Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Dating Decoder with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC.  Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice. Episode 13: What Happens to the Brain After Relational and Emotional Trauma. In this insightful episode of "The Love Doc Podcast", Dr. Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore the profound impact that relational and emotional trauma has on the brain, particularly when abuse is involved. Dr. Hensley takes listeners on a deep dive into the neurological science behind trauma, focusing on the roles of the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. Dr. Hensley explains how these critical areas of the brain are affected by trauma, describing in detail how they may grow or shrink in response to sustained emotional stress. This transformation within the brain can lead to significant consequences, such as poor impulse control, heightened anxiety, depression, memory loss, and even addiction. The episode also includes personal reflections from both Dr. Hensley and Raina Butcher, as they share their own experiences with relational trauma. They discuss how some memories remain vivid while others fade, offering a personal perspective on the impact of trauma on memory. The discussion progresses to the effects of retraumatization, where Dr. Hensley uses the analogy of breaking an arm in the same place to illustrate how the brain becomes more susceptible to re-injury if and when it is exposed again to any level of emotional trauma. Even though the impact of retraumatization might not be as severe, it can trigger a resurgence of specific issues or ailments within the body, particularly due to the reactivation of existing neural grooves. As the episode wraps up, Dr. Hensley emphasizes the interconnectedness between brain health and the central nervous system. She underscores the importance of healing the brain to improve overall nervous system function, thereby reducing the risk of disease. The episode concludes on a powerful note, with Dr. Hensley and Raina highlighting the importance of healing for the sake of future generations. They stress that providing children with emotional stability and teaching them about the value of secure attachments is one of the greatest gifts a parent can offer. Tune in for an episode that blends scientific insight with heartfelt personal stories, all aimed at helping listeners understand the profound effects trauma has on the brain and the importance of healing. Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://www.thedatingdecoder.com/group-coaching/ Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: https://www.thedatingdecoder.com/book-appointment/ Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online course: https://dating-decoder.mykajabi.com/offers/PpEPKnsM/checkout Tik-Tok: the_dating_decoder Instagram: @the_dating_decoder Facebook: The Dating Decoder Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley What is covered: ·        How each part of the brain is affected by relational/emotional trauma.  ·       How emotional/relational trauma on the brain lead to things like anxiety, depression, poor impulse control, and even addictions.  ·       What happens to the brain and how it reacts when there is a retraumatization.  ·       The effects the brain has on the central nervous system.  ·       How healing the brain and central nervous system can reduce the risk of disease.  .       The importance of healing relational/emotional trauma for future generations.  Consider/Ask Yourself ·       How has/is my relational/emotional trauma affecting me? ·       Have I experienced memory loss due to my emotional trauma? ·       Am I currently focused on the correct work to heal my nervous system and train my brain to know when I am experiencing a true threat to my well-being? .       How can I explore further healing for my own well-being and the well-being of my children and future generations?