*Trigger warning!!!!!! This episode refers to scenes of domestic violence and abuse. Please tread carefully if these topics are sensitive to you, or anyone else listening with you. If you are affected by anything raised in this episode, please reach out to Leah or myself.* Leah Spasova, a psychologist specializing in love and sex, discusses the importance of open communication and the impact of shame and guilt on relationships. She shares her personal journey and how her upbringing in a sex-positive family influenced her career choice. Leah explains how people can be conditioned to repeat unhealthy patterns in relationships and offers advice on breaking those patterns. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness, examining past relationships, and addressing emotional issues. Leah also highlights the power of conflict in relationships and the opportunity it presents for growth and rebuilding. In this conversation, Leah Spasova discusses the importance of allowing people to hit rock bottom in order to facilitate personal growth and change. She emphasizes the need to step back and let individuals experience the consequences of their actions, rather than trying to keep them afloat. Leah also highlights the signs of manipulation and abuse in relationships and offers advice on how to recognize and address these dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of healing from past wounds and breaking the cycle of hurt. Leah encourages listeners to seek professional help and resources to support their journey towards healing and personal growth. Takeaways Open communication and a lack of shame and guilt are essential for healthy relationships. People can be conditioned to repeat unhealthy patterns in relationships, but self-awareness and a desire for change are key to breaking those patterns.

Examining past relationships and addressing emotional issues are important steps in creating healthier dynamics. Conflict in relationships can be an opportunity for growth and rebuilding. Allowing people to hit rock bottom can be a necessary step in their personal growth and change. Recognizing the signs of manipulation and abuse in relationships is crucial for both victims and perpetrators. Healing from past wounds is essential to breaking the cycle of hurt and creating healthier relationships. Seeking professional help and resources can provide valuable support on the journey towards healing and personal growth. Sound Bites "Wrap sex and genitals in shame and guilt, and you control people." "Pathology comes from outside; what feels normal may not be healthy." "Complimentary dynamics: break the connection or confront to destroy what doesn't work." "That's huge." "I'm going to use that rock bottom to push myself up and figure it out." "Sometimes we do need to give people the opportunity to hit rock bottom." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:29 Breaking Unhealthy Relationship Patterns 24:44 Hitting Rock Bottom for Personal Growth 30:47 Recognizing and Addressing Manipulation and Abuse 39:19 Seeking Professional Help and Resources

To keep upto date with the latest, head on over to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38bncklwQXZMgxkTvZcsru ...and subscribe to this channel To hear more from Leah, go check her out on the following: ⁠LinkedIn Instagram As always, if you love this episode, please ⁠subscribe⁠ to my YouTube Channel, for all of the latest updates, and juicy episodes. Big love, Lucy x