Discover how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, emotional regulation, attachment patterns, trust, and conflict styles

Therapy Shorts 54: Your Childhood Is Still Running Your Life (You Just Don’t See It)

Post author:Dr Nicholas Jenner
Post published:December 9, 2025

Our reactions in adult relationships rarely start in adulthood. In this episode, I explore how childhood emotional experiences, trauma, family dynamics, bullying, poverty and gender roles quietly shape our emotional regulation, conflict style and sense of self-worth. When we understand where our patterns began, we can stop blaming ourselves and start doing the real work of change. This is an honest look at how childhood follows us into our adult relationships and why that doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

Download Journalling Questions and Reflection Exercises HERE

Your Healing Journey Starts Here: Join Dr. Jenner’s Community!

Join 2,667 other subscribers

Dr Nicholas Jenner

Dr. Nicholas Jenner, a therapist, coach, and speaker, has over 20 years of experience in the field of therapy and coaching. His specialty lies in treating codependency, a condition that is often characterized by a compulsive dependence on a partner, friend, or family member for emotional or psychological sustenance. Dr. Jenner's approach to treating codependency involves using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a treatment method that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. He identifies the underlying causes of codependent behavior by exploring his patients' internal "parts," or their different emotional states, to develop strategies to break free from it. Dr. Jenner has authored numerous works on the topic and offers online therapy services to assist individuals in developing healthy relationships and achieving emotional independence.