In part two of this powerful conversation, licensed therapist JJ Brake sits down with Foster and Cesar for a live couples session, revealing how her Internal Family Systems and Intimacy from the Inside Out work helps partners connect beneath conflict. You will hear Foster and Cesar unpack a real moment of tension, guided by JJ’s compassionate framework for understanding triggers, defensiveness, and emotional parts within relationships.

JJ also shares her own breaking moment: losing her family home in the devastating Altadena fires. She opens up about grief, resilience, and the concept of “post-traumatic growth”, reflecting on how tragedy can become fertile ground for healing and renewal. This episode is a raw and heart-centered exploration of love, trauma, and the courage to stay connected through it all.

In this episode they explore: 

• What happens when a therapist leads her clients (live!) through a real couples conflict
• How Internal Family Systems (IFS) reveals the hidden “parts” behind our reactions
• The surprising power of humor in therapy and emotional repair
• What it really means to feel seen versus dismissed by your partner
• How anger, grief, and resilience can coexist in the healing process

To connect with JJ Brake, visit jjbrake.com. Her app Unblend.me is the first platform designed for between-session mental wellness. Try it for free now! 

Also mentioned: 

• The Gottman Method
• Intimacy From The Inside Out
• Non-Violent Communication / Courageous Communication
• Internal Family Systems

Listen to Part 1 of our conversation with JJ Brake here: Curiosity Over Conflict: How to Heal Relationships with JJ Brake. You can also watch the episodes on YouTube.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to follow Beauty in the Break on your favorite podcast app and leave a review!

Reach out to the show—send an email or voice note to [email protected] and be sure to follow on Instagram. 

Cesar Cardona:

• Attend his upcoming speaking engagements
• Listen to music from Cesar + The Clew on Apple Music and Spotify
• Receive his monthly newsletter Insights That Matter

Foster Wilson:

• Buy her poetry book Afternoon Abundance
• Learn about her postpartum services
• Receive her monthly newsletter Foster’s Village

Created & Hosted by: Cesar Cardona and Foster Wilson

Executive Producer: Glenn Milley

Special Guest: JJ Brake

Send us a text