
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!
Can We Be Friends With Our X Lovers?
This week, Elliot and Lottie explore the complexities of relationships, (can we be friends with ex lovers) focusing on themes of heartache, the importance of friendships, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult connections. They discusses the significance of letting go, the role of inner child work, and the necessity of building trust in relationships. Then emphasizing the value of authenticity and vulnerability in friendships and romantic partnerships, while also addressing the challenges posed by social media in maintaining genuine connections.
Takeaways
Clients often struggle with letting go of past relationships.
Friendships can be as significant as romantic relationships.
Childhood experiences shape our understanding of relationships.
It's important to reflect on family dynamics and upbringing.
Inner child work can aid in healing past wounds.
Trust in relationships takes time and consistency to rebuild.
True friendship is characterized by unconditional support.
Social media can create a false sense of connection.
Investing in friendships requires effort and vulnerability.
Authenticity is key to maintaining healthy relationships.
Keywords
heartache, friendships, relationships, letting go, inner child, family dynamics, trust, self-discovery, social media, vulnerability
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Heartache and Letting Go
02:51 The Importance of Friendships and Connections
06:07 Childhood Influences on Relationships
08:57 Understanding Family Dynamics and Upbringing
12:13 The Role of Inner Child Work
15:03 Building Trust and Repairing Relationships
18:05 The Essence of True Friendship
21:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
23:52 The Impact of Social Media on Friendships
27:09 Fostering Healthy Relationships
30:02 The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity
How to find us: https://linktr.ee/theparadoxofchange