How do you actually know if your relationship is working?

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, therapists Deborah Grodzicki,and Amy Begnal, LPC unpack the real signs of success in relationships — the ones most couples completely overlook because they’re so focused on what’s wrong.

They explore:

• Why your relationship is probably not doomed, even if it feels stuck

• How negativity bias and Gottman’s “negative sentiment override” keep you from seeing what’s going well

• The 3 C’s of trust — care, consistency, and capacity — and why all three matter

• The difference between emotional trust and just trusting someone not to be unfaithful

• Rituals of connection, touch, and the small moments that quietly hold relationships together

• A simple one-word “before and after” check-in that often shifts couples from anxious and resentful to hopeful and understood in just one session

• Why assuming good intent can change how you show up with your partner

This is a hopeful, grounding conversation for anyone who’s wondering, “Are we okay?” or “Is this worth the work?”

🎧 Listen in, then ask yourself:
What’s going well in my relationship this week — with myself, my partner, and my people?

The holidays can bring joy — but also stress, overstimulation, and emotional overwhelm. In this Shrinks on Tap holiday special, Lauren and Eleni share grounding practices and after-care rituals to help you stay centered, calm, and intentional through the season.

✨ Going with intention✨ Releasing perfection✨ Listening to your body✨ Regulating your nervous system✨ Creating “after the gathering” decompression time

This episode is brought to you by Arterra Wines and Hawkmoth Arts — a husband-and-wife collaboration rooted in natural elements, craftsmanship, and creativity.

Jason Murray produces “True Terroir” Virginia wines using native yeast, neutral oak, no chemical additives, and ultra-low sulfites — resulting in exceptionally clean, expressive wines. Their Petit Verdot is rich, bold, and beautifully smooth.

Visit their tasting room in Delaplane, VA or order online at ArterraWines.com.

🍷 Sponsored by Arterra Wines + Hawkmoth Arts

Why is love so hard? And why do we fight so fiercely to stay connected, even when relationships feel overwhelming?

In this special guest-hosted episode of Shrinks On Tap, therapists Amy Begnal, LPC, CRC and Deborah Grodzicki, PhD, MS sit down for a warm, honest, and science-based conversation about why relationships matter, why they challenge us, and how understanding attachment theory, temperament, and the biology of connection can transform the way we love.

Together, they explore:
• Why humans are wired for connection
• Why couples fight so hard to stay together
• How attachment styles shape adult relationships
• The role of temperament, personality, and early caregiving
• Why hope, awareness, and willingness are the foundation of change
• What really makes love so difficult — and so worth it

Whether you’re single, partnered, or navigating the complexities of love, this episode helps normalize the struggle and illuminate the science behind our deepest emotional bonds.

New to Shrinks On Tap?
We’re holistic psychologists talking real life, real relationships, and real moments of growth — all around the metaphorical table with a warm drink in hand.

Listen, reflect, and join us for the next episode where we explore the green flags & red flags that predict long-term relationship success.

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, or therapeutic advice. Listening does not establish a therapist–client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern or crisis, please seek support from a licensed professional or contact your local crisis hotline or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.