Do you ever feel like you’re stuck living the same emotional story over and over again—repeating old habits, relationships, or thought patterns that no longer serve you? In this episode of If Feelings Could Talk, Karen Strober, MSW Emotional Wellness Expert and DBT-Certified Therapist dives deep into why we get caught in these cycles and how to finally break free.

Learn how your unconscious beliefs shape your emotional responses, how to identify resistance to change, and what it truly means to rewrite your story from a place of awareness and self-compassion.

Through mindfulness, reflection, and simple, actionable tools, you’ll begin to see how change is possible when you stop judging yourself and start understanding yourself.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why repetitive emotional patterns form and how to recognize them
• The role of mindfulness in breaking unconscious habits
• How to use self-compassion and DBT-inspired skills to create new emotional pathways
• How to step out of autopilot and consciously write a new story for yourself

Press play to begin your journey toward awareness, freedom, and emotional empowerment.

 Listen to “If Feelings Could Talk” for more tools to Feel, Reflect, and Empower yourself.

Welcome back to If Feelings Could Talk

 I’m your host,  Karen Strober, therapist and Emotional Wellness Expert.

Season 2 is all about growth, connection, and collaboration. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the conversations that matter — how to manage emotions with mindfulness, practice self-compassion in real life, and find calm even when life feels chaotic.

But here’s the exciting part this season, I won’t be doing it alone. I’ll be joined by incredible therapists and mental health professionals from all over, sharing real stories, fresh perspectives, and practical tools you can start using right away.

Together, we’ll explore the everyday challenges that come with being human from anxiety and emotional overwhelm to relationships, boundaries, and authenticity all through the lens of my CARE Practice Method: Connect, Awareness, Reflect, and Empower.

So if you’re ready to feel more balanced, more self-aware, and more empowered you’re in the right place.

This is If Feelings Could Talk 

 Season 2. Let’s get started.

In this episode, we take a grounded, therapeutic look at Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it often develops as a protective strategy rooted in early emotional wounds. Whether you're navigating a relationship with someone showing narcissistic traits or exploring your own patterns of emotional regulation, this conversation offers clarity and nuance.

We’ll also explore how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help build skills like distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—tools that are often missing or underdeveloped in narcissistic structures.

This episode offers:

• A clear, non-shaming explanation of NPD
• The difference between narcissistic traits vs. a full diagnosis
• How DBT skills can support both people living with NPD and those affected by it
• Practical tools to stay grounded, set boundaries, and stay connected to self

 Be Real – Staying True to Who You Are with Integrity and Compassion

In a world that often encourages perfection, comparison, and people-pleasing, staying true to yourself can feel like a radical act. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be authentic—how to live with integrity, honor your values, and show up as your real self with compassion, not shame.

You'll learn how to recognize when you're out of alignment with your truth, how to let go of masks and roles that no longer serve you, and how embracing vulnerability can actually strengthen your self-worth and your relationships. If you’ve ever struggled with being “too much” or “not enough,” this episode is your reminder that who you are is exactly who you’re meant to be.

Ever find yourself stuck in the same emotional patterns, no matter how hard you try to shift? In this episode of If Feelings Could Talk, we’re diving deep into the emotional traps that keep us spinning—like overthinking, self-doubt, and emotional reactivity—and why your brain plays a sneaky role in keeping you stuck there.

You’ll learn:

• Why your brain defaults to familiar emotional responses (even if they don’t serve you)
• How old beliefs and past experiences shape your emotional reactions
• The simple, science-backed shifts you can make to break the cycle and feel more in control

It's time to stop reacting from autopilot and start choosing how you feel. This episode will empower you with mindful tools and emotional insight to help you break free, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with clarity and compassion.

Episode 12: How to Maintain Positive Changes Over Time and Build Emotional Resilience

In this episode, we dive into the key strategies for sustaining the positive changes you've made and creating lasting emotional resilience. Change can be challenging, and staying consistent is often the hardest part. I’ll guide you through actionable techniques to help you maintain your progress, strengthen your emotional resilience, and continue growing on your path to self-compassion and mindfulness. Tune in to learn how to navigate setbacks, reinforce healthy habits, and stay aligned with your emotional well-being goals.

Episode 11 : How You Can Change How You Feel by Changing What You Do

In this follow-up episode, we'll explore the powerful connection between your actions and emotions. Building on the idea that thoughts shape feelings, Karen Strober, M.S.W., an emotional wellness expert, delves into how your behaviors can shift your emotional state. By learning practical strategies to take mindful, intentional actions—even in the face of overwhelming emotions—you can transform how you feel from the inside out. Tune in to discover how small changes in your daily habits, routines, and reactions can lead to lasting emotional wellness. Whether you're looking to break negative cycles or create more balance in your life, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you regain control over your emotions through thoughtful actions.

Welcome to Part 1 of our special 3-part series on If Feelings Could Talk! In this episode, we kick things off by exploring how your thoughts shape your emotions. Often, the way we feel is directly influenced by our thinking patterns—whether we're aware of it or not.

In Part 1, you'll learn how to:

• Identify the negative thoughts that contribute to emotional distress
• Understand how cognitive distortions affect your mood
• Begin the process of challenging and reframing those thoughts to create healthier emotional responses

This episode sets the foundation for the series, where we’ll be diving deeper into practical strategies for reshaping your thoughts and, ultimately, changing how you feel.

If you’re ready to gain more control over your emotions by changing your mindset, this is the perfect starting point. Tune in to Part 1 now and get ready for some powerful insights! 

In this episode, we tackle the challenge of navigating relationships with narcissistic family members. Narcissists can be emotionally draining, manipulative, and difficult to handle, especially when they are close relatives. I’ll share practical tips on how to protect your emotional well-being, set healthy boundaries, and maintain your sense of self in these tough dynamics. You’ll learn strategies for minimizing conflict, responding with mindfulness, and cultivating self-compassion so you can thrive—even in the most challenging family situations. Tune in to discover tools for emotional survival and peace.