Why do the same relationship patterns keep showing up in our lives?

Why do we struggle with people-pleasing, over-functioning, emotional reactivity, difficulty trusting others, or constantly managing everyone else's emotions?

In this powerful episode of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with renowned psychologist, author, and trauma expert Dr. Tian Dayton to explore how childhood trauma, addiction in the family system, and early survival strategies continue to shape our adult lives and relationships.

Dr. Dayton shares insights from her newest book, Growing Up With Addiction, and explains how many of the behaviors that helped us survive difficult childhood environments can become obstacles to healing later in life.

Topics discussed include:

• Childhood trauma and relational trauma
• Adult Children of Addiction (ACA/ACOA)
• Why the same relationship patterns keep repeating
• Codependency and hypervigilance
• Emotional sobriety and nervous system regulation
• Process addictions and self-medicating pain
• Triggers as teachers
• Psychodrama and trauma recovery
• Healing through connection and self-awareness

One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation:

"You can't think yourself better."

Trauma is carried not only in the mind, but also in the body, nervous system, and relationships. True healing requires more than understanding—it requires connection, experience, and recovery.

Whether you're navigating childhood wounds, addiction in your family history, relationship struggles, or your own recovery journey, this episode offers hope, insight, and practical wisdom for healing.

Subscribe for more conversations on trauma, recovery, mental health, resilience, and healing.

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Learn more about Dr. Tian Dayton:
Instagram: @tiandaytonphd
YouTube: @tiandayton6150
Website: https://relationaltraumarepair.com

#TraumaMeetsRecovery #TianDayton #ChildhoodTrauma #TraumaHealing #RecoveryJourney