FULFILLMENT THERAPY - Marriage & Family Therapy, Self Mastery, Self Actualization, Unmet Needs, LDS Parent, Family Connection

146 | Navigating Intimacy Need Differences with Your Spouse

Show Notes:
In this episode, we delve into how couples can navigate differing intimacy needs through healthy communication, understanding, and compromise, ultimately enhancing marital and life fulfillment.Tune in as we share expert tips on communicating your desires, validating each other's feelings, and finding a loving compromise that strengthens your relationship!
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes: 
"Healthy communication about sexual desires is essential for a fulfilling relationship. It's about expressing your needs without demanding or pressuring your partner." - Dr. Emily Nagoski
"Intimacy should be a choice, not an obligation. True intimacy arises from mutual desire and respect." - Esther Perel
"Understanding and validating your partner's feelings, while also standing by your own, is key to navigating differences in intimacy needs." - Dr. John Gottman
 
Tips for Healthy Communication and Navigating Differences:
Open Dialogue: Schedule time to talk about your intimacy needs without distractions. This helps both partners feel comfortable and heard.
Express Without Blame: Use "I" statements to express your needs, such as "I feel loved when we are physically intimate," instead of blaming or criticizing your partner.
Understand Their Perspective: Take the time to understand your partner's feelings and why their needs might differ from yours. This builds empathy and reduces tension.
Avoid Pressure: Ensure that intimacy is not forced or out of obligation. Mutual consent and desire are crucial for a healthy sexual relationship.
Validate Each Other: Acknowledge and validate each other's feelings and needs, even if they differ. This fosters a supportive and loving environment.
Find Compromise: Look for middle ground where both partners can feel satisfied. This might involve finding new ways to connect physically and emotionally.
Be Patient: Navigating differing needs requires patience. Give yourselves time to adjust and find what works best for both of you.
Seek Professional Help: If intimacy issues persist, consider seeing a therapist together. A professional can offer strategies and support for bridging intimacy gaps.
Maintain Other Forms of Intimacy: Physical intimacy is just one aspect of a relationship. Focus on emotional and intellectual intimacy to strengthen your bond.
Prioritize Connection: Make an effort to connect daily through small gestures, conversations, and shared activities. This keeps the relationship strong and fulfilling.

145 | Fair Love: Navigating Birth Order Challenges as a Parent

Show Notes:
Today, we explore strategies to ensure each child feels individually loved. Join us as we talk about expert tips and heartfelt advice on how to appreciate our kids, no matter their place in the sibling lineup!
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes:
"Every child needs to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, not just where they fall in the birth order." - Dr. Laura Markham
"Balancing attention among children doesn't mean giving them equal time, but rather, giving them what they individually need." - Dr. Kevin Leman
"When parents make a conscious effort to connect with each child individually, it fosters a sense of security and belonging in the family." - Dr. Jane Nelsen
 
10 Tips from Parenting Experts:
Personalized One-on-One Time: Schedule regular one-on-one time with each child. This special time, even if short, helps them feel valued and heard. (morning bike ride, family secret service together, get-to-know-you questions, look them in the eye when talking, ask questions)
Recognize Unique Strengths: Acknowledge and celebrate each child’s unique talents and achievements. This boosts their self-esteem and sense of individuality. (help them nurture their gifts in simple ways, share why you love their gifts and ask them why they value their strengths, have them explore strengths and gifts with online quizzes, etc)
Listen Actively: Give each child your undivided attention when they are speaking to show that their thoughts and feelings matter.(eye contact, no phones, communicate the need for a better time if you can’t be present and then follow through)
Create Family Traditions: Establish rituals or traditions that involve every family member and highlight each child’s contributions. (each child picks a favorite fam tradition each year to help implement)
Avoid Comparisons: Focus on each child’s individual progress and avoid comparing siblings to one another.
Tailor Your Approach: Adjust your parenting style to meet the different needs and personalities of each child. (some may want more control, need more movement, more praise, etc)
Encourage Teamwork: Promote activities that require cooperation and teamwork among siblings, reinforcing the idea that each child is important to the family unit.
Be Fair, Not Equal: Fairness is about meeting each child's needs rather than treating them identically. Ensure each child gets what they need to thrive. (phones, tech, bed times, weaknesses/strengths)
Set Clear Expectations: Communicate your expectations clearly to each child to prevent feelings of favoritism or neglect.
Seek Their Input: Involve your children in family decisions to make them feel respected and valued.

