Relational Lives Podcast

In this episode of Relational Lives, clinical psychologist Dr. Bryony Bamford breaks down how eating disorders impact relationships, especially when a loved one is in denial. We explore early warning signs, why denial happens, and how it affects communication, trust, and connection. Dr. Bamford shares practical advice on treatment options, how family and partners can offer meaningful support, and the powerful role societal pressures play in shaping disordered eating.

This is a compassionate, insight-packed conversation for anyone navigating or supporting someone through an eating disorder.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Eating Disorders and Denial

04:29 The Impact of Eating Disorders on Relationships

09:03 Cultural Influences and Body Image

11:46 Identifying the Line Between Healthy Eating and Eating Disorders

18:12 Navigating Denial and Communication Strategies

23:53 The Role of Family in Treatment and Recovery

32:04 Navigating Recovery in Eating Disorders

35:53 Understanding Bulimia and Its Complexities

37:50 The Fluidity of Eating Disorder Diagnoses

53:09 Key Takeaways for Supporting Loved Ones

56:36 The Emotional Underpinnings of Eating Disorders

⭐ Keywords

Eating Disorders| Relationships | Treatment | Family Support | Mental Health |  Recovery | Bulimia | Anorexia | Body Image | Psychological Support | Resources

📍 Resources & Credits

https://www.thelondoncentre.co.uk/information-parents/

https://www.cbte.co/

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

https://freedfromed.co.uk/

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-2794868

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show. • Email us: [email protected] • Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

💡 Suggest a Topic What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about. __________________________________________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Us Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment: • Instagram: @relational_lives • Facebook: Relational Lives • TikTok: @relational_lives • LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services __________________________________________________________________________ 📺 Explore More Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections. __________________________________________________________________________ 🎙️Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk Music: Stile Tree Studio __________________________________________________________________________ ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

In this episode of the Relational Lives Podcast, we explore the mechanics of lasting love and meaningful connection. Building a healthy relationship doesn't happen by accident, it requires intentionality, emotional attunement, and the courage to communicate effectively.

We discuss the latest research and expert insights to help you navigate the complexities of partnership. Whether you are in a new romance or have been together for decades, you’ll learn how to identify the subtle behaviours that build trust and the "red flag" habits that can quietly damage your bond.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relationship Nourishment

00:49 Understanding Emotional Attunement

06:09 The Importance of Acknowledgment and Apology

11:24 Balancing Togetherness and Individuality

17:15 The Role of Therapy and Joint Reflection

21:22 Identifying Relationship Killers

27:28 Takeaway Tips for Relationship Growth

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⭐Keywords

Relationships | Emotional Attunement | Communication | Relationship Health | Conflict Resolution | Gottman | Couple Therapy |

_____________________________________________________________________________

📍 Resources & Credits

The Gottman Four Horsemen | Gottman Institute

Stan Tatkin: In Each Other's Care: https://amzn.eu/d/01KIKLAO

 

___________________________________________________________________________

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

Email us: [email protected]

Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

_____________________________________________________________________________

🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

Instagram: @relational_lives

Facebook: Relational Lives

TikTok: @relational_lives

LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services

📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

This episode explores the often-overlooked experience of the non-ADHD partner in relationships where ADHD is present. We unpack the emotional impact, such as feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or alone, alongside common challenges like communication breakdowns and imbalance in responsibilities. You’ll gain practical strategies for coping, improving connection, and building a more supportive, understanding relationship with an ADHD partner.

 

⭐Keywords

ADHD | Relationships | Non-ADHD partner | Emotional Impact |Coping Strategies |Mental Load |Communication |Diagnosis | Support | Couple Therapy |

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Understanding ADHD's Impact on Relationships

01:23 Emotional Strain on Non-ADHD Partners

09:51 Navigating Communication Challenges

14:09 Addressing Worries and Fears

17:23 The Importance of Awareness and Collaboration

20:33 Practical Tips for Non-ADHD Partners

📍 Resources & Credits

Melissa Orlov: The ADHD Effect on Marriage: https://amzn.eu/d/0jk9WPM0

Melissa Orlov: Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD: https://amzn.eu/d/0axqELHn

Melissa Orlov website: ADHD and Marriage | Learn to thrive in your relationship

 

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

Email us: [email protected]

Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

_____________________________________________________________________________

🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

Instagram: @relational_lives

Facebook: Relational Lives

TikTok: @relational_lives

LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services

📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

This episode explores what it’s really like to be in a relationship as a partner with ADHD, including the emotional and relational challenges that often go unseen. We unpack common ADHD traits in relationships, how they impact communication, connection, and conflict, and offer practical strategies to build self-awareness and create positive change. Ideal for anyone navigating ADHD in relationships or supporting a partner with ADHD. 

Keywords: ADHD, relationships, mental health, self-awareness, support strategies 

 

Chapters

00:00 Understanding ADHD in Relationships

02:51 The Emotional Landscape of ADHD Partners

03:38 Cognitive Challenges of ADHD

06:21 Impact on Sexual Dynamics

07:35 Recognizing Strengths and Contributions

09:53 Practical Tips for Positive Change

 

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

Email us: [email protected]

Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

Instagram: @relational_lives

Facebook: Relational Lives

TikTok: @relational_lives

LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.

Most of us want to believe that when we start a relationship, we’re beginning with a clean slate. But the truth is, we all bring "uninvited guests" into our partnerships, old hurts, family patterns, and painful memories that we thought we’d left behind.

In this episode, we’re opening up about a new direction for the show. We’re stepping away from general advice to focus on the messy, high-stakes reality of couples who are truly struggling. We’re talking about what happens when life gets heavy, whether that’s through broken trust, the shadow of addiction, or those deep wounds from the past that just won’t stay buried.

The Realities We’re Facing

We want to pull back the curtain on why we react the way we do when we’re hurt or scared. We’ll be exploring:

The "Why" Behind the Fight: Understanding how the things you went through long ago are actually driving your arguments today.

Staying in the Trenches: What it really looks like to fix a bond that feels shattered by betrayal or chronic struggle.

Changing the Script: Moving past the blame game and learning how to look inward so you can show up differently for your partner.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to New Focus on Couples Therapy

03:34 Understanding the Impact of Past Experiences

06:35 Exploring Addiction in Relationships

09:17 The Role of Shame and Belonging

11:00 Building Healthier Relationships Moving Forward

 

⭐Keywords

Relationships | Therapy | Past Experiences | Addiction | Betrayal | Emotional Healing | Couples Therapy | Mental Health | Personal Growth

✨ Join the Relational Lives Community

Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story!

🎙️ Be Our Guest

Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show.

Email us: [email protected]

Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

💡 Suggest a Topic

What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about.

🔗 Connect with Us

Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment:

Instagram: @relational_lives

Facebook: Relational Lives

TikTok: @relational_lives

LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services

📺 Explore More

Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk

Music: Stile Tree Studio

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach out to a professional in your area.