In part two of this powerful conversation, licensed therapist JJ Brake sits down with Foster and Cesar for a live couples session, revealing how her Internal Family Systems and Intimacy from the Inside Out work helps partners connect beneath conflict. You will hear Foster and Cesar unpack a real moment of tension, guided by JJ’s compassionate framework for understanding triggers, defensiveness, and emotional parts within relationships.
JJ also shares her own breaking moment: losing her family home in the devastating Altadena fires. She opens up about grief, resilience, and the concept of “post-traumatic growth”, reflecting on how tragedy can become fertile ground for healing and renewal. This episode is a raw and heart-centered exploration of love, trauma, and the courage to stay connected through it all.
In this episode they explore:
- What happens when a therapist leads her clients (live!) through a real couples conflict
- How Internal Family Systems (IFS) reveals the hidden “parts” behind our reactions
- The surprising power of humor in therapy and emotional repair
- What it really means to feel seen versus dismissed by your partner
- How anger, grief, and resilience can coexist in the healing process
To connect with JJ Brake, visit jjbrake.com. Her app Unblend.me is the first platform designed for between-session mental wellness. Try it for free now!
Also mentioned:
- The Gottman Method
- Intimacy From The Inside Out
- Non-Violent Communication / Courageous Communication
- Internal Family Systems
Listen to Part 1 of our conversation with JJ Brake here: Curiosity Over Conflict: How to Heal Relationships with JJ Brake. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review!
Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to beautyinthebreakpod@gmail.com and be sure to follow on Instagram.
Cesar Cardona:
- Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
- Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
- Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter
Foster Wilson:
- Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
- Learn about her postpartum services
- Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village
Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson
Executive Producer: Glenn Milley
Special Guest: JJ Brake
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