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This Complex Life

Author: Marie Vakakis

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Got questions about parenting, teenagers, or relationships? Ever wonder why your teen won’t talk to you, or why your relationship feels like hard work lately? Hi, I’m Marie Vakakis—a therapist, mental health educator, and someone who’s been behind the scenes with countless families and couples navigating the ups and downs of real life.
This Complex Life is your go-to for relatable insights, practical advice, and real talk about parenting, raising teenagers, and navigating relationships. I’ll share what I’ve learned from years of sitting in the therapist’s chair—helping parents understand their teens, supporting couples through tough times, and figuring out what actually works when life feels overwhelming.
Whether it’s understanding your teen’s moods, handling family drama, or reconnecting in your relationship, I’m here to give you practical advice, relatable insights and a little humour to keep it real. Parenting and relationships aren’t easy, but they don’t have to feel impossible.
Subscribe to This Complex Life for honest advice and actionable tips to make life’s messiness more manageable.
158 Episodes
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In this week's episode, you’ll hear how Silvina started an inclusive drama program in Canada and ran it successfully there for a number of years before moving to Melbourne and starting it all over again.  Learn more here https://www.purplecarrots.com.au/ Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors   https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/  Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/    Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    
Supervision PART 1

Supervision PART 1

2022-05-3111:20

Supervision is SO important . It provides a forum for reflection and learning,  review, reflection, critique and replenishment for professional practitioners.   One of the purposes of social work supervision is to enhance the professional skills and competence of the supervisee to achieve positive outcomes for the people with whom they work   Choosing a supervisor   It's crucial to find someone you can work with and trust   Some things to ask or explore - check out their linkedin profile, website or other profiles  What is their background and work experience?  Do they have any areas of specialty and/or interest? Does this match the work your doing or are interested int? Ask them what is their approach to supervision? Check if they are  Professional.  Knowledgeable.  You’re compatible Convenient / do they have the availability to mete your needs? Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  
If you've ever wondered about the real reasons behind addiction or how to navigate social pressures around alcohol, this episode is for you. In this episode, I chat with Tara Herster, a psychologist specialising in addiction and substance use. Tara breaks down common myths about addiction and offers practical strategies for managing substance use, dealing with social pressures, and exploring sober dating. Her insights challenge the traditional views on addiction and provide a fresh perspective on coping mechanisms and building authentic connections without relying on substances.In This Episode, We Discuss:Understanding Addiction Beyond the MythsAddiction isn't about weakness or moral failure; it's often a coping mechanism.Tara's path from high school to addiction specialist.Addiction Isn't a DiseaseAddiction as a learned behaviour for dealing with stress.Tara's experiences in an inpatient psychiatric hospital.Practical Strategies for Managing Substance UseThe HALT method: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (plus Hydrated and Health).“Anytime we are engaging in something that we don’t necessarily want to do though we just find ourselves doing it in a mindless way it’s because of HALT.”Navigating Social Pressures Around AlcoholStrategies for handling social pressures.“I appreciate, I’m just not drinking today,” or “I’ve got antibiotics.”Sober Dating: Building Authentic ConnectionsTips for dating without alcohol.The FRIES acronym: Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific.“You attract what you put out,” and “Building connections without substances can lead to more authentic relationships.”The Sober Curious MovementExploring life without alcohol.The trend among younger generations.Quotes from the Episode:Tara Hurster:“Anytime we are engaging in something that we don’t necessarily want to do though we just find ourselves doing it in a mindless way it’s because of HALT.”“Addiction is not an illness. It's not a weakness. It's not a disease. It is something that people have learned how to most effectively and most efficiently solve the problem of their experience.”Resources Mentioned:Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015, ADIS WebsiteConnect with Tara Hurster:Website: Tara ClinicInstagram: @taraHursterIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your friends. Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations on This Complex Life.Get the full transcript here Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6 Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/
This podcast episode will look a little different to future episodes. Its a chance for you to get to know the host Marie Vakakis  and hear about her motivations for the podcast. The Inside Social Work podcast is a podcast interview series that aims to entertain and inspire Social workers  illustrating the diverse world of social work through conversations with industry leaders, colleagues, peers, new graduates and mentors.
