For Love We Heal Podcast
If you are struggling with constant doubt and anxiety about whether you are in the right relationship, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place! In this podcast, we delve into the complexities of Relationship OCD (ROCD), a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, chronic doubt, reassurance-seeking, rumination, and intense anxiety and avoidance that show up in our romantic relationships.I'll help you explore and understand the deeper roots of your Relationship OCD (ROCD), and ultimately, how to heal it. We will discuss topics like fear of making the wrong choice, fear of making mistakes, lack...
E38: Feeling Trapped, Suffocated and Fearing Losing Yourself with Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Do you feel the urge to pull away when your partner gets closer because you feel suffocated, trapped, or fear losing yourself? If so, listen to today's episode where we break down the common reasons why we feel this way, where it comes from, and how to be at peace in the relationship without feeling like you need to escape.
Join my new Relationship OCD (ROCD) Course & Community! Only $37 per month!
https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? B...
E37: Relationship OCD (ROCD) Partners Guide
Are you the partner of someone struggling with Relationship OCD (ROCD)? If so, this episode is going to help you make sense of what your partner is going through and how you can be of support to them and yourself. While incredibly hard, working through these challenges together can be an incredible gift. This episode will walk you through how to navigate your way forward together in this relationship consciously and how to survive the tough times.
Join my new ROCD Course & Community! Only $37 per month
https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850...
Lack of Attraction, Disgust & Feeling Repulsed (EXPLAINED): Relationship OCD
Do you struggle with attraction issues in your relationship? Do you ever look at your partner and feel disgusted? Do you worry that this is a sign that you are in the wrong relationship? Or if you were with someone more attractive, you'd be happier? In this episode, Grace and I reveal exactly why you are struggling to find your partner attractive, why you obsess about it, and what to actually do about it. We share why attraction issues aren't a deal breaker, and that you aren't even seeing your partner accurately due to the fear, shame, and insecurities...
E35: Am I Wasting My Time? Am I Missing Out? Fear of Regret, Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships, Relationship OCD (ROCD)
I'm away on vacation, so posting the raw version of this episode without my usual intro or edits. The title says it all, and overall, it was a lovely conversation that I hope you enjoy and find helpful. :)
Join my new Course & Community!
https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Free Discovery Call to find out more about how we can help!- https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Questions? Email me - ...
E34: Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Imagery Protocol (Without Music) for Healing Insecure Attachment
In this guided exercise, you’ll be introduced to the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) imagery protocol, developed by Dr. Dan Brown and used within integrative attachment therapy. This practice is designed to help heal insecure attachment patterns by gently and repeatedly engaging your mind, brain & nervous system in experiences of safety, attunement, and unconditional love.
Through guided imagery, you’ll connect with imagined ideal parent figures who are consistently responsive, emotionally attuned, and deeply supportive, allowing your system to experience what secure attachment feels like. Over time, this helps remap attachment patterns at a deep, implicit level, crea...
E33: Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) Imagery Protocol (With Music) for Healing Insecure Attachment
In this guided exercise, you’ll be introduced to the Ideal Parent Figure (IPF) imagery protocol, developed by Dr. Dan Brown and used within integrative attachment therapy. This practice is designed to help heal insecure attachment patterns by gently and repeatedly engaging your mind, brain & nervous system in experiences of safety, attunement, and unconditional love.
Through guided imagery, you’ll connect with imagined ideal parent figures who are consistently responsive, emotionally attuned, and deeply supportive, allowing your system to experience what secure attachment feels like. Over time, this helps remap attachment patterns at a deep, implicit level, crea...
E32: Paula's Powerful Session: Going Beyond Relationship OCD & the Fear of Making Mistakes
Witness this powerful session I did with Paula, who graciously offered to share her story and be a participant in what I would consider an absolutely beautiful and moving session. Paula shares her journey with Relationship OCD with someone she's been with since she was 15 years old and someone whom she's known almost forever. Paula touches into the core wounds of rejection and badness that live at the root of her fears of making mistakes. She tenderly reparents and heals the inner child that carries these wounds, freeing her system up from so much tension, anxiety, and worry that...
E31: Is This Relationship OCD Or My Intuition?!?!
Are you worried that your doubt, fear, avoidance, and anxiety are signs from your intuition that you have to leave this relationship? Are you worried that none of this is Relationship OCD and that you must just be lying to yourself, and trying to convince yourself that you do want this relationship? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this episode is for you, and I'm confident it will help you feel even just a little bit more at peace than you did before!
Join my new Course & Community!
https...
E30: Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD (Part 4) Anxious Attachment & Fears of Loss
If you are terrified of losing your partner and that all of your thoughts about leaving are true, then this episode is for you. I break down the root cause of Anxious Attachment and give you practical steps for healing this side of your insecure attachment style!
Join my new Freedom from Relationship OCD Course & Community!
https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Free Discovery Call to find out more about how we can help!...
E29: Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) (Part 3) - Avoidant Attachment Healing with Grace McQueeny
Wondering why it feels like your truth that you're not in the right relationship? Why you struggle with break-up urges, emotional avoidance, disgust, or "grass is greener" mentality? In part 3 of the comprehensive framework series, we talk about the Avoidant Attachment system, and we cover these topics in detail!
Join my new Freedom from Relationship OCD Course & Community!
https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-6756-8810-8850-8583
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Free Discovery Call to find out more about how we can...
E28: Comprehensive Framework for Healing ROCD (Part 2) - OCD & Shame Healing with Grace Mcqueeny
Part 2 of this series involves understanding the root cause of OCD Obsessions and Compulsions. OCD is an adaptive response to anticipating and avoiding mistakes that will lead to attachment disconnection (abandonment) and being shamed. OCD originates from attachment injuries resulting from a spectrum of parental emotional immaturity to narcissistic abuse. We talk about this in detail and offer a simple practice to be able to heal shame.
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Free Discovery Call to find out more about how we can help!- https://forloveweheal...
E27: A Comprehensive Framework for Healing Relationship OCD from the Root with Grace McQueeny (Part 1)
Dive into this 4-part series where we break down our comprehensive framework for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root. Learn how Internal Family Systems Therapy, The Conscious Relationship Framework, and Attachment Healing can literally rewrite the subconscious programming that drives your obsessions, compulsions, and leave you stuck between that exhausting Fearful-avoidant oscillation between stay and leave.
Want one-to-one support for healing Relationship OCD (ROCD) from the root? Book a Free Discovery Call to find out more about how we can help!- https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Questions? Email me - ...
E26: Karena Got Engaged and Her Relationship OCD is Gone! (Part 2)
In this episode, I follow up with Karena from Episode 24, where a profound piece of IFS work allowed her to heal her wounds of failure, disappointment, and shame, leading to a sustained ending of doubt in her relationship. Karena is now happily engaged, but has felt the impact of things moving quite quickly, which led us into a new piece of healing in which we uncovered more parts asking for attention.
If you haven't listened to part 1, you can find it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230701/episodes/18373878
Need help healing Relationship OCD...
E25: Relationship OCD (ROCD), Self-Betrayal, People-Pleasing and the Internal Rebellion - Rory's Session
If you are struggling with an internal pushback against your decision to commit to your relationship, then this episode is for you. In this episode, Rory opens up about her struggles with Relationship OCD (ROCD) and how, in the past, self-betrayal and people-pleasing put her into situations that were painful. We explore the internal rebellion she faces now due to this self-betrayal, and I help her find a way to heal her past, reclaim her option for choice, and step into her power.
Need help healing Relationship OCD (ROCD)? Book a Free Discovery Call to find...
E24: Healing Relationship Anxiety (ROCD), Disappointment, Failure & Shame with IFS Therapy - Karena's Session
Right before Karena's engagement with her soon-to-be fiancé, we do this transformational session where we explore her fears and obsessions around commitment and potentially making a mistake. Karena's honest recount of her experience with Relationship Anxiety (ROCD) and a piece of deep inner work allow us to find that her fears were rooted in feelings of being a disappointment and a failure, a sentiment that has been with her since childhood. There's so much more to this episode, and I can't wait for you to listen!
Need one-to-one therapy or coaching? Book a Free Discovery Call
E23: (Part 2) Working with Love Addiction, Limerence, Guilt, Shame & Disorganized Attachment using IFS Therapy & Parts Work - Akiva's Session
Akiva joins me for a follow-up session after our first one, where we talked about her persistent love addiction, limerence, guilt, shame, Disorganized Attachment, & Relationship OCD, which you can find here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230701/episodes/18065421
In this session, we continue her work with a vulnerable inner child (exile) in which we offer the ideal parent figure she had been longing for since childhood.
Need one-to-one therapy or coaching? Book a Free Discovery Call - https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Questions? Email me - alex@forloveweheal.com
...
E22: Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents, Highly Sensitive People, Co-dependency, Relationship Anxiety & Attachment Issues with Michelle Roehab
In this episode, I speak with trauma-informed coach Michelle Roehab on the impact that narcissistic parents have, particularly on highly sensitive and highly empathic children & adults, and how that shapes we way we navigate our relationships in the present. We speak about how it erodes our sense of self, contributes to guilt, shame, and self-blame, feeling responsible for other people's feelings and well-being, and makes us question healthy, secure leaning relationships. It also contributes to Fearful-avoidant (Disorganized) attachment patterns, where the person we go to for comfort, closeness, and intimacy is also the person that we consistently pull away...
E21: The Invisible Trauma of Parentification, Boundaries & Sacred Anger with Grace McQueeny
In this episode, Grace and I candidly discuss our personal journeys with parentification, a hidden trauma and role reversal where children take on inappropriate adult responsibilities. We share how this experience shaped our roles as the family comedian and planner, and the emotional toll it takes, leading to things like people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, self-trust issues, and various other relationship issues. We delve into the importance of recognizing these patterns for healing, the role of sacred anger in reclaiming our identities, and the necessity of setting boundaries to foster self-rediscovery and healing.
Book a Free Discovery Call...
E20: Working through Relationship OCD (ROCD), Perfectionism, Co-dependency & Anxious Attachment with IFS Therapy- Erin's Session
In this session, Erin shares her journey of dealing with Relationship OCD (ROCD), attachment insecurities, and the challenges of seeking external validation in her relationships due to co-dependent patterns. She discusses her pattern of anxious attachment, the pursuit of unavailable partners, and the impact of these behaviors on her mental health. Through our session, Erin explores themes of self-trust, perfectionism, and her fear of making mistakes.
Book a Free Discovery Call (Therapy/Coaching) - https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Questions? Email me - alex@forloveweheal.com
Check out my I...
E19: Working with Love Addiction, Limerence, Guilt, Shame & Disorganized Attachment using IFS Therapy & Parts Work - Akiva's Session
In this episode, I help Akiva unpack and do a piece of healing around her persistent love addiction, limerence, guilt, shame, Disorganized Attachment & Relationship OCD using the Internal Family Systems Therapy Model. Watch Akiva go from a shut down, dissociated state to being able to access her parts and do a piece of healing, leading her to feel a lot better at the end.
Upcoming workshop "Bridging the Divide Within" https://www.rocdcourse-forloveweheal.com/sales-page-page
Need one-to-one therapy or coaching? Book a Free Discovery Call - https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
E18: Profound Change from Avoidant Attachment to Openness with IFS Therapy - Kleo's Session & Exploring Relationship OCD (ROCD), Disorganized Attachment, Avoidant Attachment, Inner Resistance & more!
In this episode, Kleo shares her journey of navigating Relationship OCD (ROCD) and Disorganized Attachment. During our session, we worked on helping Kleo connect with her avoidant parts, something she had long resisted due to the intense overwhelm these parts often triggered. In the past, their activation would lead to spirals of anxiety, helplessness, and eventually depression.
By gently reassuring these parts and creating a sense of safety, we were able to facilitate a profound moment of healing. This episode offers an intimate look into the therapeutic process, illustrating how IFS Therapy can guide us...
E17: Chronic Anxiety, ROCD, Disorganized Attachment & Abandonment Healing - Andriy's Session
In this episode, I help Andriy explore a chronic anxiety that he's been experiencing for most of his life, in addition to Relationship OCD and Disorganized Attachment. By focusing on this anxiety, Andriy was able to connect with a one and a half year old inner child that was abandoned by his mother due to her own mental health issues. Through Andriy bringing compassion and presence to this part of him, this inner child received the physical contact and loving embrace that he has been seeking for years.
Need support? Book a Free Discovery Call - https://f...
E15: Relationship OCD (ROCD), Infatuation, Limerence & Disgust - Grace's Session
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Grace, who courageously shares her journey of living with and healing from Relationship OCD (ROCD). Grace captures the wild oscillation between fantasy, infatuation, and limerence and intense disgust, anxiety, and obsessive thinking, which has gotten considerably better with all the healing work she has been doing over the years.
If you've ever experienced any of this or you’ve ever wondered, “Am I in the right relationship?" or "Do I really love my partner?" then this episode is for you!
Don't forget to leave me a comment, hit...
E16: Relationship OCD (ROCD) and the Shame that Fuels it - Emily's Session
In this session, Emily shares her struggles with ROCD that began in her early years. We explored themes of guilt, shame, and the fear of making mistakes, which are deeply rooted in her past experiences, including family dynamics and personal relationships. Through our conversation, we discussed how these feelings impact her current relationship and how shame is really at the root of her obsessions, compulsions, and the oscillation between "stay" and "leave." The session concluded with a hopeful message about the power of love and the importance of perseverance.
Have a question? Send me an email...
Relationship OCD & the Shame that Fuels it - Emily's Session
In this session, Emily shares her journey with Relationship OCD (ROCD), revealing how feelings of shame and badness have been central to her obsessions. From a young age, Emily experienced episodes of guilt and confession, which she attributes to a deep-seated fear of being perceived as bad. These feelings were exacerbated by significant life events, such as her parents' divorce and the loss of her brother, which reinforced her avoidant tendencies and skepticism about love and trust. Despite these challenges, Emily expresses a desire to heal and embrace love, acknowledging the protective role her avoidant parts play in shielding...
E15: From Infatuation to Disgust, Relationship OCD (ROCD) & Disorganized Attachment - Grace's Session
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Grace, who courageously shares her journey of living with and healing from Relationship OCD (ROCD). Grace captures the wild oscillation between fantasy, infatuation, and limerance and intense disgust, anxiety, and obsessive thinking, which has gotten considerably better with all the healing work she has been doing over the years.
If you've ever experienced any of this or you’ve ever wondered, “Am I in the right relationship?" or "Do I really love my partner?" then this episode is for you!
Don't forget to l...
E14: "Two Weeks in, She Became Hideous," ROCD, Disorganized Attachment - Devin's Story
In this episode, Devin discusses his experiences with Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), which often manifests as feelings of disgust or lack of attraction towards his partners. He describes how these feelings can be sudden and intense, leading to confusion and anxiety about the relationship. Devin shares that these emotions are not necessarily reflective of the partner or the relationship itself but are symptoms of ROCD, which can distort his perception, creating a lot of anxiety and doubt.
View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A_XL3c_cIpY
If you would like to get...
E13: Working Through Relationship OCD, Attraction and Intelligence Themes - Molly's Session
In this conversation, Molly shares her journey with Relationship OCD (ROCD) and how it has impacted her relationships, particularly with her husband. She discusses the patterns of infatuation and fear of commitment, the role of attachment, and the challenges of vulnerability in her marriage. The conversation delves into childhood influences on her attachment style and the healing process she is undergoing, including the importance of self-compassion and embracing her authentic self. The session culminates in a therapeutic exploration of her feelings of humiliation and the journey towards joy and openness.
Links:
Watch our...
E12: Fearful Avoidant Attachment, Numbness & Disconnection - Christine's Session
In this episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, Christine shares her journey with Fearful Avoidant attachment. She discusses the complexities of emotional connection, the impact of trauma, and the role of intuition and spirituality in her healing process. The conversation delves into the cycles of numbness and disconnection that arise in relationships, the importance of self-discovery through therapy, and the challenges of being neurodivergent. Christine emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and caring for vulnerable parts of oneself while exploring the balance between protective mechanisms like masking and authentic self-expression. The episode concludes with reflections on the journey...
E11: Harmony's Journey with Relationship OCD
In this conversation, Harmony and I discuss her personal journey with relationship OCD, exploring the impact of her past relationships, self-sacrifice, the importance of self-advocacy, and the challenges faced in her current relationship. We delve into coping strategies, particularly in the context of Harmie's skating career, and how she navigates feelings of loneliness and fear of abandonment. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's parts and the journey towards healing and self-acceptance.
E10: Navigating Cheating OCD, Guilt & Shame - Annuziata's Session
In this episode, Annuziata shares her personal journey with Relationship OCD, detailing her experiences from a young age and the impact it has had on her relationships. She discusses the feelings of guilt and self-doubt that arise, particularly in the context of her current relationship. The conversation explores the healing process, the importance of understanding one's inner child, and the role of therapy in navigating these complex emotions. In this conversation, Alex Bishop and Annunziata explore the themes of shame, guilt, and the impact of childhood experiences on emotional well-being. They delve into the process of reconnecting with the...
E9: Healing the Shamed, Confused and Embarrassed Child - Colleen's Story
The main themes in the conversation with Colleen Herman revolve around her journey with relationship OCD (ROCD) and attachment issues. Colleen shares her experiences of anxiety and self-doubt in relationships, often feeling torn between staying in or leaving a relationship due to obsessive thoughts about making the right choice. She discusses her struggle with trusting herself and the impact of her childhood experiences, where she felt deeply sensitive and often misunderstood by her parents. The conversation also explores her inner child, highlighting feelings of shame, confusion, and the desire for acceptance and trust. Through the dialogue, Colleen works on...
"My mind bullied me to leave my relationship" - Lekha's Story
In this episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, Alex Bishop and Chandralekha delve into the complexities of relationship OCD, attachment issues, and the impact that anxiety and shame have had on her relationships. Chandralekha shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how her mind often bullied her into avoiding connection. The conversation explores the importance of self-compassion, the healing of childhood wounds, and the connection between emotional pain and physical health. Ultimately, they emphasize the power of loving awareness in the healing process.
Nondual IFS, Love & Awakening with Dr. Laura Patryas
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Patryas, an IFS therapist, ordained spiritual minister, and author of Awaken to Love, for a deeply moving and wide-ranging conversation. We talk about spirituality, non-dualism, Internal Family Systems (IFS), romantic love versus unconditional love, and what it really means to “come home” to ourselves.
Laura shares her concept of “duonity,” the experience of wholeness that includes both our divine essence and our very human parts. We explore how the seeking parts of us, especially the ones that are exhausted from chasing healing, are often just trying to get back to...
Befriending Dissociation with IFS Therapy - Sidney's Story
In this session, we spent the majority of the time working with one of Sidney's dissociative parts, a very common part to run into when doing work in more complex systems. I hope you enjoy!
Working with Limerence, ROCD and Healing a Shame Wound - Allison's Story
In this episode, I help Allison work on a part of her that falls into limerence, which is common for folks with Relationship OCD. We end up finding and healing a piece of shame and loneliness that is at the root of both the limerence and her ROCD.
If you want support like Allison then book a free discovery call here: https://forloveweheal.com/relationshipocd-therapy/
Working with Preverbal Trauma, Anxiety & Relationship OCD with IFS - Bree's Story
Healing Relationship OCD, Fearful-avoidant Attachment, and Wounds of Inadequacy and Parentification using IFS - Mia's Story
In this session, I guide Mia inward to connect with a part of her that carries the pain of feeling not good enough for her partner. She often finds herself stuck in obsessive loops, wondering if he finds her attractive enough or interesting enough. As someone with situationally disorganized (fearful-avoidant) attachment, Mia’s anxious side gets activated when her partner leans avoidant. In those moments, rumination becomes a protective strategy; a way to avoid sinking into the deeper feelings of unworthiness. Without giving too much away, this session unfolds into a powerful moment of healing that leaves Mia feeling "si...
Healing Disorganized Attachment & Adoption Trauma with IFS – Eric’s Story
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the For Love We Heal podcast, host Alex Bishop welcomes Eric, who shares a deeply personal journey through Relationship OCD, disorganized attachment, and the lifelong impact of early trauma, particularly his experience as an adoptee.
Eric opens up about the emotional shutdown he feels in his relationships and the years of emotional turmoil.
The turning point came when Eric began to explore the deeper roots of his suffering. He reveals how discovering and integrating his adoption story made everything begin to make sense.
In our session, E...
E1: How To Heal Anxious Attachment With Valerie Rubin
In this episode, I talk to Anxious Attachment Specialist Valerie Rubin about attachment wounding, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, conscious relationships, healing, and more! You can learn more about Valerie and her work at the links below:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithval/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1UZDfyhUZgAGIdlEv5VP85?si=69fb75f9b76444b7
As I said in today's episode we have a few openings for coaching clients so if you are interested in healing your attachment wounds and stepping into a more secure and loving place within then send me an email...
