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

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 Parents
00:54 – 02:10 Understanding Emotional Dysregulation
02:10 – 03:09 The Impact on Children
03:09 – 05:17 Reasons Behind Emotional Immaturity
05:17 – 06:27 Coping Strategies and Setting Boundaries
06:27 – 08:47 Reparenting Yourself and Limiting Exposure
08:47 – End Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Stay Connected:
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy

🔗 Explore more resources → www.lauracaruso.com

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 Space
00:07 – 00:51 Understanding Broken Trust
00:51 – 01:54 Defining Trust in Relationships
01:54 – 03:33 Examples of Trust Breaches
03:33 – 05:50 Rebuilding Trust: Accountability and Actions
05:50 – 09:22 Steps to Rebuild Trust
09:22 – 10:16 Reflecting on Safety and Accountability
10:16 – 10:51 When Not to Repair Trust
10:51 – End Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Stay Connected:
📱 Follow Laura on Instagram → @lauracaruso.therapy

🔗 Explore more resources → www.lauracaruso.com