Episode 7, Season II: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization” cover art

Episode 7, Season II: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization”

Episode 7, Season II: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization”

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 Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.In this raw and revealing episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley and Raina dive deep into the rarely understood—but widely experienced—phenomenon of retraumatization. What actually happens to the brain and body when we’re retraumatized? Why does it sometimes feel even more painful than the original event? Dr. Hensley walks us through the neurobiological process of retrauma, explaining how trauma is stored in the brain differently than typical memories—lodged in the amygdala and body rather than neatly filed in the hippocampus. So, when a familiar cue triggers that trauma, we often relive it with the same intensity as the original moment—except now it’s stacked on years of previous pain.From a clinical and evolutionary perspective, Dr. Hensley explains how the human nervous system is wired to remember pain for survival. “When you’ve been traumatized over and over, especially in relationships or systems of power, your body becomes hypersensitive—it’s not just hypervigilance; it’s your body trying to keep you alive,” she shares. The repeated trauma essentially short-circuits our ability to regulate emotions or assess danger accurately. The nervous system begins to perceive safety as foreign, and threat as familiar—especially when our trauma stems from people we loved or trusted.The conversation takes a personal turn as both Dr. Hensley and Raina open up about recent experiences of being retraumatized—Raina through an emotionally manipulative exchange with a co-parent, and Dr. Hensley through a recent betrayal that echoed a childhood wound. They both reflect on how these moments didn’t just “remind” them of earlier traumas—they reactivated them, sparking physical symptoms like shaking, shutdown, and dissociation. These aren’t overreactions—they’re biological responses to perceived survival threats, and they’re devastatingly real.The episode also links retrauma to insecure attachment patterns, especially those who find themselves in repeated dynamics with narcissistic or dismissive avoidant (DA) partners. “People with insecure attachment often unconsciously seek out what’s familiar, not what’s safe,” Dr. Hensley explains. “That’s how the retrauma cycle continues—we don’t just remember pain, we recreate it.” The cycle becomes especially dangerous when one’s nervous system is so accustomed to chaos that anything resembling peace feels threatening. They discuss how the body learns to expect harm in love and how, without awareness and healing, retrauma becomes a repeating loop.Lastly, the episode ties into The Love Doc’s ongoing Family Court Series, highlighting the retraumatizing impact of legal systems. From both personal experience and client stories, Raina and Dr. Hensley reveal how courtrooms can become breeding grounds for PTSD—especially when survivors are forced to continually interact with their abusers, relive past harm, or defend their truth in a system that doesn’t always protect them. Even the mere mention of court in a co-parenting text or email can trigger days of dysregulation and panic.This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered why they “overreact” to certain people, places, or patterns—or why healing sometimes feels so hard. Dr. Hensley and Raina blend science with soul in an episode that’s as validating as it is empowering.Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are ...

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