Codependent Doctor 41: When they Stop Talking: The Emotional Toll of the Silent Treatment
In this episode, I explore the silent treatment—why it’s used, how it hurts, and how to recognize it as emotional withdrawal, not healthy conflict resolution.
We cover:
- How the silent treatment triggers shame, anxiety, and confusion
- Why some people use it (control, immaturity, learned behavior)
- The lasting damage it causes in relationships
I share personal stories and offer tools to:
- Set boundaries
- Recognize your worth
- Reflect on your own conflict patterns
Silence shouldn’t be used as a weapon. Healthier communication is possible.
This episode includes a paid partnership with BetterHelp. Click this link, betterhelp.com/drdowney, to get 10% off your first month.
📗 My Books: Enough as I Am (codependency recovery) Enough as I Grow (365 day guide journal). Affiliate disclosure: I am an affiliate parner with Amazon and therefore receive a commission at no cost to you.
📙My Favorite books:
Daring Greatly by Brenee Brown, It Begins With You by Jillian Turecki, Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin.
Affiliate disclosure: I am an affiliate parner with Amazon and therefore receive a commission at no cost to you.
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Email: codependentdoctor@gmail.com
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🎵 Music: Touching The Air by Graceful Movement