Relationship 101 with Rachel Oliver

Runtime: 1 hour 18 minutesWelcome back to Triggered but Thriving! In this episode, trauma therapist and Asentriarc founder Sarah Ferland Doherty, RSW, sits down with fellow therapist and best friend Rachel Oliver, RSW—founder of The Emotion Centre and known online as @modern.love.therapist—to talk all things relationships.Together, they explore what it means to love and be loved from a regulated, secure place. From attachment wounds and nervous-system safety to conflict repair and self-trust, this episode dives deep into how relationships can become both our biggest triggers and our greatest teachers.If you’ve ever wondered why dating feels so intense, why calm love can feel “boring,” or how to know when a connection is truly safe, this conversation is for you.Rachel and Sarah unpack:Why love is often a “portal” to healing old woundsHow attachment styles show up in adult relationshipsThe difference between emotional and relational intelligenceSovereignty: learning to trust your own inner compassNervous-system safety and co-regulation in healthy loveConflict repair and accountabilityThe balance between healing alone vs. healing in relationshipSpirituality, abundance mindset, and the energy of datingTimestamps:00:00 Intro & Welcome02:15 Meet Rachel — Background & Why Couples Work05:30 How Sarah & Rachel Met10:10 Rachel’s Path to Relationship Work & Intuitive Practice14:20 Sovereignty & Inner Guidance19:00 Healing Through Love: The “Portal” Idea24:45 When Triggers Open in Relationships29:40 Attachment Wounds & Insecure Patterns35:10 Couples Therapy 101: “The Relationship is the Client”39:00 Identity-Based vs. Attachment-Based Triggers45:10 Defining Healthy Love50:30 Nervous-System Safety & Co-Regulation55:10 Self-Abandonment in Relationships59:30 Intuition vs. Triggers1:03:00 Conflict, Communication & Accountability1:08:00 Emotional vs. Relational Intelligence1:11:30 Healing on Your Own vs. Healing in Relationship1:14:00 Spirituality, Self-Love & Abundance in Dating1:16:00 Final Reflections & Next Episode TeaseRachel Oliver, RSWRelationship & Couples TherapistFounder of The Emotion CentreInstagram: @modern.love.therapistUp Next: When Triggers Take the WheelLearn how to recognize, name, and navigate your triggers, so you can stay grounded, connected, and thriving.