Episodes

  • Episode 2, Season II | Sex & Intimacy Series: “Pleasure, Not Shame - STD Truths, Healing, and Sexual Empowerment with The Yoni Nutritionist”

    Episode 2, Season II | Sex & Intimacy Series: “Pleasure, Not Shame - STD Truths, Healing, and Sexual Empowerment with The Yoni Nutritionist”
    Jun 3 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 2, Season II | “Pleasure, Not Shame - STD Truths, Healing, and Sexual Empowerment with The Yoni Nutritionist”In this powerful and much-needed episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley is joined by a trailblazer in the world of sexual wellness—Adrienne, better known as The Yoni Nutritionist. As a vaginal health nutritionist and sexual health advocate, Adrienne specializes in helping women get to the root of chronic yeast infections and supports both women and men in understanding and managing herpes (HSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnoses with compassion, knowledge, and zero shame.Together, Dr. Hensley and Adrienne bust some of the biggest myths surrounding STIs and STDs—like the false belief that your sex life is over after a diagnosis or that these infections only happen to people who are “irresponsible.” Spoiler: they don’t, and it isn’t. With over two-thirds of the population carrying HSV-1 and a staggering number of individuals living with HPV unknowingly, it’s time we normalize the conversation around sexual health and stop tying our self-worth to a lab result.Adrienne walks us through what informed, empowered intimacy looks like after an STI/STD diagnosis. From navigating conversations with partners to understanding the role of nutrition and stress in flare-ups, this episode offers both emotional reassurance and practical steps. Whether you’re currently dealing with symptoms, supporting a partner, or simply want to learn more about your own body, this is the kind of sexual health education we all should have received.Listeners will also gain insight into the often-overlooked connection between the gut microbiome and vaginal health, and how dietary and lifestyle changes can play a significant role in both prevention and symptom management. Adrienne offers a refreshing, body-positive perspective that invites us to release shame, reclaim our sexual agency, and embrace the truth: having an STI or STD does not make you “damaged goods.” You are still fully worthy of love, desire, and pleasure.You won’t want to miss this incredibly affirming and informative conversation. To connect with Adrienne and learn more about her work, visit her at www.yoninutritionist.com or follow her on Instagram or TikTok at @yoninutritionist.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Episode 1, Season II | Sex & Intimacy Series: "Attachment in the Sheets"

    Episode 1, Season II | Sex & Intimacy Series: "Attachment in the Sheets"
    May 27 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" Season II, where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 1, Season II | “Attachment in the Sheets: How Each Style Navigates Sex & Intimacy”Welcome to Season II of The Love Doc Podcast with Dr. Sarah Hensley, kicking off with a powerful new series: Sex and Intimacy. In this opening episode, “Attachment in the Sheets,” Dr. Hensley dives headfirst into how our attachment styles show up behind closed doors — and why understanding these patterns can completely shift the way we experience sexual connection.Dr. Hensley begins by unpacking the anxious-preoccupied (AP) attachment style in the realm of sex. APs are often the chameleons of intimacy, hyper-attuned to their partner’s needs and desires but rarely in touch with their own. Their deepest fear of abandonment can lead them to override personal boundaries, agree to things that don’t feel good, or mold their sexual expression entirely around what they think their partner wants. This form of self-abandonment might feel like love or closeness in the moment, but it slowly erodes the AP’s internal sense of safety and sexual autonomy.Next, the fearful-avoidant (FA) style takes center stage — a deeply complex and often contradictory experience in the bedroom. FAs may begin with high emotional awareness and sensitivity to their own needs and desires, but that clarity can quickly get hijacked by old patterns of fear of betrayal or fear of vulnerability. For some, especially after trust has been broken, physical intimacy becomes a place of shutdown. Others may still engage sexually, while emotionally checking out, using physical closeness to mask the deeper disconnection they feel inside.Lastly, Dr. Hensley explores the dismissive-avoidant (DA) style — often the most misunderstood when it comes to sex. For many DAs, sex becomes the one “acceptable” avenue for intimacy, even though emotional vulnerability remains off-limits. This creates a paradox: they may initiate or enjoy sex, but still struggle to feel safe, connected, or fully present. Alternatively, DAs may avoid sex entirely, perceiving it as another emotional demand or pressure they’re unwilling — or feel unable — to meet.Throughout the episode, Dr. Hensley weaves in the science of what’s happening in the body — including key hormonal responses that men and women experience during and after sex, such as the bonding power of oxytocin and the physiological patterns of stress and arousal. She emphasizes that without emotional safety and secure attachment, our sexual experiences can easily become performative, disconnected, or fraught with unmet needs.This episode is an invitation to reframe how we view sex — not just as an act, but as an emotional experience shaped by our history, attachment wiring, and our ability to feel seen, safe, and truly wanted. If you’ve ever wondered why intimacy can feel so difficult at times — this episode is a must-listen.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Patreons link: patreon.com/TheLoveDocPodcastDr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Stay Tuned for Season II

