Are you wondering whether your current relationship is built on true love or if you're stuck in a trauma bond? It's a question that plagues many of us. This episode dives deep into this common dilemma, helping you navigate the complexities of love.

Often, the struggle arises when you've invested a significant amount of time, money, and emotion into a relationship, yet something feels amiss. You oscillate between moments of happiness and despair, unsure if the ups and downs are part of a healthy love or a result of a trauma bond.

Let's break it down:

Attachment Styles: From birth, humans form attachments for survival, but not all are healthy. Trauma bonds stem from insecure attachments, where you change yourself to feel safe. True love, on the other hand, thrives on unconditional acceptance and safety. You are worthy just as you are, without needing to meet conditions.

Love or Need: In trauma bonds, love often becomes a means to fulfill your emotional needs, leading to tests and constant vigilance. Mature love emanates from a genuine feeling for your partner, not as a response to your own insecurities.

Hypervigilance: Trauma-bonded individuals are hyper-aware of their partner's actions, while those in mature love have a healthier balance, noticing disrespect but not obsessing over it.

Liberation or Control: Trauma bonds often lead to feeling controlled and suppressed, as you mold yourself to please your partner. In mature love, you're liberated and free to express yourself, communicate boundaries, and voice your needs.

Individuality vs. Unity: In a trauma bond, there's a constant push to merge into one unit, sacrificing your identity. Mature love embraces individuality and encourages growth outside the relationship, celebrating differences.

Reflect on these aspects and your own experiences. Are you expressing love selflessly, or is it a response to your emotional needs? Do you find yourself constantly testing your partner? How vigilant are you about your relationship? Do you feel liberated or controlled? And finally, does your relationship allow for individuality?

Understanding these distinctions can help you assess whether you're in true love or caught in a trauma bond. Remember, it's okay to seek support and guidance as you navigate this complex terrain.

You can find my on Instagram at @dr.sarahalsawy or www.healtraumabonding.com

Support the show

Welcome to Trauma Bonding to Secure Relationships with Dr Sarah — the podcast that helps ambitious individuals and couples heal trauma bonding and toxic relationship cycles to build secure attachments and loving healthy relationships.

Hosted by Dr Sarah, psychologist, relationship strategist, and founder of Heal Trauma Bonding and Relationship Success Lab, this show guides you through practical tools and deep insights on:

✅ Healing from trauma bonding, anxious attachment style, and codependency
✅ Building emotional resilience and secure attachment styles a
✅ Improving communication, empathy, and emotional intimacy
✅ Reclaiming your identity, boundaries, and self-worth
✅ Creating lasting relationship happiness and passion

Whether you're recovering from betrayal, navigating codependency, or simply ready to break free from the past, this podcast gives you the clarity, strength, and strategy to move forward

We hope you got massive value from this episode for your own healing and relationship progress.