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 shares how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the pressure to perform often begin in emotionally neglectful environments—and how these patterns become embedded not just in the mind, but in the body. She introduces her Recover Your Self™ framework and daily practices that help you come back to who you really are—beneath the masks, the roles, and the “shoulds.”

We also discuss:

• How emotional neglect shapes identity, not just behavior
• The link between emotional abandonment and disordered eating
• Why community service—not just talk therapy—is essential for recovery
• The radical power of joy, pausing,  and breaking free from performative living

If you’ve ever felt emotionally invisible or like your struggles are “too much,”  or whatever you do, it never feels enough, you're not alone. This conversation will meet you right where you are—with truth, compassion, and a path home to yourself.

Call to Action:

Loved this episode? Share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Subscribe, leave a review, and join our community for more real, healing conversations that reconnect you with your truth.

For more information on Mary Hobson,LMFT, visit her website: https://www.marydobson.com/

Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/realpsychotherapist/

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 emotional wounds and broken family dynamics. 
2. How to view loneliness as an invitation to reconnect with yourself and foster self-acceptance. 
3. Practical steps to embrace your imperfections and turn them into a source of personal growth. 

Join Dr. Sylvia as she inspires you to transform life’s cracks into golden opportunities for resilience and connection. Tune in to discover how you can mend your emotional wounds with gold and transform your struggles into something truly beautiful.

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 to be, challenging the idea that family always equals belonging. We’ll discuss the painful moments that led her to question her place in her family and the courage it took to write her story. From physical and emotional abuse to finding “miracles in the mud,” Stacey’s journey is a testament to resilience.

In this episode, you’ll hear Stacey’s insights on:

• What it means to be “Lonely AF” in your own family
• How to recognize when family dysfunction crosses the line into toxicity
• The importance of finding light and acceptance in who you are now

Whether you’ve felt like an outsider in your own family or are seeking a path toward healing, Stacey’s story will inspire you to take the first steps toward finding belonging, even when it seems impossible. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about pain, survival, and ultimately, self-love.

As always, thank you for listening, and don’t forget to pick up Stacey’s memoir Kosher Crack. It’s a raw, healing narrative that will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered.

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 her commitment to nurturing and fostering the stories within each of us.

A Journey Through Publishing:
As a co-founder of Row House and founder of Rise Books, Kristen is at the helm of publishing imprints that merge wellness with social justice, offering a platform where stories ignite change. With over two decades of experience, she has collaborated with renowned authors and shaped compelling narratives, wielding her expertise in book development and editing. 

Rise Books is a boutique literary publisher, which curates the best of the Rise Writers community, publishing 6 to 10 books a year in the genres of cultural disruption, mysticism, ethical business, radical birthing, collective liberation, political fiction, literary memoir, motherhood, recovery, and other works that explore what it means to be radically inspired. 

Vulnerability and Real Connections:
The interview takes a personal turn as Kristen candidly shares anecdotes about her relationship with her father, grief, and relief- that invite listeners into her world of "real life." The conversation resonates deeply as personal stories about fatherhood emerge, fostering a raw and genuine connection between Kristen and myself. I get very personal and share a story with Kristen- THAT I HAVE NEVER TOLD ANYONE!

Navigating Life's Chapters:
Kristen's openness extends beyond her professional journey, offering glimpses into her marriage, her current life situation, and the genesis of her upcoming works, THE RADICAL HOPE OF SPECTACULAR FAILURE. Her candor and warmth infuse the conversation with authenticity, creating a space for genuine moments and revelations.

A Tapestry of Hope and Resilience:
Throughout the interview, Kristen's warmth and wisdom shine, inspiring a narrative woven with hope, resilience, and the transformative power of vulnerability. As she highlights the back story behind  her debut novel, Live Through This, and explores various film and TV projects, Kristen embodies the essence of storytelling as a vehicle for healing and understanding.

Join us in this captivating episode, where Kristen McGuiness invites us into the profound world of storytelling and the remarkable journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in crafting life's narratives.

