EP: 118
DR. SUSAN HEITLER
Manage Strong Emotions & Divorce with Dignity with Dr. Susan Heitler
It’s no surprise that divorcing couples deal with strong emotions. And yet, we know that our brains work best when we’re in the Calm Zone. So, how do we manage the feelings of anxiety, anger or sadness that come up in the divorce process? How do we bring ourselves back to that quiet, problem-solving mode so that we can divorce with dignity?
Dr. Susan Heitler is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, anger and marital difficulties. Educated at Harvard and NYU, Dr. Heitler is the author of several books, including Prescriptions Without Pills: For Relief from Depression, Anger, Anxiety and More and The Power of Two: Secrets to a Strong and Loving Marriage. She is often called upon to present training workshops for therapists around the world, and Dr. Heitler’s work has been featured in Men’s Health, Woman’s World, Parenting and Psychology Today, among many other media outlets.
On this episode, Dr. Heitler joins Katherine to share her Bump Theory of dealing with life’s challenges and walk us through the five possible reactions to a difficult situation like divorce. She explains why our brains don’t work under the influence of strong emotions and describes how to navigate the anxiety that comes when we’re facing the unknown. Listen in to understand Dr. Heitler’s Best Possible Light exercise for reframing shame and learn how to alleviate anger, anxiety and depression—without pills!
TOPICS COVERED
Why our brains don’t work under the influence of strong emotions
The 5 reactions to challenging situations in Dr. Heitler’s Bump Theory
- Finding solutions
- Fight
- Fold
- Freeze
- Flee
The consequences of anger, depression, anxiety and avoidance
How to navigate the anxiety of changes associated with divorce
The interventions for divorcing couples at Prescriptions Without Pills
Dr. Heitler’s Best Possible Light exercise for reframing shame
Why couples considering divorce should find a good therapist
Dr. Heitler’s take on narcissism, sociopathy and personality disorder
CONNECT WITH DR. SUSAN HEITLER
Dr. Heitler on Psychology Today
CONNECT WITH KATHERINE MILLER
The Center for Understanding Conflict
The New Yorker’s Guide to Collaborative Divorce by Katherine Miller
Email katherine@westchesterfamilylaw.com
Call (914) 738-7765
RESOURCES
The Power of Two: Secrets to a Strong and Loving Marriage by Susan Heitler PhD