7 Primal Wounds: Break the Patterns Keeping You Stuck

by Dr. Michaela Renee Johnson

Why You React the Way You Do—And What to Do About It

If you’ve ever overreacted, shut down, chased affection, or walked on eggshells—this book explains why.

In 7 Primal Wounds, psychotherapist Dr. Michaela Renee Johnson reveals the invisible emotional injuries that shape how we love, fight, and connect. These seven wounds—feeling insignificant, inadequate, damaged, like an outsider, unintelligent, powerless, or undeserving—drive unconscious patterns in both individuals and couples. But they don’t have to.

You’ll learn how

Identify the wound behind your triggers and communication strugglesRecognize your “Primal Responders” (Inner Child, Teen, and Parent)Pause before the spiral, shutdown, or overreactionUse the PRIMAL Reset to move from reactive to responsiveBuild stronger, more authentic relationships—with yourself and othersThis isn’t about being perfect. It’s about understanding yourself—so you can respond, not just react, in every relationship that matters.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why am I like this?”—this book has your answer.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Dr. Michaela Renee Johnson (@skytalkdoc) is an Amazon best-selling author in self-help and relationships, commercial seaplane and vintage warbird pilot, and unapologetic truth-teller helping people break free from the beliefs that sabotage their lives. With over 15 years of experience as a couples therapist, Michaela specializes in decoding the hidden patterns—what she calls Primal Wounds—that drive our deepest relationship struggles.

She’s read over 500 self-help books so you don’t have to, distilling timeless wisdom and cutting-edge neuroscience into a powerful framework for relational transformation. Her unique blend of clinical expertise, spiritual depth, and no-fluff storytelling has helped hundreds of individuals and couples find clarity, connection, and confidence—in love and in life. Her top iTunes podcast SkyTalkDoc inspires listeners to embrace authenticity, navigate relationships with clarity, and live boldly.

Michaela’s own story is anything but linear. A former overachiever turned grounded rebel, she’s navigated everything from emergency landings to psychological warfare. Raised in a 27-foot trailer with no running water or electricity, she went on to run multimillion-dollar businesses and fly vintage warbirds (yes, for real). She now uses her lived experience to connect with readers and clients who are ready to get real—and soar.

When she’s not writing or coaching, you’ll find Michaela (and Commander) flying float planes from Central America to Alaska, watercoloring, geeking out on health hacks, hiking with her dog Walter, and navigating life’s turbulence with humor and heart. But what she enjoys most is spending time with her house full of boys (fave title: mom).

Michaela believes thriving relationships begin with the idea that you’re not broken—you’re actually working very well. And she’s here to hand you the permission slip to get naked (metaphorically, but hey—your call).