Kingz & Queenz: Healing Relationships, Breaking Cycles, and Building Emotional Safety with Dupre’ Rouse, LMFT

In this episode of The Voyage Cast, Eddie sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Dupre’ Rouse, LMFT — author of Kingz & Queenz, Army veteran, trauma specialist, and founder of the Belief Center for Family Therapy.

Together, they unpack the deeper emotional patterns that sabotage relationships and explore how individuals and couples can heal through vulnerability, emotional safety, and practical tools. Drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman principles, and years of clinical experience, Dupre’ shares how metaphor and creativity play a surprising role in restoring connection.

Whether you’re a therapist, a partner in a struggling relationship, or someone trying to understand your emotional blueprint, this episode offers powerful insight and hope.

Topics Covered:

• Why emotional reactivity is often a defense, not a decision
• The metaphor of “lake monsters” and how irrational fears sabotage intimacy
• How self-worth and internal validation shape relationship cycles
• Deactivating conflict through nervous system awareness
• Spiritual bypassing vs. authentic growth
• How trauma shows up in adult love — and what to do about it

Grab your copy of Kingz & Queenz or learn more about Dupre’s work at bcfft.com.