Dear Dr. Tracy

Latest Episodes:

Dr. Tracy Answers: How to Navigate a Difficult Sister-in-Law Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

In this From the Couch episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish answers a listener’s question about navigating conflict with a sister-in-law. Using her expertise as a psychologist and couples therapist, she unpacks toxic family patterns, explores loyalty binds within families, and shares practical strategies to help couples stay united when extended-family dynamics create tension. Learn how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and protect your marriage from outside drama.

Keywords: sister-in-law conflict, toxic family dynamics, mother-in-law, boundaries, marriage advice, family relationships, couples therapy.

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RESOURCES:

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LINKS:

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From Helpless to Hopeful in Your In-Law Dynamic: Inside the Making of You, Your Husband, and His Mother Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt caught between your partner and his mother—or wondered how a whole book on that exact dynamic comes to life?

In this cozy, behind-the-scenes conversation, Dr. Tracy sits down with her husband Greg to share the real story of writing You, Your Husband, and His Mother—from 4:30 a.m. writing sessions and walking voice notes, to landing a Big 5 book deal and holding the finished book in her hands. They talk honestly about what it takes to build something big while raising kids, running a practice, and still trying to have a real life together.

Together, they unpack why the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is so charged, how triangles quietly pull couples into painful patterns, and why the VAULT Method is designed to move you out of the victim–villain trap and into “we’re a team” energy. You’ll hear about inner child patterns, feeling “in the middle,” and the deep relief so many women describe when they finally feel seen instead of “crazy” for struggling with in-laws. Tune in to feel understood, hopeful, and equipped with a new way to think about your marriage, your in-laws, and the small steps that can help you become a stronger, more aligned couple.

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RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠

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Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠

LINKS:

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⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com

⁠Better Help:⁠ Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACYK12 Powered Schools: Learn more at ⁠k12.com/TRACY⁠

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Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Mother-in-Law Power Struggle and What Healthy Boundaries Really Look Like Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

In Season 2, Episode 2 of Nobody Wants This, Joanne delivers the now-viral line: “Mothers have been hating their son’s girlfriends since the beginning of time…” — and it’s the ultimate masterclass in boundaries. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and author of You, Your Husband, and His Mother, unpacks why Bina’s behavior is a textbook case of enmeshment, guilt, and control disguised as care.

From secret keys to guilt trips and emotional manipulation, Dr. Tracy breaks down what happens when families don’t update their roles — and how couples can stay united through it. Learn the key therapy concepts of enmeshment, triangulation, differentiation, and boundary-setting, and walk away knowing how to protect your peace without losing compassion.

Order my new book! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠

LINKS:

⁠Calm:⁠ Save 40% off at ⁠calm.com/Tracy⁠

Rula: Get the support you need with ⁠rula.com/Tracy⁠

⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY ⁠KiwiCo.Com⁠⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

Keywords

Nobody Wants This; emotional intelligence, family dynamics, mother-in-law, boundaries, communication, repair, autonomy, differentiation, relationships, parenting

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Breaking Family Cycles: The Traits of Emotionally Intelligent Mothers-in-Law (and Why It Matters for Your Marriage) Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this final episode of the series, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, psychologist and relationship expert, discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in family dynamics, particularly focusing on the role of mothers-in-law. She outlines key behaviors that emotionally intelligent mothers-in-law exhibit, such as protecting the couple unit, communicating effectively, owning their impact, including without enmeshment, and practicing differentiation.

The episode emphasizes the need for self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex family relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Preorder my new book! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠

LINKS:

Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy

Rula: Get the support you need with rula.com/Tracy

KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com
⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

Keywords

emotional intelligence, family dynamics, mother-in-law, boundaries, communication, repair, autonomy, differentiation, relationships, parenting

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The Difference Between a Boundary and a Threat — Especially Around the Holidays Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

In this From the Couch session, Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish breaks down one of the biggest questions she gets during the holiday season: What’s the difference between a boundary and a threat?

If you’ve ever said, “I’m not hosting this year,” or “If you keep acting like that, we’re never coming over again,” this episode will help you understand why one creates peace and the other fuels conflict.Short, compassionate, and practical, this quick session gives you the language and mindset to protect your peace without guilt.

👉 Listen if you’re searching for:How to set boundaries with family kindlyThe difference between boundaries and threats
Holiday boundary setting
How to protect your peace without starting conflict

Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠

LINKS:

⁠Calm:⁠ Save 40% off at ⁠calm.com/Tracy⁠

⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com

⁠Better Help:⁠ Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY

K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at ⁠k12.com/TRACY⁠

⁠Quince Bedding:⁠ Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY

⁠Branch Basics:⁠⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit

⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

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In-Law Drama to Teamwork: How to Get on the Same Page with Your Partner Before the Holidays Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with her husband, Greg, to answer real, anonymous listener questions about mothers-in-law (MILs), in-law dynamics, holiday boundaries, and getting on the same page as a couple.

