104: The Good, the Bad and the Bond: Understanding Trauma Bonding.

Send us a text

In this solo episode, Gemma dives deep into the concept of trauma bonding, shedding light on why some people feel emotionally tethered to unhealthy or toxic relationships. Drawing from listener questions she explores the psychological mechanisms behind trauma bonds, including the powerful dynamic of the "good-bad ratio" and how it can replicate patterns from childhood.

Gemma also discusses how schemas—such as abandonment, mistrust/abuse, and defectiveness—can make individuals more vulnerable to trauma bonding and highlights the role of manipulative behaviors like love bombing, gaslighting, and boundary-pushing in these relationships.

If you've ever wondered why it’s so hard to leave a toxic relationship or felt stuck in cycles of abuse, this episode is essential listening. 

Topics Covered:

• What is a Trauma Bond? How emotional connections form in abusive or toxic relationships.
• The Abuse Cycle: Key stages like love bombing, boundary-pushing, and manipulation that create and reinforce trauma bonds.
• The Role of Schemas: Why unresolved schemas, such as abandonment or mistrust/abuse, make it harder to leave.
• Breaking the Cycle: How understanding the "good-bad ratio" in relationships can help you regain clarity and self-worth.
• Red Flags to Watch For: Love bombing, arrogance, and other warning signs of toxic relationships.
• How to Heal: The importance of schema work, slowing down in relationships, and taking steps toward self-reflection and recovery.

Additional Resources:

If you’re ready to explore this further, check out Breaking Free From Love-Traps, a self-paced mini-course that unpacks why we’re drawn to certain partners and how to break free from unhealthy patterns. Visit The Red Flag Project for more details.

Support the show

Love Wisely. Something new from Gemma - Express your interest or find out more about joining a special founding round of my new group program - Love Wisely. You can express your interest here.

Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!

🔗 Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here!

Good Mood Hub
goodmood.com.au
Instagram
Facebook

The Red Flag Project
theredflagproject.com
Instagram
Facebook
Email: [e-mail]
https://linktr.ee/theredflagproject
Resources for women to break free from negative relationship patterns and avoid red-flag r...