In this conversation, Ria Flanagan and Kelli Wagner discuss the complexities of love addiction, trauma, and the importance of understanding these issues in both individual and couples therapy. They explore how trauma impacts relationships, the dynamics of love addiction and avoidance, and the significance of daily practices for happiness. Kelli shares insights from her work with clients, emphasizing the need for connection and the role of trauma in shaping behaviors and relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of awareness, healing, and community support in the journey towards emotional well-being.

• Kelli specializes in trauma and various addictions.
• Understanding trauma is crucial for effective addiction treatment.
• Couples therapy reveals relationship dynamics and blind spots.
• Trauma can trigger survival responses in relationships.
• Daily practices can help individuals seek joy and happiness.
• Love addiction often stems from fears of abandonment and intimacy.
• Therapists provide tools but do not fix clients.
• Community and connection are essential for healing.
• Awareness of unhealthy patterns is the first step to change.
• Healing involves both individual and relational work.

In this episode of the Happiness Playbook series, Ria Flanagan interviews Brent Peake, a counselor specializing in couples therapy. They discuss the importance of communication in relationships, the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships, and the necessity of emotional safety. Brent emphasizes that happiness should come from within rather than relying on partners. They also explore family dynamics, boundaries, and practical strategies for navigating difficult family interactions. The conversation highlights the significance of self-worth and the role of inner child work in fostering healthier relationships.takeaways

• Happiness is an inside job and should come from within.
• Couples need to communicate vulnerably to connect deeply.
• Understanding childhood experiences can help in adult relationships.
• Emotional safety is crucial for vulnerability in relationships.
• Toxic forgiveness can harm your emotional well-being.
• Setting healthy boundaries is essential in family dynamics.
• It's important to recognize the roles we play in dysfunctional family systems.
• Practicing civility can help manage difficult family interactions.
• Small daily practices can lead to significant changes in happiness levels.
• Self-worth is determined by how we view ourselves and our experiences.

Summary:

In this episode of the Happiness Playbook series, Ria Flanagan explores the multifaceted nature of happiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional processing, self-acceptance, and building healthy relationships. She discusses the role of grief in personal growth, the significance of forgiveness in recovery, and the necessity of shifting negative beliefs through mindfulness. Ria encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and highlights the value of community and feedback in the journey towards happiness.

Takeaways:

• Happiness is a journey that involves processing all emotions.
• Grief can accompany change, even positive transitions.
• Self-acceptance is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, is essential for recovery.
• Mistakes are valuable teachers in our personal growth.
• Mindfulness helps in shifting negative beliefs.
• Building healthy relationships requires personal work and boundaries.
• Community support is vital for emotional health.
• Emotional intelligence enhances our connections with others.
• Being present allows us to appreciate moments of joy.