Love Psycho

Ep. 12: When Love Triggers Trauma

• Juan L Rivera • Season 1 • Episode 12

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 ðŸ§ ðŸ’˜ with Psychologist Michael Snipe, Jr., MFT of Equity Therapy

Episode Summary:
Sometimes love doesn’t feel like butterflies — it feels like panic. In this powerful episode of Love Psycho, host Juan sits down with therapist and relationship expert Michael Snipe, Jr. (he/they) from Equity Therapy to explore what happens when romantic connection collides with unresolved trauma.

Why do some relationships feel like emotional rollercoasters? Why do we find ourselves stuck in patterns that feel both familiar and painful? And how do we begin to tell the difference between real love and trauma reenactment?

Michael brings their warm, grounded insight to help us unpack the psychology behind trauma responses in love — and what healing actually looks like in a relationship.

In this episode, we explore:

  • What it really means to be triggered in love
  • The difference between trauma bonds and genuine intimacy
  • How attachment styles and nervous system dysregulation play into romantic dynamics
  • Why intensity is not the same as connection
  • Grounding tools to help navigate emotional landmines in relationships

About our guest:
Michael Snipe, Jr. (he/they) is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a trauma-informed, queer-affirming lens. Through their work at Equity Therapy, Michael helps individuals and couples navigate identity, relationships, and the lingering effects of trauma — all while centering liberation, self-compassion, and emotional safety.

Listener Takeaways:

  • How to recognize when your trauma is being activated in love
  • Tools to ground yourself and break free of harmful patterns
  • Tips for building emotionally safe relationships, even while healing

Resources & Mentions: