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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 Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Postpartum anxiety affects 1 in 5 mothers, yet many don’t realize what’s happening. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Anxiety in new parenthood can feel like an unrelenting fire alarm, keeping you on edge and stealing the joy from those precious first months.
This episode unpacks the emotional and physical toll postpartum anxiety takes and how societal pressures can make it worse. But there’s hope! You’ll learn five actionable strategies, from mindfulness practices to reframing anxious thoughts, to help you regain clarity and connection.
Today, we’ll uncover:
- 🌸 What postpartum anxiety really is
- 🛑 Signs to look for in yourself or a partner
- 🤲 Ways to seek support without guilt
- 🧘♀️ Simple tools for grounding yourself
Postpartum anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. It’s a sign your system needs compassion and care. Listen now and take your first step toward healing—for you and your family.
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Full Transcript HERE.
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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; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
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Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Are you worried that your relationship is drifting apart after becoming parents? You’re not alone. Parenthood changes everything, including the way we connect with our partners. In this episode, I dive into the subtle yet powerful signs of emotional distance in relationships, especially for couples navigating the demands of parenthood.
Using my 6-step framework, I’ll guide you through how to bridge the emotional gap, rekindle intimacy, and rebuild your connection with simple, intentional actions. We’ll discuss common causes of disconnection, such as the energy drain of parenting, identity shifts in matrescence and patrescence, and unmet expectations that silently grow into resentment.
You’ll also learn how to spot early warning signs like reduced communication, a lack of physical affection, and lingering conflicts that never seem to resolve. I’ll share real-life examples and practical tools you can start using today, including journaling prompts to help you reflect on what truly matters in your relationship.
Whether you’re dealing with small signs of disconnection or feel like you’re at a breaking point, this episode will give you actionable steps to reignite the closeness you once had. This is perfect for parents who want to strengthen their marriage, create a healthier family dynamic, and ensure their kids grow up in a loving and connected environment.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I also introduce my Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge, designed for busy parents who want to reignite their relationship in just seven days. Don’t let emotional distance grow into something bigger—take action today.
Subscribe for more content on parenthood, relationships, and creating a life where you can thrive as a couple and a family. Let’s navigate the challenges of parenthood together!
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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; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Sunday Jan 05, 2025
Parenthood isn’t just about raising kids – it’s about rewriting your relationship with yourself.
In this transformative episode, we explore how gentle parenting starts from within.
If you’ve ever wondered why staying calm with your kids feels impossible some days, the answer lies in your inner critic.
Together, we uncover how your past parenting experiences shape the way you treat yourself – and how that impacts your children.
Through heartfelt stories and actionable steps, this episode dives deep into:
- The secret connection between self-compassion and parenting success.
- Why your inner child resists change – and how to heal it.
- Practical tools to reframe self-criticism into growth.
By the end, you’ll understand why parenting isn’t just about doing more – it’s about healing yourself to create the family culture you dream of.
TimeStamps
00:00 Welcome to Season Two!
01:29 The Power of Gentle Parenting
07:23 Understanding Self-Criticism
12:51 Breaking the Cycle of Self-Criticism
34:18 Practical Steps for Self-Compassion
47:36 Final Thoughts and Weekly Challenge
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Full Transcript HERE
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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me
instagram.com/markella.kaplani
www.markellakaplani.com
e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
In this coaching session, we explore the complexities of motherhood, identity shifts, and breaking generational patterns with Gavie Remaly, boundaries advocate and host of The Blissfully Bold Podcast.
Together, we delve into the struggles working moms face, from navigating anxiety and control to balancing work, family, and self.
This episode unpacks the emotional challenges of parenting, including how childhood patterns shape our current roles as parents.
Gavie shares her journey of discovering "micro-journaling," a simple yet impactful tool for setting boundaries and finding clarity amidst the chaos of motherhood.
Along the way, we uncover the transformative power of self-compassion, letting go of guilt, and creating a safe space for emotional growth.
Whether you’re a mom seeking balance or a partner striving to understand and support, this episode offers actionable advice, relatable moments, and profound insights into building deeper connections within your family.
Ways to Connect with Gavie Remaly:
Podcast: The Blissfully Bold Podcast
Instagram: @gavie.remaly
DM her to learn more about micro-journaling and boundary-setting.
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Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
In this insightful episode, we dive into the art of cultivating connection with Dr. Adam Dorsay, licensed psychologist, executive coach, and author of Super Psyched. This conversation is packed with strategies for strengthening relationships, especially for couples navigating the challenges of parenting. Dr. Dorsay shares actionable advice on reconnecting with your partner and the importance of emotional connection in building a thriving relationship.
As we explore the shifts that occur in family life, Dr. Dorsay emphasizes how couples can maintain intimacy in marriage and balance the demands of parenthood and relationship. Listeners will gain practical tools for improving family dynamics and creating lasting bonds. Whether you are a parent looking to rekindle romance or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode delivers heartfelt and practical solutions.
Dr. Dorsay delves into the significance of relationship advice for parents and the power of small actions in improving family communication. He provides tangible examples of how partners can support each other while also fostering strong bonds with their children. Tune in for extremely effective, yet simple techniques for navigating relationship changes and sustaining strong family bonds.
One of the highlights of this discussion is maintaining intimacy after kids. Dr. Dorsay introduces creative approaches to keep passion alive, helping couples reconnect and enjoy a fulfilling relationship. These strategies align beautifully with his insights on enhancing marital satisfaction and ensuring that couples feel united even amidst the chaos of family life.
If you’re ready to explore the keys to cultivating connection and living with greater vitality, this episode is for you!
Ways to Connect with Dr. Adam Dorsay:
- Book: Super Psyched
- Podcast: SuperPsyched
- Website: DrAdamDorsay.com
- Email: adam@dradamdorsay.com
Don’t miss this powerful conversation on love, connection, and family!
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Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Parenting is one of the most fulfilling roles, but let’s face it—it’s also one of the most exhausting. If you’ve ever felt completely drained or like you’re barely keeping up, you might be experiencing parental burnout. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’ve been giving your all without taking time to refill your own cup.
In this episode, we’re getting real about parenting burnout—what it looks like, how it sneaks up on us, and what you can do to reset. Whether you’re navigating new parent tiredness, the demands of being a working mom, or even the silent struggles of mom burnout / dad burnout, I’ve got you covered.
We’ll explore:
✨ Parental burnout signs in everyday life.
✨ Why things like exhausted mother syndrome or feeling like a tired parent don’t mean you’re weak—it’s a sign to pause.
✨ How to reset parental burnout symptoms create a realistic self-care routine for moms (and dads) to reset and reconnect.
I’ll walk you through practical tips for how to recover from parental burnout, including redefining your expectations, building better boundaries, and finding small, doable ways to bring joy back into your day.
Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but burnout happens when we pour from an empty cup for too long. This episode is your permission slip to hit reset—not just for your family, but for YOU.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to navigate parenting burnout stages, avoid future overwhelm, and start showing up for yourself as much as you do for everyone else. Because you’re not just a parent—you’re a person who deserves care, too.
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Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Do you ever feel like old wounds from your childhood and resentment toward your parents are getting in the way of you being a great parent?
Many people struggle with the question of how to forgive your parents because deep inside we all know that it is a stepping stone toward effective parenting.
But we are held back by our fear that letting go of the anger and grievances will act as an excuse or a permission slip for more mistreatment. In an attempt to protect us, our inner child refuses to move forward in fear of getting hurt all over again.
In this episode we uncover:
🧠 How childhood experiences impact how we parent today
❤️ How forgiveness helps us parent with clarity and intention
🔑 Practical steps to break generational cycles without losing ourselves
Whether you’re replaying your parents’ patterns or bending over backward to avoid them, the past can feel like an emotional weight.
Forgiveness lightens that load, creating space for joy, connection, and a healthier family dynamic. 🫂
Click play to listen in as we dive into actionable steps, from acknowledging your hurt to deciding what values to keep and what to let go of.
Forgiveness isn’t about your parents—it’s about you and the freedom it brings.
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Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Are you feeling a distance between you and your partner after welcoming your little one? You're not alone. In this week’s episode, we delve into the real struggles of rebuilding intimacy after baby.
Parenthood brings immense joy, but it also introduces unexpected relationship changes that can leave you feeling disconnected.
Join me as we uncover the journey from exhaustion to connection. We explore why intimacy after children often takes a back seat and how to navigate these parenthood challenges without feeling hurt or misunderstood.
Discover practical steps for restoring closeness and reconnecting with your partner amidst sleepless nights and endless responsibilities. Learn how emotional connection and open communication in relationships can reignite the spark you thought was lost.
✨ In this episode, we explore:
❤️ How to understand and adapt to relationship changes after baby
🤗 Small but powerful ways to rebuild emotional connection
🗣️ The importance of open communication in overcoming intimacy issues
🌟 Steps to restore closeness without adding pressure
💞 Embracing a new normal in your relationship journey
Don't let the joys of parenthood overshadow the love story that started it all. It's time to rekindle the flame and embrace the journey of overcoming intimacy issues together.
This episode is not just a new parents guide; it's a warm, yet realistic conversation about love, understanding, and the courage to rebuild.
Your relationship deserves this attention. Let's walk this path together and transform challenges into a deeper emotional connection than ever before.
Tune in and take the first step toward a stronger, more intimate relationship today.
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Full Transcript HERE.
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📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Markella Kaplani
Psychologist | Parenthood & Relationship Coach
The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast offers a deep exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges of becoming a parent.
Diving into topics like matrescence, patrescence, and the loss of identity, this podcast is designed to provide holistic, compassionate insights for those looking to navigate the complex dynamics of parenthood and relationships.
With weekly episodes focused on personal growth, overcoming parental guilt, and strengthening family bonds, it invites you, the listener to join a supportive community dedicated to personal and relational fulfillment.
Let's (re)connect to ourselves, our partners, our children, and each other!