Épisodes

  • Boundaries and Repair: how to protect your emotional well-being and come back together after conflict in family dynamics

    Boundaries and Repair: how to protect your emotional well-being and come back together after conflict in family dynamics
    Sep 25 2025
    Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to set boundaries with family, or how to repair your marriage after a fight about in-laws? In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish dives into two powerful listener questions that so many couples and families struggle with.First, Dr. Tracy explores the question: “Is it okay to intentionally avoid a sibling who constantly makes hurtful comments?” If you’ve ever dealt with toxic siblings, family tension, or sibling rivalry as adults, you’ll learn the difference between avoidance and boundaries, how to protect your emotional health at family gatherings, and how to communicate your limits without guilt.Then, she answers: “How do I repair my marriage after a fight about my mother-in-law wanting to live with us temporarily?” Dr. Tracy walks through a step-by-step process for marriage repair after conflict, including nervous system regulation, setting healthy in-law boundaries, and finding a way to work as a united team with your partner. If you’ve ever argued about your mother-in-law moving in, intrusive in-laws, or family living arrangements, this segment will give you the tools to navigate conflict, reconnect, and rebuild trust in your marriage.Key topics in this episode:Setting boundaries with siblings who cross the lineThe difference between avoidance and boundariesHow to stay emotionally safe during family gatheringsRepairing your marriage after an argument about in-lawsNavigating mother-in-law conflicts and living arrangement disputesBuilding a united front with your partnerPractical communication strategies for family conflictIf you’ve ever searched for “how to set boundaries with in-laws,” “toxic sibling relationships,” or “repair after marriage fights,” this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical steps forward. Jefferson Fisher's The Next Conversation book: Amazon Link Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Relationship After Baby: Why It Feels Hard—and How to Reconnect

    Relationship After Baby: Why It Feels Hard—and How to Reconnect
    Sep 18 2025
    Most expecting parents prepare everything for baby—birth plan, hospital bag, freezer meals, nursery, car seat—but rarely prepare their relationship. Clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the realities of the postpartum relationship—from mental load and sleep deprivation to resentment, disconnection, and shifts in intimacy after birth. She’s joined by Dr. Cassidy Freitas, LMFT (San Diego–based, mom of three, host of Holding Space), who specializes in supporting millennial parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. This conversation normalizes that hard ≠ bad and that relationships move through seasons. When it’s hard, it’s a signal to get support, strengthen co-parenting, and rebuild connection—not a verdict on the marriage. What they cover (no fluff): Why “a baby brings us closer” is a myth for many couples Postpartum mental health: postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression (including partner/dad depression) Communication skills and repair after conflict when you’re exhausted Values-based parenting and co-parenting teamwork Generous interpretation and soft start-ups to reduce blame Intimacy after baby and micro-connection rituals that fit real life Boundaries with in-laws/grandparents and navigating extended family Need structured help? For on-demand tools to share the mental load, improve communication, and feel like a team, explore Be Connected. Dr. Cassidy’s private practice websiteFollow Dr. Cassidy on InstagramListen to Holding Space RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 min
  • Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Parenting Through the Ages 5–12 Shift with Alyssa Campbell

    Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Parenting Through the Ages 5–12 Shift with Alyssa Campbell
    Sep 11 2025
    Dr. Tracy sits down with Alyssa Blask Campbell, author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and the new Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, to explore the challenges of parenting kids ages 5–12. They discuss why age seven often feels like a turning point, how identity and independence begin to emerge, and what parents can do to stay connected while giving their kids space to grow. Together they unpack sibling conflict, defiance, lying, and bedtime battles—and why attunement and curiosity are more effective than punishment or control. Alyssa also introduces the Collaborative Emotion Processing method, a framework for building emotional intelligence in both kids and parents. What you’ll learn Why age seven brings bigger emotions and pushback How to support independence while staying connected Practical tools for handling lying and sibling conflict How to tune into your child’s unique nervous system This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY and get on your way to being your best self. Explore more with Alyssa: Snag the books: ⁠Tiny Humans, Big Emotions⁠ and ⁠Big Kids, Bigger Feelings ⁠ ⁠Visit Seed and Sew on the web⁠ Follow ⁠@seed.and.sew ⁠on Instagram RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 min
  • When Words Hurt: How Inner Critics and Tone Trigger Disconnection

