What If Your Breakup Is Actually Your Breakthrough? A Conversation With Breakup Coach Janice Formichella
Hello Thrive Tribe,
We know that not all heartbreaks look the same. Some happen with tears and slammed doors. Others are quiet and internal — a slow fading of what once felt certain. Whether you’re in the middle of a separation, navigating life after a breakup, or holding on by a thread in your current relationship, this week’s podcast episode was made with you in mind.
Ever wondered why breakups feel so physically and mentally exhausting? Turns out, there’s real science behind that foggy, heartbroken feeling — and understanding it might just be the first step to truly healing.
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Breakup Coach Janice Formichella, who brings wisdom, warmth, and lived experience to the table. From escaping a Mormon marriage and surviving domestic violence, to becoming an empowered coach, Janice shares her journey and the neuroscience behind what she calls “breakup brain.”
Her story is eye-opening, but more importantly — it’s hope-giving.
💡 Top 3 Takeaways from This Episode:
1. Breakups hijack your brain.
Studies show your IQ can temporarily drop by up to 25% after a breakup. Confusion, forgetfulness, and obsessively checking your ex’s socials? It’s not just you — your brain is reacting to loss like an addict coming off a substance. Understanding this helps you treat yourself with more kindness and patience.
2. No-contact isn’t cruel — it’s neurological self-care.
Seeing or interacting with your ex activates the same parts of the brain as substance cravings. No-contact is hard, but it’s necessary if you want to detox emotionally and start building your life on your own terms again.
3. Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship.
The time after a breakup is incredibly fertile ground for growth. Janice reminds us, “You wake up with yourself every single day.” Learning to truly enjoy your own company changes how you date, love, and set boundaries in the future.
We also talk honestly about real-life dilemmas:
When is a rebound helpful, and when is it just a distraction?
How do you co-parent when being around your ex still triggers pain?
How do you know when you're actually ready to date again?
If you’re hurting right now, we want you to hear this — this pain won’t last forever. In fact, it could be the doorway to your most grounded, powerful, and joyful self yet.
Ask yourself: What would my future self thank me for doing today?
Maybe it’s setting a boundary. Maybe it’s saying no to that message. Maybe it’s simply deciding to treat yourself with more compassion.
This episode is your reminder: You’re not broken. You’re becoming.
Want the full conversation?
Listen to the episode, right here, right now!
We are inviting you to join our Thriving Relationships Community on Facebook to connect with others on a similar journey, share experiences, and gain valuable insights. We can't wait to welcome you!
Keep Thriving,
Michael and Amy
