Conflict That Connects: Nina Westbrook’s Playbook for Stronger Relationships

Conflict doesn’t have to be scary—or destructive. In this solo episode, licensed marriage & family therapist, Nina Westbrook shares a practical, therapist-backed playbook to turn conflict into connection across romantic partnerships, parenting, family, and work. You’ll learn why conflict often triggers fight/flight, how your family history shapes your responses, when to let things go vs. stand your ground, and a simple 3-step framework to repair and move forward—without resentment.

✨ What you’ll learn✨
📍The hidden upside of conflict (why reps build resilience & trust)
📍How to “serve the relationship,” not your ego
📍Timing, tone, and language that lower defenses (“I feel…” is better than “You always…”)
📍Active listening made easy (reflect, validate, then respond)
📍A clear litmus test for what to address vs. what to release

✨ Nina’s 3-Step Conflict Playbook ✨
1. Get grounded before you go in (self-awareness regulates the room)
2. Communicate to connect, not to win (seek to understand first)
3. Repair & move forward (what you do after the talk matters most)


Chapters
00:00 When to let go vs. stand your ground?
00:34 Welcome + why a solo episode
01:06 New seasons = new stress (why conflict spikes now)
04:06 Conflict isn’t the enemy—it can deepen trust
05:15 Why we fear conflict (family history & comfort)
07:09 Rob’s story: breaking old patterns with kids
10:16 Reframing conflict as growth (not inadequacy)
12:58 Fight/flight, defensiveness, and the reframe
16:59 How to bring up hard topics (timing & tone)
19:48 “I” statements & setting the table for safety
22:57 Pause + reflect: active listening that lands
26:14 What healthy disagreements look/feel like
28:05 Serve the relationship, not the individual ego
29:04 Let it go vs. stand your ground (core values test)
33:00 Over-correcting, grace, and real-life patterns
37:59 More reps, less drama: building your toolkit
38:16 Nina’s 3-step playbook (ground → connect → repair)
39:30 Closing, resources & app mention