153: Trauma Bonds: The Ruby & Kevin Franke Story

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Are you stuck in a toxic relationship but can’t quite understand why? You may be caught in a trauma bond—a deeply ingrained psychological attachment that keeps people trapped in unhealthy dynamics. In this episode, I break down what trauma bonds are, why they form, and how they create cycles of emotional dependency. I also explore real-life examples, including the shocking story of Ruby and Kevin Franke, to illustrate how manipulative tactics can keep victims loyal to their abusers.

If you’ve ever felt torn between love and pain in a relationship, this episode is for you. Let’s break the cycle together.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What a trauma bond is and how it forms
• The role of intermittent reinforcement in keeping victims hooked
• Psychological effects of trauma bonds, including anxiety and addiction-like behaviors
• How abusers shift the rules over time to create confusion and dependency
• Why victims often struggle to leave, even when the abuse is obvious
• A real-world example from Ruby, Kevin & Shari Franke that highlights the impact of trauma bonding
• Steps to recognize and break free from a trauma bond

Challenge for the Week:

Reflect on your relationships—past or present. Have you ever felt stuck in a dynamic where love was used as a reward and withheld as a punishment? Journal about any patterns you’ve noticed and what steps you can take to prioritize your well-being.

Work With Me:

If you’re struggling to break free from a trauma bond or need support navigating emotional healing, I’m here to help. My coaching programs are designed to empower empaths and highly sensitive people to reclaim their self-worth and set healthy boundaries. Book a session today!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe:

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes filled with insights, tools, and real-life stories to help you thrive. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review—it helps others find this content too!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 Shari Franke’s book on her family’s experience: https://amzn.to/4c6ykTF

🔗 Book a free consultation call: https://calendly.com/maryannwalkerlife/freeconsult

Should I Stay or Should I Go Guided Journal:
https://maryannwalker-life.kit.com/products/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go-journal

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