Episode 19: Navigating Relationship Stress with Liz Earnshaw

“If you and your partner are experiencing friction, consider whether there are things going on in your lives—whether it’s a few really big chronic issues, a lot of little constant acute issues, or a mix of both—that could be contributing to this,” advises Liz Earnshaw, a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified Gottman therapist, and founder of A Better Life Therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Z shifts the focus from narcissistic relationships to the everyday stressors that impact healthy partnerships. Joined by Liz, known for her popular Instagram account “@Liz Listens” and her books “I Want This to Work” and “Till Stress Do Us Part,” they delve into how external pressures can fuel relational friction.

What are the stressors in your life that might be affecting your relationship? Liz encourages couples to identify and list these stressors, a simple yet effective practice that can lead to greater empathy and cooperation. She also discusses different partner types—such as avoidant or indifferent—and shares concrete strategies for improving communication and setting healthy boundaries within your relationships.

Liz introduces a structured approach to managing stress, helping couples distinguish between what they can shed, prevent, or adapt to. By aligning actions with core values and addressing how conflict avoidance with others can impact the relationship, she provides a roadmap for couples looking to strengthen their bond. These insights offer a practical guide for anyone aiming to build a resilient partnership rooted in clear communication, empathy, and intentional choices.

Want to learn more? Check out my virtual workshops.

Featured

I Left. Now What? Healing From Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships (video)

$37.00

This workshop focuses on the process of healing from narcissistic abuse in relationships. More often than not, the abuse does not stop once the relationship has ended. It’s important that boundaries continue to be maintained long after the relationship is over. This workshop will discuss the patterns of abuse following the end of the relationship and strategies towards healing as you navigate these complex breakups

You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic behavior patterns after a breakup.
The importance of boundary maintenance as the “ex.”
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissistic ex-partner long after the relationship has ended.
Specific steps towards healing, including what you can do to pick healthier partners going forward.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Individual advice or therapy cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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“Co-Parenting” with a Narcissist (video)

$37.00

This hour long workshop focuses on the difficult process of “co-parenting” with a narcissistic partner.

Unfortunately, narcissistic parents don’t co-parent. It is also a misconception that narcissists “parallel” parent. Parallel parenting is a method whereby each parent has their own parenting style/ideas. These styles can differ greatly & may even result in the parents hardly ever seeing or speaking to each other. However, despite having different approaches, the motive is not to undermine the other parent, as they both have their child’s best interests in mind.

Narcissists do not co-parent nor do they parallel parent. They “parent” using whatever approach personally benefits them in any given situation. Their style is inconsistent, confusing to the child, & is often used to manipulate & control the family dynamics.

In This Workshop You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic patterns of parenting.
The importance of boundary maintenance.
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissist within the parenting dynamic.
Specific strategies to use when interacting with the other parent.
Parenting strategies for managing your relationships with your children within this difficult context.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Individual advice or therapy cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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Narcissistic Parents: Steps Towards Healing with co-host Keresse Thompson (video)

$37.00

This workshop focuses on the process of healing from narcissistic abusive parents.

Growing up with narcissistic parents has a profound impact on your sense of self, self-worth and overall psychological well-being.

Feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, anxiety, and depression continue to exist throughout the lifespan. Often times, it isn’t until much later in your life that you even come to realize what you have been experiencing is abuse.

As an adult, the abuse often continues to permeate all aspects of your life including your friendships, romantic relationships, work, and even with your own children.

You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic behavior patterns within the family dynamics.
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissistic parent.
The importance of boundary setting & boundary maintenance.
Specific steps towards healing, including tangible strategies and techniques so you can break the cycle of abuse.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Therapeutic advice or suggestions cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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What is Your Relationship Road Map?: Patterns and Boundary Setting (video)

$37.00

This workshop takes an in-depth look at what i refer to as your “Relationship Road Map” - the patterns we manifest within our relationships. It will also focus on how your patterns impact the people around you, strategies to change patterns, and how simple boundary setting techniques can improve relationships.

You Will Learn:

· How to identify your Relationship Road Map

· How to take an Interpersonal Inventory

· How patterns play out within relationships of all kinds

· Pattern interruption and its impact on relationships

· How setting boundaries can alter relationship patterns

· Techniques to identify, establish and maintain boundaries

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Therapeutic advice or suggestions cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

Read more →

More Workshops

Episode 19: Navigating Relationship Stress with Liz Earnshaw

Want to learn more? Check out my virtual workshops.

Episode 20: What to Do if Your Loved One is with a Narcissist

Episode 18: Are You Friends With a Narcissist?