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Be Kind, Don‘t Panic, and Have Faith. Psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer and educator Judy Alexander talk about relationships, interview fascinating guests, and answer your questions.
Episodes

May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
30 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/1b8w45QIbX8.
If your spouse or partner has betrayed you, can you heal the marriage? Dealing with betrayal trauma is, obviously, painful and difficult—but can the marriage heal?
In this episode Judy and I talk about the three options couples face when betrayal has happened, and how you might choose among them. And Bruce describes his video course that guides you to a decision.
Our podcast website is at https://ctin7.com.
Information about my video courses:
Betrayal and Forgiveness: https://drbrucechalmer.thinkific.com/courses/betrayal-and-forgiveness-course
The Passion Paradox: https://drbrucechalmer.thinkific.com/products/courses/thepassionparadox
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #discernment #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #betrayal #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
44 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/E33G8rILKy4.
If you’ve been betrayed—or if your partner has accused you of betrayal—what is it about what happened that makes it betrayal? It’s not just semantics. You can be hurt, but betrayal isn’t just hurt. Betrayal shakes your entire foundation—you not only have to doubt your trust, you have to doubt your own judgment. Betrayal trauma is its own category of pain.
Judy and I talk about what makes something rise to the level of betrayal, and consider circumstances where maybe it’s possible to rethink it.
Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!
Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #betrayal #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Apr 28, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
49 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/9OvsfA9HEOI.
Forgiveness can mean different things—and those differences can have a significant impact on the process of healing when someone has hurt or betrayed you.
Judy and I talk about what forgiveness might mean, and how some ways of understanding it can be disempowering while other ways can be empowering.
Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!
Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
47 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/6_CuvZO8qbQ.
What is betrayal trauma? What makes it particularly painful?
Judy and I talk about betrayal, including some insights we’ve gained from our own experience.
Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!
Information about my video course “Betrayal and Forgiveness” is at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #BetrayalAndForgiveness #forgiveness #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Apr 14, 2026
Apr 14, 2026
48 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/y74GP_wzKGU.
For many couples, talking about money is the third rail—you just don’t go there, or if you do, you get shocked. Our guest in this episode, Carl Richards, talks about why it’s so hard for couples to talk about money, and why money isn’t just about money. Carl’s “Sketch Guy” column ran in the New York Times for a decade.
Our conversation delved into our personal histories with money and relationships. We had a delightful time talking with Carl, and hope you’ll enjoy the conversation too!
Carl’s website is https://behaviorgap.com/.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course.
Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Mar 31, 2026
Mar 31, 2026
31 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/aRN7sDmcjfU.
What is Discernment Counseling? And how might it help you?
In this episode, Judy and I talk about situations in which Discernment Counseling is appropriate, and ways that my approach is consistent with its goals.
You can find more information about Discernment Counseling at https://brucechalmer.com/discernment-counseling-a-different-way-to-decide-what-to-do/.
Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!
Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https:// brucechalmer.com/courses.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Mar 24, 2026
Mar 24, 2026
39 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/h3McIE-iuIM.
The term “narcissist” has become something of a slur these days, and our guest in today’s episode, couples therapist James Christensen, recognizes this phenomenon. He doesn’t use the term much in working with couples, but his own experience of recognizing those tendencies in himself has helped him in his work.
We also discuss how the work of the late Dr. David Schnarch—who was also a big influence on my (Bruce’s) way of thinking about couples work—has guided James.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Bruce’s self-paced video course, The Passion Paradox: When You Feel Miles Apart and Still Love Each Other, is now available! Check out the free introductory lesson. And use the coupon code “ctin7” for 20% off! Information at https:// brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course.
Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#CouplesTherapyInSevenWords #ctin7 #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
32 min
For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/-nl4dO3qCpk.
In an era of political polarization, how can couples survive when they belong to different political tribes? Is it even possible? Well.. Judy and I talk about the possibilities and pitfalls.
The GMA segment we refer to is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwo8--6n0XY.
Our newly redesigned website is at https://ctin7.com. Let us know what you think!
Information about the video course I mention in the episode is at https:// brucechalmer.com/courses.
Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message.
Judy’s book is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.
#couplestherapyinsevenwords #ctin7 #stability #intimacy #ThePassionParadox #DrBruceChalmer #JudyAlexander
***
RESOURCES FROM DR. BRUCE CHALMER:
If your relationship is facing a passionless phase, deep resentment, or an active crisis, find clarity with these private, self-paced tools and video roadmaps.
📊 Free Relationship Assessment (Clarity Check):
Feeling like roommates? Pinpoint if you are facing an intimacy deficit or stability crisis with this free 2-page guide.
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/clarity-check-request/
💔 Rebuilding Trust After Cheating (Betrayal & Forgiveness):
If your marriage suffered a sudden fracture from infidelity, emotional affairs, or broken secrets, watch the free overview video lesson here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/
🤔 Should I Stay or Leave? (Relationship Discernment):
Stuck in relationship limbo, facing marriage deal-breakers, or trying to decide if it's healthy to work on it or call it quits? Explore this clinical framework:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/discernment/
🔥 How to Fix a Sexless Marriage (The Passion Paradox, Reigniting the Spark):
If you love each other but the emotional warmth and physical desire have faded, learn how to break the "death spiral for passion" here:
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/the-passion-paradox-course/
👉 https://brucechalmer.com/reigniting-the-spark/
Connect with relationship psychologist Dr. Bruce Chalmer online to read free guides, stream podcast episodes, or inquire about direct couples consultations at https://brucechalmer.com.

Couples Therapy in Seven Words
Be kind, don't panic, and have faith. Everything and anything about relationships.
