When our kids are struggling, our natural instinct as parents is often to jump right into problem-solving mode . We want to push harder, structure tighter, or fix whatever is going wrong . But what if the more you try to fix, the less safe they actually feel on the inside?
In this episode of the…
The Communicate & Connect Podcast for Military Relationships
by Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky: Military Marriage Counselor and Educator
In The Communicate and Connect Podcast for Military Relationships, marriage counselor Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky explains relationship science and discusses educational tips for improving your relationship and navigating military family life.
Latest Episodes
Have you ever noticed that during a disagreement, one of you always wants to talk things through right away, while the other desperately needs space ? Somehow, this difference in timing often turns into a much bigger fight than the original issue ever was . When one person says, "Can we talk about…
Navigating the care of our aging parents is one of the most profound, yet least talked about, transitions we face as adults. This is really common—we rarely sit down to discuss end-of-life wishes or logistics until a sudden medical crisis throws us into an emotional whirlwind. When you are managing …
Have you ever looked at your partner and wondered, "How did we end up so completely different?"
In this episode, we are pulling back the rug on the typical introvert-extrovert clash. We'll explore why this isn't actually a personality flaw or a sign of incompatibility, but a beautiful, natural diff…
Have you ever sat right next to your partner on the couch, completely silent, and realized you felt entirely alone? It is a heartbreaking sensation, but I want you to take a deep breath: you are not alone in this experience, and it doesn't mean your relationship is broken. This is really common, esp…
Being different is so exciting—until it isn't. At first, it feels like a beautiful balance. One of you plans everything, and the other just goes with the flow. It evens you out. But over time, those exact same qualities can start to feel irritating, exhausting, or like you're constantly missing each…
Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream and wondered, "What was that all about?" We often dismiss our dreams as "just dreams," but what if they were actually a window into the parts of ourselves we aren't yet seeing? In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky sits down with psychotherapist Ara Trem…
If you've ever felt like you're having the same argument over and over again—just in different "costumes"—you are definitely not alone. Whether it's the laundry, a misinterpreted text, or the way the dishwasher is loaded, these small triggers often spiral into big explosions. In this episode, I'm wa…
Have you ever felt like you and your partner are speaking two completely different languages? You're trying so hard to explain your side, but the more you talk, the further apart you feel. It's incredibly lonely to feel unheard by the person who matters most to you. In this episode, I'm joined by Ra…
Have you ever felt like you're hitting a brick wall during a conversation with your partner? Why Your Partner Shuts Down in Arguments is often less about a lack of caring and more about a nervous system that has reached its limit. In this episode, we explore the "underneath" of the withdrawer's expe…
74: From Shame to Shared Values - Aligning Money Decisions in Military Marriages with Monica Kaufman
Navigating finances in a military marriage often feels like walking through a minefield, where a simple conversation about a credit card bill can trigger a deep sense of emotional disconnection. In this episode of the Communicate & Connect podcast, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky sits down with financial exp…
We've all been there…that moment in a conversation where your heart starts pounding, your voice gets a little louder, and suddenly you're saying things you know you'll regret the second they leave your lips. It's a heavy, lonely feeling when a simple disagreement turns into a "communication crossfir…
Have you ever felt like you had to put on your "brave face" even when everything inside was crumbling? Many of us in the military community wear our resilience like a badge of honor, but sometimes that badge can start to feel quite heavy. You might notice that while everyone else is praising your st…
Arguments don't have to damage your relationship. In fact, how we navigate those moments of friction can actually become a bridge to deeper intimacy. In this episode of the Communicate and Connect Podcast, I'm sharing some "mini-tips" on the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict and why …
Has physical intimacy in your relationship started to feel like a source of anxiety rather than connection? You are not alone. In this episode of the Communicate and Connect Podcast, I'm joined by physical therapist Eve Hall to discuss a topic that many couples struggle with in silence: Erectile Dys…
Have you ever wondered why you and your partner keep having the same argument — even when you both promise it won't happen again?
In this episode, I dive into one of the most common patterns I see in couples therapy: the repetitive relationship fight. Whether it's about the dishes, money, parenti…
We all tell ourselves stories — about our partners, our relationships, and even about who we are. But what happens when those stories start to hurt our connection instead of helping it?
In this episode, I sit down with Lindsey Carnick to talk about something that shapes every relationship — the sto…
Being married to an entrepreneur, especially within the unique context of military life, comes with a distinct set of challenges and rewards. How do you balance supporting your partner's dream while pursuing your own? What happens when household roles need to shift, and how do you navigate the diffi…
Sibling rivalry is one of the most common challenges parents face, but did you know it can also be an opportunity for growth? In this episode, parenting coach DJ Stutz shares practical strategies on how to deal with sibling rivalry while fostering lifelong skills in your children.
From creating w…
What if the secret to a successful marriage wasn't about being perfect… but about learning to love each other through the mess, the distance, and the fear?
If you're a military spouse or in any kind of long-distance or high-stress relationship, you know it's not always easy. The deployments, the un…