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How much of our adult relationships are shaped by the families we grew up in?

Fiona Yassin, psychotherapist and Founder of The Wave Clinic, joins Abdullah Boulad, Founder and CEO of THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic, for a grounded conversation on how early family experiences continue to influence the way we relate, communicate, and navigate relationships later in life.

In this episode, Fiona shares personal reflections on childhood trauma, family secrecy, and the path that led her to psychotherapy. Together, they explore how trauma shapes family dynamics, the role of recovery in therapeutic work, and the model of Family Emotional Governance she developed to better understand complex family systems.

The conversation moves into the realities couples and families face today; communication breakdowns, cultural differences, expectations in relationships, and the pressures of modern life. They also discuss practical tools such as reflective listening, the role of transparency in families, and how individuals can build healthier, more conscious relationships over time.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on family systems, emotional patterns, and the work required to create lasting change.

About Fiona: She is the founder and clinical director at The Wave Clinic. She is a U.K. and internationally registered Psychotherapist and Accredited Clinical Supervisor (U.K. and UNCG). Fiona is EMDR trained (EMDRIA) and a practicing Trauma therapist.

00:00:00 - Childhood Trauma, Family Secrets & Early Life
00:01:11 - Motivation to Become a Therapist & Path to Healing
00:07:07 - Trauma’s Impact on Family Dynamics & Secrecy
00:09:23 - Entering Recovery & Early Therapeutic Work
00:10:52 - Recovery’s Influence on Therapy Practice & Approach
00:12:57 - Developing a Unique Model: Family Emotional Governance
00:15:56 - Case Study: Cultural Clashes, Loneliness & Infidelity
00:19:18 - High-Stakes Family Crises & Intensive Interventions
00:22:23 - Communication Breakdowns & Emotional Disconnection
00:24:29 - Premarital Preparation & Understanding Family Backgrounds
00:27:51 - Cultural Differences & Equality in Relationships
00:30:07 - Individual vs Joint Therapy Approaches in Couples Work
00:31:38 - Transparency, Secrets & Family Constellation Work
00:36:14 - Gender Differences in Communication & Misunderstandings
00:38:13 - Reflective Listening & Practical Communication Skills
00:42:43 - Validation, Attention & Pressures of Modern Family Life
00:45:04 - Swipe Culture vs Commitment & Value of Relationships
00:47:49 - Managing Expectations & Embracing Imperfection
00:51:21 - Self-Reflection, Growth & Lifelong Personal Development
00:56:49 - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships & When to Walk Away

Follow Abdullah Boulad:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahboulad/
https://www.instagram.com/abdullahboulad/

Follow Fiona Yassin:
https://fionayassin.com/

You can order Abdullah’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BC9S5TCF?ccs_id=c64f2588-7eb1-4592-b4d1-647a0f379b51

Follow THE BALANCE Rehab Clinic:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebalancerehabclinic/
https://www.instagram.com/thebalancerehabclinic/

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