    When Words Hurt: How Inner Critics and Tone Trigger Disconnection
    Sep 4 2025
    In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores why partners often feel like they “say the wrong thing” or come across as too critical. Drawing on a listener’s story, she highlights how inner criticism, rejection sensitivity, and Enneagram One tendencies can fuel negative interaction cycles. Dr. Tracy offers practical strategies—such as pausing before speaking, softening startups, naming the cycle, and practicing the Most Generous Interpretation—to help couples move from disconnection to repair. Emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and emotional safety, she shows how couples can shift out of criticism and defensiveness into healthier communication, deeper connection, and stronger relationships. This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY and get on your way to being your best self. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.comMint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 min
  • Part 2: When Love isn't Enough: Rebuilding Trust

    Part 2: When Love isn't Enough: Rebuilding Trust
    Aug 28 2025
    In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is joined by her husband Greg for part two of their deep dive on trust in relationships. Building on last week’s conversation about the difference between love and trust, attachment styles, and how trust is broken, this episode focuses on five powerful ways to rebuild trust after betrayal or disconnection. Listeners will learn why small daily actions matter, how to repair after ruptures, and why vulnerability and transparency are key to intimacy. Dr. Tracy also unpacks the role of self-trust and shares practical scripts couples can use in moments of insecurity or defensiveness. Through real-life therapy insights and community Q&A, this conversation tackles infidelity, emotional withdrawal, resentment, and even the feeling of getting “the ick” in long-term relationships. Whether you’re wondering “Can I trust my partner again?” or struggling with consistency, accountability, or broken promises, this episode provides actionable strategies to strengthen emotional intimacy and rebuild connection. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACYAirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 min
  • Love Isn’t Enough: Why Trust Makes or Breaks Your Relationship

    Love Isn’t Enough: Why Trust Makes or Breaks Your Relationship
    Aug 21 2025
    In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with her husband, Greg, to tackle one of the most common questions in relationships: “I love my partner, but why don’t I trust them?”Together, they unpack the difference between love and trust—and why love alone doesn’t guarantee a secure relationship. Drawing from real client stories, parenting examples, and their own marriage, they explore how trust is built in micro-moments, why small cracks (like inconsistency, broken promises, or emotional withdrawal) can erode trust, and how attachment styles shape the way couples experience security.Listeners will learn about:The key differences between love vs. trust in relationships.How attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant) affect intimacy and connection.The subtle ways trust can be ruptured through micro-betrayals, emotional shutdowns, or lack of repair.Why trust is not just about fidelity, but about reliability, safety, and honoring vulnerability.Reflection questions to help you assess the balance of love and trust in your own relationship.This episode lays the groundwork for part two, where Dr. Tracy and Greg dive into how to rebuild trust after it’s been broken and answer listener questions.Whether you’re married, dating, or simply curious about the psychology of relationships, this episode offers relationship advice, marriage insights, and practical takeaways to help couples build stronger, more connected partnerships. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Create a stronger relationship with Dr. Tracy's online program: Be Connected Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 min
  • How to Handle Your Partner’s Disappointment Without Losing Yourself

    How to Handle Your Partner’s Disappointment Without Losing Yourself
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Dr. Tracy and Greg explore a listener’s struggle with saying no to her husband’s request—especially when his disappointment feels “loud and heavy.” During a tense family vacation at his parents’ cottage, she wanted to leave early, but agreed to stay longer to avoid upsetting him—only to end up in tears.They unpack:Why so many people put their own needs aside to keep the peaceHow fear of disappointing a partner can quietly erode connectionThe difference between compromise and self-abandonmentHow to tolerate a partner’s disappointment without spiraling into guiltPractical ways to have hard conversations while staying connectedThis episode is for anyone who has ever said “yes” when every part of them wanted to say “no,” offering tools to protect personal well-being, communicate with clarity, and strengthen the relationship. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 min
  • ICYMI: Defensiveness vs Assertiveness

    ICYMI: Defensiveness vs Assertiveness
    Aug 7 2025
    In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with her husband, Greg, to unpack the often-misconceived topic of assertive vs defensive communication styles. They answer real questions from the community about what it looks like to champion self-respect and a deeper understanding of your partner by lending practical steps to change the defensive patterns in our relationships and implementing assertive and authentic responses. In this episode, they discuss: Important examples of defensive and assertive responses How modelled communication styles from your personal history effects your present communication styles The effect that the words we use have on our inner narratives The ways that adequacy, shame, and self-worth play a part in our responses How self-respect is a key player in understanding defensiveness The key differences between the female and male experience in our responses How assertiveness creates space for your thoughts, feelings, needs, and your partner’s understanding This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and HoneyLove. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY HoneyLove: Save 10% at honeylove.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Luxury bedding. Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 min