This week on Safe Space, Laura shares the story of one of the biggest changes in her adult life: moving to Denver. From boarding the flight out of New York City to the moment she stepped into her new apartment, she reflects on the grief, excitement, clarity, and deep nervous system regulation that came with letting go of the life she had to build the one she truly wants.
This deeply personal episode explores the chaos and magic of major life transitions. Laura opens up about what it’s felt like to slow down, feel at peace, and start over after burnout. She talks about finding community, leaning into connection, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to choose joy—even if it means leaving everything familiar behind.
Whether you’re navigating a big life change or just fantasizing about a fresh start, this episode is an emotional roadmap for what it means to trust yourself and take the leap.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:30 Welcome & Intro
00:30 – 02:00 The Emotional Flight Out of NYC
02:00 – 04:30 Touching Down in Denver: A Feeling of Home
04:30 – 06:30 First Impressions & Why Denver Feels Magical
06:30 – 08:00 Unexpected Kindness, New Community & Serendipitous Support
08:00 – 10:00 Airbnb Chaos & Deciding to Apartment Hunt Early
10:00 – 12:00 Finding the Perfect Apartment (and Getting 3 Months Free!)
12:00 – 14:30 Nervous System Healing & the Contrast With NYC
14:30 – 15:50 Surrendering Control & Trusting the Unknown
Stay Connected
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com
🎙 Want to sponsor this podcast? → Email media@lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura opens up about the messy, confusing, and deeply human experience of dating after a breakup. She shares what it was like to jump back into the dating world too soon, the emotional disconnect that followed, and the uncomfortable realization that she wasn’t as ready as she thought.
With honesty and compassion, Laura reflects on the pressure of online dating—the endless swiping, the emotional fatigue, and the way it can sometimes pull us further from genuine connection. She talks about her decision to step back, spend a month in Denver, and focus on reconnecting with herself rather than chasing validation through dating apps.
Through her story, Laura offers a gentle reminder that healing after heartbreak takes time—and that the most meaningful relationships often begin when we stop forcing them.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:23 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:23 – 01:07 First Date After Breakup
01:07 – 01:40 Realizations and Red Flags
01:40 – 02:27 Struggles with Dating Apps
02:27 – 03:32 Taking a Break and Self-Reflection
03:32 – 06:08 Organic Connections vs. Online Dating
06:08 – End Closing Reflections
Stay Connected:
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com
In this episode of Safe Space, the host addresses a viewer's question about feeling anxious even when their relationship is going well. Exploring the roots of anxious attachment, the host discusses reasons such as past insecure relationships, fear of vulnerability, unworthiness stemming from childhood trauma, and confusing chemistry with chaos. The episode provides insight into recognizing signs of anxiety in relationships and emphasizes understanding one’s attachment style.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:35 Introduction to Relationship Anxiety
00:35 – 01:18 Understanding Anxious Attachment
01:18 – 01:43 Fear of Vulnerability and Loss
01:43 – 02:19 Unworthiness and Imposter Syndrome
02:19 – 04:22 Confusing Chemistry with Chaos
04:22 – 05:24 Signs of Anxiety in Relationships
05:24 – 06:07 Attachment Styles and Their Impact
06:07 – 06:40 Steps to Overcome Relationship Anxiety
Stay Connected:
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura opens up about living with cyclothymia, a form of bipolar disorder often misunderstood because it hides behind the mask of being “high-functioning.” With honesty and vulnerability, she shares what it feels like when symptoms resurface—like after missing medication for just a few days—and how those shifts can impact mood, stability, and self-trust.
Laura reflects on the coping mechanisms that help her navigate intense emotional swings, from journaling as a tool for self-reflection to the grounding power of escaping into nature. She also dives into the subconscious patterns shaped in childhood, the fear and stigma surrounding mental health medication, and the ongoing journey of embracing authenticity through it all.
Through her story, Laura reminds us that mental health isn’t about being perfect—it’s about recognizing our patterns, finding what keeps us steady, and allowing ourselves to evolve into more authentic versions of who we are.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:25 Introduction to Safe Space
00:25 – 00:44 Understanding Cyclothymia
00:44 – 01:19 The Impact of Missing Medication
01:19 – 02:13 Journaling and Self-Reflection
02:13 – 03:57 Escaping to Nature
03:57 – 08:56 Childhood Coping Mechanisms
08:56 – 12:58 The Role of Medication
2:58 – 16:06 Authenticity and Mental Health
16:06 – End Embracing Change and New Beginnings
Stay Connected:
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗
Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura opens up about the painful but important topic of gaslighting—what it is, how it works, and how it impacts those who experience it. With honesty and clarity, she explains how gaslighting is more than just lying or manipulation—it’s a repetitive pattern designed to make someone doubt their own reality.
Laura shares personal insights to highlight how gaslighting erodes trust in oneself, often leaving people second-guessing their thoughts, feeling anxious or confused, and struggling to hold onto their sense of truth. She emphasizes that this behavior is intentional, and that recognizing it is the first step toward breaking free.
Through therapeutic guidance and practical advice, Laura offers tools to navigate gaslighting dynamics, from documenting patterns and leaning on trusted friends or professionals, to grounding yourself in your own reality. Most importantly, she reminds listeners that no one deserves to live in a relationship built on manipulation—and that reclaiming your truth is an act of courage and healing.
Timestamps 00:00 – 00:08 Introduction to Safe Space 00:08 – 01:09 Understanding Gaslighting 01:09 – 02:31 Recognizing the Signs of Gaslighting 02:31 – 04:11 The Emotional Impact of Gaslighting 04:11 – 05:11 Dealing with Gaslighting 05:11 – 07:27 Steps to Reclaim Your Reality 07:27 – End Closing Reflections
Feeling confused in your relationship or doubting yourself more than ever? This episode is here to remind you—you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
Stay Connected: 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes, resources & therapy tools → www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura takes a closer look at what it really means to be emotionally unavailable—and how it shows up in our lives. With honesty and compassion, she unpacks how disconnection from our own feelings and relationships often stems from past experiences like heartbreak, trauma, or childhood patterns.
Laura shares the most common signs, from self-sabotaging relationships and avoiding vulnerability to clinging to independence, intellectualizing emotions, and chasing “perfect” connections. She reminds listeners that recognizing these patterns isn’t about judgment—it’s about self-awareness, healing, and creating space for healthier relationships.
Through personal insights and therapeutic guidance, Laura highlights the importance of understanding where emotional unavailability comes from, exploring the deeper roots, and seeking support when needed. Most importantly, she encourages listeners to let go of idealized versions of love and instead embrace the real, imperfect, and beautifully complex connections that lead to growth.
Timestamps 00:00 – 00:40 Introduction to Emotional Unavailability 00:40 – 01:10 What It Really Means to Be Emotionally Unavailable 01:10 – 05:40 Key Signs to Look Out For 05:40 – 06:25 How Childhood and Trauma Play a Role 06:25 – 07:30 The Cost of Emotional Unavailability 07:30 – 08:59 Steps Toward Healing and Connection 08:59 – 10:16 Embracing Imperfect, Real Relationships 10:16 – End Closing Reflections
Struggling to connect in relationships? This episode is for you.
Stay Connected: 📩 Submit your story or question for the show → bit.ly/safespace-questions 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes, resources & therapy tools → www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura marks a special milestone: her 30th birthday. In this heartfelt solo episode, she reflects on the lessons and growth from the past year—reminding listeners that success is deeply personal and never one-size-fits-all.
Laura opens up about the importance of leaning into your inner child, nurturing relationships that truly matter, and letting go of the pressure to measure yourself against others. She also shares how building daily rituals and routines can create more joy and fulfillment, even in the smallest details of life.
With honesty and warmth, she unpacks the challenges of both friendships and romantic relationships, the beauty of slowing down, and the power of appreciating the present moment. Above all, this episode is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to release rigid standards, soften into life, and let go—because sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is ease.
Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Birthday Reflections 02:01 – Lessons on Success 05:21 – Understanding Relationships 06:55 – Romantic Relationships Insights 09:36 – Building a Fulfilling Life 11:02 – Finding Joy in the Little Things 12:18 – The Importance of Letting Go 13:51 – Conclusion
Stay Connected: 📩 Submit your story or question for the show → bit.ly/safespace-questions 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes, resources & therapy tools → www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura dives into a big relationship question: what’s the difference between chemistry and compatibility—and which one actually matters more?
She breaks down the spark of instant attraction (that magnetic pull we call chemistry) versus the steady foundation of shared values and goals (compatibility). Along the way, Laura unpacks why we often confuse the two, how pop culture reinforces the chase for chemistry, and why “boring” compatibility might actually be the secret to long-term love.
Laura also explores common myths—like the idea that no initial chemistry means no chance, or that compatibility kills excitement. Instead, she shows how both can coexist, how chemistry can grow, and how to tell if you’re truly safe and fulfilled in a relationship or just mistaking security for boredom.
This episode is an honest and grounding reminder: don’t just chase the high—look for the calm, the safety, and the partnership that lets you fully exhale.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:20 Welcome & Listener Question: Chemistry vs. Compatibility
00:20 – 01:30 What Chemistry Really Is (and Why We Chase It)
01:30 – 02:50 Compatibility Explained: The Foundation of Lasting Love
02:50 – 03:40 Myths About Chemistry & Compatibility
03:40 – 05:00 Why We Often Prioritize Chemistry (Trauma, Media, Fear of Boredom)
05:00 – 06:40 Reflecting on Your Own Patterns in Relationships
06:40 – 07:50 Finding Balance: When to Seek Chemistry, When to Prioritize Compatibility
07:50 – 08:10 Final Reflections & Words of Encouragement
Stay Connected:
📩 Submit your questions or stories here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Daily reflections & behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, Laura returns to the mic after a two-month hiatus that followed a life-altering breakup.
She opens up about what it’s been like to lose a version of herself she once held onto, and the slow, intentional process of rebuilding a new identity. From navigating the nervous system crash that comes with heartbreak, to leaning on the steady presence of friends and family, Laura reflects on how she allowed herself to be supported while finding her footing again.
She also shares the small rituals and moments of curiosity that helped her reimagine her future—whether that’s exploring the idea of moving to Colorado, opening up to new connections, or savoring joy in the everyday.
This episode marks a reintroduction to the podcast and Laura’s commitment to showing up twice a month with honest reflections like this, alongside the listener-favorite Q&A episodes. Raw yet hopeful, it’s a reminder that even in endings, there’s room to dream again.
Timestamps 00:00 – 01:24 Welcome Back to Safe Space 01:24 – 03:21 The Breakup and Its Aftermath 03:21 – 07:18 Coping Mechanisms and Survival 07:18 – 11:10 Rediscovering Life and New Beginnings 11:10 – 19:49 Embracing Change and Future Plans 19:49 – End A New Chapter for the Podcast
Stay Connected 📩 Share your story or a question for the show: bit.ly/safespace-questions 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
This week, Laura shares what to do when you're having one of those days—the kind where nothing feels right, and even getting out of bed feels like a win.
She opens up about her own go-to comfort routine (think cozy sweatpants, takeout, and favorite rewatch shows) and invites listeners to rethink what it means to care for themselves during low moments. Instead of pushing through or pretending to be fine, Laura explores the power of softening into those days—with compassion, nervous system regulation, and tiny rituals that ground us.
She also offers practical tools for building your own self-care toolkit, leaning on your support system, and finding meaning in hard moments through reflection and connection. This episode is both gentle and empowering—a reminder that rest is productive, and low days don’t mean you're failing.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:10 Welcome and Introduction
00:10 – 00:31 Comfort Routines That Actually Help
00:31 – 01:02 Why You Should Embrace (Not Fight) Low Days
01:02 – 01:48 How the Nervous System Plays a Role
01:48 – 02:05 Building Support Systems You Can Rely On
02:05 – 02:34 Making Meaning From Tough Moments
02:34 – 03:10 Final Words of Encouragement
Stay Connected:
📩 Got a question or story for the show? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
This week, Laura breaks down a myth that keeps many of us stuck: the idea that real love should be effortless. She unpacks the cultural narrative that love should just “flow”—and explains why that belief can lead us to walk away too soon, or stay in dynamics that feel wrong for the wrong reasons. Laura explores the difference between healthy effort and emotional struggle, reminding listeners that while relationships do take work, they shouldn’t feel like constant uphill battles.
Through reflections on communication, compromise, and emotional safety, she offers tools for navigating the messiness of love without losing connection or self-worth. This episode is a reminder that ease in relationships doesn’t mean perfection—it means alignment, respect, and a shared willingness to grow.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:05 Welcome and Introduction
00:05 – 01:02 Debunking the “Effortless Love” Myth
01:02 – 01:45 Effort vs. Struggle: What’s the Difference? 01:45 – 02:18 What Healthy Effort Actually Looks Like
02:18 – 02:51 Finding Ease Without Avoidance
02:51 – 03:30 Final Thoughts on Love That Lasts
Stay Connected: 📩 Got a question or story for the show? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
This week, Laura unpacks a hidden relationship pattern that often gets praised but can quietly cause disconnection: hyper independence.
She answers a listener’s question about why it’s so hard to let others in—and why we often default to “doing it all ourselves.” Laura explores how hyper independence can be a protective response rooted in past experiences with unreliable caregivers or chaotic environments. While self-reliance is a strength, Laura explains when it becomes a wall that blocks intimacy, trust, and reciprocity.
She dives into how therapy can help untangle these patterns, the difference between healthy boundaries and emotional avoidance, and what it really means to be in a relationship built on mutual support.
Finally, Laura encourages listeners to reflect with self-compassion and take gentle steps toward safer, more connected relationships.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:12 Welcome and Introduction
00:12 – 00:48 What Is Hyper Independence?
00:48 – 01:31 Where It Comes From
01:31 – 01:46 Building Awareness in Therapy
01:46 – 02:43 Boundaries vs. Walls
02:43 – 03:17 Relearning Trust and Mutual Support
03:17 – 03:44 Final Thoughts and Reflection
Stay Connected:
📩 Got a question or story for the show? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
This week on Safe Space, we’re diving into a topic that many of us secretly wrestle with: doubt in relationships. Is it a red flag—or just a sign we need to look closer?
Laura explores how doubt is a natural, even healthy, part of long-term relationships. She breaks down the difference between internal fears and true red flags, and how our past experiences and inner critic can color the way we interpret uncertainty. Rather than seeing doubt as a signal to walk away, Laura encourages us to use it as an opportunity—to check in with ourselves, deepen connection, and realign with our evolving needs.
This episode is a compassionate invitation to lean into the hard questions, communicate more openly, and reflect on what we really want from love—now and in the future.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Relationship Doubts
00:48 – Red Flags vs. Internal Fears
01:39 – Exploring the Inner Critic and Past Experiences
01:56 – Recognizing When Doubt Arises
02:21 – Doubt as an Opportunity for Growth
03:11 – Honest, Vulnerable Communication
03:38 – Reassessing Needs in Long-Term Partnerships
03:59 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Stay Connected:
📩 Got a question or a story you want to share? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, tools, and resources: www.lauracaruso.com
This week, Laura responds to a listener’s powerful question: Why do we stay in relationships where we’re not treated well? She explores the psychological and emotional reasons people tolerate poor treatment—ranging from childhood conditioning to confusion about what love should feel like. Laura explains how our early family systems shape expectations, and why unresolved beliefs about love can lead us to normalize chaos, self-blame, or emotional neglect.
She breaks down what healthy love actually looks like, how to recognize red flags in our own behavior and beliefs, and what it takes to reframe our relationship patterns. Finally, Laura encourages listeners to reflect on past dynamics with compassion and commit to building safer, more secure connections.
Timestamps
00:00 – 00:17 Welcome and Podcast Intro
00:17 – 00:32 Why We Tolerate Poor Treatment
00:32 – 01:09 What Healthy Love Really Looks Like
01:09 – 01:41 Passion vs. Emotional Safety
01:41 – 03:22 How Family Systems Shape Us
03:22 – 04:06 The Cycle of Self-Blame
04:06 – 05:27 Subconscious Beliefs About Love
05:27 – 06:11 Learning From the Past
06:11 – 07:15 Reframing and Moving Forward
Stay Connected: 📩 Got a question or story for the show? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
In this episode of Safe Space, we explore a vulnerable listener question: How do I let someone in again after having my heart broken?
Through the lens of emotional healing and self-trust, we unpack why heartbreak can leave us feeling guarded—and why that’s completely valid. From understanding the nervous system’s response to emotional pain, to the protective walls we unconsciously build, this conversation guides listeners through the often-overlooked process of softening back into intimacy after betrayal or loss.
We discuss why healing isn't about rushing into something new, but about creating safety within ourselves first. You'll learn how to spot self-protective patterns, rebuild inner trust, and take aligned emotional risks—all without abandoning yourself again.
Whether you’re navigating a breakup, hesitant to open your heart, or rebuilding your relationship with yourself, this episode offers both compassion and clarity on the path forward.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:18 Welcome to Safe Space
00:18 – 01:06 When Your Heart Feels Closed After Hurt
01:06 – 02:08 How We Protect Ourselves from Being Hurt Again
02:08 – 04:02 What It Really Means to Rebuild Trust in Yourself
04:02 – 05:00 Why Risk Is Necessary for Real Connection
05:00 – End – Final Reflections and an Invitation to Soften
Stay Connected: Got a question or story for the show? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
Follow Laura on Instagram for daily reflections and behind-the-scenes: @lauracaruso.therapy
More episodes, resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
In this episode of Safe Space, we dive into a listener’s vulnerable question: Why was I okay with being treated poorly by my ex?
Through the lens of relational psychology and childhood conditioning, we explore why so many of us tolerate mistreatment in relationships—often without realizing it. From family dynamics and subconscious beliefs to misconceptions about love and passion, we uncover the hidden roots of these patterns.
Listeners will gain insight into how early family systems shape our expectations of love, why emotional neglect can be mistaken for passion, and how self-blame keeps us stuck. Most importantly, we discuss what it actually means to do "the work"—building self-awareness, reframing beliefs, and moving toward relationships rooted in respect and emotional safety.
Whether you're reflecting on a painful breakup or working to break toxic patterns, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical steps forward.
00:00 – 00:17 Welcome to Safe Space
00:17 – 00:32 Why Do We Tolerate Poor Treatment?
00:32 – 01:09 Understanding What Healthy Love Actually Looks Like
01:09 – 01:41 The Illusion of Love, Passion, and Chaos
01:41 – 03:22 How Family Systems Shape Relationship Expectations
03:22 – 04:06 The Trap of Self-Blame and Shame
04:06 – 05:27 Subconscious Beliefs That Keep Us Stuck
05:27 – 06:11 What Past Relationships Can Teach Us
06:11 – End Reframing, Healing, and Moving Forward
You’ve ever excused poor behavior in the name of love
You grew up in a family where emotional connection was inconsistent
You're doing the inner work to create healthier relationships
You're ready to stop repeating the same painful patterns
Stay Connected:
📩 Got a question or a story you'd like explored on the podcast? Submit it here: bit.ly/safespace-questions
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram for daily insights and behind-the-scenes content: @lauracaruso.therapy
🔗 More episodes, free resources, and therapy tools: www.lauracaruso.com
TimestampsThis episode is for you if...
In this episode of Safe Space, we unpack how self-esteem and relationship status often intertwine, especially for those with anxious or insecure attachment styles. Through the lens of attachment theory, we explore how early childhood experiences shape our relational patterns and why losing a relationship can feel like losing a part of ourselves.
Listeners will learn how anxious and insecure attachment styles shape self-esteem in relationships, why childhood experiences influence adult relational patterns, and the emotional impact of losing a relationship on identity and self-worth. We also discuss practical ways to maintain individuality and self-awareness within partnerships, and how to recognize and shift unhelpful attachment patterns for healthier connections.
Whether you're navigating a breakup, reflecting on your attachment style, or simply aiming to foster healthier relationships, this episode offers tools for understanding yourself more deeply and building resilience beyond your relationship status.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:13 Introduction: How Relationships Shape Self-Esteem
00:13 – 00:47 Understanding Anxious & Insecure Attachment Styles
00:47 – 01:58 How Childhood Experiences Influence Adult Attachment
01:58 – 02:55 The Impact of Relationships on Our Sense of Self
02:55 – 03:45 Why Maintaining Individuality Matters
03:45 – 05:00 A Personal Story: Navigating Attachment in Real Life
05:00 – 05:34 Recognizing and Shifting Unhealthy Patterns
05:34 – 06:10 Conclusion: Building Self-Awareness & Resilience
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to untangle their self-worth from their relationship status and cultivate secure, self-affirming connections.
Stay Connected: Have a question or a topic you'd love explored? Submit it for a future episode. Follow us on Instagram for relationship insights and behind-the-scenes content: @lauracaruso.therapy
In this episode of Safe Space, we explore the cornerstone of long-term relational health: being emotionally available, attuned, and responsive to your partner’s needs. Drawing on research from the Gottman Institute, we debunk common myths about what sustains love and dive into the everyday moments that matter most.
Listeners will learn how emotional responsiveness—feeling seen, heard, and supported—builds secure attachment and lasting intimacy. We break down what it means to show up for your partner, how to strengthen connection through small yet powerful acts, and how to navigate the challenges of emotional unavailability.
Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or looking to build one, this episode offers practical tools for deepening emotional closeness and redefining what love looks like beyond the surface.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:26 Introduction: The Secret to Long-Lasting Relationships
00:26 – 01:15 Debunking Myths About What Keeps Love Alive
01:15 – 02:11 What Emotional Responsiveness Really Looks Like
02:11 – 03:57 Practical Examples of Attunement in Action
03:57 – 05:22 Why Emotional Availability Can Feel Hard
05:22 – 06:30 Small Moments, Big Impact: Building Intimacy Over Time
06:30 – 07:02 Conclusion: Choosing to Show Up, Every Day
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to move past surface-level connection and invest in the kind of love that truly lasts.
Stay Connected: Have a question or a topic you’d love explored? Submit it for a future episode! Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and relationship tips: @lauracaruso.therapy
In this episode of Safe Space, we unpack the emotional weight and timing of saying “I love you” in a relationship. Why does this simple phrase trigger so much anxiety? And how do we know when we actually mean it—versus when we’re swept up in infatuation or fear of losing someone?
Through the lens of attachment theory, emotional intelligence, and relationship pacing, we explore why some people rush to say “I love you” while others hold back, and how that choice can shape the emotional trajectory of a relationship.
Listeners will gain insight into how to discern between genuine emotional connection and fleeting intensity, how to communicate love with clarity, and how to honor their own timeline—without giving into pressure or fear.
Whether you’ve said it too soon, too late, or are wondering if you should say it at all, this episode offers a mindful approach to one of the most powerful declarations in dating and love.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:20 Introduction: The Power of 'I Love You'
00:20 – 00:53 The Anxiety of Saying It First
00:53 – 01:49 Love vs. Infatuation: How to Tell the Difference
01:49 – 03:30 Why We Rush (and What’s Driving That Urge)
03:30 – 04:46 Attachment Styles & Timing the Moment Right
04:46 – 05:30 Conclusion: Slowing Down to Build Real Connection
Stay Connected:
Have a question or topic you’d like to hear next? Submit it for a future episode!
Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and more: @lauracaruso.therapy
In this episode, we dive into the psychological and neurochemical patterns that fuel the chase in romantic relationships. Why do we feel more drawn to the unavailable? What role does our brain chemistry—particularly dopamine—play in our pursuit of connection?
We explore how the brain’s reward system reinforces attachment patterns, especially for those with insecure attachment or low self-worth. The conversation unpacks how fleeting romantic pursuits can become a cycle of seeking external validation, often rooted in fear of intimacy or self-sabotage.
Listeners will learn strategies for shifting their mindset, regulating emotional responses, and redefining what healthy connection looks like. By practicing mindful dating and exploring emotional triggers, we can begin to break toxic patterns and build genuine, lasting relationships.
Timestamps:
00:00 – 00:45 Understanding the Chase: The Role of Neurochemistry
00:45 – 02:29 The Brain’s Reward System & Attachment Styles
02:29 – 03:54 The Illusion of Effort & Fear of Intimacy
03:54 – 05:06 Self-Worth & the Trap of External Validation
05:06 – 06:33 Breaking the Cycle: Mindset Shifts & Emotional Regulation
06:33 – 07:09 Self-Sabotage & Fear of Commitment
07:09 – 08:30 Next Steps: Shifting Patterns & Defining Your Ideal Partner
This episode is a powerful reflection for anyone who finds themselves chasing love that feels just out of reach. Tune in to understand the deeper patterns at play—and how to change them.
Stay Connected: Have a question or a topic you'd love explored? Submit it for a future episode! Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and more: @lauracaruso.therapy
