In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the complexities of family dynamics, particularly focusing on the distinction between closeness and enmeshment. They discuss how enmeshment can lead to unhealthy relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and the challenges of navigating family expectations in romantic partnerships. The conversation emphasizes the need for individuality and mutual respect in relationships, while also identifying red flags that may indicate enmeshment. Ultimately, they advocate for healthy family systems that allow for authentic connections and personal growth.
takeaways
Enmeshment can lead to unhealthy family dynamics.
Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships.
Closeness does not equate to enmeshment.
Healthy families allow for individuality and respect.
Recognizing red flags in family dynamics is crucial.
Differentiation from family of origin is important.
Family expectations can impact romantic relationships.
Authenticity should be welcomed in family systems.
It's important to prioritize your own needs in relationships.
Healthy communication is key to navigating family dynamics.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the complexities of parallel parenting, especially in high-conflict situations. They explore the importance of establishing clear boundaries, the role of parenting plans, and the emotional challenges faced by parents navigating divorce. The discussion emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their children's well-being while managing their own emotional health. They also touch on the long-term implications of parenting decisions and the importance of fostering healthy relationships between children and both parents.
takeaways
Parallel parenting is essential when collaboration isn't safe or possible.
The mental load of parenting doesn't stop after separation.
Establishing a thorough parenting plan is crucial for clarity.
Children should be prioritized over parental conflicts.
It's important to let the parenting plan guide decisions.
Emotional intelligence is key in navigating co-parenting.
Boundaries help maintain peace in high-conflict situations.
Children can sense parental dynamics and should be allowed to form their own opinions.
It's vital to manage your emotional health for the sake of your children.
Parallel parenting can lead to healthier relationships in the long run.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the implications of AI in therapy, exploring ethical concerns, the role of AI in mental health support, and the potential dangers of dependency on technology. They emphasize the importance of human connection in therapy and the risks associated with AI's influence on relationships and mental health.
In this episode, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the complex dynamics of relationships, focusing on why individuals often find themselves repeating the same patterns in their romantic choices. They discuss concepts such as repetition compulsion, the influence of childhood experiences on adult relationships, and the importance of understanding attachment styles. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the recognition of personal patterns to foster healthier relationships. The hosts also touch on the significance of setting clear expectations and deal breakers in dating, advocating for open communication and honesty in relationships.
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola discuss the complexities of inheritance and financial resources, exploring how these factors influence identity, behavior, and family dynamics. They emphasize the importance of viewing money as a tool for creating memories and legacies, rather than merely a materialistic asset. The discussion also highlights the need for financial education and responsibility in future generations, advocating for open conversations about money within families. In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the complexities of inheritance, financial responsibility, and the mindset surrounding money. They explore how individuals often navigate their relationships with money, the psychological impacts of expecting an inheritance, and the importance of valuing time over monetary wealth. The discussion emphasizes the need for a healthy relationship with finances, viewing money as a tool rather than a moral issue, and the significance of making informed decisions about investments versus expenses.
In this episode, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke dive into the transformative journey of parenthood, exploring how raising children reshapes identity, priorities, and emotional resilience. They discuss the importance of slowing down, fostering secure attachments, balancing routines with flexibility, and creating meaningful connections. The conversation also addresses the emotional complexities of single parenthood, the 'genius curse' among high-achievers, and practical strategies for maintaining self-care while navigating the unpredictability of family life. Listeners will find insights on embracing the messiness of parenting and reconnecting with their own childhood to build deeper, more attuned relationships with their children.
In Part Two of their powerful conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke dig deeper into the realities faced by married single moms — women carrying the bulk of parenting, emotional labor, and household responsibilities while navigating relationships that lack true partnership.
They explore the intersection of parenthood, codependency, gender roles, and communication breakdowns, highlighting how societal expectations often leave women feeling trapped, unsupported, and emotionally depleted. Talia and Adam stress the importance of autonomy, equitable task-sharing, and courageous conversations as essential for healthier family dynamics and stronger marriages.
This episode offers insight and practical relationship advice for anyone grappling with marital issues, emotional labor imbalances, or the struggle to balance personal growth with parenting responsibilities.
In this episode, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke dive into the complex and often invisible emotional labor carried by “married single moms” — women who feel like they are parenting alone despite having a partner. They explore the inequities in household and childcare responsibilities, the societal pressures that reinforce traditional gender roles, and the emotional toll this dynamic takes on women and families.
Talia and Adam unpack how outdated expectations, a lack of co-parenting models, and the “helper mentality” among fathers contribute to modern relationship strain. They also discuss postpartum challenges, the difficult decisions some women face about staying or leaving, and how real systemic change requires shifting cultural norms — not just personal effort.
Whether you're navigating these dynamics yourself or seeking to understand them better, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and hope for creating more equitable partnerships.
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the intricate relationship between past experiences and present dynamics in adult romantic relationships and parenthood. They discuss how unresolved childhood issues manifest in adult behaviors, the importance of emotional awareness, and the necessity of confronting one's past to foster healthier relationships. The dialogue emphasizes that healing is a continuous journey and that avoidance of emotional issues can lead to detrimental patterns in parenting and partnerships. In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, presence, and authentic connections with children. They discuss the impact of emotional neglect, the necessity of healing past wounds, and the journey of progress over perfection in parenting. The dialogue highlights the significance of teaching values and morality, aiming to foster a secure attachment and a healthy relationship between parents and children.
In this episode, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke dive into the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships, especially as children grow into adulthood. They explore the emotional shift from seeing parents as superheroes to recognizing their imperfections, and how this impacts boundaries, individuation, and family roles. The conversation touches on generational trauma, conscious parenting, and the complexities that surface during holidays and family gatherings. Packed with insights on communication, empathy, and emotional growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating adult relationships with parents or working to break unhealthy family patterns.
In this episode of Between Two Clinicians, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the complexities of parenting and the importance of repairing relationships between adult children and their parents. They explore themes of parental defense mechanisms, the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships, and the critical role of attunement in early development. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to take accountability for their actions and the lasting effects of their parenting styles on their children's emotional well-being. The hosts provide insights into how parents can learn to be more attuned and supportive, ultimately fostering healthier relationships with their children.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke explore the concept of the 'success tax'—the emotional and relational costs associated with personal growth and achievement. They discuss how outgrowing friendships can lead to feelings of loneliness and competition, and how personal development can change the dynamics of relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing seasonal friendships, setting boundaries, and the necessity of letting go of relationships that no longer serve us. Ultimately, they highlight the potential for friendships to evolve and adapt as individuals grow.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke explore attachment styles and online dating. They explore how different attachment styles influence dating behaviors, particularly in the context of dating apps. The discussion covers secure and insecure attachment styles, the psychological impacts of dating apps, and the distinction between chemistry and compatibility in relationships. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they provide listeners with a deeper understanding of how attachment styles shape romantic interactions and the importance of self-awareness in dating
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the intricate relationship between past experiences and present dynamics in adult romantic relationships and parenthood. They discuss how unresolved childhood issues manifest in adult behaviors, the importance of emotional awareness, and the necessity of confronting one's past to foster healthier relationships. The dialogue emphasizes that healing is a continuous journey and that avoidance of emotional issues can lead to detrimental patterns in parenting and partnerships. In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, presence, and authentic connections with children. They discuss the impact of emotional neglect, the necessity of healing past wounds, and the journey of progress over perfection in parenting. The dialogue highlights the significance of teaching values and morality, aiming to foster a secure attachment and a healthy relationship between parents and children.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding New Year's resolutions. They emphasize the importance of mindset shifts, realistic goal setting, and the role of motivation and community in achieving personal growth. The discussion highlights that motivation is not a constant and that individuals should not wait for a specific time to start working towards their goals. Instead, they should take immediate action and create a structured plan to ensure success. In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the themes of goal setting, motivation, and the importance of realistic expectations in achieving personal growth. They discuss the difference between feeling entitled to success versus deserving it through hard work and planning. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in pursuing goals, the impact of social circles on personal aspirations, and the significance of self-discovery in the journey towards achieving one's objectives.
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola discuss the complexities of navigating holiday stress, family dynamics, and the importance of setting boundaries during the holiday season. They explore how to create an ideal holiday experience, manage overstimulation, and implement self-care strategies to ensure a joyful and fulfilling holiday season. They emphasize the need for individuals to reflect on their holiday expectations and the impact of family traditions on their emotional well-being. The discussion shifts towards creating new traditions that resonate with personal values and family dynamics. They also highlight the significance of passing down traditions in a meaningful way, while encouraging listeners to redefine their holiday experiences to foster joy and connection.
In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the importance of taking action in conjunction with awareness, especially in the context of mental health and family dynamics during the holiday season. They explore how awareness alone is insufficient if it does not lead to meaningful change and the potential pitfalls of using past traumas as excuses for current behaviors. The discussion emphasizes personal responsibility, the need for effective communication, and the complexities of navigating relationships, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. Talia and Adam's major talking points are: being aware of something doesn't mean you can use it as an excuse to behave or not take action on something; sometimes therapy can overemphasize emotion and coddle without encouraging or pushing client to make changes & also some clients resist action; and sometimes people use a diagnosis as an excuse or label to avoid their own role in something.
In this engaging conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss the complexities of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season, particularly around Thanksgiving. They explore the importance of setting boundaries with grace, managing expectations, and finding allies to help mitigate potential conflicts. The discussion emphasizes the need for open communication and self-advocacy, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being while maintaining family relationships. In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke discuss strategies for navigating family dynamics during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, managing triggers, and practicing self-care to create a positive experience. The discussion includes practical tips for communicating needs, avoiding conflict, and maintaining respect in family relationships. The hosts encourage listeners to prioritize their mental health and advocate for themselves during family gatherings.
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the themes of self-reliance, isolation, and the struggle to ask for help. They discuss how trauma responses can lead to hyper-independence, the impact of childhood experiences on help-seeking behavior, and the dynamics of transactional versus emotional relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding self-worth and the fear of burdening others when it comes to asking for help, ultimately highlighting the need for connection and support in our lives. In this conversation, Talia Bombola and Adam Luke explore the complexities of asking for help, the distinction between control and influence in relationships, and the dynamics of high-performance individuals in partnerships. They emphasize the importance of setting expectations, navigating co-parenting, and the value of premarital counseling to foster healthy relationships. The discussion also highlights the balance between independence and interdependence, advocating for open communication and understanding in partnerships.
In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola explore the complex dynamics of relationship stability and the paradox of why many individuals find stability to be a turnoff. They discuss the cultural normalization of instability, the psychological underpinnings of attraction to chaotic relationships, and the challenges faced by individuals who are accustomed to over-functioning in their personal lives. The dialogue delves into the implications of stability in adult relationships, the importance of navigating expectations, and the need for personal growth to embrace healthy, stable partnerships. In this conversation, Adam Luke and Talia Bombola delve into the complexities of vulnerability, dependency, and emotional stability in relationships. They explore how fear of vulnerability can stem from past experiences and cultural shifts, and how this impacts intimacy and connection. The discussion highlights the importance of navigating emotional needs, trust issues, and the role of self-development in fostering healthy relationships. They emphasize that true vulnerability involves the risk of being hurt, and that stable relationships require conflict resolution and repair attempts. The conversation concludes with insights on building strong foundations and recognizing true vulnerability in relationships.