In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' Jason Polk, a therapist and coach with over 10 years of experience, discusses the financial and emotional costs of marriage counseling versus divorce.

Jason highlights the expense and emotional toll of contested divorces, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000, compared to the relatively lower cost of marriage counseling.

He explains how counseling can help either salvage a relationship or make the separation process more compassionate and dignified. Jason states that counseling can be valuable in creating healthier futures, whether couples stay together or separate.

00:00 Introduction to the Show
00:27 Marriage Counseling vs. Divorce: An Overview
00:39 Financial and Emotional Costs of Divorce
02:17 The Role of Marriage Counseling
05:23 When Divorce is Inevitable
06:15 Cost Comparison: Counseling vs. Divorce
06:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Couples Intensive episode.

This episode was inspired by Jason's blog post.

Jason's marriage counseling practice.

Understanding Cheating: Definitions, Impacts, and Pathways to Healing

In this episode of 'Solving Disconnection and Creating Connected Relationships for Couples and Parents,' therapist and coach Jason Polk explores the complex topic of cheating.

He delves into the different forms of infidelity, including financial and emotional cheating, and emphasizes the importance of explicit agreements between partners.

Polk also discusses the synonyms and antonyms of cheating and provides insights into how a lack of openness can create a breeding ground for infidelity.

Key takeaways include the critical role of trust, honesty, and transparency in preventing and recovering from betrayal.

00:00 Introduction to the Show

00:22 Defining Cheating and Infidelity

01:12 Types of Cheating

02:03 Importance of Agreements in Relationships

03:29 Emotional Affairs and Implicit Agreements

05:00 Antonyms of Cheating

05:21 Conditions Leading to Cheating

06:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This blog inspired this episode: What is considered cheating?

Jason explores the purpose of marriage beyond initial infatuation and love chemicals.

He explains that marriage is an essential emotional refuge and economic partnership, providing a place for vulnerability, acceptance, and the sharing of resources.

Jason discusses typical relationship dynamics like the pursue-withdraw cycle and how past experiences shape our partner interactions.

He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the relationship to foster connection and joy. Through understanding and intentional effort, marriage can bring resilience and confidence. By succeeding as a team, it can make life more enjoyable and less expensive.

00:00 Introduction to the Show
00:25 The Science of Love and Monogamy
01:07 Impact of Upbringing on Relationships
02:40 Purpose of Marriage
03:17 Emotional and Economic Benefits of Marriage
04:57 Challenges in Marriage
06:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To read the blog that inspired this episode, you can check out: What's the Purpose of Marriage? A Marriage Counselor's Perspective.

Click here to learn more about Jason's couples therapy agency.