Ep 20 - Is Being “Too Independent” Ruining My Relationships?

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.Timestamps00:00 – 00:12 Welcome and Introduction00:12 – 00:48 What Is Hyper Independence?00:48 – 01:31 Where It Comes From01:31 – 01:46 Building Awareness in Therapy01:46 – 02:43 Boundaries vs. Walls02:43 – 03:17 Relearning Trust and Mutual Support03:17 – 03:44 Final Thoughts and ReflectionStay 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