Why do some relationships become trapped in cycles of conflict, fear, and emotional reactivity?
In this episode of the High Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, Brooke Olson is joined by Jussi Light, LMFT, and Bryson Greaves, Ph.D., to explore how early family experiences and past relationship patterns can shape the way we respond to conflict later in life.
Together, they look beyond labels such as attachment styles and personality disorders to examine the underlying dynamics that influence human behavior. They discuss how childhood experiences, unresolved fears, shame, and past betrayals can affect communication, trust, boundaries, and co-parenting relationships.
The conversation highlights the importance of understanding what drives our reactions, recognizing emotional triggers, and building safer, healthier interactions that prioritize children's well-being.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How family-of-origin experiences can influence adult relationships.
Why focusing on behavior and relationship dynamics can be more helpful than relying on labels.
How fear and past experiences can fuel conflict between co-parents.
Why boundaries, trust, and emotional awareness matter when navigating high-conflict situations.
How understanding underlying patterns can support healthier co-parenting and better outcomes for children.
