The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show

Dr. Sarah Hensley takes a psychological look at the Lindsay Clancy case, examining the complex questions surrounding postpartum mental health, psychotic episodes, memory, and criminal responsibility.

What happens to the brain during a psychotic episode? Can someone experience psychosis and later have little or no memory of what occurred? And how might severe postpartum psychiatric symptoms affect a person’s perception of reality, decision-making, and behavior?

Drawing on her background in psychology, Dr. Hensley breaks down the psychological concepts relevant to the case while also examining details that raise difficult questions. She discusses postpartum psychosis, memory di...

What is it really like to grow up as the daughter of an attachment expert?

In this deeply personal episode of The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show, Dr. Sarah Hensley is joined by her daughter, Gabby Hensley, for an honest conversation about childhood, grief, relationships, and what it means to find security as a Gen Z young adult.

Gabby opens up about losing her biological father, how she has learned to cope with grief as she’s gotten older, and the ways that loss has shaped her perspective on life and relationships. She also shares what it wa...

Infidelity is one of the most devastating forms of betrayal—but why do people cheat? Is it always about love? Do people who are unfaithful actually feel guilt and remorse? If they do, how long does that guilt last? And perhaps the biggest question of all: Can a relationship truly heal after betrayal?

In this episode of The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores the psychology of infidelity through the lenses of attachment theory, neuroscience, trauma, and relationship psychology. Rather than offering simplistic answers, she examines the emotional, psychological, and relational factors that contribute to cheating, wh...

Why does the more someone with anxious preoccupied attachment longs for love, reassurance, and connection, the more likely they are to experience the very abandonment they fear?

In this episode of The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores one of the most heartbreaking paradoxes in attachment psychology: the anxious preoccupied attachment style. Learn how the intense fear of rejection can drive behaviors like overthinking, people-pleasing, excessive reassurance-seeking, and emotional hypervigilance—behaviors that often overwhelm relationships and unintentionally push others away. Rather than confirming that they are "too much," these relationship patterns are often rooted in early at...

What if the person giving you the most confusing mixed signals isn't playing games—but is operating from a deeply ingrained survival strategy?

In this episode of The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores the psychology behind fearful avoidant attachment, one of the most complex and misunderstood attachment styles. Learn why fearful avoidants can crave deep intimacy one moment and withdraw the next, why their behavior often seems unpredictable, and how childhood trauma, betrayal, and attachment wounds shape their relationships. You'll discover:
Why fearful avoidants send mixed signalsThe psychology behind approach-avoidance behaviorHow trauma influences adult re...

Season 3 is officially here! 🎉

We've missed you all, but we're back and better than ever!

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show. What if we've been wrong about emotionally unavailable people all along? For years, emotionally unavailable partners have been labeled as cold, uncaring, or incapable of love. But what if the psychology tells a very different story?

In this Season 3 premiere, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores the science of attachment theory, the psychology behind emotional unavailability, and why the dismissive avoidant attachment style is so often mis...

We’ve officially wrapped Season 2 and are taking a short pause as we put the finishing touches on our brand-new studio. This is a moment of reset, refinement, and preparation for what’s coming next.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far—stay tuned, because Season 3 is going to bring bigger conversations, new guests, deeper insights, and a whole new level of what this show is becoming. Big things are on the way.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dr-sarah-hensley-show--6390558/support.

Season 2 comes to a close with a special Q&A episode featuring questions submitted by members of the Dr. Sarah Hensley Clients and Community Facebook Group. Throughout this season, we've explored relationships, attachment styles, trauma, healing, communication, and personal growth—and for our finale, we're once again turning the conversation over to you.

In this Season 2 finale, Dr. Hensley answers some of the most thoughtful and frequently asked questions from our community, offering practical insights, psychological perspectives, and real-world guidance on navigating the challenges of love, dating, relationships, and emotional healing. Whether you're working through attachment wounds, trying to...

Parasocial relationships are everywhere in the age of social media. From influencers and creators to celebrities and online personalities, we have more access than ever to the lives of people we've never actually met. While these one-sided connections can provide entertainment, inspiration, and even a sense of belonging, they can also become unhealthy when they begin to replace real-world relationships, emotional intimacy, and authentic connection.

In this new episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore the psychology behind parasocial relationships, attachment styles, and the emotional needs that make these bonds feel so powerful. They discuss...

Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind — it lives in the body, nervous system, and the relationship patterns we carry into everyday life. In the newest episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore how unresolved trauma, childhood wounds, emotional neglect, abandonment, chronic stress, and painful relationship experiences become stored in both the brain and body, shaping the way we think, feel, communicate, and connect with others. They discuss how trauma responses like anxiety, emotional shutdown, hypervigilance, people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, and avoidant behaviors can silently impact emotional intimacy, trust, conflict, and atta...

My ex wants to come back, but can trust really be rebuilt?

I believe I'm setting boundaries, but is it really just avoidance?

My workaholic, rarely present husband says he's done with our marriage. How will I navigate 50/50 custody of our young children?

On the newest episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher answer questions straight from The Love Doc Clients and Community Facebook Group.

If you aren’t yet part of the free, private Love Doc Clients & Community Facebook group, now is the perfect ti...

What makes secure couples different from everyone else? In this week's episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher break down the most common traits found in healthy, emotionally secure relationships through the lens of psychology, attachment theory, communication, and emotional intelligence.

 From shared routines to giving your partner the benefit of the doubt, Dr. Hensley and Raina explore the behaviors that create long-term relationship security and emotional safety. Whether you struggle with anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, relationship anxiety, or simply want to build a healthier connection, this episode will help you recognize what secure love actually l...

Why do you keep finding “proof” that your partner is pulling away or can’t be trusted? In this episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore how Confirmation Bias shapes your relationship reality through the lens of Psychology and attachment theory. Your attachment style—anxious, avoidant, or secure—acts as a filter, influencing what you notice, how you interpret behavior, and the meaning you assign to it. 

We break down how these patterns reinforce themselves: anxious attachment scans for rejection, avoidant attachment looks for reasons to disconnect, and both can create self-fulfilling cycles. You’ll learn how to...

Why do intelligent, self-aware people stay in relationships that hurt them? In this episode, we break down the psychology behind this paradox, exploring how attachment theory, trauma bonding, and subconscious emotional patterns keep people stuck in unhealthy dynamics. Host Dr. Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher unpack how early attachment styles shape the way we give and receive love, often overriding logic and self-worth. You’ll learn why chemistry can feel stronger in toxic relationships, how intermittent reinforcement creates addictive emotional cycles, and what it really takes to break free. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand their re...

New week, new set of challenges.  When you own and run your own business, the hurdles are ever-present.  In this episdode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher open up on the real, unfiltered journey of building a business—and what happens when growth demands change. From the emotional highs of rapid success to the uncertainty and pressure that come with evolving a brand, they explore the often unseen challenges of entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into The Love Doc’s pivotal decision to move toward a rebrand, unpacking the fears, identity shifts, and tough choice...

In this week's episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher sit down with Krista Williams - coach, podcaster, and author - for a deeply honest conversation on relationships, personal growth, and what it truly means to live as your authentic self. Blending psychology and attachment theory, they explore how emotional wounds, past relationships, and internal narratives shape the way we show up in love, life, and success.

Krista shares her journey of moving on from failed relationships, navigating major life transitions, and redefining success beyond external validation. Together, they unpack how to...

Strap in for the newest episode of The Love Doc Podcast, where host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher are joined by Sean Whalen, founder and CEO of Lions Not Sheep, to explore what it truly means to know yourself—and why radical accountability is the foundation for growth. Blending insights from psychology and attachment theory, Dr. Hensley and Sean challenge listeners to confront the patterns, beliefs, and emotional defenses that shape their relationships, while also examining the role of motivation in driving real, lasting change.

Dr. Hensley and Sean explore how unresolved attachment styles influence behavior, the...

This week on The Love Doc Podcast, join host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher as they pull back the curtain on the rapid growth of The Love Doc brand and the growing pains that come with scaling a mission-driven business. 

From increasing reach and adding team members to expanding facilities, this conversation explores what it really takes to grow without losing your foundation. As The Love Doc continues to evolve, Dr. Hensley and Raina share the excitement (and exhaustion) of growth while reflecting on the importance of staying grounded in the core mission—helping people heal, bui...

In the latest episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher are joined by entrepreneur and strategist Dave Rossi to explore the psychology of success through the lens of self-awareness, attachment, and emotional intelligence. Challenging the typical “alpha male” narrative and the traditional concept of masculinity built on dominance and competition, Dave shares a philosophy rooted in inner work, accountability, and psychological growth. The discussion includes how attachment theory, relationship patterns, and self-awareness influence leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal fulfillment, and why sustainable success is less about outperforming others and more about understanding yourself. This conv...

In this special Q&A episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher answer real questions straight from The Love Doc Clients and Community Facebook group. Dr. Hensley and Raina tackle issues ranging from understanding why dismissive avoidants (DA) may struggle with honesty, establishing healthy boundaries without escalating conflict, to gaslighting, the differences between verbal abuse and emotional abuse, and practical strategies for communicating attachment styles in a way that avoidant partners can actually hear. This episode explores the nuanced psychology behind avoidant behavior and relational patterns. 

Grounded in psychology but focused o...

The world of relationship coaching, particularly attachment theory, is becoming an increasingly saturated market - and that's not necessarily a bad thing. But if you're searching for help, it means you should do your homework. 

In this week’s episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore how to choose safe, ethical, and effective support in today’s saturated coaching market. With attachment styles and relational trauma becoming mainstream topics, it’s critical to understand who you’re trusting with your emotional well-being. Not all guidance is created equal, and discernment matters. ...

"The Change."

For years, that's how a certain age in a woman's life was known. But we know it's FAR more than that.

In this powerful new episode, Dr. Nicole Rothman joins The Love Doc Podcast to unpack the truth about holistic healing and its transformative role in women’s health. From perimenopause to menopause, Dr. Hensley, Dr. Rothman, and Raina explore how hormonal balance, stress regulation, gut health, sleep optimization, and mind-body medicine can dramatically improve symptoms like anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings. 

Dr. Rothman breaks down integrative and fun...

It's an uncomfortable and disturbing topic, but one that cannot be ignored.

What makes evil people tick? And why do others turn a blind eye to evil, let alone participate?

On this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher examine the psychological forces behind power, influence, corruption, and moral collapse through the lens of Jeffrey Epstein — exploring the psychology of cults, extreme wealth, elite networks, and the belief that one is above the law. How does vast wealth and access to the elite distort identity, fuel narcissism, and erode ac...

What really happens to the human psyche when fame, money, and constant validation collide?

In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher break down the celebrity psyche—exploring the psychology of fame, identity, relationships, narcissism, attachment styles, and the mental health challenges that come with life in the spotlight. From imposter syndrome and addiction to power dynamics, validation addiction, and public vs. private identity, they examine why celebrity relationships often implode and how fame reshapes the brain, behavior, and sense of self. Blending clinical psychology, real-world examples, and cultural analysis, th...

In this week's episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher break down the psychology of success and the mindset patterns that consistently show up in high achievers. They explore the emotional and psychological traits of successful people, including resilience, self-discipline, emotional regulation, and long-term thinking. A major focus is the power of action vs. inaction—why taking imperfect action beats overthinking, procrastination, and fear every time. 

Dr. Hensley and Raina also discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded, motivated people, how your environment shapes behavior, and why proximity to driven individuals accelerates growth. The conversation div...

In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher are joined by Rebecca Olson, a certified life coach specializing in working moms, mental health, and work–life balance. Together, they explore the psychological and emotional challenges that arise when women transition into motherhood while maintaining ambitious careers.

Through a psychology-based and relationship-focused lens, the conversation covers time management, identity shifts, attachment dynamics, boundaries, burnout, and redefining success during different seasons of life. Rebecca shares practical tools for protecting mental health, strengthening relationships, and reducing guilt and overwhelm—especially for high-achieving women navigating moth...

In this week's episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher discuss the dangers and uselessness of something we're all guilty of - complaining.

Drawing from the teachings and knowledge of one of her most influential mentors, Dr. Suzanne Segerstrom, Dr. Sarah delves into the reasons we complain, the ways the brain can be positively or negatively re-wired through repetitive thought, and the detrimental psychological and even physiological manifestations of complaining, worrying, and negative thought.

Tune in to The Love Doc Podcast every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need...

Join us this week as host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore what it truly means to cultivate secure energy as we move into 2026. Secure energy is built through clear boundaries, self-trust, and authentic self-expression.

Dr. Hensley discusses how securely attached individuals establish and maintain boundaries without guilt, show up authentically and unapologetically themselves, and lead with respect and compassion while also maintaining their own integrity. The episode also addresses the often-misunderstood topic of looking good—not as a sign of vanity, but as a way of showing self-respect and discipline. 

Secure energy comes fro...

Episode 32 of the Love Doc Podcast focuses specifically on the dismissive avoidant woman. Dr. Hensley begins by clarifying that attachment style itself is not gender specific—men and women develop dismissive avoidance for the same core reasons rooted in early emotional neglect, premature independence, or caregivers who discouraged emotional expression. However, while the wound is the same, the expression can look different in women due to socialization and relational roles. Research consistently shows dismissive avoidants learned early that vulnerability was unsafe or unnecessary, leading them to rely heavily on self-sufficiency and emotional distance in adulthood, particularly inside romantic relationships.

In this week’s episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Hensley addresses the intense public scrutiny and speculation surrounding Erika Kirk following the tragic death of her husband, Charlie Kirk. Rather than engaging in political debate, Dr. Hensley centers the conversation on the human cost of grief lived in the public eye — the emotional toll of watching children struggle to understand the loss of their father, the burden of mourning while being scrutinized, and the cruelty of internet culture that often confuses speculation with truth.

Dr. Hensley also explores the broader cultural issue of conspiracy thinking and outr...

