Safe Space with Laura Caruso

Laura Caruso
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Safe Space with Laura is where honest reflections meets expert-backed insights. Hosted by licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert Laura Caruso, this is a podcast about relationships, healing, and the messy middle of personal growth. Whether you’re dating for love, coping with heartbreak, rebuilding your self-worth, or learning to trust yourself again—this is your safe space. Each week blends real-life stories with psychological insight to help you feel grounded, supported, and not so alone.

  1. 12/04/2025

    Ep 35 - Goodbye, NYC

    In this emotional episode of Safe Space, Laura records just one day before permanently leaving New York City after seven years. With her apartment in boxes and a cross-country drive ahead, she reflects on the bittersweet reality of endings, the fear and excitement of new beginnings, and the patterns we carry with us into each chapter. Laura opens up about how she processes major life transitions, revisiting her past cycles — from escaping an abusive relationship by moving to Italy, to using distraction as a coping mechanism, to realizing how often she dissociates instead of feeling her emotions in real time. She shares what it’s like to leave behind the comfort, safety, and community she built in New York, and the grief of saying goodbye to the people who supported her after a painful breakup and months of suicidal ideation. Timestamps 00:00 – 01:00 Introduction & Leaving New York 01:00 – 02:30 Endings, Processing, and the Fear of Being Alone With Your Thoughts 02:30 – 04:00 Recognizing a Chapter Has Truly Ended 04:00 – 06:00 Letting Go of Patterns That No Longer Serve 06:00 – 07:40 A Rough Year: Breakups, Darkness & Being Carried by Community 07:40 – 09:20 Grieving the Support System You're Leaving Behind 09:20 –0 9:40 Embracing the Unknown Stay Connected 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Safe Space → Spotify | Apple Podcasts 🔗 Explore more resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    10 min

  2. 11/20/2025

    Ep 34 - Dealing with Parents Who Can't Emotionally Regulate

    In this episode of Safe Space, Laura explores the complex and often painful reality of growing up with emotionally immature parents—those who struggle to regulate their own emotions, often resorting to criticism, withdrawal, or outbursts. She breaks down why emotionally immature behaviors develop, how they impact children long-term, and what healing can look like as an adult. Listeners will learn how to set healthy boundaries, protect their peace, and begin the process of reparenting themselves—offering the emotional safety and compassion they may have never received. The episode also shares guidance on breaking cycles of emotional dysregulation and maintaining stability even when family relationships remain difficult. Timestamps:00:00 – 00:54 Introduction to Emotionally Immature Parents00:54 – 02:10 Understanding Emotional Dysregulation02:10 – 03:09 The Impact on Children03:09 – 05:17 Reasons Behind Emotional Immaturity05:17 – 06:27 Coping Strategies and Setting Boundaries06:27 – 08:47 Reparenting Yourself and Limiting Exposure08:47 – End Final Thoughts and Encouragement Stay Connected:📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    10 min

  3. 11/13/2025

    Ep 33 - How Do I Rebuild Trust After It’s Been Broken?

    In this episode of Safe Space, the focus is on understanding and rebuilding trust after it’s been broken in a relationship. The discussion explores what trust truly means between partners, the common causes of betrayal—from infidelity to repeated neglect—and the complex process of trying to repair what’s been damaged. Laura breaks down the key steps for rebuilding trust, including radical honesty, accountability, transparency, and empathy, while also reflecting on the emotional challenges both partners face in the process. The episode offers a reflective guide for those who’ve been hurt, helping listeners assess whether repair is truly possible—or if it’s time to let go. Timestamps:00:00 – 00:07 Introduction to Safe Space00:07 – 00:51 Understanding Broken Trust00:51 – 01:54 Defining Trust in Relationships01:54 – 03:33 Examples of Trust Breaches03:33 – 05:50 Rebuilding Trust: Accountability and Actions05:50 – 09:22 Steps to Rebuild Trust09:22 – 10:16 Reflecting on Safety and Accountability10:16 – 10:51 When Not to Repair Trust10:51 – End Conclusion and Final Thoughts Stay Connected:📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    12 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    Ep 32 – We’re Tired, We’re Done, and We’re Voting for Empathy (So I Wrote A Book About It)

    This week on Safe Space, Laura reflects on one of the most powerful moments in recent history—the New York City mayoral election—and what it means for empathy, hope, and social change. Recorded the morning after the election, Laura shares an unfiltered, emotional reflection on what this political shift represents for a country that’s been running on burnout. She explores how collective exhaustion, disconnection, and chaos have defined the last five years—and why this moment feels like a turning point toward kindness, compassion, and community. Laura also celebrates the release of her debut book, The Empathy Deficit, and unpacks how the themes of her writing—care, connection, and the ripple effect of small acts—mirror the change happening in our culture. Through storytelling, social commentary, and personal reflection, she paints a picture of a world on the edge of healing—and how we can each play a role in it. If you’ve felt discouraged by the state of the world, this episode offers a reminder that momentum starts with us—that empathy is not just an idea, but a movement. Timestamps 00:00 – 00:55 Introduction: The Morning After the Election 00:55 – 02:30 The State of the World and the Power of Change 02:30 – 04:30 What The Empathy Deficit Is Really About 04:30 – 06:00 How One Person’s Change Impacts a Collective 06:00 – 08:30 The Role of Burnout and Disconnection in Society 08:30 – 10:00 Hope, Politics, and the Power of Community Stay Connected 📘 The Empathy Deficit is out now — purchase on Amazon 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com 🎙 Want to sponsor this podcast? → Email media@lauracaruso.com

