In this powerful continuation of the Shadow Into Light series, host Andrea Atherton invites listeners into the heart of love’s most hidden terrain — the shadow parts we carry into relationships. Building on the foundation of Episode One, Andrea weaves together the wisdom of Carl Jung’s shadow and Dr. Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems model to illuminate how these disowned parts of ourselves show up in partnership. Far from being simply “bad behaviors,” these parts are protective, reactive, and deeply human, often surfacing as jealousy, criticism, withdrawal, or defensiveness.
Through relatable examples and heartfelt reflections, Andrea reveals how these shadow parts collide in what she calls the shadow dance — the repeating cycles of conflict and projection that so many couples find themselves locked into. Listeners will discover how unresolved wounds from the past can magnify small moments into painful ruptures, and why arguments with a partner often feel more intense than the situation at hand. With compassion and clarity, Andrea shows that these patterns aren’t signs of failure, but opportunities for self-discovery and growth.
Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to see love not only as a mirror of our light, but also as a container for healing our shadows. Andrea guides listeners toward gentle practices for noticing when a “part” is activated and reminds us that every conflict is an opening to bring compassion where there was once blame. Episode 221 offers hope that by learning to meet our shadows with tenderness, we can shift from disconnection to deeper intimacy, transforming the shadow dance into a path of conscious love.
30-minute Consultation with Andrea
https://www.andreaatherton.com/booking-calendar
Andrea Atherton Website
https://www.andreaatherton.com/
Love Anarchy Website
https://www.andreaatherton.com/podcast
https://loveanarchypodcast.buzzsprout.com
Love Anarchy Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/loveanarchypodcast/
Andrea Atherton Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/andreaatherton-17/
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