Drawing from her upcoming book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother (launching November 4), Dr. Tracy breaks down how to ask a partner to “take your side” (validation vs. action), set clear boundaries without disrespect, manage holiday expectations, and respond to subtle digs or manipulative comments—all while protecting the couple bond.

Listeners learn practical scripts and the VAULT Method (Values, Aspirations + nervous system awareness, Understanding, Longings, Taking Action) to move out of autopilot and into teamwork. Dr. Tracy and Greg cover fairness myths between families, FaceTime and visit expectations, nervous-system tools for dread and anxiety, how to avoid triangulation during sibling or extended-family conflict, and how to protect parenting choices (consent, food rules, body talk) with warmth and clarity. Whether someone is navigating mild tension or long-standing patterns, this episode offers research-informed, compassionate strategies to keep connection, repair, and co-created family traditions at the center—especially during the holidays.

Preorder my new book You, Your Husband, and His Mother and save your seat at my exclusive live coaching event!!

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠

LINKS:

Factor Meals: Save 50% off your first box and get free breakfast for a year. Use code TRACY50OFF at factormeals.com/TRACY50OFF

Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy

KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com

Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY
K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY

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How to Stop Being Defensive in Your Relationship: Couples Therapist Strategies for Better Communication Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

Defensiveness is one of the most common reasons couples get stuck in repetitive fights — but few people understand what’s actually driving it. In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explains the psychology of defensiveness, how shame and fear of rejection play a role, and the proven tools that help couples communicate without walls going up. Learn how to respond without reacting, build emotional safety, and start creating the kind of connection you really want.

Keywords: how to stop being defensive, couples communication skills, marriage advice podcast, defensiveness and shame, Gottman four horsemen, relationship repair, therapist tips for couples.

Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! ⁠⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠⁠

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show?⁠ ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz:⁠ ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection?⁠ ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the⁠ ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠⁠

LINKS:

⁠Calm:⁠ Save 40% off at ⁠calm.com/Tracy⁠

⁠KiwiCo:⁠ Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com

⁠Better Help:⁠ Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY

K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at ⁠k12.com/TRACY⁠

⁠Quince Bedding:⁠ Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY

⁠Branch Basics:⁠⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit

⁠⁠Vionic Shoes⁠⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

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When Family Boundaries Break: Understanding Estrangement and Healing Generational Patterns with Whitney Goodman Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, part of the You, Your Husband, and His Mother book launch series, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with therapist and author Whitney Goodman to unpack one of the most misunderstood family experiences — estrangement.

Together, they explore why more people are creating distance from toxic or boundary-violating family members, what healthy families actually look like, and how this shift reflects a deeper desire for emotional safety and authenticity.

They discuss how social media, generational change, and unmet repair cycles contribute to breakdowns in family connection — and why choosing space can sometimes be an act of care, not cruelty.

This conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance for anyone navigating complex family relationships, from mother-in-law dynamics to emotional cutoffs.

Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! ⁠You, Your Husband, and His Mother⁠

RESOURCES:

Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠

LINKS:

Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy

KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com

Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY

K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY

Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY

Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit

⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

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The VIRAL Sherlocked Thread: From Victim to Main Character Energy And All About Boundaries Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

From The Couch - Short hits, hot topics.

The I_am_sherlocked phenomenon has taken over Threads — but what’s really drawing us in isn’t just her posts, it’s what they represent.

From The Couch, I explore why we’re so captivated by someone unapologetically setting boundaries and saying no without guilt. We’ll unpack what this viral moment reveals about women’s exhaustion, people-pleasing, and the deep longing to take up space—especially in family dynamics with in-laws.

RESOURCES:

Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother

Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠

LINKS:

Kiwico: Save 50% at kiwico.com and explore connection with your kids. Use code TRACY

Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY

K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY

Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit

⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com

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Navigating Mother-in-Law Tension: Passive Aggression, Boundaries, Power Dynamics, and Repair Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of my MIL book-launch series, I sit down with creator Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) to unpack “Daughter-in-Law Math,” the thousand paper-cut moments that erode trust, and the real power dynamics between mothers-in-law, sons, and couples.

We explore passive aggression, exclusion, gossip, and double standards—plus practical tools for the holiday season: code words, aligned exits, and repair that actually rebuilds safety.

If you’re navigating mother-in-law tension, boundaries, or feeling invisible in your own marriage, this episode gives you scripts, strategy, and hope.

✨ PREORDER EXCLUSIVE!! ✨
Preorder You, Your Husband, and His Mother today and receive:
A live coaching session with Dr. Tracy where you can ask your questions directly plus a bonus question guide with powerful prompts to help you start making changes right away.

Your relationship with your in-laws doesn’t have to divide your marriage.

Learn how to set boundaries, break old patterns, and build a stronger bond with your partner while creating the relationships you want with extended family members.

RESOURCES:

Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother

Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠

Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠

Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠

Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠

LINKS:

KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com code TRACY

Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY

K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY

Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY

Branch Basics:⁠ Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit