Are You a People-Pleaser? Understanding Trauma's Impact on Your Relationships

In this episode of Motherhood After Trauma, I sit down with therapist Talia Bombola to unpack how trauma shows up in our lives as mothers. We talk about why we sometimes over-please, avoid, or even over-assert ourselves—and how these patterns are often rooted in our nervous system trying to keep us safe.

Talia shares practical, compassionate strategies to help us build confidence, set boundaries, and tune into ourselves without guilt. We also discuss overcoming self-neglect, managing overwhelm, and creating healthier relationships—with ourselves and those around us. This conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and gentle reminders that healing is a journey best taken with kindness and patience.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma can show up as people-pleasing, avoidance, or over-assertiveness—these are survival patterns, not flaws.

• Our nervous system plays a huge role in shaping these behaviors and responses.

• Confidence, assertiveness, and self-awareness are skills that can be built, step by step.

• Taking care of yourself and managing overwhelm helps improve your relationships with yourself and others.

• Healing is a gradual process—patience and self-compassion matter more than perfection.

• There are resources and support available—you don’t have to do this alone.

Connect with Talia: https://taliabombola.com  https://therapywithtalia.com

 

🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey? Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection. 👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide   Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here:  https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc