The Dr. Sylvia K Show

This is not a typical podcast episode.

This is a guided meditation.

Breaking Up With Shame is part of a growing meditation series designed to support personal growth, emotional healing, and awareness of the family and relational systems that shape how we see ourselves.

In this short, no-BS meditation, you’ll be guided to gently notice shame-based patterns and self-defeating behaviors that may have once helped you cope, belong, or survive—but no longer support who you are today. Rather than analyzing or fixing yourself, this practice helps you release what was never your...

This is not your ordinary podcast episode.

This is a guided meditation created to support your healing.

In this meditation, you’ll be gently guided to bring awareness to the family roles you may have learned to play—consciously or unconsciously—such as the rescuer, the scapegoat, the caretaker, the peacemaker, or the one who stayed unseen. These roles often begin as survival strategies in our early systems and can quietly shape how we relate to ourselves and others well into adulthood.

Through intentional reflection and guided visualization, this meditation invites you to acknow...

In this incredibly real and compassionate conversation, I’m joined by breakup coach Cole Zesiger, whose down-to-earth wisdom and lived experience make him one of the most relatable voices in the breakup and healing space. Cole just wrote his first book, Ex’s and No’s: The Breakup Advice You Don't Want to Hear, and wow… this episode delivers exactly the kind of clarity, comfort, and practical guidance you’d expect from him.

Together, we dig into a struggle so many people face this time of year: the temptation to get back with your ex during the holidays —...

What if your struggle with food isn’t about food at all?

In this raw and revealing episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, licensed psychotherapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Mary Dobson, LMFT, joins us to explore Family Systems Theory and hidden roots of disordered eating—childhood emotional neglect (CEN) and emotional loneliness. We unpack family systems theory, the roles we play in our families, and why so many high-functioning people feel numb, disconnected, or constantly “not enough,” despite looking like they have it all together.

Mary sha...

In this episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, we explore the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, a powerful metaphor for healing and growth. Kintsugi, meaning “to join with gold,” teaches us to embrace our cracks and imperfections, turning them into sources of strength and beauty. 

Dr. Sylvia dives into how this philosophy can help us better understand family dynamics, navigate feelings of loneliness within relationships, and heal the parts of ourselves that feel broken or difficult to accept.

In this episode, you will learn: 
1. How to apply the principles of Kintsugi to heal emotio...

In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, we dive deep into the often-hidden loneliness that can exist within family structures. Joining me today is Stacey Dorenfeld, author of the powerful memoir Kosher Crack, who bravely shares her personal story of feeling isolated and disconnected in her own family. Together, we explore themes of abuse, survival, and the difficult journey of healing. Trigger Warnings: Sensitive discussion about rape, alcohol, drugs, and suicide.

Stacey opens up about her experience growing up in a family that was far from the safe haven it was supposed...

In this intimate episode, we delve into the intricate world of storytelling, guided by the insightful and multi-talented Kristen McGuiness. From her early days at Shakespeare & Co. in New York to becoming a revered author, editor, and publisher, Kristen's journey is a testament to the power of narrative in our lives.

The Power of Story:
Kristen shares her deep-seated passion for storytelling, tracing it back to her childhood love for books and the profound impact they've had on her life's trajectory. Her work at Storyboxing and Rise Books, providing content, coaching, and courses, reflects...

Are you or someone you know struggling with OCD or anxiety? 

In this episode, I sit down with Madina Alam, M.A., LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor and certified yoga instructor, who specializes in treating OCD and anxiety.

Madina is also the Director of Operations at NOCD, a company dedicated to treating individuals with OCD using exposure response prevention (ERP), a research-backed type of treatment.

Madina shares her expertise on how to effectively treat OCD and anxiety, including:

It's been a roller coaster of emotions for me since I've last posted a podcast episode.
When they say "Life happens," it’s no joke- there's been a  lot of life and death that has  happened in my world.

From moving homes and offices in Miami of 2022, to suddenly loosing my mother-in-law  in February of 2023, to then moving continents from the US to Switzerland with my family in July of 2023-  let’s say it’s been a whirlwind for me. Hence the huge hiatus from my podcast.

But no more delays. I’m back and rea...

Being a sensitive person can feel like both a strength and a weakness at times.

Dr. Elaine Aron, a clinical psychologist and expert on high-sensitivity defines high sensitivity’s characteristics as a more elaborate depth of processing, easy overstimulation, emotional responsiveness, acute awareness of stimulations, and empathy.

In this episode, I speak with Mitali Sankhe- a college professor at Mumbai University and a self-professed sensitive being.

Mitali deconstructs" being a sensitive" and ways to best manage it.

In th...

Meet Kristen D. Boice, a  psychotherapist who has spent the last 18+ helping people build or rebuild healthy relationships, make life transitions, navigate grief, and deal with the hard stuff life throws at us.

Kristen is all about helping  you process the past, accept yourself, and live more fully (and joyfully) in who you are—because sometimes that’s the hardest thing of all to do.

Think about it. Many of us are so layered up with conditioning around who we think we should be, or the people we want t...

In this week’s episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, we want to talk to you about healing through creativity and the power of giving yourself permission to play.

Meet Lisa A. Kramer, MFA, Ph.D, theatre artist, educator, author, and activist. She is woman of many creative talents and wisdom that she graciously shares with us. In this episode,  you will hear Dr. Kramer talk about the magic of exploring creativity beyond our limited belief systems and how to  push "the box" waayyyyy out.

"Creativity and playing are all about story telling," says Dr...

Water can teach us a lot about change and transformation- something we often resist as humans.

Speaking with the talented Author and Founder of Ripple Press, LLC, Jayshree L Patel  gave me so much insight on how water and nature can truly be one of our greatest teachers.

If you have ever felt "lost" or "stuck" on your journey, this is a must listen episode.

Jayshree will inspire and remind  you that wherever you are on your path-you can utilize water and nature to "trust" the process. 


About the Guest and...

It's seems like the majority of us have fallen right back into our patterns of "busy-ness" or chasing something.  

Some of us are chasing our dreams, our future selves, or even the idea of a partner that can somehow fill the void of "not enough-ness." The idea that we are not enough, creates a deep sense of wounding within our psyche. 

What is the cure for this endless cycle of chasing and not enough-ness mentality? Our guest Valentina Yaman, shares her curative approach to helping others discover a path of awakening, integration and embodiment. 
Duration: 00:48:22

This is not a light topic or a short podcast episode. In 1 hour and 19 minutes, Mikah and I get personal and have a lengthy conversation about the intricacies of loneliness,  Generation Z,  and narcissistic fathers.

Mikah is the host of the Podcast Exploring w/  Mikah, a home for those on their Self-Growth Journey to Inner Peace & Love life. His purpose for his podcast and Instagram account is to provide support and guidance through the journey of Self.

In episode 3 ,of season 2, on The Dr. Sylvia K Show, you will hear:

1. Loneliness described within gen...

In episode 2 of season 2, you will meet Anne Riesling,  a female entrepreneur, athlete, people lover, finance geek and social media strategist. 

Anne and I have a heart to heart conversation about the power of human connection, conquering fear, the journey and action steps towards believing in yourself, and the tools that we use to manifest the things that light us up. 

Believing in yourself is not always an "easy" process. For me, it's a set of action steps, willingness, finding the right support system, and discovering the tools within yourself to help you actualize your dre...

Hi there! 

I’m back with a new podcast season and brief episode to kick off January. 

In episode 18, on The Dr. Sylvia K Show Podcast, I talk about utilizing your value system to help you create new behaviors that will support both a mental and physical detox. 

For me , values, refer to what’s most important to you in your life right now. 

When you start to use your own personal values as guide posts for decision-making you can realign your physical, mental, and emotional health with wha...

Loneliness is a real thing. 

And it’s a growing public health concern worldwide. 

According to a global survey, about 33 percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide. 

A new survey from Ipsos shows how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental wellbeing, community support, and loneliness around the world.

In episode 16, you'll meet Audrey Stimpson, internationally published master photographer by trade who has now made it her sole mission to share her story of Adderall addiction and how she freed herself after 23 years. 
 
 Audrey shares her life experiences, research, and her journey to becoming adderall free.
 In this episode you'll learn more about:

·       How trauma can manifest itself as symptoms of ADD

·       How adderall effects your physical, emotional, and gut health

·       Ways to develop habits that support an adderall free life

Trigger alert for anyone who has been affected by tr...

In episode 15, on The Dr. Sylvia K Show Podcast, London Papamichael,  creator of BODY BY LONDON defines "relentless bravado" and shares  raw, honest, and inspiring stories. 

If you’ve ever experienced setbacks in your life or have felt discouraged from believing in yourself - this is a MUST LISTEN episode. 

Maybe you don’t even know “how” to believe in yourself or what that can look like. Don’t worry, London Papamichael will lay it all down in episode 15 and leave you feeling uplifted, encouraged, and ready to commit to your next level of self-care. 

London’s m...

Episode 14 captures an engaging and soulful chat with guest speaker Mark Thomas. @markthomas_itstartswithyou 

Mark shares a little bit about his life story including growing pains, divorce, overcoming addiction, break throughs, choosing sobriety and wellness, loneliness,  and transformation.  Listen all the way through to hear more about Mark’s experience of getting in touch with his own loneliness and making life changing decisions to become sober and connect with himself on a much deeper level. 

Mark's main message is: It starts with you.  

My message: The healing journey is not meant to be done co...

Episode 13 with CNN senior writer, Lisa Respers France, is truly a dream come true. Lisa gifts us with her humor, personal stories, and powerful messages--reminding us of things that matter most. 

In this episode, Lisa graciously shares her story of grief over losing her beloved father to Covid and the impact that it had on her health journey. 

With her tender stories, ability to make others laugh, and strong wit, Lisa expresses her joy and gratitude for the life she has and the woman she is becoming.

Throughout the entire interview, you can fe...

Episode 12 is about the Internal Family Systems psychotherapy model that is powerfully transformative. This model of therapy highlights that our "inner parts" contain valuable qualities and our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole. 

In this episode you’ll learn more about : 

Episode 11 with Scott Tatum, nomad, hiker, explorer and founder of @ucanoutdoors is like going on an adventurous hiking trail with hills, curves, switchbacks, and awesome discovery. 

In this podcast interview, Scott shares his story and "history" candidly. From being the son of a therapist who was working through her own childhood trauma, to being the son of an alcoholic father, to helping youth in various therapeutic settings, then later going through 2 divorces, and throughout it all continuing to be a dedicated father of incredible adult children... Scott invites us to hear about all of his human sides i...

This episode, by far, is one of the most powerful and moving podcast interviews I've ever done. That's the gift you're presented with when you get to speak to Vasavi - the real power of being authentically yourself  shows up. 

In this episode, Vasavi shares with us how she speaks to her inner child, aka her "daughter," and tells  real life stories and experiences that demonstrate how healing  can happen in the most practical and simple ways. Because, as Vasavi, says, inner child work is not complicated. It's something we all can do, at any age. 

T...

The word co-dependency has often gotten a bad rap and can bring up different reactions in people. In episode 9, therapist and relationship expert Jessica Baum, LMHC deconstructs attachment styles and humanizes the "C" words: co-dependency and connection.

Listen all the way through to hear Jessica's powerful closing message that just might revolutionize the way we think about relationships and healing.

Links from the Show:
* Follow Jessica on Instagram @Jessicabaumlmhc
* https://www.beselffull.com
* https://www.relationshipspb.com

About This Guest:

Jessica Baum, LMHC, is a Psychotherapist...

This is short 10 minute raw, off the cuff, and unfancy introduction. Just me, Sylvia. Without the Ph.D. fluff and academic language.

In this episode, I briefly talk about PTSD, C-PTSD, and ADHD and what they all share in common--some form of unprocessed and or unhealed trauma.

My recent reel that I created on Instagram, about unhealed childhood trauma, shows that so many people can relate to this topic. With over 50k accounts reached in 2 weeks, and just 1 reel, I'm seeing how we can connect through something that's often not talked about.

Let's...

September is all about Self-awareness and Self-discovery.  In this episode, you'll meet Dr. Clare McCord, author, educator, wellness practitioner, and consultant who believes that it’s time for a Renaissance: time to learn new skills, behaviors, and ways of thinking that can take you to the next level in your work, life, and relationship with Self.

Dr. McCord’s education and discoveries in the realms of mind/body health have motivated her to write her book Human Renaissance: The New World of Your Power, (available on Amazon).  In this episode, you'll hear more about her book and learn...

Ready for Overthinking Part 2? 
Let’s dive deeper into where overthinking stems from--the false idea that you are not good enough and learn how you can transform this limited belief through introspection and therapy. 

Erika Smith, LMHC is going to lead you through a healing inspired conversation about the power of self-introspection, core beliefs, and transforming your perspective on your “enoughness” and faith. 

Grab your notebook for this episode because you’ll hear  “aha” moments that inspire growth and healing. 

This month is all about sharing our stori...