by Laura Caruso
Where modern psychology meets real-life conversations on love, self-worth, and personal growth. Every week, psychotherapist and relationship expert, Laura Caruso, answers questions about life and love that most of us wonder but are too afraid to ask.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/9/2025
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April 17, 2025
<p>In this episode of Safe Space, we unpack the emotional weight and timing of saying “I love you” in a relationship. Why does this simple phrase trigger so much anxiety? And how do we know when we actually mean it—versus when we’re swept up in infatuation or fear of losing someone?</p><p>Through the lens of attachment theory, emotional intelligence, and relationship pacing, we explore why some people rush to say “I love you” while others hold back, and how that choice can shape the emotional trajectory of a relationship.</p><p>Listeners will gain insight into how to discern between genuine emotional connection and fleeting intensity, how to communicate love with clarity, and how to honor their own timeline—without giving into pressure or fear.</p><p>Whether you’ve said it too soon, too late, or are wondering if you should say it at all, this episode offers a mindful approach to one of the most powerful declarations in dating and love.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong><br>00:00 – 00:20 Introduction: The Power of 'I Love You'<br>00:20 – 00:53 The Anxiety of Saying It First<br>00:53 – 01:49 Love vs. Infatuation: How to Tell the Difference<br>01:49 – 03:30 Why We Rush (and What’s Driving That Urge)<br>03:30 – 04:46 Attachment Styles & Timing the Moment Right<br>04:46 – 05:30 Conclusion: Slowing Down to Build Real Connection</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Stay Connected:</strong><br>Have a question or topic you’d like to hear next? Submit it for a future episode!<br>Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and more: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauracaruso.therapy" target="_new" rel="noopener">@lauracaruso.therapy</a></p><p><br></p>
April 10, 2025
<p></p><p><strong>In this episode,</strong> we dive into the psychological and neurochemical patterns that fuel the chase in romantic relationships. Why do we feel more drawn to the unavailable? What role does our brain chemistry—particularly dopamine—play in our pursuit of connection?</p><p>We explore how the brain’s reward system reinforces attachment patterns, especially for those with insecure attachment or low self-worth. The conversation unpacks how fleeting romantic pursuits can become a cycle of seeking external validation, often rooted in fear of intimacy or self-sabotage.</p><p>Listeners will learn strategies for shifting their mindset, regulating emotional responses, and redefining what healthy connection looks like. By practicing mindful dating and exploring emotional triggers, we can begin to break toxic patterns and build genuine, lasting relationships.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong> </p><p>00:00 – 00:45 Understanding the Chase: The Role of Neurochemistry </p><p>00:45 – 02:29 The Brain’s Reward System & Attachment Styles </p><p>02:29 – 03:54 The Illusion of Effort & Fear of Intimacy </p><p>03:54 – 05:06 Self-Worth & the Trap of External Validation </p><p>05:06 – 06:33 Breaking the Cycle: Mindset Shifts & Emotional Regulation </p><p>06:33 – 07:09 Self-Sabotage & Fear of Commitment </p><p>07:09 – 08:30 Next Steps: Shifting Patterns & Defining Your Ideal Partner</p><p>This episode is a powerful reflection for anyone who finds themselves chasing love that feels just out of reach. Tune in to understand the deeper patterns at play—and how to change them.</p><p><strong>Stay Connected:</strong> Have a question or a topic you'd love explored? Submit it for a future episode! Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and more:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauracaruso.therapy"> <u>@lauracaruso.therapy</u></a></p>
March 27, 2025
<p>In this episode, Laura answers a listener’s question How can I support someone close who just escaped domestic violence? Leaving an abusive relationship is a complex, ongoing process that requires safety, patience, and deep understanding.</p><p>Laura explains the survival state many survivors experience, including hypervigilance, PTSD symptoms, and difficulties trusting others. She offers compassionate, practical advice on how to provide support, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety, respecting the survivor’s timeline, and avoiding judgment.</p><p>She also shares actionable steps to help survivors access resources, navigate therapy, and find emotional support through community and relational trauma groups. Laura discusses her personal experience as a survivor and how it shaped her journey into therapy and creating Safe Space.</p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong> </p><p><strong>00:00 - 00:45</strong> Introduction & Episode Overview </p><p><strong>00:45 - 02:00</strong> Understanding the Nervous System’s Response to Abuse </p><p><strong>02:00 - 03:30</strong> Why Safety Comes Before Healing </p><p><strong>03:30 - 05:00</strong> Respecting Their Timeline & Decisions </p><p><strong>05:00 - 06:30</strong> How to Offer Emotional & Practical Support </p><p><strong>06:30 - 08:00</strong> Navigating Therapy & Mental Health Resources </p><p><strong>08:00 - 09:30</strong> The Power of Support Groups & Community Healing </p><p><strong>09:30 - 11:00</strong> Laura’s Personal Journey & Why Safe Space Exists </p><p><strong>11:00 - 12:30</strong> Final Thoughts & Encouragement</p><p>Tune in for an important conversation on supporting survivors with compassion, patience, and actionable strategies.</p><p><strong>Stay Connected:</strong> Submit your questions for future episodes. Join Laura’s Safe Space broadcast channel on Instagram for the exclusive submission link every Sunday night. <strong>Follow Laura on Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauracaruso.therapy/"><strong>@lauracaruso.therapy</strong></a>.</p>
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