FOLLOW KRISTEN MCGUINESS :
https://www.risebooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcguiness/https://www.instagram.com/kristenmcguiness/

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:

• What is OCD and anxiety and how do they affect people?
• The different types of OCD and anxiety and how to identify them
• How exposure response prevention (ERP) works as a treatment option
• The role of mindfulness and yoga in managing symptoms
• Practical tips for living with discomfort and managing symptoms

Madina's approach to treatment focuses on helping individuals learn to live with discomfort and become comfortable with the uncertainty of life. 

She believes that everyone has the ability to overcome their struggles and live a fulfilling life. 

My favorite part of this episode, is when Madina shares a profound story of how she overcame a deep fear by approaching the things that she was sacred of. Madina shares how she did not down grade the traumatic experience that had happened to her regarding her personal trainer and spoke up for herself. 

Madina shares how she was the therapist to herself and followed her own advice:
"Pick to the choice that is alignment with your values, not with what you're scared of." 

I hope this episode inspires you as much as it did for me.

xo,
Dr. Sylvia

You can follow Madina Alam on Instagram: @mentalhealth_madina_

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 ready to embrace the incredible stories of growth, life, and loneliness that land on the Dr. Sylvia K show.

I have a couple of raw and real stories saved in the pipeline for you.

In today’s episode- You will meet Luna Battalia, a Leadership Mentor and Brand Cohesion Strategist.

I recorded this interview last year on September 14, 2022.

You will hear some thunder in the background which is a great metaphor for Luna’s  passion about rites of passage and growth for leaders. In this episode,  Luna is going to speak about her own rites of passages as well as how we can honor the Self  when we are going through change, loss, or grief.

I am so grateful for Luna and her work, because learning how to honor the Self, in those  moments of big and small changes, has helped me SOOOO much.

I hope Luna's voice  and stories can help you feel just a little less alone in this world.

You can find more info about Luna and her incredible work at:
www.lunaloveleadership.com
or on instagram: @lunabattalia

xo,
Dr. Sylvia K

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 this episode, Mitali and I explore what being a sensitive person looks like, we laugh, share deeply personal stories of being the "sensitive one" in romantic relationships, share stories of breaking off our engagements, and offer a reframe for better understanding sensitivity as a "super power"

Letter from the Guest Speaker:

Hello!

Mitali Sankhe here, wishing all my  blessed  souls “Namaste” ( I bow to your divine soul ) from India (Mumbai) where I live with my loving doctor parents.  Healing is a gift which has come naturally to me as I belong to family of doctors. 

In my professional capacity , I am working as a college professor, associated with Mumbai University where I teach marketing & advertising to my enthusiastic students . I am also a PhD aspirant in *marketing management* from Mumbai University .  

My bachelors is in accounting and finance from Mumbai University . In my 20s I had worked for two (corporations )namely HDFC bank and Manipal Cigna Health Insurance . I have done my MBA ( Masters in Business  Administration) in retail marketing from one of the finest colleges in India -Welingkar Institute of Management . My MBA made me understand the finer nuances of human behavior and aligning marketing strategies for the same . 

Today I offer my astrology services professionally under the pen name tarotbymitalisankhe on Instagram where I do personalized tarot readings , numerology , angel card readings and vastu consultations . 

It gives me immense joy to guide people, predict their future , even help them heal naturally and move towards a brighter future . I advocate strongly for my clients to seek professional help and ensure their mental health is taken care of .  

I was even lucky to get an opportunity to collaborate with Times  of India ( India’s leading newspaper ) in lifestyle  section where my astrology videos were aired as a part of  a video series in 2022 .  

My Instagram account @tarotbymitalisankhe is a way to promote community healing using my marketing knowledge , astrology and  spiritual knowledge .

I am truly grateful for all the incredible women and men I have come across via Instagram . 

Lastly to sum up our presence or absence both can influence the lives of other people. Some are those who are known to us and some are completely strangers. That relationship we develop can be a reason for their happiness or their sorrows.No matter what relationship we have, our aim should be to bring positivity to others life.Our presence should make their life a beautiful experience and even our absence should make their life bright. Leaving a heart wounded can sometimes make them hopeless for life .  

My life mantra is to share my marketing knowledge with my students , always try to heal people, uplift them and be a positive influence on every soul I come across .

