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In this chapter, Brian discusses the connection between trauma and his codependent habits.  His experiences, including childhood dynamics and an early, abusive friendship are explored as sources of trauma, shaping his behaviors and triggering ingrained responses to threats - specifically freeze and fawn. 
Brian’s journey of navigating trauma extended beyond physical safety to encompass emotional survival strategies. Amidst consistent fear and shame at home and with his childhood friend, emotional avoidance developed as a coping mechanism. Through dissociation and compartmentalization, painful emotions were suppressed and buried, leading to a solitary and chaotic inner life.  While these strategies initially offered relief, they ultimately perpetuated Brian's emotional turmoil, as the unresolved emotional pain continued to escalate, fostering a cycle of isolation and dysfunctional relationships.
In this episode:
00:01:07 What is Trauma?
00:03:13 New Layers of Trauma
00:05:58 Threat Responses
00:09:39 Emotional Trauma
00:14:27 Emotional Avoidance
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