144 | Seeing the Bright Side: How the World is Better Than We Think

Show Notes:
Did you know that in many ways, the world is better than ever despite what we hear all around us? In today’s episode, we explore surprising and uplifting statistics about global improvements, offering parents insights to foster a positive and hopeful outlook in their families.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quote:
"The world can only get better if we understand how it is. We must learn to see the world based on facts, not ideology or pessimism." - Hans Rosling
 
Tips: 
**Challenging Beliefs and Shifting Mindsets:**
Understanding these statistics is a first step toward a more positive outlook, but how do we change our deeply ingrained beliefs?
 
**Seek Out Positive News:** Make a habit of looking for positive news stories. Websites like Gapminder and others that focus on global progress can be great resources.(The Guardian, BBC News, Flipboard, Digg, New York Times)
**Question Negativity:** When you encounter negative news, ask yourself if it represents the overall trend or just an isolated incident. Remember, bad news often makes headlines because it's rare, not because it's common.
**Educate Yourself:** Use resources like Gapminder to educate yourself about the true state of the world. Knowledge can combat fear and misinformation.
**Focus on Solutions:** Instead of dwelling on problems, look at what is being done to solve them. Many organizations and individuals are working tirelessly to make the world a better place.
 Keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you're thankful for. This simple practice can help shift your focus from what's wrong to what's right.

143 | Breaking Free: Healing Body Shame and Nurturing Self-Love

Show Notes:
Today we’re talking about the complexities of body shame and eating disorders to discover how healthy your relationship is with food. You’ll learn how to support loved ones who may be struggling, and begin your journey towards self-love and body acceptance for yourselves and your children, ultimately creating greater happiness and confidence in your life.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes:
 "Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change." - Dr. Brene Brown
 "eating disorders are not just about food; they're about coping mechanisms for deeper emotional pain." - Dr. Anita Johnston
"When we eat mindfully, we begin to trust our body's signals of hunger and fullness, leading to a more peaceful relationship with food." Dr. Michelle May
"Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness and care that we would offer to a good friend." - Dr. Kristin Neff
"When parents provide structure and support around meals, children learn to trust their internal hunger and fullness cues, leading to a healthier relationship with food." - Dr. Ellyn Satter

142 | From Overwhelm to Order: Strategies for a Structured School Year

Show Notes:
As the new school year approaches, it's time to shift from summer spontaneity to structured living. Today we’ll explore practical steps for creating a structured back-to-school routine that creates family fulfillment and success, using consistency, communication, and self-care. Join us to learn how to transform chaos into calm and unlock the power of structured living for a thriving school year ahead.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes:
"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier
"Predictable routines provide children with a sense of security and help them develop self-discipline and responsibility." - Dr. Emily Smith
"Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate the small victories along the way. Building resilience and perseverance in children is a journey, not a destination." - Sarah Johnson
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

141| Why Do My Kids Lack Emotional Resilience & Grit? They Have It So Much Better Than We Did!

Show Notes:
 
Many parents wonder why their children seem less emotionally resilient and lack grit compared to previous generations, despite being provided with more growth opportunities and better circumstances. So today, we'll explore the challenges of raising emotionally resilient children in the digital age, focusing on the detrimental impacts of excessive peer communication and practical strategies to nurture greater resilience and well-being. 
 
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Article on Teen Texting 
Podcast Episode on Anxiety & Cognitive Distortion
Podcast Episode on Fostering Emotional Resilience
Podcast Episode on A Guest's Journey Through Anxiety

140 | Love Lessons: What Nearly 20 Years of Marriage Taught My Therapist Husband, with Joel Nielson

Show Notes:
In just a few days, I’ll have my 19th anniversary. Are you curious about what my husband has learned in 19 years of marriage, combined with his advanced degrees and training in couples therapy, mental health, and professional experience? Well, in celebration of our anniversary, my husband will share his biggest takeaways that will help you maximize your marriage and help you celebrate your own successes.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes/Tips:
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” - Luke 12:34
 
Reach out for emotional help to trusted sources
Have family council
Keep your spaces scared
Know yourself before you look for someone else
Seek divine guidance
Support your spouse
Ask for what you need
 
 
Joel Nielson
joel.nielson@gmail.com

139 | Marriage Mastery: Insights from Nearly 20 Years of Bliss and Challenges

Show Notes:
In just a few days, I’ll have my 19th anniversary. Are you curious about what I’ve learned in 19 years of marriage, combined with my advanced degrees and training in couples therapy, mental health, and professional experience? Well, in celebration of my anniversary, I will share my biggest takeaways that will help you maximize your marriage and help you celebrate your own successes.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes:
Apologizing doesn't always mean you're wrong; it means you value your relationship more than your ego. - Mark Matthews
 
The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply. - Denis Waitley
 
 
Things I’ve Learned:
 
Owning your side of the street in a relationship is not about blame; it's about taking responsibility for your actions and emotions.
 
In marriage, emotional processing doesn't always sync, but understanding and respecting each other's timelines fosters empathy and connection.
 
Advocating for yourself in a marriage isn't selfish; it's essential for maintaining your sense of self and preserving the integrity of the relationship.
 
True freedom in marriage comes from releasing societal, cultural, and familial expectations and embracing authenticity and intuition.
 
Boundaries in marriage create space for love and respect to flourish while protecting individual needs and identities.
 
Healing your inner child in marriage breaks the cycle of generational pain, fostering growth and understanding within the family unit.
 
Meeting your own needs in marriage isn't selfish; it's an act of self-love that strengthens the foundation of the relationship.

138 | Building Stronger Families through Financial Wellness, with Krista Naldjian

Show Notes:
 
In this episode, Krista Naldjian offers invaluable insights into improving financial wellness, addressing common pitfalls, sharing simple ways to teach children about money. Through her experiences and client stories, she speaks to the transformative power of financial improvement in fostering mental and emotional health, strengthening families, and ultimately finding greater fulfillment in life.
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Krista Naldjian
 
Money Mindful Moms
www.moneymindfulmoms.com
https://www.instagram.com/moneymindfulmoms/
Freebie: https://subscribepage.io/K2tY2b
 
Quote:
“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.” ― Bob Goff

137 | From Chaos to Collaboration: Building Stronger Families with Effective Councils

Show Notes:
Today we'll explore the transformative potential of effective family councils in nurturing healthy relationships, increasing open communication, and aligning shared values and goals. These strategies have been game-changing for me and I hope they will be for you too. 
Enjoy!
-Kendra
 
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy 
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → fulfillment.therapist@gmail.com
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy 
Facebook Group → Private FB Group 
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching 
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
 
Quotes:
"Family councils serve as a valuable tool for nurturing healthy relationships, fostering mutual respect, and strengthening family bonds through meaningful dialogue and shared decision-making." - Dr. Sue Johnson
"By creating a space for open communication and collaborative decision-making, family councils empower parents and children alike to contribute their perspectives, preferences, and priorities, ultimately leading to greater harmony and happiness within the family." - Dr. Dan Siegel
"By embracing collaboration as a core value and integrating it into every aspect of organizational culture, businesses can harness the full potential of their workforce and achieve transformative outcomes." - Peter Senge
“Collaboration is multiplication.” -John C. Maxwell
 
Tips for Family Counsels:
Establish Clear Goals: Define the purpose and objectives of the council, whether it's improving communication, making joint decisions, or fostering a sense of belonging within the family unit.
Create a Safe and Open Environment: Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect during council meetings to make sure every family member feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Set Regular Meeting Times: Schedule consistent meetings to review goals or the agenda, discuss concerns, and brainstorm solutions collaboratively. Consistency helps establish routines and reinforces the importance of communication within the family.
Rotate Leadership Roles: Assign rotating leadership roles for family members to facilitate meetings, set agendas, and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute and take responsibility.
Use Visual Aids and Tools: Utilize visual aids such as charts, calendars, or decision-making frameworks to help visualize goals, track progress, and facilitate discussions on important family matters. I do this with my clients. We track growth because it’s motivating when we see progress.
Implement Decision-Making Processes: Establish clear decision-making processes to make sure all voices are heard and listened to.
Reflect and Adapt: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the council and processes, ask for feedback from family members, and make adjustments as needed to improve communication and collaboration.