Break Free from Trauma Bonding | Take Back Your Power 

Trauma bonding can keep us stuck in relationships that drain our self-worth, confidence, and happiness. The cycle of hope, hurt, and confusion makes it incredibly difficult to walk away—even when we know it’s not healthy. If you recognise yourself in this, you are not alone. Trauma bonds are powerful, but you CAN break free and reclaim your inner power. In this episode of Ask Dr. Jodi, I unpack what trauma bonding really is, why it happens, and how it can quietly undermine your mental health and relationships. We’ll explore the root causes, the emotional risks, and—most importantly—practical steps you can take to start healing and rebuilding your sense of self.

Many people struggle to understand why they stay in relationships that feel both necessary and draining. Trauma bonding can make leaving or changing these dynamics feel impossible. 

• What trauma bonding means and why it happens in the brain and body
• How trauma affects memory, emotions, and the stories we tell ourselves
• Why feeling “different” or “broken” after trauma is a normal human response, not a personal failing
• The dangers of isolation and why connection (even small talk!) is crucial for healing
• How trauma bonds can become unhealthy, especially when power tactics or manipulation are involved
• The difference between healthy interdependence and overdependence
• Practical steps to build a support network and plan for safety if you need to leave a harmful relationship
• Why not all trauma bonding is negative, connection with people who truly understand you can be healing
• The importance of diversity in your support system and taking time to build trust

This episode is full of compassionate, practical advice for recognising trauma bonds, protecting yourself, and moving towards relationships that lift you up.

• Watch the video of this episode at the blog: https://jodiaman.com/blog/trauma-bonding/
• Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel: @DoctorJodi
• Drama triangle Video: https://youtu.be/atekZLTQ0mY
• Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide: jodiaman.com/guide
• Redirect Positive Mindset Cards jodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
• EnCompass SEL Class Activity jodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
• Anxiety, I'm So Done with You! Book

Thank you so much for listening to Ask Dr. Jodi! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal!  

You’re listening to the Ask Dr. Jodi - Mental Health & Relationship Advice with Jodi Aman.

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Contact Doctor Jodi:

• Website: jodiaman.com

• TikTok: @doctorjodi

• YouTube: @doctorjodi

• Instagram: @doctorjodiaman

About Dr. Jodi: 

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.

You’ll discover that your brain is not broken...that, whatever you are feeling, it is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And we're here to help.

We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the information you need to heal, shift beliefs, get relief, set strong limits, let go, and act in a way that helps you and those you love FEEL BETTER.

I’m your host, Dr. Jodi. I've worked for 28 years as a psychotherapist, so I've seen and understood the nuances of human behavior and relationships from a rare perspective inside people’s minds and emotions. Together, we’ll discover how you are much  more  amazing than you think you are by building your confidence and accelerating your healing journey.

We livestream this show on YT every Monday at 8 PM E, @doctrojodi, so follow me there so you can participate in the conversation. We do live coaching on air, and you can get personalized advice for your situation. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain practical tips, and hear from relatable guests who will show you how to get rid of worry, strengthen your emotional bandwidth, and create a happy, purposeful life.