ERP 441: How to Maintain a Sense of Self in Relationship — An Interview with Talia Bombola

Have you ever wondered why certain patterns seem to repeat in your relationships, leaving you feeling unfulfilled or misunderstood? Many of us carry the hidden scars of unmet childhood needs into our adult partnerships, often without realizing it. These unresolved emotional wounds can create barriers to giving and receiving love, often manifesting as conflicts and struggles in intimacy. Understanding and healing these deep-seated issues is crucial for building healthier, more fulfilling relationships. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior and relationships. We'll explore how understanding and internalizing these early life influences can help recognize and address the missing emotional elements from one's upbringing. The discussion sheds light on the importance of processing past traumas, engaging in healing conversations, and employing therapeutic techniques like role-playing and letter-writing to reconcile unresolved feelings. By emphasizing the intertwined nature of individual and relational growth, this episode offers practical strategies to help listeners navigate the complexities of maintaining a strong sense of self while fostering fulfilling, intimate relationships. Talia Bombola, The Confidence & Assertiveness Specialist™, is a Certified Psychodynamic, Licensed Psychotherapist, and Relationship Mentor for Women. Her work centers around helping anxious women feel secure by increasing self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness & rewiring beliefs about themselves, men, and relationships. She helps you heal the "not enoughness" that is blocking you from living a life overflowing with satisfaction and self-worth. Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website. In this episode 7:06 Talia’s journey from personal development to professional practice. 11:20 The dangers of tying self-worth to external achievements and goals. 14:45 Understanding the importance of developmental stages in shaping a person's sense of identity and self-worth. 18:56 The role of psychodynamic therapy and reparenting in healing childhood wounds. 29:03 Exploring the benefits of reconnecting with parents to address unresolved childhood experiences. 41:38 The importance of maintaining one's individuality and sense of self within relationships, particularly when faced with disapproval or differing opinions from loved ones. 46:57 Balancing closeness and autonomy: Navigating conflict and personal growth in relationships. Mentioned Rewire Your Relationships (online program) Triangular Theory of Love True self and false self (*Wikipedia link) (article) Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development (*National Library of Medicine link) (book) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love Connect with Talia Bombola Websites: taliabombola.com Facebook: facebook.com/taliabombola Instagram: instagram.com/taliabombola TikTok: tiktok.com/@taliabombola Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heal-through-humor/id1657508931 Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com If you have a topic you would like me to discuss, please contact me by clicking on the “Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins” button here.  Thank you so much for your interest in improving your relationship.  Also, I would so appreciate your honest rating and review. Please leave a review by clicking here.  Thank you!   *With Amazon Affiliate Links, I may earn a few cents from Amazon, if you purchase the book from this link.