096: Healing Male Childhood Trauma: How to Fix its Impact on Marriage and Relationships
Podcast Guest: Christian St. Jacques
September 2nd, 2024
Listen to the Show:
In this Episode
In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, hosts Dr. Dave Schramm and Dr. Liz Hale sit down with Christian St. Jacques, a holistic men's and relationship counselor, to explore the challenges men face in prioritizing mental health. Christian shares his journey of overcoming a dysfunctional family background, highlighting the importance of grounding oneself in purpose-driven values rather than performance-based identities. He discusses common obstacles men encounter, such as societal expectations and the struggle to balance roles as husbands and fathers. The conversation offers practical advice for men to achieve intentional growth and foster stronger connections in their relationships and communities.
"The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission."
Time Markers
0:03 - Intro: Men and mental health discussion
2:06 - Christian’s Background: Dysfunctional family and healing journey
8:44 - Personal Experience: Impact of upbringing on counseling work September
12:26 - Regulating Emotions: Importance for men’s mental health
16:59 - Happy Wife, Happy Life: Examining common misconceptions
23:51 - Grounded Husband, Connected Wife: Balancing roles and emotions
28:12 - Key Values for Men: Discipline, secure vulnerability, and strength
32:18 - Women’s Role: Supporting men’s well-being
36:07 - Societal Pressures: Overcoming external influences
38:43 - Advice for Men: Steps to positive change
42:03 - Intentional Man: Christian’s new brand and resources
42:53 - Key to Strong Marriage: Emotional and psychological safety
44:45 - Takeaway: Starting the journey of self-awareness and growth
About Podcast guest:
Christian St. Jacques is a licensed mental health care associate (LMHCA) in Washington State who received his Masters in Counseling and Mental Health at Northwest University. He specializes in working with teens, young and older adult males, and couples. Christian draws from a variety of evidence-based approaches including Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment, Family Systems model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy.
He addresses every client holistically by evaluating all biological, psychological, social, and spiritual variables that factor in an individual's mental health. Working within a variety of therapeutic frameworks that are adapted based on the needs of the individual or couple.
The issues and challenges that you bring to counseling will provide the context for our work. In your time together, you will explore any one or a combination but not limited to your cognitive mental models, current and past relational patterns to gain insight into the origins of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
“My passion for working with men and couples was shaped by my experience growing up in a dysfunctional, disengaged family environment. Guidance from mentors, personal counseling, and inner healing rituals helped me heal, redefine my values, and reconnect with my authentic self. This journey led me to prioritize purpose-driven endeavors over performance-based identity, embracing career goals, financial responsibility, and holistic personal growth.
Today, I cherish a loving marriage and fatherhood, advocating for holistic well-being. My purpose is mentoring men towards intentional growth, emphasizing values and meaningful contributions to relationships and communities.”
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