The Love Doc Podcast

• Episode 7, Season II: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization”

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, 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 this raw and revealing episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley and Raina dive deep into the rarely understood—but widely experienced—phenomenon of retraumatization. What actually happens to the brain and body when we’re retraumatized? Why does it sometimes feel even more painful than the original event? Dr. Hensley walks us through the neurobiological process of retrauma, explaining how trauma is stored in the brain differently than typical memories—lodged in the amygdala and body rather than neatly filed in the hippocampus. So, when a familiar cue triggers that trauma, we often relive it with the same intensity as the original moment—except now it’s stacked on years of previous pain.From a clinical and evolutionary perspective, Dr. Hensley explains how the human nervous system is wired to remember pain for survival. “When you’ve been traumatized over and over, especially in relationships or systems of power, your body becomes hypersensitive—it’s not just hypervigilance; it’s your body trying to keep you alive,” she shares. The repeated trauma essentially short-circuits our ability to regulate emotions or assess danger accurately. The nervous system begins to perceive safety as foreign, and threat as familiar—especially when our trauma stems from people we loved or trusted.The conversation takes a personal turn as both Dr. Hensley and Raina open up about recent experiences of being retraumatized—Raina through an emotionally manipulative exchange with a co-parent, and Dr. Hensley through a recent betrayal that echoed a childhood wound. They both reflect on how these moments didn’t just “remind” them of earlier traumas—they reactivated them, sparking physical symptoms like shaking, shutdown, and dissociation. These aren’t overreactions—they’re biological responses to perceived survival threats, and they’re devastatingly real.The episode also links retrauma to insecure attachment patterns, especially those who find themselves in repeated dynamics with narcissistic or dismissive avoidant (DA) partners. “People with insecure attachment often unconsciously seek out what’s familiar, not what’s safe,” Dr. Hensley explains. “That’s how the retrauma cycle continues—we don’t just remember pain, we recreate it.” The cycle becomes especially dangerous when one’s nervous system is so accustomed to chaos that anything resembling peace feels threatening. They discuss how the body learns to expect harm in love and how, without awareness and healing, retrauma becomes a repeating loop.Lastly, the episode ties into The Love Doc’s ongoing Family Court Series, highlighting the retraumatizing impact of legal systems. From both personal experience and client stories, Raina and Dr. Hensley reveal how courtrooms can become breeding grounds for PTSD—especially when survivors are forced to continually interact with their abusers, relive past harm, or defend their truth in a system that doesn’t always protect them. Even the mere mention of court in a co-parenting text or email can trigger days of dysregulation and panic.This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered why they “overreact” to certain people, places, or patterns—or why healing sometimes feels so hard. Dr. Hensley and Raina blend science with soul in an episode that’s as validating as it is empowering.Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 7, Season II: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization”