    Stay Tuned for Season II
    May 20 2025
    Hey y'all! We decided to take a week off between the end of Season I and the begining of Season II. Stay tuned for next week's new series on sex and intimacy where we will have some special guest. We are so excited to start season II with fresh ideas and new perspective! Love you guys!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    1 min
  • Episode 52 | The Little Ways We Show Up for Our Partners

    Episode 52 | The Little Ways We Show Up for Our Partners
    May 13 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC.

    Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.

    Episode 52 – The Little Ways We Show Up for Our Partners

    This episode explores one of the most powerful yet often overlooked truths in romantic relationships: it’s the small, consistent acts of connection that build true intimacy. Dr. Sarah Hensley breaks down how everyday micro-moments—like offering a kind word, turning toward your partner when they speak, or expressing gratitude for ordinary tasks—become the building blocks of lasting emotional closeness.

    Rooted in psychological science and attachment theory, Dr. Hensley explains how emotional bonds are formed and strengthened through quiet, consistent presence rather than grand, infrequent gestures. These subtle interactions—what we choose to notice, how we respond, and the tone we use—send powerful signals of care, attunement, and respect. When these small moments are neglected, emotional distance grows, often without either partner realizing it.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how love is shaped in the moment-to-moment choices we make in daily life. The success of a relationship doesn’t hinge on extravagant efforts, but on the willingness to show up in the “now”—especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
    Ultimately, The Little Ways We Show Up for Our Partners is a powerful reminder that love is reciprocal. It’s the accumulation of everyday choices—done with intention—that fosters lasting connection, emotional safety, and relational success.

    Ultimately, The Little Ways We Show Up for Our Partners is a powerful reminder that love is reciprocal. It’s not built in the highlight reels—it’s built in the in-between. In the everyday. And when both partners learn to consistently show up for each other in these little ways, the relationship doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

    Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media.

    PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program.

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

    Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

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

    Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

    Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

    Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

    Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Episode 51 | The High Cost of Low Standards

    Episode 51 | The High Cost of Low Standards
    May 6 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC.

    Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.

    Episode 51 – The High Cost of Low Standards

    In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley explores a truth most of us don’t want to admit but absolutely need to hear: settling for less than we deserve in our romantic lives doesn’t just hurt emotionally—it impacts us psychologically, physically, and even spiritually. “The High Cost of Low Standards” isn’t just about dating someone who doesn’t check every box. It’s about the real toll relational self-abandonment takes on our nervous system, our self-worth, and our ability to thrive.

    Dr. Hensley dives into the science of relational trauma, sharing how repeatedly tolerating disrespect, inconsistency, or emotional unavailability can lead to chronic stress responses in the body. Elevated cortisol, sleep disturbances, and even autoimmune flare-ups are common for clients who’ve lived for years in relationships that keep them in a perpetual state of anxiety. You’ll hear relatable examples from both host who developed digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue—all stemming from the emotional labor of loving someone who wasn’t loving them back. Both of them still struggling after almost ten years of deep dived healing work. Research from the fields of psychoneuroimmunology and attachment science backs this up: unhealthy relationships literally make us sick.

    Dr. Hensley breaks down how unresolved attachment wounds, particularly from childhood, can subconsciously condition us to lower the bar and internalize the belief that bare minimum is all we’re worthy of. She speaks candidly about how early templates of love—whether from an emotionally immature parent or a chaotic home environment—can train our nervous systems to find familiarity in dysfunction. And when we don’t heal those internal blueprints, we keep recreating them in adult partnerships, confusing chaos for chemistry and silence for safety.

    As always, Dr. Hensley ends with both compassion and a call to action. You are never stuck. Your nervous system may be wired for survival, but it can be rewired for secure love. You can raise your standards without fear of losing connection—because what’s truly meant for you won’t be threatened by your growth. Whether you’ve been chronically undervalued or simply unsure how to ask for more, this episode will remind you: it’s not too late to choose better. Healing is available, and so is the kind of love that doesn’t cost you your peace.

    Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media.

    PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program.

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

    Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

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

    Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

    Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

    Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

    Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • Episode 50 | Healing from the Emotionally Immature Parent

    Episode 50 | Healing from the Emotionally Immature Parent
    Apr 29 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 50: Healing from the Emotionally Immature ParentIn this milestone 50th episode of The Love Doc Podcast, Dr. Sarah Hensley opens with a candid observation she’s seen time and time again in her coaching practice: setting boundaries with emotionally immature parents—or in-laws—can feel even more excruciating than setting them with a romantic partner. Why? Because the first place we ever learned about love, safety, and connection was at home. And when the very people who were supposed to nurture our emotional needs couldn’t meet us where we were, it doesn’t just wound our childhoods—it quietly bleeds into how we love, trust, and show up in our adult relationships.Dr. Hensley breaks down the deep psychological impact that growing up with an emotionally stunted parent can have. It can create chronic self-doubt, hypervigilance, an unstable sense of self-worth, and a blueprint of attachment where emotional neglect feels “normal.” Many of us unconsciously seek romantic partners who mirror the emotional patterns we grew up with—partners who are distant, unavailable, or inconsistent—because it’s the only intimacy our nervous system recognizes. Without realizing it, we are often trying to “finish the story” with someone else that was left incomplete by our earliest caregivers.In a deeply personal segment, Sarah and her cohost Raina share their own raw stories: Sarah’s painful experience navigating a relationship with an emotionally immature father, and Raina’s difficult upbringing with a mother who was emotionally unstable due to her own unhealed trauma. They open up about how these early wounds shaped the choices they made in their first romantic relationships—often chasing emotional closeness where it was chronically withheld. They also reflect on how these experiences made them fiercely intentional about how they parent today, choosing to break the cycles of emotional disconnection by offering the attunement and presence they didn’t always receive themselves.But healing from these wounds isn’t just about recognizing the past; it’s about actively choosing to reparent yourself. Dr. Hensley explains that “reparenting” means becoming the steady, loving caregiver to your own inner child—the one who was ignored, invalidated, or left to navigate big emotions alone. Through conscious practices of self-compassion, emotional validation, boundary setting, and nurturing rituals, you can literally rewire your attachment system. Inner child work, Dr. Hensley explains, is about meeting yourself in those abandoned spaces—learning to sit with your unmet needs rather than running from them, and offering yourself the empathy, care, and consistency you deserved all along.If this episode resonates deeply with you—if you recognize yourself in these patterns and you’re ready to stop letting old wounds dictate your present relationships—Dr. Hensley invites you to explore The Love Doc‘s coaching programs and resources. Healing is possible, and it begins with the brave decision to show up for yourself in a way no one else ever could. Rebuilding your emotional foundation through reparenting and inner child work isn’t just transformational—it’s the first step toward the secure, fulfilling love you were always worthy of.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Episode 49 | Work/Relationship Balance with Special Guest Josee Tremblay, Author of "Us and Yet and Yet"

    Episode 49 | Work/Relationship Balance with Special Guest Josee Tremblay, Author of "Us and Yet and Yet"
    Apr 22 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC. Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.Episode 49: Work/Relationship Balance with Special Guest: Josee Tremblay, Author of Us and Yet and YetIn this powerful episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher sit down with special guest Josee Tremblay, a mechanical engineer and author of Us and Yet and Yet, to discuss one of the most common but rarely addressed struggles in modern relationships—how to strike a healthy balance between work and intimacy. Josee shares her journey as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry and how her career led her to a deeper understanding of feminine and masculine energies within romantic partnerships. Her personal experiences inspired her to write a book that speaks directly to high-achieving women who feel the strain of “doing it all” and crave a better connection with their partners at home.The conversation dives into how career-driven women—especially those in high-stress, high-performance roles—often find themselves stuck in masculine energy even after they clock out. Josee, Dr. Hensley, and Raina all reflect on how they’ve had to intentionally shift into their feminine energy in their personal lives to create space for their partners to naturally step into their masculine roles. Dr. Hensley explains how this energetic polarity is essential to maintaining desire, harmony, and emotional connection in long-term relationships. The episode highlights the subtle but significant ways that career ambition, daily responsibilities, and over-functioning behaviors can affect the relational dynamic.Josee also brings depth to the conversation by exploring the archetypes she covers in her book, shedding light on how different energy patterns and identities show up in relationships. Whether it’s the Overachiever, the Perfectionist, or the Self-Sacrificing Giver, each archetype holds insight into how we unconsciously operate when under stress or pressure. Dr. Hensley connects this framework to attachment theory, highlighting how dismissive avoidants in particular—whether male or female—struggle the most with balancing work and relational life. She explains that DAs often turn to work, tasks, or hobbies as a way to feel effective, valued, and in control—especially when emotional intimacy feels vulnerable or unsafe. This can manifest in surprising ways, such as a stay-at-home mom who over-schedules the kids to avoid deeper connection with her partner.Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own patterns and consider how attachment styles, emotional wounds, and internalized beliefs about productivity impact their relationships. Dr. Hensley emphasizes that healing begins with self-awareness—and that shifting from “doing” to “being” is a powerful act of love, both for ourselves and our partners. Whether you’re a high-powered professional, an entrepreneur, or someone simply juggling the demands of life and love, this conversation will leave you with tangible insights on how to show up more present, connected, and whole in your relationship.Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media. PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program. Dr. Hensley’s Hybrid Group Coaching: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/group-coachingBook one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual CoachingPurchase Dr. Hensley’s online courses: https://courses.thelovedoc.com/coursesTik-Tok: @drsarahhensleyInstagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedocFacebook: Dr. Sarah HensleyYoutube: @Dr.SarahHensleyYou can find Josee Tremblay's book at the link below or on amazon. US and yet and yetBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • Episode 48 | The Vagus Nerve

    Episode 48 | The Vagus Nerve
    Apr 15 2025
    Hosted by Dr. Sarah Hensley, Specialized Social Psychologist, Attachment Theory Expert, and Founder & CEO of The Love Doc Relationship Coaching Services with Co-host Raina Butcher, Owner/CEO of Joyful Consulting, LLC.

    Welcome to "The Love Doc Podcast" where Host Dr. Sarah Hensley and her co-host Raina Butcher dive deep into the intricacies of love, attraction, attachment, relationships, and self-awareness. Dr. Hensley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern romance. In each episode, Dr. Hensley tackles burning questions about love, relationships, and the mind’s complexities, drawing from her psychological research, real-life experiences, and her own individual expertise, to provide insightful perspectives and practical advice.

    Episode 48: The Vagus Nerve

    In this powerful and informative episode, Dr. Sarah Hensley unpacks one of the most essential—yet often overlooked—players in our healing journey: the vagus nerve. As a social psychologist and attachment expert, Dr. Hensley explains how the vagus nerve functions as the primary communication superhighway between the brain and body, deeply influencing our emotional regulation, sense of safety, and ability to connect with others. She breaks down the science in an accessible, real-world way—helping listeners understand why a dysregulated nervous system keeps them stuck in survival mode, attracting unhealthy patterns and perpetuating attachment wounds.

    Dr. Hensley dives into the role the vagus nerve plays in attachment and trauma, especially for those with insecure styles like anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. When we’ve experienced relational trauma—whether through emotional neglect, inconsistency, or outright betrayal—our nervous system becomes hypervigilant. The vagus nerve responds by defaulting into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states, often without us realizing it. That’s why you might feel a “gut instinct” to run or shut down in the presence of intimacy, or why calmness can feel foreign after years of chaos. Dr. Hensley explains how we cannot simply “think” our way into secure attachment—we must regulate our way there, starting with the body.

    Throughout the episode, listeners are guided through practical, research-backed ways to tone and stimulate the vagus nerve. From cold exposure and deep diaphragmatic breathing to humming, prayer, laughter, and safe eye contact—Dr. Hensley outlines exercises that create real shifts in the nervous system over time. She emphasizes that healing is not a linear path of “just letting go” or “getting over it”—it’s a deep reconnection with your body’s felt sense of safety. She also shares how vagal tone is essential in being able to pause, reflect, and choose differently in moments of relational trigger—rather than spiraling into panic, protest, or withdrawal. If you’ve ever wondered why healing feels so hard—or how to finally feel safe in love—this episode is your science-meets-soul roadmap.

    Tune in to "The Love Doc Podcast" every Tuesday morning for candid conversations, expert guidance, and a deeper understanding of life, love and relationships in the modern world. To see all of Dr. Hensley’s services please visit the links below and follow her on social media.

    PROMO CODE FOR OUR LISTNERS: Use LOVEDOC27 to receive 27% off any of Dr. Hensley's courses or her Hybrid Group Coaching Program.

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

    Book one on one with Dr. Hensley or one of her certified coaches: Virtual Coaching

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

    Tik-Tok: @drsarahhensley

    Instagram: @dr.sarahhensley_lovedoc

    Facebook: Dr. Sarah Hensley

    Youtube: @Dr.SarahHensley

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast--6390558/support.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup