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 16 - “Breaking Free from Fear: How to Stop Letting It Run Your Life and Ruin Your Relationships”

Fear is one of the most powerful forces shaping our choices, our relationships, and the way we show up in the world. In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Joy dive deep into the psychology of fear, how it hides beneath the surface of our nervous system, how it gets wired in early experiences, and how it quietly dictates our patterns in love, conflict, and connection. 

Fear often masquerades as self-protection. It convinces us to shut down instead of lean in, to control instead of trust, to react instead of respond. Left unchecked, fear doesn’t just cause anxiety, it erodes intimacy, sabotages our communication, and keeps us locked in cycles that feel impossible to break. Drawing on nearly two decades of attachment science and relational psychology, Dr. Sarah explains how fear is tied to our nervous system’s survival responses and why “pushing through it” rarely works for long. 

But this conversation goes beyond science. Raina and Dr. Sarah also explore the deeper spiritual dimensions of fear, bringing their strong Christian faith into the dialogue. They reference scriptures like “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7), highlighting how God’s design for us is rooted not in bondage to fear but in freedom, love, and courage. Together, they weave psychology and spirituality into a holistic understanding of why fear shows up, and how we can begin to release it. 

Most importantly, this episode doesn’t just name the problem, it offers a path forward. Dr. Sarah and Raina share practical steps for loosening fear’s grip on your life, from nervous system capacity-building strategies, to reorienting your mindset, to leaning into the promises of God. You’ll learn how to recognize when fear is running your decisions, how to cultivate safety within yourself, and how to start showing up in relationships with greater faith, confidence, and emotional resilience. 

If fear has been dictating your choices, your relationships, or your sense of self-worth, this episode is an invitation to step into a different story, one of courage, clarity, and connection.

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. 

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Disclaimer: 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.

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