The Holidays

The Holidays

Author: Jerry Sander, LCSW & Kristy Gaisford, LCSW December 4, 2023 Duration: 43:14
Send us Fan Mail Ahhhh...The Holidays. They are already here, and we are already scrambling to try to extract the maximum amount of family happiness and connection from situations that can also offer confusion, old, unresolved situations, things-out-of-left-field, financial stress, arguments and large amounts of stress or depression. Still, it is possible to put together a tool kit for yourself and to find joy in moments of connection large and small.

What does it really take to build a relationship that lasts? LoveWork: Skills for a Relational Life doesn’t offer quick fixes or fairy tales. Instead, therapists Jerry Sander and Kristy Gaisford bring a grounded, practical perspective to the complexities of intimacy, drawn from their own lived experiences. Both have navigated marriage, divorce, and then found fulfilling second marriages, and they openly discuss the realities of blending families-Kristy, for instance, helps parent four step-children alongside her own four. This isn't abstract theory; it's wisdom forged in the trenches of real life. In each episode, they explore the nuanced skills required for connection, from communication and conflict to vulnerability and joy. You’ll hear candid conversations that honor both the struggles and the profound rewards of committed partnership. Their professional expertise as licensed clinical social workers merges with personal honesty, creating a space that feels both informative and deeply relatable. This podcast is for anyone who believes relationships require effort but doesn’t want to lose the heart in the hard work. Tune in for honest dialogue that might just change how you show up for the people you love.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 81

LoveWork: Skills for a Relational Life
Podcast Episodes
The Space Between Our Two Realities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Send us Fan Mail Sometimes it is hard to believe we are on the same planet, witnessing the same things as our partner but ending up with very different perspectives. Kristy and Jerry consider the "space between" and cons…
New Beginnings With the Same (Old) Partner? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:49
Send us Fan Mail Is it possible? How can this be done? And what are the rewards? Jerry and Kristy consider the rewards and roadblocks to blazing new paths of discovery and adventure with your current partner.
The Long Ride Home After Couples Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:06
Send us Fan Mail Triumphing over technical difficulties for today's episode, Kristy and Jerry talk about that long ride home after couples' sessions. Variations on it are proposed, along with a reaffirmation of the purpo…
When the Adaptive Child Insists on Prevailing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:25
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Kristy and Jerry explore the concept of the 'adaptive child'—the immature part of ourselves that can dominate our reactions during conflicts. They discuss how to navigate situations…
Self-Soothing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Jerry and Kristy discuss the importance of self-soothing in relationships. They define self-soothing as the ability to observe oneself and step in to soothe oneself before reacting…
How To Use Therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Send us Fan Mail Jerry and Kristy discuss the gap that can exist between "having good sessions" and actual change taking place, for either an individual or a couple. Tips for bringing the best of therapy to your actual r…
Making the Most of Your Time Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:17
Send us Fan Mail It's almost astonishing how -- after lamenting how little time we "get" to spend with our partner -- we routinely ignore the basics of positive connection in the time we finally set aside to be together.…
Diagnosing Your Partner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
Send us Fan Mail The perils and pluses of reaching a diagnostic understanding about your partner are considered. Voicing diagnostic lingo to your partner is considered in terms of being an usually-losing tactic. Of speci…
Repair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:44
Send us Fan Mail Jerry & Kristy take an extended look at the process of repair. Frequently misunderstood as a "moment" it is actually a relational project that requires vulnerability, bravery and follow-through. Specific…
Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
Send us Fan Mail Couples usually stumble over this ever-present elephant-in-the-room; what if you have different backgrounds, expectations and habits when it comes to personal finances? What are the implications for the…