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.

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.

In episode 26, titled Radical Acceptance, Dr. Hensley delves into the powerful concept of radical acceptance and its impact on emotional well-being. She opens by defining radical acceptance as the practice of embracing reality without self-judgment, especially when it’s challenging. Dr. Hensley explains how shame can disrupt our nervous system, often fueling a sense of failure that persists despite outward success. Sharing her personal journey, she reflects on moments of feeling inadequate, even while balancing a thriving career and family life, describing times she felt she “dropped the ball” as a parent and business owner.

Drawing on insights from nervous system expert Dana Doswell from episode 19, Dr. Hensley underscores that how we approach our tasks, with grace and acceptance, is often more important than what we do. This foundation, she explains, is central to radical acceptance, where the practice becomes a conscious effort to recognize that one’s efforts are “enough,” even amid mistakes.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Hensley and Raina share real-life stories, touching on childhood experiences of shame. They highlight how fostering radical acceptance in children—around mistakes and natural bodily changes—helps build resilience. Dr. Hensley then explores why radical acceptance is particularly difficult for overachievers and perfectionists. These individuals often link their self-worth to being “the best,” struggling to relinquish control and falling into self-criticism when they cannot accomplish it all.

In a candid segment, Dr. Hensley and Raina discuss their own experiences grappling with radical acceptance of past relationships, particularly with their children’s fathers. Raina opens up about working through sexual shame from a past abusive relationship, acknowledging the growth in her journey to accept herself fully. Dr. Hensley explains that radical acceptance also means facing painful realities without minimizing their impact. It involves acknowledging trauma and choosing healing over victimhood, with radical acceptance serving as the foundation for this journey.

Finally, Dr. Hensley emphasizes the importance of accountability in relationships as a form of radical acceptance. Owning one’s mistakes and apologizing fosters authenticity and vulnerability, she explains, strengthening connections and creating a regulated nervous system. This journey of accountability and repair exemplifies radical acceptance as an honest acknowledgment of human fallibility—embracing, learning, and growing from each experience.

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

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What is covered:     

*What is radical acceptance.     

*How Dana Doswell, nervous system regulation expert, describes radical acceptance.

*The importance of fostering radical acceptance in our children.

*Why radical acceptance is so difficult for overachievers and perfectionist.

*Radical acceptance of past selves .       

*Radical accountabilty equals radical acceptance. 

Consider/Ask Yourself:

*Are you beating yourself up too often over things that are outside of your control?

*Are you able to recognize when you are not practicing acceptance and how it affects your nervous system?       

*Are you an overachiever and perfectionist to the point where you are unable to reliquish control and properly delegate task?

*How can I practice radical acceptance of my past self?
 
*Can I start to take more radical accountability and radical acceptance inside of my romantic relationship? 


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