Brain Body Speak. The language of health, happiness and success. - 6. Stuck in Toxic Relationships? Here’s Why. Attachment Styles, Trauma Bonds & Codependency w/ Dr. Nima Rahmany

6. Stuck in Toxic Relationships? Here’s Why. Attachment Styles, Trauma Bonds & Codependency w/ Dr. Nima Rahmany

04/15/25 • 73 min

Brain Body Speak. The language of health, happiness and success.

In this compelling episode of Brain Body Speak, host Holly Joy McCabe engages with Dr. Nima Rahmany, an expert in healing attachment wounds and creator of the Trigger-Proof Method. They delve into the intricacies of attachment styles, trauma bonds, and the path to genuine healing.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Attachment Styles: Dr. Nima explains how our early relationships shape our attachment patterns and influence adult connections.
The Reality of Trauma Bonds: Exploring the dynamics of relationships that, while intense, may be rooted in unresolved trauma rather than genuine connection.
Empathy vs. Hypervigilance: Challenging the notion of being an "empath" and recognizing when heightened sensitivity is a response to past trauma.
Pathways to Healing: Strategies for individuating from past wounds, regulating the nervous system, and fostering healthier relationships.Apple Podcasts

Notable Quotes:

"You're not falling in love with them... you're falling in love with how they make you see yourself." — Dr. Nima Rahmany

"People pleasing feels virtuous... until you realize it’s rooted in fear and hypervigilance. It’s not love. It’s survival." — Holly Joy McCabe

Resources Mentioned:

Attachment Style Assessment: Gain insights into your attachment patterns with Dr. Nima's Attachment Style Quiz.Apple Podcasts

Connect with Dr. Nima Rahmany:

Website: drnima.com
Instagram: @drnima

Connect with Holly Joy McCabe:

Website: brainbodyspeak.com
Instagram: @brainbodyspeak
YouTube: Holly Joy McCabe's Channel

Special Offer:

Enhance your healing journey with Zen In A Bottle supplements and beauty products. Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout to save.

Spread the Word & Win!

Tag @brainbodyspeak on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode to enter our monthly Brain Body Reboot course giveaway ($500 value)!

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Attachment Styles: Dr. Nima explains how our early relationships shape our attachment patterns and influence adult connections.
The Reality of Trauma Bonds: Exploring the dynamics of relationships that, while intense, may be rooted in unresolved trauma rather than genuine connection.
Empathy vs. Hypervigilance: Challenging the notion of being an "empath" and recognizing when heightened sensitivity is a response to past trauma.
Pathways to Healing: Strategies for individuating from past wounds, regulating the nervous system, and fostering healthier relationships.Apple Podcasts

Notable Quotes:

"You're not falling in love with them... you're falling in love with how they make you see yourself." — Dr. Nima Rahmany

"People pleasing feels virtuous... until you realize it’s rooted in fear and hypervigilance. It’s not love. It’s survival." — Holly Joy McCabe

Resources Mentioned:

Attachment Style Assessment: Gain insights into your attachment patterns with Dr. Nima's Attachment Style Quiz.Apple Podcasts

Connect with Dr. Nima Rahmany:

Website: drnima.com
Instagram: @drnima

Connect with Holly Joy McCabe:

Website: brainbodyspeak.com
Instagram: @brainbodyspeak
YouTube: Holly Joy McCabe's Channel

Special Offer:

Enhance your healing journey with Zen In A Bottle supplements and beauty products. Use code BRAINBODYSPEAK at checkout to save.

Spread the Word & Win!

Tag @brainbodyspeak on Instagram with your biggest takeaway from this episode to enter our monthly Brain Body Reboot course giveaway ($500 value)!

Previous Episode

5. The Myth of Balance: Why You’re Burnt Out and Disappointed

In this deeply empowering solo episode, Holly Joy McCabe dismantles one of the most toxic personal development ideals: balance.

We’ve been told to “strive for balance” — in our work, our relationships, our self-care — but what if that goal is keeping us in a cycle of burnout, disappointment, and self-blame?

Holly reframes this outdated narrative by offering a revolutionary alternative: harmony.

From juggling glass vs. rubber balls, to hormone cycles, business seasons, nervous system capacity, and daily rhythms — this episode gives women the tools to finally stop chasing a fantasy and start creating a life that works with them, not against them.

Why balance is a myth that sets women up to fail
The power of harmony over perfection
How your hormonal cycle impacts productivity
What “rubber vs. glass balls” really means in your daily life
Why hustle culture isn’t bad — when it’s used correctly
The #1 priority every woman should structure her day around
How to build capacity in your nervous system and life
Tools to regularly recalibrate and check in with yourself
How to organize your priorities to reduce anxiety & increase clarity
✍🏼 $2.99 Printable Self-Care & Habit Tracker:
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Get it here → https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/shop
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Shop now → Mind Mag Note worthy quotes:

“Balance is a moving target in a constantly shifting world. Harmony, on the other hand, meets you where you are.” – Holly Joy

“When you finally stop expecting every day to be easy, you give yourself permission to build a life that’s real.” – Holly Joy

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✨ Podcast Resource Page (Secret Episodes + Episode Notes)
https://www.brainbodyspeak.com/bbs-podcast

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Zen In A Bottle – Supplements & BeautyWebsite: https://www.zeninabottle.bizInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_in_a_bottle/
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📲 Spread the Word & Win!
Tag @brainbodyspeak on Instagram with your biggest takeaway to enter our monthly Brain Body Reboot course giveaway ($500 value)!