7.3K
Downloads
90
Episodes
Parenthood and maintaining a healthy relationship are ambitious endeavors. Being fully aware, you armed yourself with all the latest books, articles, podcasts, and resources, committed to being present and strong for your family. Yet, despite embracing every piece of advice and strategy in your search for reassurance, there are times you find yourself wondering why the harmony, connection, and closeness you envisioned seem out of reach. If this rings true, let me tell you: it’s not you! It’s what they didn’t tell you. The parenting guidance and strategies we read online lack depth. They hardly ever address the transition into parenthood and the profound impact this has on our identity, partnerships, and ability to show up as the parent we wish to be for our children. But guess what? We’re about to turn that around. Hi there, I’m Markella Kaplani. A clinical-counseling psychologist, a parenthood and relationship Coach, a matrescence coach and facilitator, a former special educator, and a parent myself. In my 15+ years in counseling and coaching, I know this to be true: once a parent is truly supported, not only through being given techniques to overcome parenting challenges, but on a personal and relational level, then the entire family can thrive. So, welcome to the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast! Here, we learn to grow individually, normalizing and validating the processes of matrescence and patrescence (i.e. struggling with identity, mom guilt, dad guilt, postpartum rage, work-life balance, etc). We also grow together by unraveling how parenthood affects marriage and what stands in the way of following the actionable parenting strategies that we know are helpful. So, if you’re feeling ready, let me hold your hand while we tackle intriguing, yet difficult topics, with compassion and curiosity. Interested to know more? - Reach out via email at info@markellakaplani.com with your questions, and - Visit www.markellakaplani.com to access FREE resources and check out ways to work with me personally. Let’s do this! --- 🔎 Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship? FIND OUT NOW! https://www.markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz 🖥 Reconcile the ’old’ identity with the ’new’ Grab your FREE Matrescence Mini-Course https://www.markellakaplani.com/videoseries 👥 Join our Circle: www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/ 🤝 Would you like a more personalized touch? I can offer Parenthood and Relationship Coaching. info@markellakaplani.com www.markellakaplani.com Book an introductory session to explore our chemistry and whether I am the right fit for you: http://tidycal.com/markellakaplani/intro-session
Episodes
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
GET THE INTIMACY in 5 MINUTE GUIDE!
Ever walked away from a heartfelt conversation feeling more alone than before you spoke?
You thought you said it right.
You were calm.
You had a point.
But somehow, your partner shut down, got defensive, or brought up the dishwasher from last week.
If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the often-missed difference between reactive and relational communication.
It's not about perfect phrasing.
It's about the place inside of you that you’re speaking from and whether that place is trying to connect… or trying to protect.
I share a powerful story from my couples practice and breaks down my Trigger to Truth model, a four-step process that helps you shift out of automatic reactions and into meaningful connection.
Whether you’re the one who gets quiet or the one who spirals into logic, this conversation will give you the tools to spot your own protective strategies and choose a more authentic, present path forward; one that leads to intimacy, not just talking.
This episode is especially relevant for parents navigating the mental load, emotional fatigue, and shifting identities post-baby. When communication falters, it’s rarely about what was said and more often about what was left unhealed.
💡 Today we explore:
- Why “being calm” isn’t enough in conflict
- The three voices of the protector: blame, withdrawal, and over-rationalizing
- What relational communication looks, sounds, and feels like
- The powerful reframe that turns tension into closeness
This is the third episode in the July communication series. If you missed episodes 64 and episode 65, go back for a full foundation.
🎁 GET THE INTIMACY in 5 MINUTE GUIDE!
💌 Don’t forget: This week’s newsletter includes an exclusive tool to help you track small emotional wins get it at markellakaplani.com/newsletter.
--
Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
👉 Link to my Newsletter
👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge
📩 Get in touch with me
Instagram @markella.kaplani;
website: https://markellakaplani.com;
e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
📢 Listen, share, and leave a review!
https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-parenthood-and-relationship-podcast/id1739098480
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!