Elena Apalkova and Carol Smaldino explore self-awareness, starting with Carol's therapy experiences. They discuss how self-image affects behavior, addressing anger and abuse in therapy. Carol shares insights on vulnerability, authenticity, and cultural expectations, emphasizing the health impact of suppressed emotions and the importance of intuition in decision-making. The episode covers empathy, equality, and handling difficult interactions, offering strategies for managing negativity and self-defense. They conclude by enhancing creativity through intuition and stress the importance of self-knowledge and trusting one's intuition.

(0:00) Introduction of Carol Smaldina and discussion on self-awareness

(0:42) Carol Smaldina's journey and challenges in psychotherapy

(7:16) Self-image and behavior

(9:04) Handling anger and abuse in therapy

(13:44) Reprogramming negative patterns

(17:14) Carol's insights on vulnerability and authenticity

(19:46) Authenticity and cultural expectations

(26:08) The impact of suppressed emotions on health

(30:05) The role of intuition in decision-making

(32:36) Empathy, equality, and managing difficult people

(35:16) Strategies for self-defense and managing negativity

(37:30) Enhancing creativity through intuition

(40:19) Conclusion: Knowing oneself and trusting intuition

(41:03) Recap, future episode plans, and closing remarks