Family Therapy, The Podcast

During this final session, the family talks about what they hope to gain from the conversation: better communication, staying in touch, meeting nieces and nephews they haven’t met, and building real togetherness across a large, spread-out family. Lance, a new voice and additional family member who joins the conversation, stresses the word "accountability"—doing what you say you’ll do—to help break generation...

Elijah captures his push and pull between craving praise, guarding against rejection, and wanting both connection and independence through a poem. Elliott explains how art can function as therapy—an outlet for emotions we can’t always say out loud, and invites listeners to think about their own safe place to put their feelings.

 In the session, Elijah talks about how insecurity can make him vulnerable to controllin...

In today's session, we hear from Gladys, Jasmine, and Elijah as they explore themes of power versus powerlessness, finding joy amidst challenges, and building resilience. Gladys talks about her efforts to stay intentional while dating and helping Elijah feel empowered from a distance. Jasmine questions the necessity of finding positivity during times of pain. Elijah opens up about his feelings of powerlessness and the limitations o...

In this session, Elijah shares his experiences after returning home and navigating the dynamics at home. The conversation explores challenges like anxiety in family interactions, the importance of honesty, and the quest for self-expression through writing and cooking. Elijah discusses how setting boundaries and being assertive without anger can lead to personal growth and a sense of stability. The session highlights the difference ...

In this session, Elliott discusses a dynamic form of patience, particularly the kind tested when we deeply care about someone who isn't meeting their potential. This episode features Gladys, who shares her experience with her younger sister, Jasmine, as the latter transitions to a new environment in Georgia. Gladys illustrates her frustration, love, and the difficulty of supporting someone who isn't ready to take action. The conver...

In this episode, we explore a poignant moment between sisters Jasmine and Gladys as Jasmine undertakes a significant move to Georgia, both geographically and emotionally. This conversation illuminates the challenges and rewards of choosing one's own well-being, dealing with grief, embracing support, and growing in unfamiliar spaces. Gladys shares her insights as the supportive big sister, emphasizing the importance of boundaries an...

In this episode, Jasmine shares her journey of setting healthy boundaries with her father, highlighting the struggles and growth it entails. By learning to pause and not react aggressively, Jasmine experiences a newfound peace but is challenged by familiar tensions. The discussion centers on understanding the true purpose of boundaries, not to change others, but to protect one's own well-being and healing. The conversation undersco...

In this episode, we explore the evolving relationship between Elijah and his Uncle Chris. The session begins with both sharing their hopes for building trust and understanding each other better. Chris expresses a desire to unify the family and become a key connector, while Elijah admits to uncertainty but shows openness to understanding. Despite a technical issue causing Elijah to drop off, Chris continues to discuss his plans for ...

Gladys and Elijah open up to one another about their hopes for growth, resolution, and deeper love in their relationship. Both speak candidly about their desire for honesty and understanding within their family. Elijah expresses his confusion about certain family conflicts and concerns, yearning for accountability and clarity. Through their stories, you'll witness a mother's unwavering pride in her son's boldness and kindness, as w...

In this session, Jasmine, Elijah, and Gladys discuss the importance of open communication within families to truly understand each other without blame or silencing.  Elijah raises profound questions about love and its complexity in familial interactions. The discussion moves towards how to maintain transparency and understand historical family trauma without taking things personally. The group also explores the idea of speakin...

WHO IS JASMINE? Jasmine shares her hopes of managing her boundaries and healing through saying 'no' to others. She reflects on her transformation from reacting aggressively to choosing calm responses, igniting her healing journey. Jasmine explores how she knows she is on her healing path by feeling healthier and maintaining positive changes in her life. Through an engaging conversation, Jasmine expresses her desire to build a suppo...

WHO IS CHRIS? From being separated at a young age after his mother's tragic death to the struggles of growing up in foster care, Chris opens up about his life experiences and the importance of therapy in his healing process. Chris expresses how understanding his siblings' perspectives could transform his relationships and help him become a better father and grandfather. He emphasizes the value of truth, acceptance, and passing down...

The Black Effect Presents... Family Therapy!

WHO'S ALL HERE? Jasmine, along with her siblings Chris and Gladys, and her nephew Elijah, embark on a transformative journey of family healing through therapy. Led by licensed psychotherapist Elliott Connie, this session, we learn more about each person who agreed to participate and who did not. Discover how consistency, cooking, and a shared love of service play pivotal roles in their p...

WHO IS GLADYS? In this session of Family Therapy, Elliott Connie works with Gladys, who shares her emotional struggle and hopes to mend her relationship with her son, Elijah. After court battles, misunderstandings, and a damaging altercation, both mother and son have experienced significant pain and distance. Despite these challenges, there remains an unbroken bond, exemplified when Elijah reached out to his mother during a moment ...

WHO IS ELIJAH? Elijah explores his past traumas and seeks clarity on his role within his family. He discusses his hopes for healing, understanding his family dynamics, and avoiding repeating past mistakes with future generations. Elijah also shares his love for working with kids and his dream of becoming a storyteller and writer. Throughout the discussion, Elijah delves into the impact of family conflicts and his aspiration to brea...

Welcome back to Family Therapy! Before we dive into the sessions with this Season's family, we catch up with last season's family—Jay, David, and Freddy—to see how they've been progressing. During their last sessions, we tackled issues concerning lack of confidence, adjusting to co-parenting, and personal growth.

Today, we hear about David's journey back to faith with his baptism and his new role supporting special educ...

In this bonus episode of Family Therapy, host Elliott Connie guides listeners through a series of questions to help them adopt a new way of thinking and create the life they want. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the things in life that are improving and shifting from asking unproductive questions to asking useful ones. Connie shares examples of how asking positive 'what if' questions can lead to action and increased hop...

The final session of Family Therapy focuses on forgiveness and personal growth. Each family member reflects on the impact of therapy and their hopes for the future. The conversation explores the power of positive thinking, focusing on accomplishments, and letting go of past mistakes. It emphasizes the importance of self-belief and recognizing one's own greatness. The session ends with the family members sharing their final thoughts...