    11 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Ep 31 - The Episode I Moved to Denver

    This week on Safe Space, Laura shares the story of one of the biggest changes in her adult life: moving to Denver. From boarding the flight out of New York City to the moment she stepped into her new apartment, she reflects on the grief, excitement, clarity, and deep nervous system regulation that came with letting go of the life she had to build the one she truly wants. This deeply personal episode explores the chaos and magic of major life transitions. Laura opens up about what it’s felt like to slow down, feel at peace, and start over after burnout. She talks about finding community, leaning into connection, and what happens when you finally give yourself permission to choose joy—even if it means leaving everything familiar behind. Whether you’re navigating a big life change or just fantasizing about a fresh start, this episode is an emotional roadmap for what it means to trust yourself and take the leap. Timestamps 00:00 – 00:30 Welcome & Intro 00:30 – 02:00 The Emotional Flight Out of NYC 02:00 – 04:30 Touching Down in Denver: A Feeling of Home 04:30 – 06:30 First Impressions & Why Denver Feels Magical 06:30 – 08:00 Unexpected Kindness, New Community & Serendipitous Support 08:00 – 10:00 Airbnb Chaos & Deciding to Apartment Hunt Early 10:00 – 12:00 Finding the Perfect Apartment (and Getting 3 Months Free!) 12:00 – 14:30 Nervous System Healing & the Contrast With NYC 14:30 – 15:50 Surrendering Control & Trusting the Unknown Stay Connected 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com 🎙 Want to sponsor this podcast? → Email media@lauracaruso.com

    16 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    Ep 30 - How to Tell If You’re Unavailable or Just Unimpressed

    This week on Safe Space, Laura opens up about the messy, confusing, and deeply human experience of dating after a breakup. She shares what it was like to jump back into the dating world too soon, the emotional disconnect that followed, and the uncomfortable realization that she wasn’t as ready as she thought. With honesty and compassion, Laura reflects on the pressure of online dating—the endless swiping, the emotional fatigue, and the way it can sometimes pull us further from genuine connection. She talks about her decision to step back, spend a month in Denver, and focus on reconnecting with herself rather than chasing validation through dating apps. Through her story, Laura offers a gentle reminder that healing after heartbreak takes time—and that the most meaningful relationships often begin when we stop forcing them. Timestamps 00:00 – 00:23 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:23 – 01:07 First Date After Breakup 01:07 – 01:40 Realizations and Red Flags 01:40 – 02:27 Struggles with Dating Apps 02:27 – 03:32 Taking a Break and Self-Reflection 03:32 – 06:08 Organic Connections vs. Online Dating 06:08 – End Closing Reflections Stay Connected: 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    7 min

  7. 10/16/2025

    Ep 29 - Why Do I Feel Anxious When Things Are Going Well in My Relationship?

    In this episode of Safe Space, the host addresses a viewer's question about feeling anxious even when their relationship is going well. Exploring the roots of anxious attachment, the host discusses reasons such as past insecure relationships, fear of vulnerability, unworthiness stemming from childhood trauma, and confusing chemistry with chaos. The episode provides insight into recognizing signs of anxiety in relationships and emphasizes understanding one’s attachment style. Timestamps: 00:00 – 00:35 Introduction to Relationship Anxiety 00:35 – 01:18 Understanding Anxious Attachment 01:18 – 01:43 Fear of Vulnerability and Loss 01:43 – 02:19 Unworthiness and Imposter Syndrome 02:19 – 04:22 Confusing Chemistry with Chaos 04:22 – 05:24 Signs of Anxiety in Relationships 05:24 – 06:07 Attachment Styles and Their Impact 06:07 – 06:40 Steps to Overcome Relationship Anxiety Stay Connected: 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    7 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    Ep 28 - Reporting Live from the Middle of a Manic Episode

    This week on Safe Space, Laura opens up about living with cyclothymia, a form of bipolar disorder often misunderstood because it hides behind the mask of being “high-functioning.” With honesty and vulnerability, she shares what it feels like when symptoms resurface—like after missing medication for just a few days—and how those shifts can impact mood, stability, and self-trust. Laura reflects on the coping mechanisms that help her navigate intense emotional swings, from journaling as a tool for self-reflection to the grounding power of escaping into nature. She also dives into the subconscious patterns shaped in childhood, the fear and stigma surrounding mental health medication, and the ongoing journey of embracing authenticity through it all. Through her story, Laura reminds us that mental health isn’t about being perfect—it’s about recognizing our patterns, finding what keeps us steady, and allowing ourselves to evolve into more authentic versions of who we are. Timestamps 00:00 – 00:25 Introduction to Safe Space 00:25 – 00:44 Understanding Cyclothymia 00:44 – 01:19 The Impact of Missing Medication 01:19 – 02:13 Journaling and Self-Reflection 02:13 – 03:57 Escaping to Nature 03:57 – 08:56 Childhood Coping Mechanisms 08:56 – 12:58 The Role of Medication 2:58 – 16:06 Authenticity and Mental Health 16:06 – End Embracing Change and New Beginnings Stay Connected: 📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy 🔗 Explore more episodes & resources → www.lauracaruso.com

    17 min
See All (34)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Safe Space with Laura is where honest reflections meets expert-backed insights. Hosted by licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert Laura Caruso, this is a podcast about relationships, healing, and the messy middle of personal growth. Whether you’re dating for love, coping with heartbreak, rebuilding your self-worth, or learning to trust yourself again—this is your safe space. Each week blends real-life stories with psychological insight to help you feel grounded, supported, and not so alone.

Information