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August 7, 2025 28 mins

In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, host Sol Kennedy speaks with Stephanie McPhail, a Divorce Certified Crisis Counselor and Life Success Coach. They discuss the complexities of navigating unhealthy relationships, the importance of self-discovery and healing, and the role of boundaries in relationships. Stephanie shares her personal journey through an abusive marriage and how she learned to empower herself and others. The conversation also touches on co-parenting in high-conflict situations, the impact of technology on communication, and the importance of teaching children to deal with difficult people. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the possibility of creating a new life after divorce and the importance of stepping into one's power.

Learn more about Stephanie McPhail at: https://www.beinglovedshouldnthurt.com/

Check out Stephanie's book, Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987770048

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/Np0AoDt7fjQ

Keywords

co-parenting, divorce, emotional abuse, boundaries, self-discovery, healing, relationships, technology, empowerment, support

Takeaways

  • Navigating unhealthy relationships often stems from childhood experiences.
  • Self-discovery is crucial for healing after an abusive relationship.
  • Boundaries are essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
  • Co-parenting in high-conflict situations requires emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
  • Technology can aid in managing communication with difficult co-parents.
  • Teaching children to deal with difficult people is a valuable life skill.
  • Empathy should not lead to enabling toxic behavior.
  • Recognizing the difference between love and anxiety is vital for healthy relationships.
  • You have the power to create a new life for yourself after divorce.
  • It's important to prioritize your own well-being in relationships.

Sound Bites

  • "You can create something different."
  • "Love should feel calm, not anxious."
  • "You deserve so much more."

Chapters

00:00 Stephanie's Journey to Healing

04:52 Recognizing Toxic Relationships

10:01 Navigating Co-Parenting with a Narcissist

15:50 The Importance of Boundaries

21:14 Teaching Kids to Deal with Difficult People

23:34 Leveraging Technology for Conflict Resolution

25:39 Words of Encouragement for the Past Self

What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond

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