337: Is It Love or Addiction? Why We Fall for People Who Recreate Our Wounds

If you've ever found yourself chasing partners who feel "exciting" only to end up heartbroken—or if stability feels boring and you're stuck in the same painful patterns—this is the relationship episode you didn’t know you needed.This week, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Alsawy, founder of Relationship Success Lab, for a deep and raw conversation about trauma bonding, subconscious attraction patterns, attachment styles, and what real healing looks like. We explore how your nervous system shapes your relationships, why the spark you feel might be rooted in trauma, and how to finally break the cycle for good. Whether you're dating, in a relationship, or doing your inner work solo, this episode will shift the way you love—for life.What you'll get out of this episode… Why we confuse "chemistry" with chaos—and what your body is really trying to tell youHow your nervous system gets addicted to the high and low cycles of toxic loveWhat trauma bonding actually is (and how to know if you’re in one)The surprising reason secure partners feel “boring” to trauma survivorsHow to break patterns that keep you dating the same person in a different bodyWhen talk therapy isn’t enough—and what methods actually heal the nervous systemHow to show up for your partner when you’re in different phases of growthWhat it really means to have a healthy love—and how to get thereConnect with Dr. SarahWEB / healtraumabonding.comWELLNESS RETREAT / relationshipsuccesslab.com IG / @dr.sarahalsawyYT / @Dr.SarahalsawyWant more?🧘‍♀️ If you’re ready to stay rooted in your rituals — the Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit is for you. Created to help you lead with presence, peace, and pleasure. 💛 Only 250 kits available → ⁠neetabhushan.com/ritual⁠☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → neetabhushan.com/chaitonics🌿 Need focus, recovery, or balance? Take my FREE quiz to find your perfect wellness boost → neetabhushan.com/chaiquiz🎁 To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5-star review of The Brave Table to [e-mail] 😘Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!YT / @TheBraveTableIG / @neetabhushan IG / @thebravetable TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushanWEB / https://neetabhushan.comIf you loved this episode, check out…Ep. #322: Can You Fix a Toxic Relationship? Here's the #1 Sign It's Time to Walk Away (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)Ep. #320: Let Go of What No Longer Serves You: A 4-Step Guide to Emotional Freedom (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)Ep. #287: All the Relationship Lessons That Could Save Your Love Life in 2025 (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.