In this episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley takes listeners inside the inner world of the Anxious Preoccupied attachment style—an attachment style marked by a profound longing and need for love, reassurance, and an almost constant subconscious fear of being left. At the core of the anxious preoccupied is the wound of abandonment. Dr. Hensley explains how individuals with this attachment style often grow up receiving intermittent reinforcement of love—care that is inconsistent, unpredictable, and emotionally unreliable. The brain adapts by becoming overly attuned to signs of connection or disconnection, wiring the nervous system for anxi...

Dr. Sarah Hensley and Raina Butcher sit down with Dr. Theresa Lyons, Yale-trained scientist, medical strategist, and autism parent, to explore what truly happens after an autism diagnosis. This conversation speaks directly to the shock, grief, confusion, and information overload so many parents experience.

Dr. Lyons is the creator of the Navigating Autism (Navigating AWEtism) platform and YouTube channel, built to help families move beyond “wait and see” and into empowered, research-informed decision-making. Together, they unpack how autism is currently diagnosed, why the process can feel overwhelming and fragmented, and how parents can begin to make sense of the...

In this deeply validating and eye-opening episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley and Raina Butcher tackle an issue that is quietly suffocating millions of people; emotional burnout. They break down why so many individuals, especially women, are reaching a breaking point.

Dr. Hensley introduces listeners to the scientific concept of allostatic load, the cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by chronic emotional stress. Whether you’re navigating overwhelming responsibilities at work, carrying the mental load of a household, juggling the emotional needs of children, or fighting for connection in an insecurely attached relationship, th...

In this special Q&A edition of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley returns to the heart of her community—the Love Doc Clients & Community Facebook group—to answer your most pressing, vulnerable, and deeply human questions. Every month, you submit honest reflections about your relationships, your attachment patterns, your pain points, and your breakthroughs… and Episode 27 is dedicated entirely to responding to the topics you care about most.

Inside this episode, Dr. Hensley explores a wide range of themes pulled directly from your submissions. From navigating partners who shut down emotionally, to learning how to regulate your n...

This episode takes listeners into the complex and often misunderstood inner world of the Fearful Avoidant, and this conversation is especially powerful because both Dr. Hensley and Raina share openly from their own lived experiences as former FA’s. This episode blends psychology, attachment science, and deeply personal storytelling as the hosts break down why the Fearful Avoidant carries some of the most profoun, and most painful emotional wounds out of all the attachment styles. 

Together, they explore how the FA’s lifelong push-pull pattern begins in childhood, where one or both caregivers were emotionally inconsistent, unpredictable, or unava...

In this episode, Dr. Hensley dives into the rapidly growing field of plant-based trauma interventions and what current research is beginning to reveal about their potential to support healing from PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). She begins by breaking down the key differences between PTSD — which often develops from a single traumatic event — and CPTSD, which develops from long-term emotional, relational, or developmental trauma. Dr. Hensley also highlights the strong correlation between CPTSD and Fearful Avoidant attachment, explaining how chronic trauma impacts the nervous system’s capacity for closeness, trust, and emotional stability.

Drawing from her background as a rese...

In this follow-up to last week’s deeply personal episode with her dear friend Ashley, Dr. Sarah Hensley takes listeners on a profound exploration into the science behind healing — continuing the conversation that began with her story of faith.

While her previous episode centered on her personal healing journey through Christ, this week Dr. Hensley expands on how faith and science beautifully intertwine — because, as she believes, faith is the very foundation of science itself.

This episode speaks directly to those who want to understand the scientific how — the psychological and neurological processes that underlie emotional healing...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley introduces listeners to someone who has been quietly woven into the fabric of her story for many years—her dear friend Ashley Endenstrom. If you’ve been a loyal listener, you’ve likely heard Dr. Hensley mention Ashley many times, often referring to her as the vessel that led her to seek a relationship with Jesus.

The episode begins with Ashley courageously sharing her personal testimony—one shaped by heartbreak, unwavering faith, and profound redemption. From the pain of failed relationships to being told she would never bear children...

In this powerful and deeply intimate episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley sits down with licensed couples and sex therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, author of the newly released book "A Guide to Great Sex After Kids," to talk about one of the most quietly painful topics many couples face—what happens to intimacy after children. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real, research-backed struggles couples encounter as they try to reconnect sexually amid exhaustion, identity shifts, and the invisible weight of modern parenting.

Dr. Eudy, like Dr. Hensley, draws on attachment science to explain how emotional safety is...

In this powerful and deeply illuminating episode host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher dive into one of the most misunderstood emotional landscapes in attachment science: the inner world of the Dismissive Avoidant. 

For decades, the dismissive avoidant has been stereotyped as cold, unfeeling, and incapable of emotional depth. But Dr. Hensley dismantles that myth with compassion and scientific clarity. Beneath their carefully constructed armor lies some of the deepest, oldest pain of all the attachment styles—a pain so profound that many DA’s have learned to dissociate from it entirely just to survive.

Dr. H...