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August 23, 2021 23 mins

Please enjoy this replay of episode 17!

“It’s not easy to parent if you’re not on the same wavelength.”

—  Jake


Welcome to the first episode of the Sandbox Spotlight series, a limited series featuring interviews with real-life couples talking about their real-life experiences! In the series, we’re going to talk about their challenges, their joys, and how they successfully navigate the four relationship seasons.


If you haven’t listened to my episodes on the relationship seasons, I recommend you check them out first!


My guests for this episode are Mel and Jake, founding members of my online community the Couples Sandbox. Mel and Jake have been together for 17 years and are the parents of two toddlers. 


Mel and Jake came to me for couples counselling when they were in the Coping season — they were relieved to learn that the Coping season was temporary and to learn tools and strategize to manage the issues that came up during that season. 


Learning about the relationship seasons helped Mel and Jake understand the ways that external factors impact their relationship and how they can work together as a team to manage them with kindness and empathy. 


Joining Couple’s Tune-Up and Couple’s Sandbox helped them move from the Coping season to the Coasting season and then into the Connected season. In this interview, they look back on what they’ve learned, how they use it, and the impact it’s had on their relationship!


In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of Couplehood,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

  • How relationship tools can not only strengthen your relationship with your spouse, but also your entire family unit 
  • Why it’s so important to hear other couples talk about the challenges they face and how they overcome them
  • A sneak peek into how my Couples Sandbox community works — and how it can fit into your busy schedule!


“I feel like we’re closer than we’ve ever been, in many ways.”

—  Mel

 ‌

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:29  The Sandbox Spotlight

01:27  The Couples Sandbox community

03:54  Meet Mel & Jake

05:17  The journey to the Connected season

07:37  Reassurance & progress

08:45  Working as a team with kindness

09:59  Learning from other couples

13:02  The impact of connection on the family unit

15:14  Visions for the future

16:04  How they found Couple’s Tune-Up

20:01  ‘Marriage school’ 

21:15  Gratitude

 ‌

Links:‌ ‌ ‌


Join us in the Couple’s Sandbox. The cart is open from May 4 to May 9, 2021. 

https://www.allisonvilla.com/couples-sandbox


Work With Me:

https://www.allisonvilla.com


Follow Me on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/allison__villa


Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review!

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