ERP 458: How to Handle a Love Addiction Break-up — An Interview with Dr. Cortney Warren

Jan 7, 2025

56:33

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Breakups—few life events are as universally painful and disorienting. They can make even the strongest among us feel powerless, consumed by obsessive thoughts and emotions. When relationships feel addictive, their end can trigger a withdrawal-like experience, leaving us caught in a whirlwind of grief and longing. But how do we distinguish between healthy attachments and these addictive patterns? How can we navigate the heartache while reclaiming our sense of self and stability?

In this episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of love addiction and breakups, offering listeners tangible strategies to handle these challenges. Through enlightening conversations, we discuss how to recognize and manage obsessive post-breakup thoughts, differentiate between healthy and addictive relationship tendencies, and understand the underlying psychological mechanisms at play. By equipping listeners with cognitive and behavioral tools, the episode aims to provide a roadmap for moving forward, emphasizing personal growth and self-awareness as key components of healing.

Cortney is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2006 after completing her internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Cortney is an expert in eating pathology, addictions, self-deception, and cultural diversity in Psychology.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode

07:52 Identifying love addiction symptoms and who it affects.

10:50 The process of breaking free from addictive relationships.

14:40 Differentiating between healthy attachment and love addiction.

17:21 The reality of relationship phases and their emotional impact.

20:28 How breakups can trigger obsessive focus on ex-partners.

24:52 Recognizing love addiction in high-functioning individuals.

28:37 How early childhood influences love addiction patterns.

33:07 Dr. Warren’s personal journey toward relationship health.

35:26 How therapy and self-awareness help overcome relationship dysfunctions.

40:45 The concept of love as a necessary human experience.