Healing from Complex Trauma

This chapter explores the often-overlooked concept of complex trauma and its effects on relationships and self-perception. The speaker shares their personal journey as a survivor, redefining behaviors like codependency as survival adaptations shaped by dysfunctional environments. Emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with one's body and emotions, the discussion highlights therapeutic approaches to navigate relational challenges and establish healthy boundaries.

Transcript

chevron_right

Play full episode

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

Why do we keep ending up in toxic relationships — even when we know better?

⁠Buy the book Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves--and How to Find Our Way Back ⁠

In this powerful conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with psychologist and trauma therapist Dr. Ingrid Clayton to explore the hidden reason behind this pattern: the fawning trauma response.

Ingrid shares how complex trauma rewires the nervous system, why simply “setting boundaries” often doesn’t work, and how shame keeps us stuck in cycles of people-pleasing. Together, they unpack the science of safety, what it really takes to break free, and why healing is less about quick tips and more about reconnecting with yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered why saying “no” feels impossible — or why you’re drawn to the very relationships that hurt you — this episode will change how you see yourself and your story.

Connect with Ingrid

BOOK:  FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves--and How to Find Our Way Back 
INSTAGRAM AND YOUTUBE:
https://www.instagram.com/ingridclaytonphd/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PvWTgJMirURfgHWj3h28g

WEBSITE: https://www.ingridclayton.com/

Discount code

"KWAME" gives 30% discount over 3 months

TL;DR what is folk?

folk is a CRM, and extension, that helps businesses build

real relationships and close deals.

Why is folk better?

folk is simple, integrated, and proactive to use.

folk’s value proposition?

folk CRM does the busy work for you, so you can focus on

growing your service business.