Beyond the Noise: Empathy in the Midst of Tragedy — Dr. Hensley on Erika Kirk’s Journey

In this week’s episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley addresses the intense public scrutiny and speculation surrounding Erika Kirk following the tragic death of her husband, Charlie Kirk. Rather than engaging in political debate, Dr. Hensley centers the conversation on the human cost of grief lived in the public eye — the emotional toll of watching children struggle to understand the loss of their father, the burden of mourning while being scrutinized, and the cruelty of internet culture that often confuses speculation with truth.

Dr. Hensley also explores the broader cultural issue of conspiracy thinking and outrage-driven media, including accusations and narratives amplified for clicks — notably those promoted by figures such as Candace Owens. This episode is ultimately a call back to our shared humanity, reminding listeners that empathy should not be conditional upon political alignment. At its core, this conversation challenges us to pause, soften, and recognize that behind every headline is a grieving family still learning how to survive an unimaginable loss.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

Episode 30: The Pain of the Anxious Preoccupied

In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley takes listeners inside the inner world of the Anxious Preoccupied attachment style—an attachment style marked by a profound longing and need for love, reassurance, and an almost constant subconscious fear of being left. At the core of the anxious preoccupied is the wound of abandonment. Dr. Hensley explains how individuals with this attachment style often grow up receiving intermittent reinforcement of love—care that is inconsistent, unpredictable, and emotionally unreliable. The brain adapts by becoming overly attuned to signs of connection or disconnection, wiring the nervous system for anxiety, rumination, and emotional pain when the closeness to the one they love feels threatened. This early conditioning is why many anxious preoccupied individuals later experience love as addictive, consuming, and essential for emotional survival rather than a place of co-regulation.

Dr. Hensley goes on to unpack how this attachment style often expresses itself through chronic people-pleasing and self-abandonment. In an effort to prevent loss, anxious preoccupied individuals frequently minimize their own needs, over-function in relationships, and prioritize others’ comfort at the expense of their own emotional well-being. Drawing from attachment research, neuroscience, and clinical insight, this episode explores how the nervous system equates separation with danger—and why even subtle relational cues can trigger intense distress. Most importantly, Dr. Hensley offers validation and hope, emphasizing that this pain is not a character flaw, but an adaptive response to early relational wounds—and that with awareness, nervous system healing, and earned security, the anxious preoccupied can learn to experience love without losing themselves in the process.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

Episode 29, Season II: "Navigating Autism with Dr. Theresa Lyons" 

Dr. Sarah Hensley and Raina Butcher sit down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, Yale-trained scientist, medical strategist, and autism parent, to explore what truly happens after an autism diagnosis. This conversation speaks directly to the shock, grief, confusion, and information overload so many parents experience.

Dr. Lyons is the creator of the Navigating Autism (Navigating AWEtism) platform and YouTube channel, built to help families move beyond “wait and see” and into empowered, research-informed decision-making. Together, they unpack how autism is currently diagnosed, why the process can feel overwhelming and fragmented, and how parents can begin to make sense of the science without losing themselves in it. What makes this episode especially powerful is its balance of research and humanity. Dr. Lyons shares how diving deeply into the scientific literature helped her shift from fear to strategy—exploring areas such as the gut-immune-brain connection, sensory regulation, sleep, and emerging interventions being studied in the autism space.

At the center of the conversation is the nervous system of the parent and the family system as a whole, with Dr. Hensley and Dr. Lyons openly acknowledging the emotional toll autism can take on marriages, identity, and mental health, while offering reassurance that parents deserve support, clarity, and hope—not just for their child, but for themselves. This episode is a grounded, compassionate guide for families navigating autism with both science and soul.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 28, Season II: “Running on Empty: Understanding Emotional Burnout, Allostatic Load & The High Cost of Carrying Too Much”

In this deeply validating and eye-opening episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and Raina Butcher tackle an issue that is quietly suffocating millions of people; emotional burnout. They break down why so many individuals, especially women, are reaching a breaking point.

Dr. Hensley introduces listeners to the scientific concept of allostatic load, the cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by chronic emotional stress. Whether you’re navigating overwhelming responsibilities at work, carrying the mental load of a household, juggling the emotional needs of children, or fighting for connection in an insecurely attached relationship, the body registers every single demand. And eventually, it keeps the score.

Dr. Hensley dives into the physiological reality of what happens when the emotional gas tank runs dry. She explains how constant stress dysregulates hormone production—particularly cortisol, adrenaline, and estrogen-progesterone balance—leading to symptoms like brain fog, irritability, emotional numbness, sleep disruption, inflammation, lowered immunity, hair loss, weight fluctuations, and difficulty accessing joy. Raina shares her own experiences with emotional overload, offering listeners a relatable window into what it feels like when your body quietly whispers… then suddenly screams… that enough is enough.

Together, they illuminate how burnout is not a personal failure but a biological response to chronic, unrelenting demand. But this conversation isn’t just about naming the problem—it’s about offering a path forward. Dr. Hensley teaches listeners how to increase their emotional capacity by building a bigger “gas tank,” strengthening the nervous system through consistent, intentional regulation practices, realistic boundaries, appropriate rest cycles, and emotional processing skills. She reminds listeners that while humans are adaptable, we were never designed to live in perpetual survival mode. Our nervous systems were built for presence, connection, slowness, joy, and manageable stress—not the endless mental gymnastics required of modern life.

This episode is heartfelt, honest, and profoundly hopeful, offering not just insight but compassion for everyone walking through the heaviness of emotional depletion.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 27, Season II: "Your Questions Answered from The Love Doc Facebook Clients & Community”

In this special Q&A edition of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley returns to the heart of her community—the Love Doc Clients & Community Facebook group—to answer your most pressing, vulnerable, and deeply human questions. Every month, you submit honest reflections about your relationships, your attachment patterns, your pain points, and your breakthroughs… and Episode 27 is dedicated entirely to responding to the topics you care about most.

Inside this episode, Dr. Hensley explores a wide range of themes pulled directly from your submissions. From navigating partners who shut down emotionally, to learning how to regulate your nervous system during conflict, to understanding why certain attachment patterns keep repeating even when you know better—this conversation is grounded in psychology, compassion, and real-life relational experience.

If you’ve ever thought, “Someone else has to be going through this… right?”—this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. The questions come from real people inside the Love Doc community, and every answer is meant to support you in building healthier, more secure connections.

If you aren’t yet part of the free, private Love Doc Clients & Community Facebook group, now is the perfect time to join. It’s a supportive, attachment informed space where you can ask questions anonymously, connect with others on a similar healing path, and receive guidance rooted in science and compassion. ➡️ Join the group here. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FV8YUfrfG/

Every month moving forward, Dr. Hensley will continue pulling from your submissions to feature your biggest questions on the podcast—because your growth, your clarity, and your healing matter here.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 26, Season II: “Inside the Pain of the Fearful Avoidant”

This episode takes listeners into the complex and often misunderstood inner world of the Fearful Avoidant, and this conversation is especially powerful because both Dr. Hensley and Raina share openly from their own lived experiences as former FA’s. This episode blends psychology, attachment science, and deeply personal storytelling as the hosts break down why the Fearful Avoidant carries some of the most profoun, and most painful emotional wounds out of all the attachment styles. 

Together, they explore how the FA’s lifelong push-pull pattern begins in childhood, where one or both caregivers were emotionally inconsistent, unpredictable, or unavailable. Many Fearful Avoidants grew up in homes where they had no idea which version of their caregiver they would get on any given day—loving and attentive, or distant, overwhelmed, unstable, or even frightening. This led the FA child to live in a constant state of hypervigilance, subconsciously scanning the environment for emotional danger. At a very young age, they began asking a silent but devastating question:
“If the people who are supposed to love me can’t show up for me consistently… who ever will?” 

Dr. Hensley digs into why this early inconsistency wires the FA nervous system for contradiction: craving closeness while bracing for pain, longing for love while fearing it may not be real or safe. The episode highlights how this attachment style becomes the most emotionally aware—attuned to every shift, every tone, every expression—yet often feels the least emotionally secure. That heightened awareness becomes both their superpower and their deepest source of suffering.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Hensley and Raina reflect on their former FA behaviors. These stories help listeners feel seen, understood, and far less alone. The episode also unpacks how emotional pain lands differently for the Fearful Avoidant—often as intense overwhelm that triggers shutting down, lashing out, or pushing away the very person they love. Yet behind these behaviors lies a person with deep emotional intelligence who never learned consistent emotional safety.

By the end of the episode, listeners gain a compassionate and clear understanding of why the Fearful Avoidant is both deeply sensitive and deeply guarded, highly intuitive yet profoundly unsure of their own worthiness, and why healing requires a blend of emotional safety, self-awareness, and stability. This episode offers a rare blend of science and lived experience that will give every fearful avoidant, or the partner of a fearful avoidant, a deeper sense of understnading and compassion for this attachment style.  

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. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 25, Season II: "Plant-Based Interventions for PTSD & CPTSD"

In this episode, Dr. Hensley dives into the rapidly growing field of plant-based trauma interventions and what current research is beginning to reveal about their potential to support healing from PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). She begins by breaking down the key differences between PTSD — which often develops from a single traumatic event — and CPTSD, which develops from long-term emotional, relational, or developmental trauma. Dr. Hensley also highlights the strong correlation between CPTSD and Fearful Avoidant attachment, explaining how chronic trauma impacts the nervous system’s capacity for closeness, trust, and emotional stability.

Drawing from her background as a researcher and scientist, Dr. Hensley brings her signature ability to translate complex research into clear, digestible insight. She examines emerging studies exploring cannabis as a trauma-informed intervention, including how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system and why certain compounds may support emotional regulation, memory reconsolidation, and nervous system downregulation in trauma recovery. She discusses what the evidence suggests, what remains inconclusive, and what to consider when exploring cannabis in a therapeutic context rather than recreational use.

The episode then shifts into the evolving research surrounding psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. While Dr. Hensley has not personally conducted research in either of these areas, she has deeply analyzed the current scientific literature, offering a balanced and grounded perspective on what early clinical trials are demonstrating — particularly regarding emotional processing, neural flexibility, self-compassion, and the ability to access emotions that may otherwise be suppressed. 

This conversation is not about endorsement, persuasion, or advocating a particular treatment — but rather education, curiosity, and informed awareness. The research in this field is still developing, but it is undeniably promising for the future of trauma recovery and attachment repair.

Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychiatric, or clinical treatment advice. Always consult with a licensed medical or mental health professional before beginning, changing, or stopping any treatment or intervention.

Legal Notice:
The legal status of cannabis, psilocybin, and other plant-based or psychedelic substances varies widely by state, country, and jurisdiction. The discussion in this episode does not endorse or encourage the use, purchase, or distribution of any substance that is illegal where you live. Listeners are responsible for understanding and complying with all local, state, and federal laws before making any decisions regarding these interventions.

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. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 24, Season II: The Science Behind Healing

In this follow-up to last week’s deeply personal episode with her dear friend Ashley, Dr. Sarah Hensley takes listeners on a profound exploration into the science behind healing — continuing the conversation that began with her story of faith.

While her previous episode centered on her personal healing journey through Christ, this week Dr. Hensley expands on how faith and science beautifully intertwine — because, as she believes, faith is the very foundation of science itself.

This episode speaks directly to those who want to understand the scientific how — the psychological and neurological processes that underlie emotional healing. Dr. Hensley unpacks the science of the brain, emotional regulation, and the rewiring of neural pathways that allow us to create new, healthier responses to emotional pain, conflict, and relational distress.

She emphasizes that knowledge alone isn’t power — it’s the application of knowledge through capacity building that truly transforms us. Healing, she explains, happens when we move from intellectual understanding into embodied emotional processing.

In classic “Love Doc” fashion, Dr. Hensley cuts through the noise of overcomplicated therapeutic frameworks by focusing on simplicity and mastery. She reveals how her own programs are built around just two core emotional skills — the essential foundations needed to effectively process emotions and build true relational resilience.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Hensley gives credit to the pioneering scientists and psychologists whose decades of research paved the way for her work. She honors their contributions while also highlighting where she found critical gaps in the existing research — gaps that inspired her to develop her own trademarked emotional processing framework.

By the end of this episode, listeners will understand not just what emotional healing is, but how it happens — from a neurological, psychological, and practical standpoint. If you’ve ever wanted to grasp the real, science-backed process behind transformation — and learn the same tools Dr. Hensley teaches her clients every day inside her practice — this episode is a must-listen.

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. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.

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 23 | Season II “The Wisest Person Dr. Hensley Has Ever Met”

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley introduces listeners to someone who has been quietly woven into the fabric of her story for many years—her dear friend Ashley Endenstrom. If you’ve been a loyal listener, you’ve likely heard Dr. Hensley mention Ashley many times, often referring to her as the vessel that led her to seek a relationship with Jesus.

The episode begins with Ashley courageously sharing her personal testimony—one shaped by heartbreak, unwavering faith, and profound redemption. From the pain of failed relationships to being told she would never bear children, and even the devastating loss of a child, Ashley’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Today, she is the proud and joy-filled mother of five healthy children, all conceived naturally. Her journey is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of faith.

As the conversation unfolds, Dr. Hensley opens up about the pivotal season in her life when God placed Ashley in her path. It was a time marked by unimaginable pain: the loss of her ex-husband, navigating grief with her children, her mother’s cancer diagnosis, a turbulent relationship with a dismissive avoidant partner, and even a painful fracture in her friendship with Raina. Through Ashley’s steadfast faith and presence, God worked powerfully—restoring, healing, and holding space for Sarah in ways that would change her life forever.

Throughout the episode, Ashley offers multiple Bible verses that beautifully reflect the unwavering love and grace of Christ, weaving scripture into real-life moments of redemption and resilience. Dr. Hensley also reflects on the many pieces of wisdom Ashley has poured into her life over the years—what she lovingly calls “Ashleyisms.” These are the heartfelt phrases, profound one-liners, and gentle truths that have anchored Sarah in some of her most difficult seasons. Many of these sayings have become personal touchstones for Dr. Hensley, quietly shaping her faith, her healing, and the way she shows up in her practice and in her life.

Listeners will hear all three women's personal faith journeys and how they have grown and deepened over the years—and how their relationship with Christ has enriched every part of their lives.

Important Note: This episode is deeply Christian-based and speaks openly and candidly about faith in Jesus Christ. Both Raina and Dr. Hensley believe in creating an inclusive space for everyone while honoring their personal spiritual journeys. If this message doesn’t align with your beliefs, feel free to skip this episode with love and respect.

For those who are seeking a closer connection with God—or are simply curious about what that might look like—this episode offers a heartfelt invitation to experience Christ’s love. Ashley’s gentle wisdom, combined with Dr. Hensley and Raina’s shared reflections, create a deeply intimate conversation about faith, healing, and divine love.

The central message of this episode is beautifully simple yet profoundly true: God is Love.
And if you are searching for more in your life—more peace, more meaning, more connection, more healing—our hope is that you’ll open your heart to the possibility of that love.

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. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Links to books referenced in episode: 

"Experiencing God" -- https://a.co/d/buOZbDD

"The Inner Voice of Love" -- https://a.co/d/gOhSRJ1

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.

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.

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 22, Season II — “When the Spark Fades: Healing Sex, Shame, and Connection After Kids”

In this powerful and deeply intimate episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley sits down with licensed couples and sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, author of the newly released book "A Guide to Great Sex After Kids," to talk about one of the most quietly painful topics many couples face—what happens to intimacy after children. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real, research-backed struggles couples encounter as they try to reconnect sexually amid exhaustion, identity shifts, and the invisible weight of modern parenting.

Dr. Eudy, like Dr. Hensley, draws on attachment science to explain how emotional safety is the foundation of erotic safety. When partners feel unseen, unvalidated, or emotionally disconnected, the body interprets closeness as pressure rather than pleasure. Dr. Eudy and the host discuss how postpartum changes, stress, and shifting roles can quietly activate old attachment wounds—anxious partners fearing rejection, avoidant partners withdrawing under the weight of expectation—and how rebuilding emotional intimacy often becomes the key to reviving sexual desire.

They also dive head-on into the topic of sexual shame, a quiet force that can fracture even the strongest partnerships. Dr. Eudy beautifully normalizes that nearly everyone carries some form of sexual trauma—whether from past relationships, body image conditioning, or religious and cultural scripts—and she reminds listeners that this doesn’t make anyone broken. Instead, she frames it as an invitation to heal. Through gentle language and tangible examples, she shows how curiosity, self-compassion, and vulnerability can transform shame into connection.

Another core theme of the episode is self-exploration—both emotional and physical. Dr. Eudy highlights the importance of learning your own body again after children, reclaiming desire through self-pleasure, and maintaining openness about what truly feels good. Masturbation, body awareness, and honest communication aren’t just acts of indulgence, she explains—they’re pathways back to self-ownership and authenticity, the very things that sustain long-term intimacy.

By the end of the episode, Dr. Hensley and Dr. Eudy remind listeners that great sex isn’t just about chemistry or technique; it’s about the emotional and relational ecosystem in which that intimacy lives. When couples learn to meet one another’s emotional needs, regulate their nervous systems, and release the weight of shame, they don’t just revive their sex lives—they rediscover safety, joy, and connection in every corner of their relationship. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered where their spark went—and who’s ready to bring it back, with compassion, science, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Please checkout Dr. Rebecca Eudy and her newly released book at:Rebeccaeudy.com
Instagram @rebeccahowardeudy.com
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Love-Guide-Great-After/dp/1683738551

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. 

Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcast

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coaching

Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/courses

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

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.

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.