38 - Intermittent Reinforcement in Relationships

The Patrauma Party

Hold up, wait a minute! [Insert Salt 'n Pepa rap] DO YOU KNOW ABOUT INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT??? It basically explains why we get stuck in relationships with people who treat us like human ball sacks! You guys. It's science. It's real. Lab rats were involved. And we HAVE to address it if we want to find relationships (romantic, platonic, professional—you name it) that actually meet our needs and make us happy. (Pro tip: Are you anxiously attached? Yes? Then you're even MORE likely to stay in relationships that involve intermittent reinforcement.) In this episode, I welcome licensed therapist and yoga teacher turned coach Sarah Snyder to talk to us about healing this deeply ingrained, super painful pattern.

The information provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. None of the material presented is intended to be a substitute for psychotherapy, counseling, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need to speak with a professional, you can find one local to you and reach out directly, or you can call 988 to connect with the national Suicide & Crisis Hotline.