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PODCAST

This Complex Life

Got questions about parenting, teenagers, or relationships? Ever wonder why your teen won’t talk to you, or why your relationship feels like hard work lately? Hi, I’m Marie Vakakis—a therapist, mental health educator, and someone who’s been behind the scenes with countless families and couples navigating the ups and downs of real life. This Complex Life is your go-to for relatable insights, practical advice, and real talk about parenting, raising teenagers, and navigating relationships. I’ll share

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All Episodes

13:24

Holidays: Why We Fight About the Ham (and Other Things)

This Complex Life ·

2024/12/18

Holidays are meant to be magical, but let’s be honest – they can also be a whirlwind of stress, unmet expectations, and arguments over things like... ham on napkins. Ever found yourself mid-fight during the holiday season, wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” This episode is for you.As a therapist, I see this all the time in my sessions: couples bickering over seemingly small things that often hold deeper meaning. Today, I’m unpacking what’s really behind those seemingly silly holiday

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14:04

Are Your Holiday Boundaries Strong Enough?

This Complex Life ·

2024/12/12

Does the holiday season leave you feeling stressed and overcommitted? With endless parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings, it’s easy to say yes to everything and forget about your own needs. In this episode, I’m sharing how to set boundaries that protect your energy, time, and budget, so you can truly enjoy the festive season without the burnout.I’ll explore why setting boundaries matters and how to communicate them clearly, even when it’s hard. From managing tricky family dynamics to

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18:13

Why Does My Teen Seem So Anxious, and How Can I Help?

This Complex Life ·

2024/11/27

If you’ve ever wondered why your teen seems on edge or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Anxiety in teens can feel daunting to understand and even harder to navigate. In this episode, I break down the basics of anxiety, what might be going on with your teen, and how you can truly support them. Whether it’s about recognising the signs, fostering empathy, or knowing when to seek help, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put into action today.Key Takeaways:Understanding the difference

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12:04

Why Does My Teen Seem so Moody?

This Complex Life ·

2024/11/14

Ever wondered why your teen sometimes seems to be on an emotional rollercoaster? In this episode, I tackle a question that’s close to home for many parents: Why does my teen seem so moody? Instead of brushing it off as "just a phase," I explore what’s really going on for teens emotionally and mentally, from hormonal changes to the social pressures they face every day. If you've ever been met with a slammed door or an eye-roll, this episode will help you understand the bigger picture and respond in

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16:42

Why Doesn’t My Teen Want to Spend Time with the Family?

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/29

Ever wondered why your teenager suddenly seems to prefer hanging out with friends over family dinners or weekend outings? In this episode, I’ll be talking through some of the key reasons teens begin to pull away from family time, focusing on the natural shifts in social priorities and independence that come with adolescence. It’s not about rejection, though it might feel that way; it’s a complex stage of growing up where friendships often take centre stage. I’ll explore why this happens and share

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16:31

Group Supervision for Mental Health Professionals and...

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/21

Do you ever feel like you're navigating your work solo, without a support system? In this episode, I'm diving into the world of group supervision and why it’s a game-changer for therapists and mental health professionals. I’ll share my experiences with supervision, the lessons learned, and why group supervision has been one of the most powerful tools for professional growth and connection.Group supervision isn’t just about case reviews; it’s about building networks, gaining different perspectives,

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07:56

Why Does My Teen Feel Overwhelmed and What Can I Do...

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/15

Ever feel like your teen is constantly overwhelmed and stressed, but you're unsure how to help without making things worse? In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways you can support your teen when life feels like it’s coming at them too fast. Whether it's school pressures, social media, or the daily juggle of activities, teens today face a lot. I’ll help you understand why they might be feeling so overwhelmed and how you, as a parent, can be there for them in the best way possible.As a therapist

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11:00

Supervision for social workers

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/13

Have you ever wondered what supervision is all about and why it’s so important for mental health professionals? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the power of supervision, and how it helps mental health practitioners grow, avoid burnout, and improve their skills. Whether you’re in supervision now or looking to find the right supervisor, this episode is full of insights to get you thinking about how you can get the most out of the process.I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as both a

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14:44

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/10

Have you ever asked your teen a question, only to be met with silence or a shrug? It’s frustrating, right? This is a common concern for parents. I hear this concern a lot.In this episode, I’m answering this common question I get from parents ‘’why won’t my teen talk to me?”I’ve heard so many parents share that they feel disconnected or rejected when their child turns to friends instead of them for support or advice. But here's the thing, t’s completely normal for teens to gravitate towards their

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14:17

Is It Ok to Read My Child's Diary?

