The Deeper Truth About Fawning: How Survival Turns Into Self-Abandonment w/ Ingrid ClaytonThe Deeper Truth About Fawning: How Survival Turns Into Self-Abandonment w/ Ingrid Clayton
Adult Child
Andrea Ashley and Dr. Ingrid Clayton discuss fawning, a misunderstood trauma response that leads to self-abandonment. They explore its impact on identity and relationships.
1:11:11•5 Nov 2025
Breaking Free from Fawning: A Conversation with Dr. Ingrid Clayton
Episode Overview
- Fawning is a survival mechanism often mistaken for people-pleasing.
- Understanding fawning can reduce shame and offer new perspectives.
- Self-abandonment affects personal identity and relationships.
- Trauma-informed therapy is crucial for addressing fawn responses.
- Fawning can manifest differently across various life contexts.
“"Fawning isn't just people-pleasing; it's self-erasure in the name of survival."”
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? In this episode of Adult Child, Andrea Ashley sits down with Dr. Ingrid Clayton, a licensed clinical psychologist and author, to discuss the complexities of fawning—a trauma response often mistaken for people-pleasing. Clayton's insights are not your run-of-the-mill discussion; she brings depth to understanding how survival instincts can lead to self-abandonment. Through her personal journey and professional expertise, Clayton reveals how fawning can manifest in relationships, parenting, and even in one's own identity.
Her book, 'Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves — and How to Find Our Way Back,' serves as a guide to reclaiming oneself from the shadows of trauma. With humour and candidness, the episode tackles how societal structures and childhood experiences shape our responses, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand their behavioural patterns better. You'll find yourself questioning whether your own habits are rooted in a need to survive rather than thrive.
So, how do you navigate the delicate balance between self-preservation and self-expression? Tune in to explore this intriguing conversation and discover the keys to coming home to yourself.

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