
Show Notes
In this episode of Mad.In.Love, hosted by Dr. David Hawkins from the Marriage Recovery Center, we welcome back Dr. David Clarke, a Christian psychologist with over 35 years of experience. Dr. Clarke joins us to discuss his latest book, 'Adult Children Who Break Your Heart,' a follow-up to his renowned work, 'Enough is Enough!' Throughout the episode, Dr. Clarke delves into the intricate dynamics of dealing with adult prodigals. He begins by defining what constitutes a prodigal in today's context and explores the reasons behind the increasing number of adult prodigals. Addressing the challenges faced by many parents, Dr. Clarke offers insights into overcoming guilt and managing relationships with unsupportive spouses in the face of familial strife. Dr. Clarke introduces 'Strategic Truth Statements,' a tool for parents to navigate the emotional and psychological challenges they face. The episode rounds off with an overview of the 10 specific prodigal scenarios covered in his book, providing listeners with practical guidance and hope for reconciliation and healing. For anyone grappling with the pain and complexity of strained relationships with adult children, this episode offers a blend of empathy, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***
More from Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic & Emotional Abuse
You'd never blame your nutritionist for a diet you didn't follow—so why do we blame our coach the same way?
Many couples enter counseling believing their biggest problem is communication. But what if communication problems are only a symptom of something deeper?
Why does your partner shut down, become defensive, or seem unable to engage emotionally when conflict arises?
If you've cycled through communication techniques and still land in the same fight, this episode explains why. Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. John Hudson return for Part 2 of their series on why communication is rarely the actual problem in a struggling marriage — it's usually the visible symptom of something deeper: emotional immaturity, power and control, manipulation, chronic invalidation, or emotional abuse.
What if the problem in your marriage isn't communication? In this episode of Marriage Rehab, Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. John Hudson challenge one of the most common assumptions in couples counseling: that better communication skills will fix your relationship. They unpack why communication is often merely a symptom of something deeper — emotional immaturity, power and control dynamics, and a lack of accountability — and why teaching listening and validation skills can actually cause more harm when emotional safety is lacking in the relationship. You'll learn how to tell the difference between a communication skills gap and a deeper pattern of emotional unsafety, why 'it takes two to tango' isn't always true, and what it means when a partner has stopped trying to be heard. This episode is for anyone who has tried every communication technique in the book and still feels unheard, unsafe, or stuck.