Almost everyone has experienced a toxic relationship at some point in their life — whether with a romantic partner, a family member or even a friend. Trauma-bonded relationships fall under this ...

Most people think trauma bonds develop from shared difficult experiences or mutual support during tough times. However, mental health professionals warn that these emotional connections often mask a ...

Many people stay in harmful relationships believing they’re motivated by love, when in reality, they’re caught in a trauma bond. I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly in my work with clients seeking to ...

When you hear the words “trauma bonding,” you might picture two friends growing closer after experiencing breakups at the same time, or a couple falling in love after connecting over similar ...

A trauma bond is an emotional attachment that can form in an abusive relationship, specifically the connection the victim feels toward the perpetrator. A trauma bond is characterized by cycles of ...

All products featured on Self are independently selected by Self editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Not every toxic ...

Dopamine is a nuanced molecule that not only plays important roles in bad habits but also in behaviors that are necessary for survival and well-being. With the demonization of dopamine in recent years ...

When I was in graduate school, a professor once told me, “The best therapists aren’t the ones who had perfect childhoods. They’re the ones who had to figure things out.” At the time, I wasn’t sure if ...