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/08

Have you ever thought about sneaking a look at your teen’s diary?It’s something a lot of parents consider, especially when they're worried about their teen or feeling out of the loop. But is it the best move?In today’s episode, I’m digging into whether reading your teen’s private thoughts helps or harms your relationship, and how you can stay connected without crossing that line.This episode covers the common question: “Is it okay to read my teen’s diary?” It’s a question I hear from parents who are

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25:18

ENCORE Bids for Connection

This Complex Life ·

2024/10/02

I share a powerful concept that can transform your relationships – bids for connection. These small moments when someone reaches out, whether it’s your partner or your teen, can make all the difference in how we build trust and emotional intimacy. How we respond – whether we turn towards, turn away, or respond unkindly – shapes the quality of our relationships.I explore how noticing and responding positively to bids can strengthen your connection, whether you’re in a romantic relationship or

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57:44

Is Couples Therapy Right for Your Relationship

This Complex Life ·

2024/09/25

Have you ever wondered when the right time is to start couples therapy? Maybe you’re worried about what might come up, or whether it’s only for when things get really bad. In this episode, I break down the common fears around couples therapy and share why it can be beneficial long before things reach a crisis point. Whether you're curious about how couples therapy works or how to talk to your partner about going, this episode is packed with helpful insights.I’ll cover what to expect when you walk

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18:21

What Women Aren't Told About Sex

This Complex Life ·

2024/09/18

Ever feel like your desire doesn’t match what you see in the movies, or that your sex life doesn’t quite stack up to what others seem to be experiencing? In this episode, I explore the many myths surrounding women’s sexual desire and why so much of what we believe is misleading. From the pressure to experience spontaneous desire to the myth of the perfect sexual encounter, I break down how these misconceptions can impact our relationships and our sense of self.Drawing on the work of experts like

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43:54

ENCORE: Why do some people avoid couples therapy?

This Complex Life ·

2024/09/11

We talk about fears and hesitation surrounding couples therapy.We discuss stigmas and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking the help they need to nurture and grow their relationships.In this episodeBelinda and I discuss the value of couples therapyWe talk about how to find the right therapist who can work with the specific challenges faced within your relationship.We discussed ways of navigating challenging conversations.We talk about the importance of being curious rather than critical

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38:52

Discussing Sex and Consent with Teens

This Complex Life ·

2024/09/04

In today's episode, I chat with Avril Cook, a clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience in mental health, family dynamics, and working with teens. We dive into the often tricky subject of how to talk to young people about sex, consent, and body autonomy. I'm excited to have Avril on the show because of her practical approach to these conversations, which can be challenging for both parents and teens. I appreciate her perspective on how starting these discussions early and making them part of

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19:27

Talking to Kids and Teens About Sex and Consent

This Complex Life ·

2024/08/28

As a parent or guardian, talking to kids and teens about sex, consent, and relationships can feel overwhelming, especially if these topics were never discussed in your own upbringing. In this solo episode, I delve into the common questions I receive from parents about how to navigate these essential conversations.From the basics of when to start talking about sex to the importance of consent and respect, I share practical tips and insights to help you feel more confident and prepared. Whether you're

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37:24

Debunking Sex Myths

This Complex Life ·

2024/08/21

In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Sarah Ashton, a psychologist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Services (SHIPS). I'm excited about this guest because of her unique approach to addressing sexual health through a psychological lens. I like her work because it doesn't shy away from the topics that often make us uncomfortable but are essential for our wellbeing. We dive into the common misconceptions about sex and relationships, and why it's

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17:30

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore?

This Complex Life ·

2024/08/14

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to Me Anymore?Do you ever feel like your teen tunes you out the moment you start talking? Or maybe every conversation seems to end in a heated argument? It’s frustrating, right? In this episode, I’m diving deep into the reasons why your teen might not be listening to you anymore and what you can do to change that. As a therapist and relationships educator, I’ve seen these patterns in so many families, and today, I’m sharing practical insights to help you reconnect with

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29:52

Supporting young mens emotional and mental health.

This Complex Life ·

2024/08/07

In today's episode, I chat with Amal, a dedicated counsellor and passionate advocate for young men's mental health. I'm excited by this guest because Amal has a unique perspective, transitioning from engineering to counselling, which gives him a fascinating approach to understanding and supporting young men's emotional lives. I admire his ability to explain complex mental health concepts in relatable ways, making it easier for parents and educators to support the young men in their lives.Episode

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17:26

Is Your Teen Changing Overnight? Here's What’s Happening

This Complex Life ·

2024/07/31

Hey everyone, it’s Marie Vakakis here, your host of This Complex Life. In today’s episode, I’m flying solo to chat about a topic that’s often a mystery to many – understanding the whirlwind of changes teens go through. If you’ve ever felt bewildered, stressed, or even a little left out by your teenager’s sudden transformation, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll delve into what’s happening for them and how we can better support them through these turbulent years.Being a parent of a teenager can feel like

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