In this episode of Trauma and Social Work: A Mother and Son Dialogue, Tonya Octave, LCSW, and KJ Alexander explore the realities of relationships, how we show up, how we grow, and how we sometimes repeat negative cycles when healing hasn’t begun.

KJ shares his curiosity about what healthy relationships look like and what steps we can take when relationships are not moving in a positive direction. Tonya expands the perspective by reflecting on the relationship with oneself as the foundation for every other connection.

🌱 Key insights from this episode include:

• How to honor your needs with kindness and compassion

• Why self-care at work matters (taking breaks, breathing, positive self-talk)

• Reframing difficult jobs or experiences as opportunities for growth and resilience

• Building boundaries in relationships, and the unique challenges men and women may face

• Recognizing when patterns repeat and how to choose healing instead

💡 Healthy relationships begin with the one you have with yourself. When you practice compassion, set boundaries, and honor your needs, you create space for growth in every relationship, personal or professional.

🎧 Subscribe for more trauma-informed, heart-centered conversations that blend psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and holistic healing through the OCTAVES Method.

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