In this episode we discuss what a trauma bond is, as well as some misconceptions around what they are. We move through intermittent reinforcment and how it relates to trauma bonds, use examples of abuse tactics, and the difficulties that can occur when one tries to break their trauma bond. We close out the episode with sharing ideas and resources around how to acknowledge and move through feelings, and how to rebuild or strengthen your support system.

Please take care when listening to this episode as it outlines real examples of emotional abuse. If you are in crisis, please contact the crisis line at 988.

In this episode we discuss cognitive dissonance (the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs) and euphoric recall as it relates to emotionally abusive relationships.

We move through the four different ways our brains try to help us cope and remove the dissonance so it can lessen the discomfort.

We also share a tool for how to begin acknowledging shame so that it can later be processed.

Please take care when listening to this episode. If you are in crisis, please contact the crisis line at 988.

Content Warning: This episode mentions of threats of suicide. If you are in crisis, please contact the crisis line at 1-800-784-2433.

In this episode we move through and explain the cycle of abuse and each of its four phases. We bring in our own experiences as examples and acknowledge that everyone's experience within the cycle of abuse is unique to them. In this episode we also demonstrate a regulation technique and invite you to follow along.

Please take care when listening to this episode as it contains heavy topics of emotional abuse.