Follow our guest on Instagram : @tarotbymitalisankhe 

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 to be, it’s easy to lose track of who we are.

It isn’t until we take time to develop our self-awareness and feel inspired to take ownership of who we are, and who we want to be, that we can truly begin to shift into our next incredible phase.

BECAUSE WHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF IMPROVES... magical things unfold.

Kristen has a gift to help people  begin to love and understand all parts of who they are, and experience an unshakeable peace.  

Will there still be parts about you wish were different?

 Of course.

Will you still experience not-enoughness? 

Sometimes.

Will life continue to throw you obstacles and curveballs? 

Absolutely.

However, as you stand secure in yourself, you develop the confidence and clarity to navigate all of it—and learn to close the chapters of your past with Kristen's wisdom and guidance, you can open new doors.

Kristen is here to inspire you to deconstruct your conditioning and begin your journey towards becoming who you are, so you can make the change.

In this episode, we talk about & deconstruct:

1.  The the mother wound
2.  The archetype of martyr in motherhood and relationships
3. How to create health boundaries
4. Discovering a powerful message to heal the mother wound

About Our Guest:
Kristen earned a Master’s of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating with honors from Indiana Wesleyan and received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Butler University. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), Close The Chapter podcast host, a member of the American Association of Family and Marriage Therapy (AAMFT), American Counseling Association (ACA) and EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), a trained EMDR clinician and a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200). She is also a certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF).

link:
https://kristendboice.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kristendboice/
Podcast: Close the Chapter on Spotify and Apple podcasts

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. Kramer.  Join our captivating conversation where Lisa and I share our stories about healing, discovery, and wonder. 

 You’ll also discover strategies for working through any inner critic challenges- so that you can tap into one of your super powers: CREATIVE PLAY.

If you’re really struggling with getting in touch with your creativity, or giving yourself permission to play is challenging,  or you're going through a major life transition- this episode is for you!

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Lisa A. Kramer, MFA, Ph.D is a theatre artist, educator, author, and activist. As an interdisciplinary educator, she has taught at various colleges and universities throughout the country. She recently shifted away from the academy to pursue other methods of combining her passion for creative thought, theatre, writing, and social justice work. Her passion lies in exploring ways in which creativity, can empower people, strengthen communities, and advocate for a better world. She is the author the award-winning Creative Collaborations through Inclusive Theatre and Community Based Theatre and a fiction novel called P.O.W.ER. For more information visit her at lisaakramer.com.

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 Author: 
Jayshree is inspired to share her ideas on how nature teaches us to live joyfully
and to trust the journey. Her debut, award winning children’s picture book, One
Drop, Endless Ripples, explores the limitless lessons we can all learn through
nature.

With her first book project, Jayshree has transformed her life from public service in New Zealand to author, art director, and businesswoman in the USA. Jayshree is the Founder of Ripple Press LLC an independent publishing company. She loves doing school author visits and is available for speaking engagements.

As a mother, Jayshree’s parenting, and life transformation began when her boys attended an early childhood Montessori school which offered her a new perspective on how children thrive. As an active member of the school board, she learned that children learn best when they feel safe and connected, when they feel joyful, and when they follow their curiosity. This is often best achieved when they are out in nature, learning holistically. In fact, she sees we can all benefit from being more connected with nature instead of our busy, tech-filled lives filled with stuff and endless to-do lists.

“Why water? Water is a dominant part of the landscape where I grew up in New Zealand -streams,
rivers, lakes and ocean are never far away, even if you live in the city. Water fascinates me because it is so translucent and yet so powerful. It continually transforms itself; it adapts to changing conditions and it transforms the environment it is a part of. I can’t help wondering that if we could all be like water, maybe the world would be a better place.”

She plans to inspire children and parents through her books. Through speaking, storytelling and
collaboration, she plans to make an impact on all the things she cares about: families, children, the
environment, and creating a more connected and sustainable world for future generations.

For more information about her book or to collaborate with Jayshree, please visit:
Website: https://www.01drop.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/01dr.op/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/01dropendlessripples
Email: [email protected]