Relational Skills in Real Life

Dismissing your emotions can have lasting consequences—but emotions are meant to be felt, understood, and shared. When we express what we're feeling in safe, supportive relationships, it becomes easier to calm our minds, regulate our emotions, and process our experiences. Emotions play a vital role in our growth, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Tune in to discover whether you've been dismissing your emotions, how ...

At THRIVEtoday, we describe relational skills as emotional intelligence put into practice through an attachment-based, Christ-centered framework. While emotional intelligence helps us understand emotions, relational skills help us stay connected—to God, to ourselves, and to others—especially in the midst of life's challenges.

🔗 Check out our online course, "Tools for Navigating Emotions": https://thrivetoday.thinkific.c...

Why can't learning relational skills be a one-and-done experience? 

In this episode, we explore how God designed our brains to grow and change through repeated, meaningful relationships. Discover why lasting transformation happens through consistent, positive experiences rather than a single moment of insight. We'll also discuss practical ways to joyfully connect with others, build healthier relational patterns, and embrace the...

Most marriages don’t drift apart because of a major crisis, but because they lose their daily rhythm of connection.

In this episode, discover six practical ways relational skills help couples sustain joy, navigate conflict, and protect their marriage from emotional drifting. Tune in to discover how small, everyday interactions build lasting resilience, and stick around for a simple connection exercise you and your spouse can ...

We spend months planning a wedding, but how much time do we invest in preparing our brains for a lifetime of connection? 

This episode explores how newlywed couples can build rock-solid emotional habits right from the start. You’ll discover why becoming a "repair expert" matters far more than avoiding conflict entirely, and how practicing joy when life is easy protects your bond when the train inevitably goes off the trac...

Some relationships feel natural, while others can be challenging. By learning to read the signals people communicate, we can better understand others, build meaningful connections, and offer the gift of being truly seen. Join us as we explore a practical path toward fulfilling the commandment to love our neighbors.

🔗 Learn more Thrive Premier Training: https://thrivetoday.org/premier-training

Thank y...

The evidence is clear: loneliness is on the rise, and the loss of meaningful social connection is taking a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Join us as we discuss how we can push back against this cultural trend and equip ourselves—and the next generation—with the skills needed for healthy, thriving relationships. At THRIVEtoday, we help people...

Summer can pass in a blur of activities, leaving little room for meaningful connection with the people who matter most. In this episode, Chris shares practical ways to slow down, savor the moments, strengthen relationships, and keep joy at the center of your summer.

🔗 Take the 28-Day Joy Challenge: https://4habits.org

🔗 Check out the 4 Habit book series: https://thrivetoday.org/4-habits-series

🔗 Learn more about Relational Skills: ...

Have you ever wondered why reading a "how-to" book doesn't instantly make you an expert on that subject? Information alone doesn't equal transformation. 

In this episode, we go on a deep dive into brain science to uncover the mechanics of how our brains actually change, develop skills, and build habits. Join us as we explore the neurological bridge between knowing what to do and actually doing it, giving you the practical keys ...

Is focusing on relational skills actually Biblical, or is it just modern psychology? In this episode, Chris dives into the crucial difference between simply pursuing Bible knowledge and actually living out those truths in our daily interactions. Listen in as we explore the vital role relational skills play in our faith, and how mastering them allows us to truly reflect the character of God to a world desperate for hope.

🔗 Explore o...

In a world that often pits logic against emotion, we are frequently taught that our feelings cannot be trusted. Many faith circles suggest that the ultimate fix for emotional struggle is to suppress our anxiety or sadness and simply declare biblical truth over ourselves. But is that how our minds—or our faith—were actually designed to function? Today we'll explore how emotions and truth work together in our brains and h...

Experiencing a breach of trust from someone close to us can cause profound emotional pain. Navigating the road to healing and rebuilding relationships is challenging but possible. Our friend Wendy shares her personal journey through a betrayal situation. Discover how she connected with God to process her emotions, maintain healthy relationships, and move forward with wholeness.

🔗 Dive deeper into this topic in our most recent onlin...

Why do mental health professionals consider the ability to quiet ourselves a key predictor of lifelong mental health? In this episode, Chris explores the importance of learning to rest and quiet ourselves, and why this practice is emphasized so often at THRIVEtoday. He also highlights a resource from Life Model Works designed to help us assess how well we truly rest and quiet ourselves—and recognize when we rely on distractio...

Did you know it’s possible to measure not only your level of joy, but even signs of “false joy”? While you can pay thousands of dollars for a brain scans, in this episode we’re sharing a free joy assessment resource you can use to get started as well as simple, practical ways to begin intentional strengthening your joy levels today. Understanding your current level of joy can help you identify where more pra...

On the heels of our event "The Pain of Disappointment: When Leaders Let us Down", this episode talks about how we can grow and become leaders who tenderly care for the people we shepherd. All leaders will make mistakes, but there are key skills and areas of growth we can pursue to become more like Jesus and lead with His heart.

🔗 Read the Rare Leadership book: https://www.amazon.com/Rare-Leadership-Uncommon-Increasing-Engagement/dp...

Tune in to hear our friend Steve tell about his journey to becoming a mature, safe elder for his children and grandchildren. He reminds us that it’s never too late to grow and become the person God created us to be!

🔗 Our 5-day in-person training is the most immersive experience we offer — designed to strengthen your skills through live practice in an intentional, joy-filled environment. Learn more about these in-person...

Chris explores how people have understood and dealt with human emotions throughout history, highlighting how different philosophies have shaped both hearts and lives. Turning to the Bible, he examines healthy ways to respond to strong emotions and gently guides us through an interaction with Immanuel, helping us process our own deep feelings in a meaningful way.

🔗 Tools for Navigating Emotions practice course: https://thrivetoday.t...

Chris and Jen explore moments when they—or the people they’re engaging with—slip into “enemy mode” during conflict. They discuss what it feels like, how it shapes our thinking, how to recognize it in others, and practical ways to shift back into a more relational, compassionate mindset.

🔗 LIVE on May 7th: "The Pain of Disappointment: When Leaders Let Us Down"

Join Chris Coursey for a 3 1⁄2‑hour event de...

How can practicing relational skills enhance your everyday interactions? What impact might they have on evangelism and representing Jesus to others?

In this episode, Chris and one of our Thrive missionary friends share personal stories highlighting the transformative difference these skills have made as they integrate them into both daily life and ministry.

🔗 Our 5-day in-person training is the most immersive experience we offer &md...