117. How She Stopped Choosing Emotionally Unavailable Men — A Real Case Journey
Send us a textMeet Sophie, a 37-year-old woman who spent years feeling stuck in painful relationship cycles. Like many women I work with, she kept attracting emotionally unavailable or narcissistic men — despite knowing, deep down, that something wasn’t right.In this episode, I’ll walk you through Sophie’s journey: from identifying her relational schemas (like abandonment, emotional deprivation, and subjugation), to understanding how her childhood shaped her “love template,” to the powerful moment she made a clear commitment to change.We’ll explore how she:Finally ended a 7-year relationship that drained her emotionallyIdentified red flags and stopped rationalising harmRebuilt self-trust by healing her inner vulnerable childLet go of the idea that she had a specific “type”Started dating with emotional clarity, rather than fear or old patternsThis transformation is exactly the kind of work we do inside Love Wisely. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why do I keep ending up in the same kind of relationship?” — this episode is for you.Support the show🩷Love Wisely - Doors are now closed. Join the WAITLIST to be the first to know when the doors open for the next cohort (Sept, 25). 🚩The Red Flag Project online course >> Get instant access. 💻Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here! 😊Good Mood Hub Websitegoodmood.com.au 🚩The Red Flag Project Websitetheredflagproject.com 🌻Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!
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50:26
116: Why Do We Minimize Harm in Relationships? Understanding the Psychology Behind Tolerating Abuse
Send us a textIn this important solo episode, Gemma reflects on a disturbing real-life conversation overheard between two teenage girls — one of whom casually describes being physically assaulted by her boyfriend. What follows is a powerful deep dive into why girls and women downplay harmful, even abusive, behaviour in relationships.From shame, trauma bonding, and fear of judgement to deeply rooted schemas like abandonment, defectiveness, and subjugation, Gemma explores the internal and social forces that keep so many women stuck — and why prevention, education, and early recognition matter more than ever.What You'll Learn:Why some girls and women minimize abusive behaviour, even when it’s clearly unsafeThe role of schemas (especially abandonment and shame) in tolerating harmHow early emotional wounds shape our dating choices and instinctsWhat trauma bonding is — and how it makes us rationalize abuseKey psychological and cultural reasons why walking away feels so hardWhy we must start taking early signs seriously — for ourselves and the next generationGemma also shares practical reflection prompts, including:What would I tell my younger self?What would I say to a friend in this situation?👉 If this episode resonates with you, or you wish you had trusted yourself sooner in the past — this one’s especially for you.💡 Bonus: If you’re interested in doing the deep work to break free from painful dating patterns and build safer, more secure relationships, sign up for early access to Gemma’s new 12-week group coaching program, Love Wisely — starting Mid June 2025.Support the show🩷Love Wisely - Doors are now closed. Join the WAITLIST to be the first to know when the doors open for the next cohort (Sept, 25). 🚩The Red Flag Project online course >> Get instant access. 💻Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here! 😊Good Mood Hub Websitegoodmood.com.au 🚩The Red Flag Project Websitetheredflagproject.com 🌻Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!
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115 – Healing for Love: Why Reparenting Your Abandoned Inner Child is the First Step to Secure Relationships
Send us a textIn this solo episode, Gemma explores one of the most foundational concepts when it comes to healing relationship patterns—the abandonment schema.Whether you're currently dating or in a long-term relationship, understanding your own abandonment schema and how it influences your emotions, choices, and reactions is essential for cultivating emotional safety and secure connection.Gemma explains:What the abandonment schema is and how it developsHow it shows up in dating and relationships (from clingy overcompensation to total avoidance)The 3 common coping styles triggered by this schema—and how they quietly sabotage your love lifeWhy working with your vulnerable child mode is key to healing the abandonment wound3 powerful reparenting practices to begin calming your inner alarm system and making more grounded, self-honoring choices in loveSupport the show🩷Love Wisely - Doors are now closed. Join the WAITLIST to be the first to know when the doors open for the next cohort (Sept, 25). 🚩The Red Flag Project online course >> Get instant access. 💻Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here! 😊Good Mood Hub Websitegoodmood.com.au 🚩The Red Flag Project Websitetheredflagproject.com 🌻Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!
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114. Are You Dating As Your True Self — Or a Coping Mode?
Send us a textThe Red Flag Project – Learn how to break free from toxic relationship patterns – theredflagproject.comSchema Coaching & Support – Work with Dr. Gemma GladstoneSupport the show🩷Love Wisely - Doors are now closed. Join the WAITLIST to be the first to know when the doors open for the next cohort (Sept, 25). 🚩The Red Flag Project online course >> Get instant access. 💻Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here! 😊Good Mood Hub Websitegoodmood.com.au 🚩The Red Flag Project Websitetheredflagproject.com 🌻Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!
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113. The Mailbox – Healing from the Mother Wound: Letting Go of the Hope That Keeps You Stuck
Send us a textIn this mailbox episode, we dive into a listener question from Amy (name changed for privacy), who is struggling with the trauma bond with her narcissistic and emotionally neglectful mother. Amy shares her experience of emotional neglect, manipulation, gaslighting, and rejection—all while navigating the complicated reality of trying to maintain boundaries.Drs. Gemma and Justine discuss: ✔ What a trauma bond with a parent looks like – Why it’s so difficult to break free ✔ The cycle of hope & rejection – Why emotionally neglectful parents keep you in a state of longing ✔ How narcissistic parents offload their shame onto their children – Understanding the “shame exchange” ✔ Why boundaries feel impossible with a narcissistic mother – The emotional toll of walking on eggshells ✔ Grief and healing – The painful but necessary process of accepting that your mother will never be the mother you needed ✔ Moving forward – Why reparenting yourself is key, and how to start choosing healthier relationshipsThis is a deeply validating episode for anyone struggling with a difficult or narcissistic parent. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an unhealthy dynamic, confused by your mother’s inconsistent behavior, or burdened with guilt for setting boundaries, this discussion is for you.🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📌 Episode 104 – Understanding Trauma Bonds 📌 The Red Flag Project – Learn how to break free from toxic relationship patterns – theredflagproject.com 📌 Schema Coaching & Support – Work with Dr. Gemma GladstoneSupport the show🩷Love Wisely - Doors are now closed. Join the WAITLIST to be the first to know when the doors open for the next cohort (Sept, 25). 🚩The Red Flag Project online course >> Get instant access. 💻Schema Circle Vault – Get your essential schema therapy resources here! 😊Good Mood Hub Websitegoodmood.com.au 🚩The Red Flag Project Websitetheredflagproject.com 🌻Help support our continued production. Are you a regular listener who loves our show? Consider supporting us with a contribution each month to help us keep going!
Healing for Love A podcast for anyone who wants to stop shrinking, start healing, and grow into their most grounded, authentic self in love & life. Hosted by Dr Gemma Gladstone — relationship coach, former clinical psychologist (25+ years), and expert in schema healing — this podcast offers thoughtful, insight-rich episodes to help you understand your patterns, heal from past emotional wounds, and gently rewrite your relationship template.If you’ve ever felt stuck in familiar dynamics — seeking approval, fearing abandonment, dating narcissists or losing yourself in relationships — you’re not alone. Healing for Love is a space for self-reflection, emotional insight, and steady encouragement. Here, you’ll learn how to reconnect with your worth, trust your inner voice, and build relationships that support who you truly are.This is for the woman who’s ready to feel more secure, more whole, and more herself — in love and in life.
Ireland