EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 14 MIN
EP 2- Your Nervous System Has a Type: Breaking Trauma Patterns in Dating
from Therapy Meets Soul · host Dr. Dena Galinato
If every relationship starts differently but somehow ends the same this episode is going to hit home.In this episode of Therapy Meets Soul, Dr. Dena breaks down why so many people repeat the same relationship patterns over and over again even when they consciously want something healthier.Dr. Dena explores how childhood trauma, attachment wounds, inconsistent caregiving, emotional neglect, and chaotic relationship dynamics shape who we become attracted to in adulthood. She explains why intensity is often mistaken for intimacy, why “chemistry” can sometimes just be nervous system activation and how unresolved emotional wounds quietly drive relationship choices behind the scenes.In this episode we cover:Why your nervous system chooses familiarity over safetyThe connection between childhood trauma and adult relationshipsAttachment styles and relationship patternsWhy emotionally chaotic relationships can feel addictiveThe difference between chemistry and nervous system activationHow people pleasing destroys authentic connectionIntermittent reinforcement and trauma bondingWhy abandonment wounds repeat in relationshipsEmotional triggers and self awarenessDating slower and recognizing red flagsListening to your body in relationshipsHow to stop recreating survival based loveConnect with Dr DenaLearn more about Dr. Dena’s therapy and holistic wellness offerings through Liv Empowered Psychological Services and her wellness studio in Temecula.Website: www.liv-empowered.comTikTok: @liv.empoweredIG: @livempowerdpsychservicesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/LivEmpoweredPsychServicesSchedule a class at my studio:https://www.wellnessliving.com/schedule/liv_empowered_psychological_servicesEmail: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, share it with someone navigating their healing journey and leave a review to help more people find the show.Podcast DisclaimerThe information shared on this podcast is intended for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, psychological, legal, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Listening to this podcast, viewing related content, or engaging with any materials associated with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client, physician-patient, or any other professional relationship between you and the host, guests, or affiliated organizations.While topics related to mental health, wellness, personal growth, and healing may be discussed, listeners are encouraged to seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding their individual circumstances. If you believe you may benefit from therapy, counseling, medical care, or crisis support, please consult an appropriately licensed provider.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or are facing any emergency situation, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. In the United States, you can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions, actions, and well-being, and that the host, guests, and affiliated organizations are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of information presented on this podcast.
What this episode covers
If every relationship starts differently but somehow ends the same this episode is going to hit home.In this episode of Therapy Meets Soul, Dr. Dena breaks down why so many people repeat the same relationship patterns over and over again even when they consciously want something healthier.Dr. Dena explores how childhood trauma, attachment wounds, inconsistent caregiving, emotional neglect, and chaotic relationship dynamics shape who we become attracted to in adulthood. She explains why intensity is often mistaken for intimacy, why “chemistry” can sometimes just be nervous system activation and how unresolved emotional wounds quietly drive relationship choices behind the scenes.In this episode we cover:Why your nervous system chooses familiarity over safetyThe connection between childhood trauma and adult relationshipsAttachment styles and relationship patternsWhy emotionally chaotic relationships can feel addictiveThe difference between chemistry and nervous system activationHow people pleasing destroys authentic connectionIntermittent reinforcement and trauma bondingWhy abandonment wounds repeat in relationshipsEmotional triggers and self awarenessDating slower and recognizing red flagsListening to your body in relationshipsHow to stop recreating survival based loveConnect with Dr DenaLearn more about Dr. Dena’s therapy and holistic wellness offerings through Liv Empowered Psychological Services and her wellness studio in Temecula.Website: www.liv-empowered.comTikTok: @liv.empoweredIG: @livempowerdpsychservicesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/LivEmpoweredPsychServicesSchedule a class at my studio:https://www.wellnessliving.com/schedule/liv_empowered_psychological_servicesEmail: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, share it with someone navigating their healing journey and leave a review to help more people find the show.Podcast DisclaimerThe information shared on this podcast is intended for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health, medical, psychological, legal, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Listening to this podcast, viewing related content, or engaging with any materials associated with this podcast does not establish a therapist-client, physician-patient, or any other professional relationship between you and the host, guests, or affiliated organizations.While topics related to mental health, wellness, personal growth, and healing may be discussed, listeners are encouraged to seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding their individual circumstances. If you believe you may benefit from therapy, counseling, medical care, or crisis support, please consult an appropriately licensed provider.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, have thoughts of harming yourself or others, or are facing any emergency situation, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. In the United States, you can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 for immediate support.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions, actions, and well-being, and that the host, guests, and affiliated organizations are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of information presented on this podcast.
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EP 2- Your Nervous System Has a Type: Breaking Trauma Patterns in Dating
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