What if the key to a stronger relationship isn't avoiding conflict—but learning how to do it right?In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Gray shares game-changing insights from her 20+ years working with high-conflict couples and those navigating chronic illness. Lisa breaks down why most couples fail at conflict (hint: it's all about timing), introduces her powerful three-step process for healthy disagreements, and explains how chronic illness can actually deepen intimacy when approached with empathy and communication.Key Takeaways:• Why you should never fight when you're already mad• The three-step conflict process: Setup, Listen, Problem-Solve• How to separate listening from solution-finding• Navigating grief, guilt, and resentment in chronic illness• The difference between healthy guilt and toxic guilt• Why thriving is possible even in the hardest circumstancesAbout Lisa Gray:Lisa Gray is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in high-conflict couples and relationships impacted by chronic illness and chronic pain. She's the author of Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple and Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness.Connect with Lisa:Website: lisagraymft.comBooks & Resources: https://lisagrayauthor.com/Instagram: @lisagraymft#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTherapy #HealthyConflict #ChronicIllness #CouplesTherapy #ConflictResolution #MarriageCounseling #RelationshipGoals #ChronicPain #LisaGray 👍🔔 If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to light.Thanks for joining us for this podcast! For more information on counseling, resources, and more, go to samaritanswell.com​. You can also email us questions to cover on the podcast at info@samaritanswell.org. What part of this episode hit home for you? Comment below or email us: we would love to hear from you!Stay connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaritanswell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritanswelldallasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samaritan%E2%80%99s-well/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samaritanswellcounseling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also value your feedback, so please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Free Relationship "Talk Time" Guide: https://samaritanswell.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/talk-time-guideMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: GAUXTZHWAYJROEFLMusic from Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/all-i-needLicense code: LQFV9XYEQIWRJLNT