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, 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 7: “When the Past Keeps Bleeding In: The Science & Stories of Retraumatization”In this raw and revealing episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley and Raina dive deep into the rarely understood—but widely experienced—phenomenon of retraumatization. What actually happens to the brain and body when we’re retraumatized? Why does it sometimes feel even more painful than the original event? Dr. Hensley walks us through the neurobiological process of retrauma, explaining how trauma is stored in the brain differently than typical memories—lodged in the amygdala and body rather than neatly filed in the hippocampus. So, when a familiar cue triggers that trauma, we often relive it with the same intensity as the original moment—except now it’s stacked on years of previous pain.From a clinical and evolutionary perspective, Dr. Hensley explains how the human nervous system is wired to remember pain for survival. “When you’ve been traumatized over and over, especially in relationships or systems of power, your body becomes hypersensitive—it’s not just hypervigilance; it’s your body trying to keep you alive,” she shares. The repeated trauma essentially short-circuits our ability to regulate emotions or assess danger accurately. The nervous system begins to perceive safety as foreign, and threat as familiar—especially when our trauma stems from people we loved or trusted.The conversation takes a personal turn as both Dr. Hensley and Raina open up about recent experiences of being retraumatized—Raina through an emotionally manipulative exchange with a co-parent, and Dr. Hensley through a recent betrayal that she has spoke on in detial in Episode 4 "What Can I Say?". They both reflect on how these moments didn’t just “remind” them of earlier traumas—they reactivated them, sparking physical symptoms like shaking, ra[id heart rate, and high emotional reactivity. These aren’t overreactions—they’re biological responses to perceived survival threats, and they’re devastatingly real.The episode also links retrauma to insecure attachment patterns, especially those who find themselves in repeated dynamics with narcissistic or dismissive avoidant (DA) partners. “People with insecure attachment often unconsciously seek out what’s familiar, not what’s safe,” Dr. Hensley explains. “That’s how the retrauma cycle continues—we don’t just remember pain, we recreate it.” The cycle becomes especially dangerous when one’s nervous system is so accustomed to chaos that anything resembling peace feels threatening. Dr. Hensley discusses how the body learns to expect harm in love and how, without awareness and healing, retrauma becomes a repeating loop.This episode also ties into The Love Doc’s Family Court Series, highlighting the retraumatizing impact of legal systems. From both personal experience and client stories, Raina and Dr. Hensley reveal how courtrooms can become breeding grounds for PTSD—especially when survivors are forced to continually interact with their abusers, relive past harm, or defend their truth in a system that doesn’t always protect them. Even the mere mention of court in a co-parenting text or email can trigger days of dysregulation and panic.This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered why they “overreact” to certain people, places, or patterns—or why healing sometimes feels so hard. Dr. Hensley and Raina blend science with soul in an episode that’s as validating as it is empowering.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, 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. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 6, Season II | "Due Process Denied: Inside the Broken Family Court System with Attorney Christine Miller"

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, 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 6, Season II | Family Court Series -  "Due Process Denied: Inside the Broken Family Court System with Attorney Christine Miller"In this gripping and eye-opening episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley sits down with Christine Miller, a seasoned attorney turned fierce advocate for family court reform—and the visionary founder behind Judge-Y, a groundbreaking platform and upcoming app designed to bring transparency and accountability to the courtroom.Christine opens the episode by sharing her reaction to Meg Miller’s heartbreaking case from last week’s episode, shedding legal insight into how red flags were missed, due process was denied, and ultimately how false allegations and judicial oversight led to the unjust removal of Meg’s children. Her analysis is not just professional—it’s deeply personal, fueled by a passion for justice and firsthand knowledge of a broken system.Having practiced family law for years, Christine reveals what drew her into the courtroom—and what eventually pushed her out. She shares unfiltered truths about how the system is failing the very people it claims to protect, particularly children, who often become collateral damage in custody battles riddled with bias, lack of oversight, and limited accountability. What You'll Hear in This Episode:Why due process is almost non-existent in family court—and how judges often take the bench without reading motions or evidenceHow false allegations can lead to devastating outcomes with little recourse or protectionWhy perjury is rarely prosecuted, unlike in criminal court, leaving parents vulnerable to manipulationThe financial exploitation of families through prolonged litigation, draining them emotionally and financiallyThe urgent need for judicial accountability, and why Christine believes judges should be held to higher standardsDr. Hensley’s powerful proposal: Should family court rulings be decided by a jury of 12 peers, just like in criminal court?Christine also introduces her trailblazing platform, Judge-Y—a public review system and upcoming app that provides families with access to verified information and firsthand experiences with local judges and attorneys. Judge-Y is built to empower families with knowledge and help prevent the kind of injustice that is currently far too common.As the episode concludes, Christine reminds us that a significant portion of the population will encounter the family court system, often walking away with little more than trauma, financial devastation, and fractured families. She lays out bold ideas for reform—because without systemic change, we are perpetuating a cycle of harm that echoes for generations.To connect with Christine Miller:📱 TikTok: @kentuckychristine📸 Instagram: @itsmillertimelouisville▶️ YouTube: Its Miller Time Louisville🌐 Learn more or share your own story at Judge-YTune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, 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. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 5, Season II | "Stripped: A Family Court Crisis" With special guest Meg Miller from @standwithmeg