Have you ever had a reaction that felt bigger than the situation? Maybe your partner forgot something small, and suddenly you felt worthless. These moments often have roots in our past.In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Tamera Broughton to talk about how our unmet childhood needs show up in adult life, relationships, and emotional reactions. We explore how trauma is more than big, obvious events, it can also be the quiet absence of attunement, delight, or safety when we need it most.Together, we unpack how to recognise when old wounds are being triggered, what healing can look like through therapies like EMDR, and why making the “invisible visible” is key to moving forward.Key Takeaways:Trauma isn’t just what happened to you, it’s also what was missing.Disproportionate reactions often signal old pain, not just present triggers.Unmet emotional needs can create shaky “scaffolding” that affects self-worth and relationships.Healing involves strengthening internal resources as well as processing past pain.EMDR therapy can help shift old beliefs (“I’m not enough”) into healthier, adaptive ones.Noticing patterns and reactions is the first step toward change.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend or loved one who’s curious about the impact of childhood experiences on adult life.Resources:Tamera’s website: https://centreself.com.au/clinicians-item/tamera-broughton-n/  What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah WinfreyThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWhat My Bones Know by Stephanie FooConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Friendships are some of the most important relationships we have, but they’re also one of the easiest to neglect. In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m joined by Steph Clarke, futurist, facilitator, and author of How to Friend, to explore whether we’re really facing a loneliness epidemic, how friendships evolve as we age, and why maintaining meaningful connections takes intention.We talk about: • Why friendships can feel harder to maintain in adulthood • How technology shapes connection and disconnection • Overcoming fear of rejection and ‘cringe culture’ • The importance of making time for low-stakes hangouts • Why conflict and repair are part of healthy friendships • Simple ways to nurture friendships in everyday lifeSteph works with leaders to anticipate change and challenge the status quo, and she brings that lens to personal connection, offering practical advice for building meaningful friendships in a fast-paced, digital world.Listen now and start small; a simple message or quick call could mean more than you think.Resources: • How to Friend by Steph Clarke • 28 Thursdays • Join the This Complex Life NewsletterConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Affairs can devastate a relationship, leaving couples questioning everything they thought they knew about each other. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with couples therapist Andrea Dindinger to talk about healing after betrayal, the slow process of rebuilding trust, and the courage it takes to move forward. We unpack why affairs happen, what betrayal does to relationships, and how couples can recover together or separately with intention and care.What you'll learn in this episode:Why betrayal can feel so destabilising and isolatingHow couples can start rebuilding trust after an affairSigns a relationship can heal versus when it’s time to walk awayThe importance of self-reflection and understanding attachment needsHow therapists support couples in high-conflict or post-betrayal recoveryWhy healing isn’t about quick fixes but consistent emotional workHealing after betrayal takes time, courage, and a lot of honest conversations. Whether you’re the one who’s been hurt or the one seeking forgiveness, there’s a path forward if both partners are willing to do the work. Tune in for this compassionate and practical discussion, and share it with someone who may need hope and guidance. Connect with Andrea Dindinger:Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Relationship Coach Andrea Dindinger is a San Francisco-based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 20 years’ experience helping people create meaningful, fulfilling intimate relationships. https://www.andreadindinger.com/  https://enroll.andreadindinger.com/relationship-reboot-courseResources:The Therapy HubAndrea Dindinger’s websiteBook: After the Affair by Janis A. SpringEsther Perels: The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityEmily Nagoski's Come as You Are and Come TogetherConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
When suicide is mentioned, the room often goes quiet. The heaviness of the topic shows how much fear and stigma surround it, but also how important it is to talk about.In this solo episode of This Complex Life, I explore the silence around suicide, why the subject feels so confronting, and the impact it has not only on families and communities but also on practitioners who sit with these stories.You’ll hear about:• Why suicide is such a difficult conversation to have• The ripple effect on families, friends, partners, children and communities• The complicated grief that follows suicide and how it is carried• Myths and misconceptions that keep people from asking directly• The importance of clear, direct language when you are worried about someone• The impact of suicide work on practitioners and the need for support• Why connection and follow-up matter more than perfect wordsEpisode discussedhttps://marievakakis.com.au/when-a-client-dies-by-suicide-reflections-for-mental-health-professionals/If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Therapy is often described as a safe and healing space, but that’s not always the reality. In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to explore what bad therapy can teach us about being better therapists and more empowered clients.We talked about what happens when therapy misses the mark, why repair skills are crucial, and how both therapists and clients can work together to build a safe, supportive relationship.Whether you’re a therapist wanting to grow your skills or someone navigating therapy, this conversation highlights why honesty, transparency, and fit are at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work.We explore:• How defensiveness can damage the client–therapist relationship• Why rupture and repair is one of the most important therapeutic skills• The role of client expectations in therapy outcomes• How deliberate practice builds confidence and skill• Why talking about therapy’s side effects matters• How marketing and branding can help clients find the right fit• Practical advice for clients to ask the right questions• Why mistakes in therapy are inevitable but repair is possibleResources:• Santio Counselling Centre• Inside Social Work Podcast• Get Ready for Therapy GuideConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Lessons learned from Very Bad Therapy. The Very Bad Therapy podcast has changed the way I think about therapy and the stories we do and do not tell. This episode is a replay from Inside Social Work with hosts Ben and Carrie.I loved this podcast and I learned so much from listening to it. It speaks to both therapists and non therapists, and it fits perfectly with the theme of This Complex Life. Therapy is difficult, messy, and complicated. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the hosts of the Very Bad Therapy Podcast, Ben and Carrie. We explore what therapists get wrong, how bad therapy can look different for every client, and why people so often blame themselves when therapy does not help. Ben and Carrie share what they have learned from hundreds of client stories and how those stories have changed the way they practise. We also talk about the side effects of therapy, what to do with feelings of defensiveness or imposter syndrome, the importance of asking about expectations in the first session, and how to repair when ruptures happen.Key Takeaways• Bad therapy cannot be reduced to a checklist. It depends on the individual client experience• Many clients internalise bad therapy and believe they are at fault• Therapy can have side effects and sometimes people feel worse afterwards• Mistakes will happen. Repair and humility matter more than perfection• Asking about expectations is just as important as setting goals• Therapists will feel defensive. The work is to notice it and respond with openness• Deliberate practice builds skills by focusing on one area at a time• Administrative details like fees, scheduling, and emails are part of the relationship and need careResourcesVery Bad Therapy podcast with Ben Feinman and Carrie WiitaModern Therapist Survival Guide with Kurt and KatieSentio Counselling Centre in CaliforniaLearn Psychotherapy podcast with Ben and CarrieInside Social Work with Marie VakakisIf this episode resonated with you please follow and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing the episode helps more people join these honest conversations about mental health and relationships.Connected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Have you ever had a fight with your partner that started over something small but somehow turned into a huge blow up? It’s rarely about the dishes, the bills, or who walked the dog. The way we argue matters more than the content of the fight.In this solo episode, I talk about the four relationship habits that John and Julie Gottman call the “Four Horsemen”  patterns of conflict that predict relationship distress and even separation. More importantly, I share the antidotes: what to do instead.We’ll explore:Why conflict isn’t a bad sign and it’s how you handle it that mattersThe three main conflict styles couples useThe four habits that harm relationships: criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewallingPractical antidotes for each of these habitsWhy repair and accountability are more powerful than getting it right every timeWhether you’re in a long-term relationship or just want to understand communication better, this episode will help you notice patterns and make small but meaningful shifts.Resources:The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work – John and Julie GottmanFight Right – Julie Schwartz Gottman and John GottmanListen now and start shifting the way you think about conflict.Connected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
It doesn’t usually happen with one big fight. Most couples who find themselves feeling distant say it crept up slowly. Busy schedules, kids, work, distractions and one day you realise you’re living more like housemates than partners.In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk about why couples drift apart, what research tells us about disconnection, and the small everyday actions that keep love alive.I share:Why disconnection often happens without us noticingHow emotional bids shape the strength of your bondWhat Gottman research shows about drifting vs closenessSimple practices to rebuild connection and stop feeling like housematesWhy small moments of presence matter more than big gestures🎧 Listen now to explore why drifting happens and what you can do to bring closeness back into your relationship.Resources:The Gottman InstituteRelationship RefreshAI Affairs, Clinic Closures, and the Mental Health Cost of Early SmartphonesConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Cassandra Syndrome

