Our Whole Childhood with Patrick Teahan

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the hidden psychological barriers that prevent childhood trauma survivors from reaching their personal and professional goals. While often labeled simply as imposter syndrome, this struggle is rarely just a lack of confidence. Instead, it is a complex intersection of survival mechanisms, unresolved grief, and toxic family system dynamics. Patrick breaks down four specific patterns that keep survivors anchored in familiar dysfunction rather than r...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, steps away from the teleprompter to share real testimonials from his community about the life-changing impact of good therapy. While discussions around mental health often focus on poor fits or damaging experiences, Patrick highlights what it looks and feels like to find a safe and competent practitioner. He introduces a lighthearted analogy comparing a great therapist to a trusted mechanic, someone who understands the complex machinery of your history, m...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, is joined by personality psychologist William Todd Schultz to explore the complicated emotional landscape of family estrangement and how early childhood loss intersects with creative expression. Todd specializes in profiles of artists and has published books such as Tiny Terror on Truman Capote, An Emergency in Slow Motion on Diane Arbus, Torment Saint on Elliott Smith, and The Mind of the Artist. Together, they detail how childhood trauma and the death o...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the profound impact of rage as a byproduct of childhood trauma, detailing how unsafe environments force children to either weaponize or absorb intense emotional energy. He introduces the concept of inward and outward rage, moving beyond the stigma of "anger issues" to focus on the underground emotional deposits that develop when a child is erased, ignored, or exposed to volatility. The episode begins by unpacking a complex dynamic: the four speci...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the profound impact of growing up in an abusive or neglectful environment, detailing how childhood trauma survivors often struggle with intense self-blame and self-hatred. He introduces the concept of emotional math, moving beyond simple advice to just be kinder to yourself, focusing instead on the deep rooted self-contempt that develops when children lack a healthy adult guide. The episode begins by unpacking a complex dynamic: the development o...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the profound impact of unsafe home environments, detailing how childhood trauma forces kids to trade their early years for survival. He introduces the concept of the survival exchange, moving beyond simple symptom management to focus on the deep rooted hypervigilance that develops when growing up around chaos, neglect, or emotional abuse. The episode begins by unpacking a complex dynamic: the development of a highly sensitive radar system in plac...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, dives into the complex world of intuition and safety: how childhood trauma can break our internal radar and how to tell the difference between a safe person and an unsafe one. He introduces a framework centered on Authenticity, moving beyond simple checklists of red flags to focus on the gut-level ick that signals when a person’s public performance doesn't match their private motives. The episode begins with a nuanced workplace hypothetical: a new coworke...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores a difficult and personal topic: how abusive family dynamics can scale into larger systems, and what happens when legal authority functions like an abusive parent. He introduces a framework he calls the Abusive Parent State, using trauma pattern recognition to connect family systems language to collective trauma. Rather than staying inside the usual home-based roles, Patrick widens the lens to examine how gaslighting, enforcer dynamics, and discar...

In this episode, Patrick, explores why memories of school bullies can still feel visceral years later, even after you have done a lot of healing work. Using a poll with over 2,000 participants, Patrick breaks down the different ways bullying can stick in the nervous system, from occasional intense flashbacks to lingering resentment and revenge fantasies. Rather than treating bullying as a standalone issue, Patrick connects it to childhood trauma and family systems. He explains how bullies oft...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores the baseline feeling of being “in trouble”, that constant sense that someone is mad at you, you did something wrong, or you are about to be shamed. He breaks down why this internal alarm is so common in childhood trauma and how it can follow people into adulthood through imposter syndrome, anxiety dreams, and chronic hypervigilance. Rather than treating it like a personality flaw, Patrick connects the “in trouble” feeling to shame-based family sy...

In this episode, Patrick shares a personal story about what it can look like when long-held trauma responses begin to loosen after years of recovery work and how flashbacks can shift into quieter moments of recognition instead of distress. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Patrick connects the body-level experience of trauma anniversaries, shame attacks, and emotional flashbacks to the family system that created them, including emotionally immature parenting, addiction, domestic violenc...

In this episode, Patrick Teahan, MSW, explores nine rarely named but deeply damaging family dynamics that quietly shape childhood trauma and follow people into adulthood. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, Patrick breaks down the dysfunctional family systems behind them—the unspoken rules, emotional roles, and survival patterns that distort self-worth, boundaries, and relationships. As a follow-up to 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues, this episode examines how growing up in emoti...

This episode explores how childhood trauma and emotionally unsafe parenting can cause us to lose touch with our original personality, the self we were born with before survival, compliance, and shame took over. Through personal stories and clinical insight, Patrick explains how emotionally immature or abusive parents distort a child’s sense of self by mislabeling innate traits as problems. Poor emotional mirroring, lack of goodness of fit, and pressure to comply can force a child’s spark unde...

This episode tells the story of Thomas, a survivor who went no contact with his abusive father after a public meltdown at his wedding, and how the world around him quietly blames him for the relationship he didn’t break. From well-meaning coworkers saying “all families have stuff,” to relatives insisting “you’ll have to let it go,” Patrick explores why the burden to forgive and reconnect so often falls on the person who was hurt, not the person who caused the harm. Learn how survivors l...

This episode explores how growing up with a toxic or emotionally unavailable mother can shape a daughter’s sense of worth, identity, and boundaries, and how to finally break free. Rather than focusing on blame, Patrick unpacks the lasting emotional damage that daughters carry into adulthood and the path toward self-trust and emotional independence. Learn why patterns like people-pleasing, guilt, and over-responsibility aren’t flaws, they’re survival strategies that once kept you safe. Through...

This episode explores how growing up with a narcissistic or emotionally immature parent can distort your perception of yourself, others, and your worth, and how to reclaim it. Instead of fixating on the parent, we look at the damage that lingers and the path to undo it. Learn why triggers around work, relationships, and self-doubt aren’t personality flaws—they're leftover survival responses from childhood. Patrick shares vulnerable personal stories about being cast as “the dumb one” and how t...

This episode dives into the ways childhood trauma shows up in daily triggers—and how to break free from them faster. Learn how your past shapes present reactions and discover practical tools to release the emotional charge that keeps you stuck. Topics include: Understanding how triggers connect past and presentFour actionable tools for regulating emotional triggersHealing practices for body and mindReclaiming your time, energy, and creativity from traumaJoin us for an empowering conversation ...

This episode explores the ways childhood trauma survivors often feel left out in friendships and social situations, and how those early family patterns show up in adult connections. Topics include: Struggling to “jump in” during conversationsStarting friendships but pulling away quicklyFeeling “too much” or too intense for othersHow family modeling shapes social shameInner child work and dialoguing prompts for healingJoin us for an honest, compassionate conversation on finding belonging and b...

In this episode, Patrick sits down with Dr. Ingrid Clayton to unpack fawning, the often-missed, deeply relational trauma response: why “people-pleasing” isn’t what it seems, how power dynamics shape it, and first steps toward taking up space—without turning into someone you’re not. Order your copy of Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find Our Way Back today! ORDER HERE Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

This episode explores in-depth how emotionally immature or abusive mothers impact their sons long into adulthood. Keep an eye out for two more parts of this series! Topics include: Feeling triggered by other women - imaginary or realDifferent types of toxic mothersReplicating patterns from our childhood traumaTips for healing and building healthy relationships Join us for an insightful conversation on healing and finding emotional balance. Keywords: Childhood trauma, toxic mother...

Toxic Fathers & The Daughters They Leave Behind I hope this episode was helpful and or thought provoking for you. Please like, follow or comment w/questions. For in depth journal prompts, subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of these episodes! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Why Your C-PTSD Isn't Getting Better Topics covered: sense of self, childhood trauma, DSO, CPTSD, PTSD, relationship problems, emotional triggers, psychology, assessment, measurable goals, journal prompts, childhood trauma, trauma response, attachment. In this episode I go over Disturbances in Self-Organization, a diagnostic criteria set that separates PTSD from C-PTSD. We can fine tune our healing efforts if we know which of the three DSO ideas affects our functioning the most. This ep...

In this episode I cover the mental health personality of a Star Wars character C-3P0. Other Star Wars mental health mentions: K-2S0, gonk droid, Luke Skywalker, Andor, Mon Mothma, Empire Strikes Back, Luthen Rael, Dedra Meero, Syrill, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Palpatine, Han Solo, Narcissism, Covert Narcissist, codependency, Chewbacca, Emperor Palpatine, Princess Leia, Yoda, Boba Fett, Sith, Star Wars fans. The sound clips used in this episode are owned by Lucasfilm Ltd. and are part of the S...

Our biggest fear is that we’re failing our children somehow.” If you’re worried—because most parents are—this video will help you approach that fear with compassion and clarity. In this video, you’ll learn: Real-life “no-one-tells-you” parenting stressors, from biting toddlers to boundary-pushing tweens. How to spot and rethink your personal triggers by tracing them back to your own childhood. Practical “reset” tools: what to say to yourself (and your child) when you feel that hot-b...

Anxiety rarely shows up without a backstory. In this video, I’m diving deep into how childhood trauma — especially experiences rooted in neglect and abuse — can shape the anxiety many of us struggle with today. These issues often get labeled just as anxiety. We'll explore: 1️⃣ The root causes of anxiety tied to our past 2️⃣ How those early experiences can still affect us in the present I’ll walk you through a list of childhood trauma-related issues that might help you ...

While this episode is directed at parents who are struggling to understand why their children have gone low or no contact, I think many of you—especially those who have lived through painful or invalidating family experiences—may find it deeply resonant. In it, I speak directly to estranged parents about: Seven of the most common blind spots I’ve seen in 15+ years of working with childhood trauma. Why insight without accountability is never enough. The disconnect between int...

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma, like neglect or toxic parenting, affects emotional security and shapes our relationships. We discuss how these early experiences can lead to insecurities, especially in romantic relationships and when receiving feedback. You’ll hear practical tips for healing, building trust in yourself, and improving emotional resilience. Topics include: How neglect or toxic parenting impacts emotional securityHow childhood insecurities show up in...

In this season 2 opener, we look back at a pivotal childhood experience with "Slow Jack," my first client. This story goes beyond a simple interaction—it’s about the genuine moments I experienced as a child in an adult world. No clinical jargon—just real, personal stories of growing up with childhood trauma and the journey to healing. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, Orenda Fink opens up about her journey growing up in chaos with an alcoholic mother struggling with mental illness who self-identified as a practicing and often vindictive witch. As she navigates the trauma of her childhood, Orenda escapes to pursue music, forming bands like Little Red Rocket and Azure Ray. We explore the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the codependent other parent, the fine line between mental illness and the myth of magic, and the ongoing search for hea...

In this episode, I discuss mental health, psychology, functioning, self-care, relationships, childhood trauma, substance abuse, emotional regulation, dysthymia, depression, anxiety, conflict, alcohol, growth, progress, sobriety, and men's mental health. I've given a broad overview about possible reasons for not having one's SH*T together. I related them to being in the context of childhood trauma, but they don't always have to be. These issues can also be in line with problems ranging ...

Today's episode covers where hidden shame comes from and to how to tackle it! Monthly Healing Community - Discount Code: INNERCHILD 3 Ways To Work With Toxic Shame - Part 2 - Episode 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dnOzP29OWA&t=1037s 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULd-wnWjT4&t=1567s Toxic Shame and Childhood Trauma Course: https://membership.patrickteahantherapy.com/c/toxic-shame-and-childhood-trauma-webinar-e-course/ Join t...

Today's episode covers being creatively stuck and how to tackle our stuckness. Monthly Healing Community - Discount Code: INNERCHILD Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Today's episode covers five emotional developmental delays I often see and what we can do about them. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Goodness and Power 11 Oddly Specific Childhood Trauma Issues (Chameleon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lULd-wnWjT4 Is this your real personality? 5 Childhood Trauma Personalities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiGbgKICNEU 3 Ways To Work With Toxic Shame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKvtGwDZ78w Inner Child Work Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tOAzOD0sB3oe_mhsKT6GcVmB4w5GtZx Learn more about Patrick Teahan, Childhood Trauma Resources and Offerings https://...

