In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the profound impact of unsafe home environments, detailing how childhood trauma forces kids to trade their early years for survival. He introduces the concept of the survival exchange, moving beyond simple symptom management to focus on the deep rooted hypervigilance that develops when growing up around chaos, neglect, or emotional abuse. The episode begins by unpacking a complex dynamic: the development of a highly sensitive radar system in place o...
Apr 06, 2026•15 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, dives into the complex world of intuition and safety: how childhood trauma can break our internal radar and how to tell the difference between a safe person and an unsafe one. He introduces a framework centered on Authenticity , moving beyond simple checklists of red flags to focus on the gut-level ick that signals when a person’s public performance doesn't match their private motives. The episode begins with a nuanced workplace hypothetical: a new coworker ...
Mar 29, 2026•28 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores a difficult and personal topic: how abusive family dynamics can scale into larger systems, and what happens when legal authority functions like an abusive parent. He introduces a framework he calls the Abusive Parent State , using trauma pattern recognition to connect family systems language to collective trauma. Rather than staying inside the usual home-based roles, Patrick widens the lens to examine how gaslighting, enforcer dynamics, and discard ...
Mar 02, 2026•38 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Patrick, explores why memories of school bullies can still feel visceral years later, even after you have done a lot of healing work. Using a poll with over 2,000 participants, Patrick breaks down the different ways bullying can stick in the nervous system, from occasional intense flashbacks to lingering resentment and revenge fantasies. Rather than treating bullying as a standalone issue, Patrick connects it to childhood trauma and family systems. He explains how bullies often ...
Feb 25, 2026•34 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the baseline feeling of being “in trouble”, that constant sense that someone is mad at you, you did something wrong, or you are about to be shamed. He breaks down why this internal alarm is so common in childhood trauma and how it can follow people into adulthood through imposter syndrome, anxiety dreams, and chronic hypervigilance. Rather than treating it like a personality flaw, Patrick connects the “in trouble” feeling to shame-based family syste...
Feb 11, 2026•20 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Patrick shares a personal story about what it can look like when long-held trauma responses begin to loosen after years of recovery work and how flashbacks can shift into quieter moments of recognition instead of distress. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Patrick connects the body-level experience of trauma anniversaries, shame attacks, and emotional flashbacks to the family system that created them, including emotionally immature parenting, addiction, domestic violence, ...
Feb 04, 2026•30 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores nine rarely named but deeply damaging family dynamics that quietly shape childhood trauma and follow people into adulthood. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Patrick breaks down the dysfunctional family systems behind them—the unspoken rules, emotional roles, and survival patterns that distort self-worth, boundaries, and relationships. As a follow-up to 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues , this episode examines how growing up in emotion...
Jan 16, 2026•34 min•Season 2Ep. 17
This episode explores how childhood trauma and emotionally unsafe parenting can cause us to lose touch with our original personality, the self we were born with before survival, compliance, and shame took over. Through personal stories and clinical insight, Patrick explains how emotionally immature or abusive parents distort a child’s sense of self by mislabeling innate traits as problems. Poor emotional mirroring, lack of goodness of fit, and pressure to comply can force a child’s spark undergr...
Jan 05, 2026•28 min•Season 2Ep. 16
This episode tells the story of Thomas, a survivor who went no contact with his abusive father after a public meltdown at his wedding, and how the world around him quietly blames him for the relationship he didn’t break. From well-meaning coworkers saying “all families have stuff,” to relatives insisting “you’ll have to let it go,” Patrick explores why the burden to forgive and reconnect so often falls on the person who was hurt, not the person who caused the harm. Learn how survivors like Thoma...
Nov 17, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 15
This episode explores how growing up with a toxic or emotionally unavailable mother can shape a daughter’s sense of worth, identity, and boundaries, and how to finally break free. Rather than focusing on blame, Patrick unpacks the lasting emotional damage that daughters carry into adulthood and the path toward self-trust and emotional independence. Learn why patterns like people-pleasing, guilt, and over-responsibility aren’t flaws, they’re survival strategies that once kept you safe. Through st...
Oct 24, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This episode explores how growing up with a narcissistic or emotionally immature parent can distort your perception of yourself, others, and your worth, and how to reclaim it. Instead of fixating on the parent, we look at the damage that lingers and the path to undo it. Learn why triggers around work, relationships, and self-doubt aren’t personality flaws—they're leftover survival responses from childhood. Patrick shares vulnerable personal stories about being cast as “the dumb one” and how thos...
Oct 15, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 13
This episode dives into the ways childhood trauma shows up in daily triggers—and how to break free from them faster. Learn how your past shapes present reactions and discover practical tools to release the emotional charge that keeps you stuck. Topics include: Understanding how triggers connect past and present Four actionable tools for regulating emotional triggers Healing practices for body and mind Reclaiming your time, energy, and creativity from trauma Join us for an empowering conversation...
Sep 22, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 12
This episode explores the ways childhood trauma survivors often feel left out in friendships and social situations, and how those early family patterns show up in adult connections. Topics include: Struggling to “jump in” during conversations Starting friendships but pulling away quickly Feeling “too much” or too intense for others How family modeling shapes social shame Inner child work and dialoguing prompts for healing Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation on finding belonging and...
Sep 15, 2025•15 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, Patrick sits down with Dr. Ingrid Clayton to unpack fawning, the often-missed, deeply relational trauma response: why “people-pleasing” isn’t what it seems, how power dynamics shape it, and first steps toward taking up space—without turning into someone you’re not. Order your copy of Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find Our Way Back today! ORDER HERE Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership...
Sep 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 10
This episode explores in-depth how emotionally immature or abusive mothers impact their sons long into adulthood. Keep an eye out for two more parts of this series! Topics include: Feeling triggered by other women - imaginary or real Different types of toxic mothers Replicating patterns from our childhood trauma Tips for healing and building healthy relationships Join us for an insightful conversation on healing and finding emotional balance. Keywords: Childhood trauma, toxic mother, relationshi...
Sep 08, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Toxic Fathers & The Daughters They Leave Behind I hope this episode was helpful and or thought provoking for you. Please like, follow or comment w/questions. For in depth journal prompts, subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of these episodes! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership...
Jul 16, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Why Your C-PTSD Isn't Getting Better Topics covered: sense of self, childhood trauma, DSO, CPTSD, PTSD, relationship problems, emotional triggers, psychology, assessment, measurable goals, journal prompts, childhood trauma, trauma response, attachment. In this episode I go over Disturbances in Self-Organization, a diagnostic criteria set that separates PTSD from C-PTSD. We can fine tune our healing efforts if we know which of the three DSO ideas affects our functioning the most. This episode als...
Jul 09, 2025•20 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode I cover the mental health personality of a Star Wars character C-3P0. Other Star Wars mental health mentions: K-2S0, gonk droid, Luke Skywalker, Andor, Mon Mothma, Empire Strikes Back, Luthen Rael, Dedra Meero, Syrill, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Palpatine, Han Solo, Narcissism, Covert Narcissist, codependency, Chewbacca, Emperor Palpatine, Princess Leia, Yoda, Boba Fett, Sith, Star Wars fans. The sound clips used in this episode are owned by Lucasfilm Ltd. and are part of the Star Wars ...
Jul 02, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Our biggest fear is that we’re failing our children somehow.” If you’re worried—because most parents are—this video will help you approach that fear with compassion and clarity. In this video, you’ll learn: Real-life “no-one-tells-you” parenting stressors, from biting toddlers to boundary-pushing tweens. How to spot and rethink your personal triggers by tracing them back to your own childhood. Practical “reset” tools: what to say to yourself (and your child) when you feel that hot-button reactio...
May 08, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Anxiety rarely shows up without a backstory. In this video, I’m diving deep into how childhood trauma — especially experiences rooted in neglect and abuse — can shape the anxiety many of us struggle with today. These issues often get labeled just as anxiety. We'll explore: 1️⃣ The root causes of anxiety tied to our past 2️⃣ How those early experiences can still affect us in the present I’ll walk you through a list of childhood trauma-related issues that might help you connect some important dots...
Apr 30, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 4
While this episode is directed at parents who are struggling to understand why their children have gone low or no contact, I think many of you—especially those who have lived through painful or invalidating family experiences—may find it deeply resonant. In it, I speak directly to estranged parents about: Seven of the most common blind spots I’ve seen in 15+ years of working with childhood trauma. Why insight without accountability is never enough. The disconnect between intention and impact. Wh...
Apr 07, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma, like neglect or toxic parenting, affects emotional security and shapes our relationships. We discuss how these early experiences can lead to insecurities, especially in romantic relationships and when receiving feedback. You’ll hear practical tips for healing, building trust in yourself, and improving emotional resilience. Topics include: How neglect or toxic parenting impacts emotional security How childhood insecurities show up in romantic rela...
Mar 21, 2025•55 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this season 2 opener, we look back at a pivotal childhood experience with "Slow Jack," my first client. This story goes beyond a simple interaction—it’s about the genuine moments I experienced as a child in an adult world. No clinical jargon—just real, personal stories of growing up with childhood trauma and the journey to healing. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership...
Jan 31, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, Orenda Fink opens up about her journey growing up in chaos with an alcoholic mother struggling with mental illness who self-identified as a practicing and often vindictive witch. As she navigates the trauma of her childhood, Orenda escapes to pursue music, forming bands like Little Red Rocket and Azure Ray. We explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the codependent other parent, the fine line between mental illness and the myth of magic, and the ongoing search for healin...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode, I discuss mental health, psychology, functioning, self-care, relationships, childhood trauma, substance abuse, emotional regulation, dysthymia, depression, anxiety, conflict, alcohol, growth, progress, sobriety, and men's mental health. I've given a broad overview about possible reasons for not having one's SH*T together. I related them to being in the context of childhood trauma, but they don't always have to be. These issues can also be in line with problems ranging from ADHD ...
Dec 30, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Today's episode covers where hidden shame comes from and to how to tackle it! Monthly Healing Community - Discount Code: INNERCHILD 3 Ways To Work With Toxic Shame - Part 2 - Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dnOzP29OWA&t=1037s 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULd-wnWjT4&t=1567s Toxic Shame and Childhood Trauma Course: https://membership.patrickteahantherapy.com/c/toxic-shame-and-childhood-trauma-webinar-e-course/ Join the Healing Comm...
Nov 18, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Today's episode covers being creatively stuck and how to tackle our stuckness. Monthly Healing Community - Discount Code: INNERCHILD Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership
Oct 24, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Today's episode covers five emotional developmental delays I often see and what we can do about them. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership
Sep 11, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Goodness and Power 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues (Chameleon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULd-wnWjT4 Is this your real personality? 5 Childhood Trauma Personalities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiGbgKICNEU 3 Ways To Work With Toxic Shame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKvtGwDZ78w Inner Child Work Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tOAzOD0sB3oe_mhsKT6GcVmB4w5GtZx Learn more about Patrick Teahan, Childhood Trauma Resources and Offerings https://linktr.ee/patrickt...
Aug 23, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Today's episode features the New York Times article on the topic of family estrangement, going no contact, TikTok trending and more. Read the article here - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/health/therapy-family-estrangement.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7E0.wkkS.W1t92q4DI9sW&smid=url-share Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership...
Jul 29, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 19
