arguments in your relationship? Learn about communicating effectively and addressing common relationship problems in our Stop Arguing, Start Loving mini course.Learn everything you always wanted to know about building and maintaining loving relationships in our comprehensive course The Relationship Maze, starting with understanding yourself in relationships to understanding your partner and understanding what makes for a successful relationship. We look at common causes of relationship problems and offer solutions. Learn how to address relationship problems and questions without breaking up.