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, 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 5, Season II | "Stripped: A Family Court Crisis" With special guest Meg Miller from @standwithmegIn the gripping and heart-wrenching first installment of The Love Doc Podcast Family Court Series, Dr. Sarah Hensley is joined by advocate and mother Meg Miller, founder of the movement and platform Stand with Meg, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the hidden horrors of the U.S. family court system. This isn’t just a discussion — it’s an exposé on the deeply rooted corruption that continues to devastate protective parents, especially survivors of abuse who turn to the system for help and are instead retraumatized, discredited, and often punished for speaking the truth.Meg shares her personal and still-unfolding journey, one that has left her emotionally, financially, and physically depleted. Despite doing what most would consider the “right” thing — seeking legal protection for her children from her abuser — she found herself on the receiving end of a system that silences and punishes victims. After years of legal warfare, Meg’s five children were forcibly taken from her and placed in the custody of the very man she tried to protect them from. The pain is palpable. Her story is far from unique — it mirrors the experiences of countless women (and some men) who enter courtrooms hoping for justice and emerge broken, confused, and further victimized. Together, Dr. Hensley and Meg pull back the curtain on the disturbing pattern of custodial reversal, judicial bias, financial gatekeeping, and the dangerous misuse of parental alienation claims — all tools often weaponized against the protective parent. They also explore the ways in which family court proceedings are insulated from public accountability, allowing unethical practices to continue behind closed doors with little to no oversight or due process. This episode is not just about Meg’s story. It is about the thousands of parents who have DM'd her, commented on her posts, and stood in solidarity under the hashtag #standwithmeg — parents who are navigating the same heartbreaking system, terrified for their children's safety and feeling voiceless and unseen. It’s about the culture of silence that surrounds the family court system, where even speaking out can put a parent at risk of losing everything.This conversation is as emotional as it is enraging — and it is a must-listen for anyone who has ever questioned why so many abuse victims hesitate to leave a marriage and go to court. Tune in to bear witness, to learn, and to stand with Meg — and for all those fighting silently for their children in a system that too often protects power over people, we see you, we hear you, and we speak for you! To support and follow Meg Miller find her on all social media platforms @standwithmeg and standwithmeg.com. Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, 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. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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• Episode 4, Season II | "What Can I Say?"- (Buffer Episode)

  Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, 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 4, Season II | "What Can I Say?" In this deeply personal and unfiltered buffer episode, Dr. Hensley steps outside of the usual series format to speak her truth — not as a therapist or a coach, but as a woman, a wife, and a mother who has carried the weight of a private storm for far too long.After over a year of silent suffering, Dr. Hensley finally opens up about a painful and highly sensitive situation involving someone from her husband's past — someone who, in Dr. Hensley's words, “tried to break up my family.” While protecting the identities of everyone involved, she lays bare the emotional toll of false allegations and the emotional warfare and pain that it causes. This episode isn’t about gossip — it’s about truth, healing, and power. For anyone who has ever been falsely accused…For anyone who’s watched someone come for their family…For anyone who’s had to choose peace over retaliation…This episode is for you. Dr. Hensley shares not only what happened, but what she learned — about herself, about forgiveness, about faith, and about the unshakable strength of her marriage. She’s no longer staying silent. She’s setting the record straight, not just for her own peace, but for every listener who’s ever been hurt by false allegations and someone else's unresolved pain.Though she considered taking legal action, Dr. Hensley chose instead to protect her peace — and that of her family — knowing that true power is often in what you don’t do. But she makes it clear: this was her grace-filled response the first time. If it happens again, her words are raw and unflinching — “I will go scorched earth.”This emotional episode is more than a tell-all — it’s a spiritual reset, a message of hope, and a call to rise above bitterness and let your pain become your platform. It’s also a teaser for what’s coming next — a new series that dives even deeper into the corruption that lies in certain legal systems.  At its core, “What Can I Say” is a love letter to anyone who has ever been deeply wounded by someone who never took accountability — and a reminder that you can find peace, stand firm in your truth, and come out even stronger on the other side when someone deeply hurts you and your family.The overall message in this epsisode is:🔸 The truth always reveals itself.🔸 Forgiveness is not weakness — it’s wisdom and freedom.🔸 And.........Love always wins!Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, 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. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyDisclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.

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