Today's episode features the New York Times article on the topic of family estrangement, going no contact, TikTok trending and more. Read the article here - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/14/health/therapy-family-estrangement.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7E0.wkkS.W1t92q4DI9sW&smid=url-share Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

On today's episode, we'll cover common reactions that parents have to going no contact and what to do about it! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

On today's episode, we'll cover how overwhelming others affects our relationships. I'm going to name the issues, list where it comes from in childhood, and what to do instead! This episode features role plays for each type of overwhelming energy. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I'm going to talk about each issue and also name: *What boundary is crossed in terms of parenting *How it can affect us as adults in terms of triggers *How do you overcome the issue if you struggle with it? *What would have been healthy parenting Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I cover what I believe are six effective ways to combat Social Awkwardness. I also discuss where it comes from in Childhood Trauma, and how to work on it by being more real and proactive. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Grab Ingrid's Book - Believing Me Connect with Ingrid here For this special episode, I have the tough conversation of the Untouchable Mother, and dive into Dr. Ingrid Clayton's wonderful memoir Believing Me, Healing From Narcissistic Abuse. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I cover what I believe to be five trauma based personality types that are not our true personality. I cover the behaviors, intimacy problems, social problems, where it comes from, and how to work on it by being more real. If you're unsure about family toxicity - take the test! (www.toxicfamilytest.com) Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I share details on how family toxicity can be measurable, and breakdown the term "Toxic." The toxic family test was developed to assist in processing of childhood trauma and family dynamics, but primarily was created to raise awareness of the toxic family system. I hope you find it helpful! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, featuring my first guest of the Podcast, Nate Postlethwait, and I describe the various issues in the world of therapy and what you may encounter while seeking it! I hope it's helpful to you! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I describe six archetypes of toxic parents, characteristics, variations, how you might get triggered in the present day, and what makes it toxic! I hope it's helpful to you! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

In this episode, I describe six common pitfalls or stuck places that often happen in the process of working on childhood trauma. I hope it's helpful to you! Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by family by having them side with abusive people over you - this episode is going to be helpful. In this episode, I will be going over: ⦁Describing the problem. ⦁Giving Concrete specific examples of when abusive parents side with abusers ⦁How it affects us emotionally as well as discuss triggers ⦁How to process or work through it when it’s happening. Join me for Episode 8 where we explore "When They Take the Abuser’s Side - Childhood Trauma Work" ...

In this episode, I discuss how the human experience around a religious or spiritual path gets wrecked by what systems and individuals model - all that and more! Join me for Episode 7 where we explore "Religious Abuse and Cults - Childhood Trauma" Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Hello Everyone! At the moment, I won't be releasing a weekly podcast but I'd like to from time to time as requested by YOU the subscribers. Thank you! In this sixth episode, I want us to think about how there is a dark side to our childhood trauma symptoms... (muah ha ha). I’m trying to be funny to lessen this stuff. This video is about not taking our dark side so seriously by accepting it. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Hello Everyone! At the moment, I won't be releasing a weekly podcast but I'd like to from time to time as requested by YOU the subscribers. Thank you! In this fifth episode I'd like us to ask "What Happens to Men". What happens to men like my father who wasn’t equipped to be a father or a husband, or his father. What chain of events lead to long lasting generation trauma and a struggle to connect for men? This episode will focus on the one and only John Lennon, English sing...

So you may be wondering "what is limerence?" Limerence is a present and deep emotional preoccupation or obsession with another person and it's something that can really take over one's life until it runs its course or we can do some work and get out of limerence faster like burst the bubble... Join me for Episode 4 where we explore "Limerence, Attachment, and Childhood Trauma." Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership

Hello Everyone! At the moment, I won't be releasing a weekly podcast but I'd like to from time to time as requested by YOU the subscribers. Thank you! In this third episode I'd like us to ask "What Happens to Men". What happens to men like my father who wasn’t equipped to be a father or a husband, or his father. What chain of events lead to long lasting generation trauma and a struggle to connect for men? This episode will focus on a hypothetical case example compiled...

Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership Hello Everyone! At the moment, I won't be releasing a weekly podcast but I'd like to from time to time as requested by YOU the subscribers. Thank you! In this second episode I talk about how the community around us gets someone processing their childhood trauma wrong. This episode will focus on a hypothetical case example compiled from what I see is like a culture of essentially abuse denying and the psychology around that and the b...

Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership This podcast is a first for me! At the moment, I won't be releasing a weekly podcast but I'd like to from time to time as requested by YOU the subscribers. Thank you! In this very first episode I tell the story of how I actually landed in therapy, all thanks to a Spinet Piano. Join the Healing Community! Join the Monthly Healing Community Membership