Being Well With Dr. Rick Hanson

Forrest and therapist Brandy Wyant discuss limerence, an intense and often one-sided state of romantic obsession. They explore how limerence differs from both love and ordinary crushes, why uncertainty fuels it, and how it can take over a person’s inner world. Brandy shares both clinical insights and her own lived experience, describing the obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and shame that often accompany limerence. They examine its overlap with OCD and addiction, and discuss practical strategies from CBT and ACT. Key Topics: 0:00: Introduction 2:00: What is limerence? 5:26: Limerence vs. a crush 11:28: Why research and treatment lag behind 13:38: Treatment approaches and practical strategies 24:47: Attachment, susceptibility, and shame 29:05: How limerence shapes relationships 38:12: Online communities and reinforcing obsession 49:18: Self-worth and validation 53:41: Recap Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors L