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Season 1 Episode 9: Step by Step: The Reality Behind Blended Family Dynamics
Your past shapes your present more than you might realize. The family you grew up in—your family of origin—has profoundly influenced your communication style, conflict resolution tactics, expectations around affection, and even how you celebrate special occasions. When two people with different upbringings come together in marriage, these differences can create friction that seems mysterious until you trace it back to its source.
Dr. Jenna and Dr. Nari unpack the complex ways family of origin issues manifest in marriages, from boundary problems with overly involved parents to the clash of different holiday traditions. They explore how unresolved childhood wounds continue affecting relationships long after leaving home, and why reactions that seem disproportionate to situations often have historical roots in family dynamics.
Through relatable examples from their own marriages and therapy practices, the hosts offer practical strategies for navigating these challenges. They emphasize prioritizing your marriage while still honoring family relationships, communicating openly about expectations, and presenting a unified front when setting boundaries. Most importantly, they remind listeners that addressing family of origin issues isn't about blame but about creating awareness that leads to healthier patterns.
Whether you're struggling with intrusive in-laws, disagreements about parenting based on how you were raised, or simply trying to understand why certain situations trigger such strong emotions, this episode provides valuable insights for strengthening your marriage by understanding its invisible influences. The key takeaway? Family patterns don't have to be destiny—with awareness and compassion, you can build a relationship that honors the best of both your backgrounds while creating something uniquely yours.
Ready to transform how you understand your relationship patterns? Listen now, and discover how addressing your family of origin issues can lead to a stronger, more harmonious marriage.
Dr. Jenna and Dr. Nari are the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists behind the Coupled Podcast. They both have private practices where they work with individuals, couples, and families in Florida. The two are ready to shake up the world of couples therapy and want to extend resources beyond the couples they see in their private practices.
If you like this episode and want to know more about taking the next step to improve your communication, connection, and intimacy, head over to our websites to learn more about our Staying Coupled and Getting Coupled courses. These online courses give you the flexibility to improve your relationship from the comfort and convenience of your home. The Staying Coupled course is for couples who want to do the work to connect, communicate, and have the healthiest relationship possible. The Getting Coupled course is for premarital couples wanting to learn the essentials for a successful marriage. Topics in both courses include the main issues couples face:
For more information, visit drjennascott.com/courses or drnarijeter.com/courses
Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for therapy. If you’re struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a licensed therapist in your state. Our relationship suggestions and content may not be applicable or advised for relationships with intimate partner violence (IPV). If you need resources, conta
