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In this episode of "Mr. and Mrs. Therapy," hosted by licensed marriage and family therapists Tim and Ruth Olson, listeners are taken on an insightful journey into John Gottman's seventh principle for building healthy relationships: Creating Shared Meaning. As experienced trauma experts, the Olsons provide practical strategies and exercises to help couples develop a deeper, more meaningful connection with each other.

The episode delves into several key strategies, including identifying shared and individual values, creating and nurturing rituals, and understanding dreams within conflicts. The Olsons emphasize the importance of adapting and evolving rituals over time to match the couple's evolving relationship and life circumstances. They also highlight the significance of shared symbols and narratives, such as inside jokes and household decor, that can serve as tangible reminders of the couple's bond.

Listeners will discover how taking collaborative action towards shared goals can foster a sense of closeness and purpose. By setting and revisiting yearly or quarterly goals, couples can ensure a aligned path, adapting plans as needed to accommodate individual aspirations and life changes.

Throughout the episode, Tim and Ruth encourage listeners to not only build a functional partnership but also find deep purpose and value in their relationships. They conclude with a recap of all seven principles of Gottman's relationship-building framework, urging couples to embrace one principle at a time for a lasting, loving connection.

[Remember, our podcast is here to spark conversations and offer insights. Join our community on our Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Podcast Group, share your experiences at podcast@mrandmrstherapy.com, and if you're seeking more personalized advice, consider booking your free coaching consultation. Please note, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment.]

{Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment. For personalized support, please seek professional help or call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs emotional support.}

We want to work with YOU!

15 Minute Free Consultation

Start healing now! Set up a Coaching Session

Welcome to another insightful episode of Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Podcast, hosted by Tim and Ruth Olson, esteemed marriage and family therapists with a passion for healing and transformation. In this episode, they delve into the intriguing topic of creating shared meaning in relationships, inspired by John Gottman's seventh principle for lasting love.

Join Tim and Ruth as they explore how building a shared meaning can create a stronger emotional bond between partners. They explain the importance of weaving a tapestry of rituals, values, and life goals that unify couples, going beyond everyday tasks to shape a relationship's deeper identity. From special rituals like celebrating holidays to shared life missions, they discuss how these traditions foster resilience and connection over time.

Throughout the episode, Tim and Ruth candidly share how shared meaning can evolve with life events and challenges, enhancing relationship satisfaction. They delve into common barriers, such as lack of time, fear of losing individuality, mismatched values, and past traumas, providing valuable strategies to overcome these obstacles.

Listeners will gain insights into the profound impact of shared meaning on emotional investment and relationship cohesion. Tim and Ruth provide compelling examples from their personal lives and clinical experiences, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing and honoring each other's individuality within the context of a partnership.

Tune in to part one of this two-part exploration and discover the keys to fostering a meaningful and resilient connection. This episode promises engaging conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you and your partner align on shared visions and enrich your unique relationship journey. Stay tuned for part two, where Tim and Ruth will guide you through actionable steps for creating shared traditions and aligning on broader life goals.

[Remember, our podcast is here to spark conversations and offer insights. Join our community on our Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Podcast Group, share your experiences at podcast@mrandmrstherapy.com, and if you're seeking more personalized advice, consider booking your free coaching consultation. Please note, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment.]

{Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment. For personalized support, please seek professional help or call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs emotional support.}

We want to work with YOU!

15 Minute Free Consultation

Start healing now! Set up a Coaching Session

Welcome to another insightful episode of Mr. and Mrs. Therapy. Join Tim and Ruth Olson, licensed marriage and family therapists and trauma experts, as they delve deeper into Gottman's seven principles, specifically focusing on overcoming gridlock in relationships. Building on the previous episode's exploration of solvable versus perpetual problems, this discussion provides listeners with practical steps to break free from entrenched conflicts and nurture deeper empathy and understanding.

Tim and Ruth guide you through the process of identifying hidden dreams within conflicts, illustrating how these core values can often be the root of recurring issues. Through the example of a couple grappling with the decision of having a larger family, they highlight the importance of recognizing personal motivations and values. By exploring each other's dreams and fears, couples can transform arguments into opportunities for connection, allowing for meaningful discussions rather than reactive exchanges.

The episode offers strategies for self-soothing and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of taking pauses during heated discussions to foster calmer and more constructive dialogues. Tim and Ruth illustrate the significance of validating each other's emotions and encourage listeners to engage in ongoing dialogues rather than seeking one-time solutions.

Listeners are invited to explore temporary compromises and structured conversations to navigate perpetual issues adeptly. The Olsons stress the value of professional help in facilitating these discussions, underscoring that the journey to overcoming relationship gridlocks is about understanding each other's inner world, not just fixing issues superficially.

As the episode concludes, Tim and Ruth provide a preview of the next episode focusing on creating shared meaning, promising more valuable insights. Tune in to transform relationship gridlocks into pathways of growth and deeper connection, and be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the Facebook group linked in the description.

[Remember, our podcast is here to spark conversations and offer insights. Join our community on our Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Podcast Group, share your experiences at podcast@mrandmrstherapy.com, and if you're seeking more personalized advice, consider booking your free coaching consultation. Please note, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment.]

{Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment. For personalized support, please seek professional help or call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs emotional support.}