Have you ever wondered why you or someone you know stayed so long in an abusive or toxic relationship? Well, there is actually a deeper, psychological reason for this rather than just 'putting up with it'. In this week's AMM Minutes, I sit down with Frankie from Frankie's Therapy to dive deep into the complex psychology of abusive relationships. We explore why people stay in harmful relationships, touching on the significant roles that childhood experiences and our nervous system play. We discuss trauma bonds, the gut-brain connection, and the physical reactions, such as IBS, that often accompany these relationships. Together, we underscore the importance of education and awareness as the first steps to breaking free from toxic relationships. We also talk about the need for a safe environment for healing, the crucial role of therapy in building self-worth, and the process of addressing childhood wounds. Join us as we unpack these intricate dynamics and offer valuable insights for those looking to reclaim their lives. What we will cover: 00:00 Understanding the Psychology of Abusive Relationships 00:10 The Role of Childhood and Nervous System in Trauma Bonds 00:44 The Illogical Nature of Staying in Abusive Relationships 02:39 Physical Reactions and the Brain-Body Connection 04:25 Creating a Safe Environment for Healing 05:29 Breaking the Cycle: Steps to Change Relationship Patterns 06:02 The Importance of Therapy and Secure Relationships 08:14 Addressing Triggers and Communication in Relationships 12:38 Steps to Rebuild Self-Worth After Trauma Bonds 13:19 Integrating the Shadow Self for Healing Key takeaways: 🌀 Chaos can feel like “home” because of childhood wiring 🎰 Trauma bonds are addictive, like a slot machine 💔 Abuse impacts both the mind and the body 🚪 Awareness + safety are the first steps to healing 🌱 Therapy rebuilds self-worth and healthy connections Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/X7_J7WuNCm4 🔔 Subscribe for more discussions on mental health, personal growth, and healing! / @shivanipaupodcast ✨ Connect with Millennial Mind ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amillennialmind Shivani Pau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivani.pau Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/shivanipaupodcast Performance Planner: https://my-performance-planner.myshopify.com/ Let Me Change Your Mind 🧠 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices