#261 - What Is Your Problem?

Do you have a habit of giving too much in relationships? Maybe you say "yes" when you really want to say no, or you offer much more emotional and material support than you receive in return.  All of this sounds noble, but overgiving is a habit that will eventually wear you down (and, that will keep you from having truly satisfying relationships based on mutuality). So how can you stop being an "over-giver" and start creating healthy give and take in your relationships? That's what we're talking about on today's episode.  I've worked with many clients over the years who were card-carrying overgivers. They were all smart, strong, competent people who excel at getting stuff done. The flip side of these strengths can be a habit of over-functioning in relationships, which leads the people around them to underfunction. The result is a situation where they HAVE to do it all, because otherwise, everything will fall apart.  At least that's how it feels. In reality, when you stop over-giving, you open up space for the people around you to step up. Some of them may disappoint you, but often, you will be pleasantly surprised at how the people around you rise to the occassion. You can stop feeling guilty, resentful, overwhelmed, and unappreciated, and start having the nourishing relationships you deserve.  This episode will show you the way! You'll learn:   Why overgiving is damaging to your relationships and your wellbeing What overgiving looks like Why you overgive in relationships How to stop being an overgiver  Tips for setting healthy boundaries  Creating balance through the power of vulnerability and authenticity.  All of that and more for you on today's show. I hope you'll join me!  xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — If you want to break this habit once and for all, we should talk. Schedule a free consultation: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/

8 Apr 202434min

Has the sexual intimacy in your relationship dwindled to almost nothing? Or, do you long to feel desired by your partner, but instead feel like you're being rejected? If so, this episode is for you. You'll learn why sexless marriages (or sexless relationships of any kind) happen, and how to reignite the spark with your partner and cultivate the physical and emotional intimacy you crave.  When couples stop having sex, it can be a sign that their relationships are suffering in other ways as well. They may be feeling lonely and emotionally disconnected from each other. Often, there's resentment or an old emotional wound that hasn't been healed. Sexuality can be the canary in the coal mine that lets you know your relationship is in trouble.   It takes courage to explore the root causes of a "dead bedroom." But doing so is the path to rekindling the passion you want and deserve.  On today's episode, I'm answering a question from a listener who's feeling adrift in his sexless marriage, and offering some universal advice that will help every couple communicate better about sex, understand each other more deeply, and keep the spark alive for the long haul.  Tune in to learn:  00:00 The Impact of Dead Bedrooms 04:41 The Importance of Addressing Sexless Marriages 19:23 The Difficulty of Talking About Sexuality 23:34 The Process of Restoring a Healthy Sex Life 30:01 The Meaning and Significance of Sexuality in a Relationship 35:03 Exploring the Complexities of Sexuality 41:19 The Process of Creating Lasting Change in Your Relationship   I hope you'll join me!    And, if you'd like to talk with a Growing Self sex therapist about restoring sexual intimacy in your relationship, schedule a free consultation: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/    xoxo,    Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

1 Apr 202451min

Lisa here with exciting news! I've launched a new podcast, Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, designed specifically for therapists seeking support and community. If you're a therapist, I hope you join me! (And if you know a therapist, I hope you pass this on to them!) Every week on this podcast I'll be speaking with thought leaders in our field, and drawing from years of experience as a clinical supervisor and leader Growing Self — a mission driven, growth oriented private practice that supports and cares for 50+ therapists. We'll be fearlessly tackling the unique challenges we face, while focusing on personal and professional growth, our own mental and emotional wellbeing, and staying true to our highest purpose. Join me in exploring how we, as therapists, can learn, grow, and evolve, in order to be the most trustworthy and effective supporters of our clients. We'll be discussing best practices and pro tips, plus ways to care for ourselves while continuing to help others. Discover more and listen to episodes at GrowingSelf.com/therapists, Apple Podcast, Spotify,  or YouTube. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram  for additional support tailored just for you, my therapist friends. My hope is that this podcast becomes our space to rejuvenate and enhance our ability to care for others. Tune in to Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists and let's make a difference together. Xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Ps: You can learn more about the show here, and this is the link to pass on to anyone you think could benefit from tuning into Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists! GrowingSelf.com/therapists

28 Mar 20245min

Chemistry in relationships: it’s that spark, that zing that draws you to someone and makes you crave their touch. When it’s missing, we worry that something’s wrong. (And sometimes, it is). But did you know that intense chemistry can also sometimes be a relationship red flag? And that healthy, strong relationships may not always have as much sizzle? AND it’s also possible to cultivate the chemistry you crave. Ready for more? On today’s episode, you’ll learn:  What chemistry really is (and what it isn’t) How to avoid the relationship problems chemistry can create How to cultivate chemistry in your relationships And more! Understanding chemistry and learning how to work with it can transform your relationships, and that’s why I’m so excited to share this with you. Join me, and get a fresh perspective that will open your eyes, and change the way you feel about your relationships (for the better!) Xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — Ready to transform your relationships? Get in touch: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/

25 Mar 202446min

So, you've got a bad boss. If you're lucky, this will be your last... but unfortunately, toxic leadership is not unheard of. Knowing the signs of a toxic boss can help you protect yourself, manage yoru expectations, and move on to a better situation when the time is right.  A toxic boss can stimy your ability to do your best work, which will not only hold back the company, it can damage your career. They can foster work environments where people feel drained, resentful, or constantly at odds with their coworkers. And when it comes to your emotional wellbeing, working for a crappy boss can really take its toll.  But help is here! Today on the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast, we're talking about how to navigate a toxic boss and even use this difficult experience to propel your career forward.  You'll learn:  The signs of a toxic boss. How toxic leadership impacts you, your relationships with coworkers, and your ability to be successful in your career.   How to deal with a bad boss.  Growth opportunities that only come from working for a toxic manager.  All of that and more on today's show. I hope you'll join me! xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — I have a collection of articles and podcasts designed to help you thrive in your career. Check it out — I made it for you!

18 Mar 202446min

When you're hurt or angry with your partner, it's like the love in your heart is dimmed. You can't be open with your feelings when you're nursing emotional wounds. And it's hard to receive love until you're able to forgive your partner. But, emotional pain is always a component of long-term relationships. Part of giving your heart to someone is opening yourself up to the possibility of being hurt. This can happen in big ways — like infidelity, rejection, or abandonment. But it can also happen in small ways, like moments that left you feeling uncared for, unappreciated, or unloved. We all experience moments like these, and if we don't know how to process them, forgive, and move forward, they can damage the love we have for our partners.  So how can you forgive your partner? That's what we're talking about on today's episode of the podcast. You'll learn about how forgiveness works, what's holding you back from finding forgiveness, and how to not only "let it go," but how to use the repair process to build a deeper, more meaningful connection.  I hope you'll join me! xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — If you are struggling to forgive your partner, that's a sign that you could really benefit from working with a good couples counselor. Schedule a free consultation with an expert on my team at Growing Self: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/

11 Mar 202440min

Do you wish you were "good with people?" Many of us do! But we're not often taught the one skill that will not only help you connect with others, but also make you happier and more successful in every single area of your life: emotional intelligence, the key to love, happiness, and success.  Raising your emotional intelligence has all kinds of benefits, including increased:  Contentment Motivation Adaptibility Resilience Empathy for others Self-Awareness And, it will make every relationship in your life stronger. Truly, emotional intelligence is the secret sauce that makes you "good with people" — and so much more.  So, how can you increase your emotional intelligence? That's what we're talking about on today's episode! You'll learn all about emotional intelligence: what it is, how it helps you create the life you want, and the practical strategies that help you raise your emotional intelligence, no matter where you're starting from.  I hope you'll join me.  xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — I have therapists on my team who specialize in emotional intelligence coaching specifically. Start with a free consultation today: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/

4 Mar 202455min

Do you have a tough internal critic? When you are always talking to yourself in a negative, unkind way, it impacts how you feel about yourself, how you show up in your relationships with others, and how much resilience you have to achieve your goals.  Learning how to recognize your inner critic and talk back to it moves you forward. That's what we're talking about on this episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast. You'll learn:  What the inner critic sounds like Where the inner critic comes from  How self-criticism impacts your confidence and self-esteem How to silence your inner critic How to develop an "inner champion" who encourages and supports you.  And more! I hope this episode helps you silence your inner critic and amplify your inner champion. Because you deserve a loving, supportive relationship with YOU! xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  P.S. — Ready to conquer negative self-talk once and for all? Let's talk: https://www.growingself.com/schedule-free-consultation/

27 Feb 202431min