Not too long ago I had a listener reach out and ask if I’d do an episode about navigating divorce. Her parents had just announced theirs, and this listener found herself lost in this new space. I promised her I would. I promised because there were so many times early in my parents’ divorce, and even now, 18 years later, when I wished I would have been able to hear someone else’s story, when I wanted to feel less alone, when I needed help better understanding and better navigating what was going on.

Rather than just share my personal experience and what I’ve learned over the last nearly two decades, I’ve invited my friend Dr. Matt Townsend to help guide this discussion and offer his expert advice for not just navigating divorce as the child or parent when it happens, but also for navigating our relationships before it even becomes a possibility.

So today, this episode is for that listener, and hopefully it helps many others.

For more than two decades, Dr. Matt Townsend has been energizing and educating audiences with his unique lessons on life, love and leadership. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and story-telling with his real-life solutions to inspire and motivate healthier living.

Matt completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of communication with an emphasis in conflict resolution. He then earned a second master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the field of Human and Organizational Systems. Before building his own coaching practice, Matt spent 7 years as a consultant and presenter for Franklin Covey Co., and also worked as a mediator for companies and couples.

Matt can be seen weekly on KSL Television’s, Studio 5 with Brooke Walker. His book Starved Stuff: Feeding The 7 Basic Needs of Healthy Relationships is a popular pick among those searching for better relationship skills and can be found on Amazon, and on his website at MattTownsend.com. He also has his online workshops about Marriage, Parenting and Anxiety and coaches individuals and couples on these issues.

Matt's greatest love in life is his wife Mardi, and they have been married for 28 years. They are the parents of 6 children: one girl and 5 boys. Their daughter and son-in-law have blessed them with their first 3 grandchildren.

Links:

MattTownsend.com

Starved Stuff by Dr. Matt Townsend: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0615351700/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3V6DPV214GE6V

Hold me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/031611300X/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.3V6DPV214GE6V