Why You Create the Pain You're Trying to Avoid (And How to Break Free)

Avoiding painful emotions from childhood—like anger, helplessness, or shame—often recreates them in our closest relationships. Through real examples and concepts like introjection and projection (drawing from experts such as Nancy McWilliams and Otto Kernberg), discover how these defense mechanisms keep toxic cycles alive and learn a hopeful path to freedom by owning and integrating those feelings. Ideal for anyone tired of repeating relational patterns and ready for deeper emotional healing.

#Psychology #MentalHealth #Relationships #EmotionalHealing

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Avoiding Pain

00:02:24 Why Avoidance Recreates Pain

00:04:03 Introjection: Internalizing the Critic

00:07:32 Projection: Attributing to Others

00:12:19 The Hopeful Path: Owning Your Pain for Freedom

Try our AI Therapist Matcher

Find a Therapist That's Right For You