Cassandra Syndrome

2025-08-1116:55

Have you ever tried to explain what’s wrong in your relationship, only to be told you’re overreacting, imagining it, or making it up?In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m talking about Cassandra Syndrome,  the experience of feeling unheard, dismissed, or invisible in your own reality. While it’s often linked to partners of people with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergence, the truth is it can show up in any relationship dynamic where your experiences are minimised.We’ll explore how Cassandra Syndrome develops, why it’s so damaging to your sense of self, and what helps you break the cycle. This is not about blame,  it’s about understanding, naming your experience, and finding ways to feel seen again.In this episode I talk about:What Cassandra Syndrome actually is (and isn’t)How being repeatedly dismissed affects your mental healthWhy some partners shut down instead of respondingThe role of emotional labour in relationshipsHow to set boundaries without falling into the rescuer roleSteps to reclaim your voice and sense of realityHow therapy can help couples rebuild connection and mutual understandingResources:The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and StonewallingThe Four Horsemen: The AntidotesConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
What if your dream job stopped feeling like a dream? What if suicide prevention strategies missed the voices of those who know it best? And what if modern masculinity was being reshaped right in front of us?In this Weekly Wrap, I explore three powerful stories making headlines in mental health and relationships. From rethinking passion at work, to placing lived experience at the heart of suicide prevention, to conversations about male role models and expectations, these stories reveal the deeper issues beneath the news.Listen in for context, reflections, and why these stories matter more than you might think.Resources https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/national-suicide-prevention-strategyhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-02/national-suicide-strategy-samantha-mcintosh-anton-isaacs/105601504https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/this-working-life/is-your-dream-job-still-dreamy-/105541268https://www.sbs.com.au/on
What emotional relationships with chatbots reveal about loneliness, safety, and the fear of real intimacySomeone recently said their AI companion understands them more than their actual partner. That it listens, responds with care, and never judges. For them, it felt like love. But is it?In this episode of This Complex Life, I’m looking at the growing number of people forming emotional connections with chatbots. Some call it companionship. Some call it cheating. I think it tells a much bigger story about how scared many of us are to be vulnerable with real people.AI chatbots are designed to soothe, to validate, to agree. But real connection requires challenge, discomfort, and the ability to sit with mess. When that becomes too hard, some people turn to machines for comfort. I want to explore what that means for relationships, what we might be avoiding, and what we risk losing in the process.In this episode I talk aboutWhy AI chatbots feel emotionally safer than real peopleWhat people say they get from their AI companionThe emotional cost of comfort without challengeWhy some AI interactions start to feel like betrayalHow emotional growth comes from conflict, not easeWhat the Psychology Today article reveals about identity, empathy, and false connectionWhy relying on AI might feel good but leave us more disconnected in the long runResourceshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/relationships/ai-chatbot-relationships https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d08BZmdZu8 https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/code-conscience/202506/the-emotional-cost-of-ai-intimacyConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
AI affairs, vanishing therapy clinics, and phones before age 13Cheating with a chatbot. Therapy clinics shutting almost overnight. And new research on what smartphones are doing to young people’s mental health. These stories aren’t just news headlines. They are real issues showing up in therapy sessions and kitchen table conversations.Here’s what stood out this week:Chatbots and cheatingMore people are forming emotional bonds with AI bots. Some are even calling it an affair. It might seem far-fetched but it’s happening. These connections feel safe, non-judgemental and easy. But they also raise real questions about trust, emotional safety and what it means to be in a relationship.Thousands left without mental health careRamsay Health Care is closing 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across Australia. This decision is leaving thousands of clients, including children and high-risk individuals, without access to care. Many will end up on waitlists or lose support completely. It is another reminder that our mental health system is not working.Phones before 13 linked to poor mental healthA global study found that young people who got a smartphone before age 13 were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, aggression and disconnection from reality. Teens in the study said this matched their own experiences. They feel tired, stressed and stuck between wanting to unplug and fearing being left out.Need something lighter?I’ve been watching Teenage Boss on ABC. It’s a great series showing what happens when teens manage the family budget. Entertaining, a bit surprising, and worth a watch.https://iview.abc.net.au/show/teenage-boss Resourceshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-01/smartphones-impact-on-mental-health-some-teens-choose-dumbphones/105589326https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19452829.2025.2518313?src=exp-la#abstract https://iview.abc.net.au/show/compass/series/39/video/RN2411H016S00
Affairs grab our attention. Whether it’s someone in the news or a friend of a friend, we tune in, pass judgement, or quietly reflect on our own relationships. But what is it that makes cheating stories so captivating?In this episode, I talk about why we care so much about other people’s affairs. I explore how unmet needs, identity, and longing can show up in relationships. I unpack what betrayal can do to a person’s sense of self, why fantasy can feel easier than reality, and why some couples do try to rebuild after infidelity.This is not about sensationalism or blame. It’s a real conversation about what I see in the therapy room and what can help people make sense of something painful and complicated.What I cover in this episodeWhy cheating stories hook us, even when they’re not oursHow social referencing plays into our opinions on infidelityWhat betrayal can do to trust, identity, and mental healthThe messiness of defining cheating in relationshipsHow unmet needs and longing can fuel emotional or physical affairsWhat it can look like to recover as an individualWhat’s involved in repairing a relationship after an affairWhy not all couples stay togetherWhat happens when a relationship starts as an affairThe impact of perpetual problems in relationships (Gottman research: 69 percent of issues are ongoing)Why switching partners doesn’t always solve core differencesWhat couples need to rebuild trust and connectionReferenced in this episode 📚 The State of Affairs by Esther PerelGottman Method couples therapy modelAtonement, Attunement, and Attachment framework69 percent of relationship problems are perpetual and unsolvableTherapy helps manage rather than eliminate these recurring issuesConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
When a breakup becomes life-threatening, why the Coldplay affair is stirring up fears about trust and betrayal, and what teens are really saying about how technology is affecting their mental health.This week:Men, separation and suicide risk New research from Orygen shows separated men are up to nine times more likely to die by suicide. We explore why this matters and what support is available. → Orygen summary → Full paperThe Coldplay affair It is more than celebrity gossip. Infidelity brings up shame, fear and emotional vulnerability. → Recommended book: The State of Affairs by Esther PerelTeen mental health and tech The ABC Compass episode Hijacking Adolescence captures what teens are really saying about screens and stress. → Watch on ABC iview
Not every uncomfortable feeling in a relationship is a warning sign. Sometimes it’s about growth, not danger.In this episode of This Complex Life, I explore how to tell the difference between genuine red flags and the emotional discomfort that comes with learning, stretching, and getting close to someone. From conflict to communication styles to how we ask for space, not everything unfamiliar is unsafe.We talk about the moments that feel uncertain and how to pause before labelling something as toxic or dangerous. This episode is for anyone who’s been unsure whether to lean in or walk away.Key takeawaysDisagreements aren’t always gaslightingShutting down isn’t always manipulationConflict is normal, repair matters more than perfectionForgetfulness and time-blindness aren’t proof someone doesn’t careSome people regulate through space, that doesn’t mean disconnectionEmotional awkwardness may be about past conditioning, not coldnessDifferences in pace or processing styles aren’t red flagsDiscomfort is not always danger, sometimes it’s growthResourcesmarievakakis.com.auWant to rebuild connection in your relationship?Check out Relationship Refresh: https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/relationship-refresh/ Connected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
Not all red flags are loud or obvious. Some show up in small, repeated moments that leave you feeling uneasy.In this episode of This Complex Life, I unpack 10 relationship red flags you shouldn’t ignore. These aren’t just the dramatic ones like cheating or lying, they’re the quieter patterns that can slowly wear you down over time.I talk about how to tell the difference between a red flag and a misunderstanding, what emotional safety really means, and how to use discomfort as a signal to reflect, not overreact.Key takeaways:Why red flags aren’t always a reason to leave (but still matter)How disrespect, sarcasm or subtle put-downs can erode safetyThe importance of accountability and emotional maturityWhy repeated boundary-pushing isn’t just annoying, it’s a warningWhat to look for when it comes to emotional manipulationSigns of poor frustration tolerance and conditional kindnessHow to use red flags as prompts for reflection, not panicResources:Listen to the previous episode on trust: https://marievakakis.com.au/why-love-isnt-enough-when-trust-is-missing/ Relationship Refresh course: https://www.marievakakis.com.au/coursesIf this episode stirred something for you, you’re not alone. These conversations are hard but they matter.Connected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6
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