The Relationship Podcast - There has to be an I before We!
Welcome to The Paradox of Change, where three experienced therapists guide you through the essential truth:
I B4We - You have to have a relationship with yourself before you can have a relationship with others!
We believe in understanding your needs, boundaries, and capacity for connection - because the most important relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself.
Meet Your Guides:
Elliot Burgess - Individual therapist specializing in men's mental health and the foundational "I" work that transforms all relationships
Lottie Passell-Syms - Sex and intimacy specialist dedicated to couples therapy, helping partners navigate the "We" journey through deeper connection and authentic communication and better sex.
Fi Sclif - Individual therapy and growth coaching focusing on mindset, money, and marketing
What You'll Discover:
• How self-discovery leads to relationship mastery
• Lottie's proven couples therapy techniques for rebuilding intimacy and trust
• Practical tools for infidelity recovery, trauma healing, and authentic communication
• Insights into masculinity, femininity, and identity development
• Strategies for navigating divorce, dating after trauma, and co-parenting
• Real conversations about narcissistic abuse recovery and neurodiversity in relationships
Our Philosophy:
Inspired by Carl Rogers' wisdom: "When a client accepts themselves as they are, the curious paradox is that they then change." Whether you're working on yourself individually or as a couple, transformation starts within - heal your relationship with yourself, and watch every other relationship in your life flourish.
Content You Can Expect:
• Deep-dive conversations with mental health experts
• Individual growth episodes ("The I Series") with Elliot, Fi & Lottie
• Couples-focused content ("The We Series") with Lottie's expertise
• "I B4We Deep Dives" - All three tackling complex topics together
• Real stories of resilience and recovery
• Practical tools you can use immediately
Whether you're single and working on yourself, in a relationship needing guidance, or navigating life transitions, we're here as your collaborative guides, not distant experts, but fellow travelers who've walked these paths.
New episodes every two weeks “|” 26+ episodes available now!
Subscribe and join our community of people choosing accountability and growth!
https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange
The Relationship Podcast - There has to be an I before We!
Our First Client Story - It Takes a Village to Support a Widower
Join us on this uplifting episode of 'The Paradox of Change,' where Rob and therapist, [Me, I, Elliot], delve into a story of loss, love, and the liberating journey of self-acceptance. Rob shares his experience with the grief of losing his beloved wife to cancer and how therapy helped him find a friend in himself. Listen as he quotes the powerful insights that guided him through his darkest times, reminding us that it takes a village to support one in mourning. With ethical sensitivity and Rob's generous permission, this episode is a celebration of human resilience and the importance of dialogue in healing.
Be sure to subscribe and join the conversation. Let's navigate the paradoxes of change together.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Meeting at a Teal Swan workshop
05:25 Seeking therapy and joining a widow online community
12:41 Starting therapy sessions
14:23 First therapy session and uncovering negative self-talk
21:08 Aha moment and rapid growth
23:37 Embracing a 'fuck it' attitude
27:05 The importance of community support
30:43 The importance of community support for widowers
32:48 The journey of therapy and self-awareness
39:59 Navigating the internet and mental health
44:16 Advice to a younger self
48:57 The importance of non-directive therapy
50:44 Reflections on therapy and personal growth
51:48 Closing remarks
52:43 Preparing for the Podcast Release
53:09 Finding an Art Class
54:02 Embracing New Opportunities
54:32 Overcoming Perfectionism in Art
55:01 Using Art as a Therapeutic Outlet
55:33 The Impact of Art Therapy
56:24 The Value of Art in Therapy
56:54 Creating Meaningful Artwork
58:23 The Satisfaction of Painting for Others
59:47 The Challenge of Painting a Rainbow
01:00:13 Rediscovering the Joy of Experimentation
01:01:11 The Importance of Communication and Seeking Help
01:02:06 The Tragedy of Suicide and the Need for Support
01:03:03 Grieving and Accepting Feelings
01:03:22 Opportunity for Grief Work During Lockdown
01:04:16 Preparing for the Loss of a Loved One
01:05:13 Appreciating the Value of Every Day
01:06:01 The Importance of Quality Dialogue
01:07:08 Providing Resources for Support
01:08:02 The Give-Give Mentality
01:09:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
🔗 Links: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange
🏷️ Hashtags:
#ParadoxOfChange #MentalHealth #GriefJourney #SelfDiscovery #TherapyTalks #InspirationalStories #Healing #SupportSystems #WidowerSupport #TalkTherapy #PersonalGrowth
Remember to like, comment, and share if this story resonates with you. Your support could be the village someone needs today.
How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange
