Ep 55: How to Strengthen Relationships Through Communication & Executive Function (ft. Dr. David Helfand)

Something I love about executive function skills is that when you host a podcast all about them, you will literally never run out of topics because EF skills impact every aspect of our lives. In today’s episode, we’re talking about romantic relationships and executive functioning. I’m joined by Dr. David Helfand, a licensed psychologist specializing in neurofeedback and couples therapy.

Dr. H, as he goes by with his patients, shared how executive functioning impacts relationships, particularly for couples navigating the impact of stress, trauma, and neurodivergence. I was so happy to also be joined by my podcast team—Sean Potts, our editor and producer, and Justice Abbott, our creative visionary. We got to dig deep into how to make our relationships healthier by improving our communication, emotional regulation, and intimacy. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship or support a partner with executive function challenges, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward together. Just a note if you’re listening with children around - we briefly and non-graphically mention sex, as this often an important aspect of romantic relationships.

Some of the questions we covered today were submitted by our listeners. If you want to be part of the conversation, be sure to sign up for our subscriber newsletter and follow Beyond BookSmart on our social media channels.

Episode 55 - Dr. David Helfand - couples and EF

Learn More About Dr. David Helfand

https://www.lifewisevt.com/david-helfand-psyd/

https://marriagequest.org/dr-david-helfand-psyd/

https://marriagequest.org/marriage-retreat/

Further Reading

Why You Should Stop Rescuing Your Partner (and what to do instead)

https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/why-you-should-stop-rescuing-your-partner-and-what-to-do-instead

Relationships & How ADHD and Executive Function can impact them

https://sethperler.com/%F0%9F%A7%A0-relationships-how-adhd-and-executive-function-can-impact-them/

The Impact of ADHD on Marriage

https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/abs/10.1521/adhd.10.3.9.20553?journalCode=adhd

Effects of adult ADHD on intimate partnerships

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10522158.2023.2165585

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