Navigating the Fine Line Between Positivity and Toxic Positivity

This chapter explores the notion of toxic positivity, differentiating it from authentic positivity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing genuine emotions and validating feelings during moments of distress, rather than offering superficial reassurances.

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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/

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