The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show

Have you stopped telling friends what happens in your relationship because you’re embarrassed—or afraid of what they’ll say?

In part two of our three-part series on narcissistic relationship partners, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores the signs of narcissistic abuse and how these patterns can overlap with insecure attachment. From emotional punishment and control to the contrast between public charm and private behavior, this episode takes a closer look at relationship dynamics that can be difficult to recognize when you’re living through them.

Available Tuesday at 5:30am ET.

Catch up on part one, then join us as the conversation continues.

Tune in every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreon link: patreon.com/TheDrSarahHensleyShow

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/group-coaching

Individual Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach/

Couples Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach-couples/.

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/courses/

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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

What is a narcissist—and how does narcissism differ from insecure attachment?

In the first episode of a three-part series on narcissism, Dr. Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore narcissistic traits, the differences between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, and the patterns that can emerge in relationships.

From entitlement and the need for admiration to manipulation, gaslighting, and control, Sarah explains the psychology behind these behaviors. Together, the hosts discuss the narcissistic abuse cycle—idealization, devaluation, discard, and hoovering—and how intermittent reinforcement can keep people caught in a trauma bond.

Combining psychological research with personal experiences, this conversation lays the foundation for understanding narcissism, recognizing harmful relationship patterns, and making sense of experiences that leave you questioning yourself.

Tune in every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreon link: patreon.com/TheDrSarahHensleyShow

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/group-coaching

Individual Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach/

Couples Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach-couples/.

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/courses/

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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

Can two fearful avoidants make a relationship work? When both partners have fearful avoidant attachment, the connection can feel unusually deep—until conflict triggers an intense fight, a sudden shutdown, or a reversal of who is chasing whom.

In newest episode, Dr. Sarah and Raina explain the fearful avoidant–fearful avoidant (FA–FA) relationship cycle. They discuss why these partners often feel so understood at first, how fear of betrayal can turn a disagreement into a painful fight, and how this pattern differs from a fearful avoidant–dismissive avoidant relationship.

You’ll also hear why understanding your partner’s perspective does not mean agreeing with it, and how recognizing the cycle can help couples repair conflict and build a more secure connection.

Tune in every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreon link: patreon.com/TheDrSarahHensleyShow

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/group-coaching

Individual Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach/

Couples Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach-couples/.

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/courses/

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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

Why are fearful-avoidant and dismissive-avoidant partners so magnetically attracted to each other—only to become trapped in criticism, withdrawal, resentment, and disconnection?

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley breaks down the fearful-avoidant/dismissive-avoidant relationship dynamic and explains how couples can interrupt the painful push-pull cycle before it destroys their relationship.

You’ll learn:

-Why fearful and dismissive avoidants are intensely attracted to each other
-How the honeymoon phase turns into a pursue-withdraw conflict cycle
-Why dismissive avoidants shut down—and why that activates fearful avoidants
-How criticism, emotional flooding, defensiveness, and unresolved conflict create resentment
-The dating red flags associated with both attachment styles
-Why conventional couples therapy can sometimes make this dynamic worse
-How neutral communication, emotional processing, mentalization, boundaries, and structured conflict repair can help
-Whether one partner can become the secure anchor and change the relationship

Dr. Hensley also shares a real-life conflict-repair example and explains why lasting regulation requires processing your emotions—not simply forcing yourself to calm down.

Whether you identify as fearful avoidant, dismissive avoidant, emotionally unavailable, or simply feel stuck in a push-pull relationship, this episode offers practical insight into understanding your attachment patterns, resolving conflict, and building a more secure connection.

Tune in every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreon link: patreon.com/TheDrSarahHensleyShow

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/group-coaching

Individual Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach/

Couples Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach-couples/.

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/courses/

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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

Dr. Sarah Hensley answers your questions about attachment styles and relationships in this audience-led Q&A.

Join Sarah and Raina as they explore real-life relationship concerns through the lens of attachment science, offering perspectives on understanding yourself and your connections with others.

Questions were submitted by members of the Dr. Sarah Hensley Clients and Community Facebook group—making this episode a conversation driven by the experiences and concerns of the community.

If you aren’t yet part of the free, private Dr. Sarah Hensley Clients & Community Facebook group, now is the perfect time to join. It’s a supportive, attachment informed space where you can ask questions anonymously, connect with others on a similar healing path, and receive guidance rooted in science and compassion.
➡️ Join the group here. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FV8YUfrfG/

Dr. Hensley will continue pulling from your submissions to feature your biggest questions on the podcast—because your growth, your clarity, and your healing matter here.

Tune in every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert insights, and the guidance you need to navigate love and relationships in today’s world. For more information on Dr. Hensley’s offerings, explore the links below and connect with her on social media.

Patreon link: patreon.com/TheDrSarahHensleyShow

Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/group-coaching

Individual Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach/

Couples Coaching: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/pick-your-coach-couples/.

Purchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://doctorsarahhensley.com/courses/

Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley

Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast reflects personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives. The stories told are based on real-life events as remembered and interpreted by the hosts and guests. While we may discuss past relationships, custody matters, or personal dynamics, we do so from our point of view and with the intention of healing, education, and advocacy.

Identities are not disclosed unless already publicly known or permitted, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated. The information provided is not intended to defame, malign, or harm any individual or entity.

We do not offer legal advice or psychological diagnosis. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

By listening to this podcast, you agree that the hosts are not liable for any losses, damages, or misunderstandings arising from its content.

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