Épisodes

  • Boundary or Threat? How to Set Limits Without Creating More Conflict—Especially With In-Laws
    Oct 23 2025
    In this special episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with her husband, Greg, to answer real, anonymous listener questions about mothers-in-law (MILs), in-law dynamics, holiday boundaries, and getting on the same page as a couple. Drawing from her upcoming book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother (launching November 4), Dr. Tracy breaks down how to ask a partner to “take your side” (validation vs. action), set clear boundaries without disrespect, manage holiday expectations, and respond to subtle digs or manipulative comments—all while protecting the couple bond. Listeners learn practical scripts and the VAULT Method (Values, Aspirations + nervous system awareness, Understanding, Longings, Taking Action) to move out of autopilot and into teamwork. Dr. Tracy and Greg cover fairness myths between families, FaceTime and visit expectations, nervous-system tools for dread and anxiety, how to avoid triangulation during sibling or extended-family conflict, and how to protect parenting choices (consent, food rules, body talk) with warmth and clarity. Whether someone is navigating mild tension or long-standing patterns, this episode offers research-informed, compassionate strategies to keep connection, repair, and co-created family traditions at the center—especially during the holidays. Preorder my new book You, Your Husband, and His Mother and save your seat at my exclusive live coaching event!! RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Factor Meals: Save 50% off your first box and get free breakfast for a year. Use code TRACY50OFF at factormeals.com/TRACY50OFF Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACYK12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 1 min
  • How to Stop Being Defensive in Your Relationship: Couples Therapist Strategies for Better Communication
    Oct 19 2025
    Defensiveness is one of the most common reasons couples get stuck in repetitive fights — but few people understand what’s actually driving it. In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explains the psychology of defensiveness, how shame and fear of rejection play a role, and the proven tools that help couples communicate without walls going up. Learn how to respond without reacting, build emotional safety, and start creating the kind of connection you really want. Keywords: how to stop being defensive, couples communication skills, marriage advice podcast, defensiveness and shame, Gottman four horsemen, relationship repair, therapist tips for couples. Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠ RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠ LINKS: ⁠Calm:⁠ Save 40% off at ⁠calm.com/Tracy⁠ ⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com ⁠Better Help:⁠ Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at ⁠k12.com/TRACY⁠ ⁠Quince Bedding:⁠ Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Branch Basics:⁠⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 min
  • When Family Boundaries Break: Understanding Estrangement and Healing Generational Patterns with Whitney Goodman
    Oct 16 2025
    In this special episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, part of the You, Your Husband, and His Mother book launch series, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with therapist and author Whitney Goodman to unpack one of the most misunderstood family experiences — estrangement. Together, they explore why more people are creating distance from toxic or boundary-violating family members, what healthy families actually look like, and how this shift reflects a deeper desire for emotional safety and authenticity. They discuss how social media, generational change, and unmet repair cycles contribute to breakdowns in family connection — and why choosing space can sometimes be an act of care, not cruelty. This conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone navigating complex family relationships, from mother-in-law dynamics to emotional cutoffs. Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠ RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 min
  • The VIRAL Sherlocked Thread: From Victim to Main Character Energy And All About Boundaries
    Oct 11 2025
    From The Couch - Short hits, hot topics. The I_am_sherlocked phenomenon has taken over Threads — but what’s really drawing us in isn’t just her posts, it’s what they represent. From The Couch, I explore why we’re so captivated by someone unapologetically setting boundaries and saying no without guilt. We’ll unpack what this viral moment reveals about women’s exhaustion, people-pleasing, and the deep longing to take up space—especially in family dynamics with in-laws. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Kiwico: Save 50% at kiwico.com and explore connection with your kids. Use code TRACY Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 min
  • Navigating Mother-in-Law Tension: Passive Aggression, Boundaries, Power Dynamics, and Repair
    Oct 9 2025
    In Part 2 of my MIL book-launch series, I sit down with creator Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) to unpack “Daughter-in-Law Math,” the thousand paper-cut moments that erode trust, and the real power dynamics between mothers-in-law, sons, and couples. We explore passive aggression, exclusion, gossip, and double standards—plus practical tools for the holiday season: code words, aligned exits, and repair that actually rebuilds safety. If you’re navigating mother-in-law tension, boundaries, or feeling invisible in your own marriage, this episode gives you scripts, strategy, and hope. ✨ PREORDER EXCLUSIVE!! ✨Preorder You, Your Husband, and His Mother today and receive:A live coaching session with Dr. Tracy where you can ask your questions directly plus a bonus question guide with powerful prompts to help you start making changes right away. Your relationship with your in-laws doesn’t have to divide your marriage. Learn how to set boundaries, break old patterns, and build a stronger bond with your partner while creating the relationships you want with extended family members. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com code TRACY Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 6 min
  • ‘I Just Want My Mom and My Wife to Be Happy’: The Real Conflict Beneath That Wish
    Oct 5 2025
    In this From the Couch mini-session, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy explores one of the most common conflicts couples face: when a husband says, “I just want my mom and my wife to get along.” Dr. Tracy unpacks why this well-intentioned desire often backfires, leading to tension, invalidation, and emotional disconnection in the marriage. Drawing from her nearly 20 years of experience and the insights from her upcoming book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother, she explains how couples can hold two truths at once—valuing family while honoring healthy boundaries. If you’ve ever felt caught between wanting family harmony and protecting your marriage, this short episode offers the clarity and compassion you need to find balance. 📘 Pre-order Dr. Tracy’s upcoming book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother, for a step-by-step guide to navigating in-law relationships using her 5-step VAULT Method. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 min
  • The Top 5 Challenges Women Face With Their Mother-in-Law
    Oct 2 2025
    In this special solo episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish kicks off a new series leading up to the launch of her highly anticipated book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother.Drawing from nearly 20 years of working with couples, Dr. Tracy explores the five most common struggles women face with their mother-in-law, including criticism, boundary violations, guilt trips and manipulaton, competition, and rule-breaking with kids.✨ PREORDER EXCLUSIVE!! ✨Preorder You, Your Husband, and His Mother today and receive:A live coaching session with Dr. Tracy where you can ask your questions directly plus a bonus question guide with powerful prompts to help you start making changes right away.Your relationship with your in-laws doesn’t have to divide your marriage. Learn how to set boundaries, break old patterns, and build a stronger bond with your partner while creating the relationships you want with extended family members. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY ⁠⁠AquaTru⁠⁠ - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 min
  • Boundaries and Repair: how to protect your emotional well-being and come back together after conflict in family dynamics
    Sep 25 2025
    Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to set boundaries with family, or how to repair your marriage after a fight about in-laws? In this episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish dives into two powerful listener questions that so many couples and families struggle with.First, Dr. Tracy explores the question: “Is it okay to intentionally avoid a sibling who constantly makes hurtful comments?” If you’ve ever dealt with toxic siblings, family tension, or sibling rivalry as adults, you’ll learn the difference between avoidance and boundaries, how to protect your emotional health at family gatherings, and how to communicate your limits without guilt.Then, she answers: “How do I repair my marriage after a fight about my mother-in-law wanting to live with us temporarily?” Dr. Tracy walks through a step-by-step process for marriage repair after conflict, including nervous system regulation, setting healthy in-law boundaries, and finding a way to work as a united team with your partner. If you’ve ever argued about your mother-in-law moving in, intrusive in-laws, or family living arrangements, this segment will give you the tools to navigate conflict, reconnect, and rebuild trust in your marriage.Key topics in this episode:Setting boundaries with siblings who cross the lineThe difference between avoidance and boundariesHow to stay emotionally safe during family gatheringsRepairing your marriage after an argument about in-lawsNavigating mother-in-law conflicts and living arrangement disputesBuilding a united front with your partnerPractical communication strategies for family conflictIf you’ve ever searched for “how to set boundaries with in-laws,” “toxic sibling relationships,” or “repair after marriage fights,” this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical steps forward. Jefferson Fisher's The Next Conversation book: Amazon Link Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at ⁠https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy⁠ code TRACY⁠Lumen⁠: Save 15% at ⁠https://lumen.me/DEARTRACY⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 min