How to have healthy conflict: Transforming how we see difficult conversations in order to improve our relationships [51]

We're conditioned to believe that a healthy relationship is a conflict-free relationship. But what if that smooth surface is actually a sign of emotional avoidance, slow decay, or even fear? Avoiding the tough conversations doesn't eliminate issues; it simply pushes them beneath the surface, ensuring they surface later as burnout or resentment, and often making them harder to manage. In this episode Dr. Shainna chats with Audrey Augustave , the Practice Owner and Lead Therapist of A Nurtured Life Psychotherapy, and the creator of the incredible podcast, Un-Loc’d, which provides clinical insight on mental health subjects through the Caribbean lens.Together they unpack: How to recognize the subtle signs that a conflict is moving from unhealthy demolition to healthy construction. The specific language you can use to initiate a difficult conversation without triggering a defensive response. And the practical, actionable strategies you can implement today to transform your next disagreement into a genuine moment of connection. Takeaways Conflict is always telling you something that you need to know. There are no negative emotions. Feelings are trying to tell you something. Pay attention to the fire alarm in your life. Emotions signify underlying issues that need addressing. Understanding feelings can lead to personal growth. Ignoring emotions can lead to bigger problems. Self-awareness is key to navigating conflict. Emotions should be embraced, not suppressed. Listening to our feelings can prevent emotional burnout. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Tune into the Un'Locd Podcast 💤 TapeHer → The mouth tape that transformed Dr. Shainna’s sleep routine. Try it with code DRSHAINNA 💍 Anxiring → Intentional jewelry designed to support self-regulation and calm. Get your discount with code DRSHAINNA Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Shainna on Instagram or Facebook → ⁠ @drshainna⁠ Find more resources, workshops, and support → ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ 💌 Love what you’re hearing? Share, follow, and leave a review, it helps others find this space too. This podcast is for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, please consult with a licensed professional. Additional Mental Wellness Resources: ⁠The Self-Love Workbook⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Workbook for Teens⁠ ⁠The Self-Love Planner⁠ ⁠Luna Finds Love Everywhere⁠

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How to have healthy conflict: Transforming how we see difficult conversations in order to improve our relationships [51] is an episode from The Mental Wellness Practice by Dr. Shainna: mental health counselor, educator, & advocate.

This episode is 00:49:08 long.

This episode was published on Nov 26, 2025.

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