Love Unboxed Episode 1: Why You Don’t Want to Solve Your Partner's Problems

Introduction

• [00:00:00] Welcome to Love Unboxed, the podcast for the hopeful romantic, hosted by Dr. Colleen Mullen, a therapist with over 20 years of experience and a lifetime hopeful romantic.
• [00:00:30] Dr. Colleen introduces the concept of the "hopeful romantic" and explains why hope is essential in relationships.

Host's Relationship Journey

• [00:00:50] Dr. Colleen shares her optimistic perspective and defines the hopeful romantic based on her own experiences and struggles in relationships.
• [00:02:30] Reflecting on her past breakups, she discusses the turning point that led her to reevaluate her approach to relationships.

Insights from Personal Experience

• [00:04:00] Dr. Colleen delves into the importance of self-work and the realization of her blind spots in relationships.
• [00:05:00] She shares the story of meeting her now-husband and how they consciously built a healthy relationship, including their recent marriage.

Podcast Purpose and Call to Action

• [00:06:00] Dr. Colleen encourages listeners to leave voicemails with relationship questions on the Love Unboxed website.
• [00:06:41] Emphasizes that the podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes, not a replacement for therapy.

Unboxing Relationship Challenges

• [00:07:00] Dr. Colleen introduces the first relationship challenge from a listener named Mike, focusing on whether to solve a partner's problems.
• [00:07:30] Emphasizes the importance of understanding your partner's needs before jumping into problem-solving.

Guidance on Supporting Your Partner

• [00:08:00] Discusses why immediate problem-solving may not be helpful and suggests asking questions to draw out your partner's perspective.
• [00:09:00] Provides sample questions to help partners express their concerns and find their own solutions.

Case Study: Financial Stress in a Relationship

• [00:13:00] Shares a case study of a couple struggling with communication and stress, highlighting the significance of open dialogue and understanding irrational thoughts.

Conclusion and Podcast Continuation

• [00:18:30] Encourages listeners to try the suggested approach and share their experiences.
• [00:19:00] Promotes leaving voicemails for future episodes on loveunboxedpodcast.com.
• [00:19:55] Dr. Colleen invites listeners to connect on Instagram (@DrColleenMullen) and offers virtual relationship coaching through CoachingThroughChaos.com.

Closing

• [00:20:00] Dr. Colleen wraps up the episode, expressing gratitude to former Coaching Through Chaos Podcast listeners and encourages the audience to keep hope alive.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly.

More Resources from Dr. Colleen 

• My Mindful Reflections: A Daily Journal for Better Mental Health (get it on Amazon) -  This is a journal designed by Dr. Colleen.  You can use it to track your emotions, highlight  special moments, learn from difficult ones , let go of daily steam through daily narrative pages , and even learn to give yourself permission to take a break.
• Do you want to hire Dr. Colleen to help you?  Please check out her therapy & consulting page at CoachingThroughChaos.com

Upcoming Workshops in 2024

Date Differently  - for the singlles who want to break free from past relationship obstacles. 

Love Them More  - for those in committed relationships who  want to  protect their relationship from future obstacles. 

SUPPORT THE SHOW! 

1. AMAZON.COM Use code LoveUnboxed-20 at checkout when you make your regular purchases on Amazon or visit Dr. Colleen's Amazon storefront.  You wont pay anything extra, but Dr. Colleen will make a small commission on what you purchase.
2. Patreon- FInd out the perks of joining the Hopeful Romantic community!

Disclaimer

This show exists only for educational and/or entertainment purposes.  Although Dr. Mullen is a licensed therapist, in the capacity of  her show hosting duties, she is not your therapist. This show is not meant as a replacement for therapy.  

Resources for Finding a Mental Health Professional in the U.S. 

1. Therapy Den
2. Psychology Today
3. Mental Health Matters
4. Therapy for Black Girls
5. Dial 211 to be connected to a Social Services Helpline in your area that can provide you with information on menatl health resources in your area.
6. The National Suicide Prevention Helpline.  or call 988    If you, or someone you love is thinking about suicide, they are there to help.

Dr. Colleen's online voicemail line is powered by SpeakPipe