In this moving episode, Rachel speaks with Gareth Riddy, whose life has been a series of profound transformations. Gareth opens up about a childhood marked by illness and a deep-seated sense of powerlessness, which eventually led him down a path of addiction as a means of escape. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Childhood experiences shape our emotional landscape: Gareth’s early struggles with asthma and frequent hospitalizations fostered a sense of helplessness and shame that influenced his later coping mechanisms.

Physical empowerment can spark emotional change: Finding control over his body through fitness was a crucial first step for Gareth in realizing he wasn't just a victim of his circumstances.

Trauma can be a catalyst for growth: Gareth views his most painful experiences, including his cancer battle, as "gifts" that provided him with a deeper appreciation for life and a new career path.

Grief and guilt are often intertwined: Gareth shares how the guilt he felt after his mother’s passing unknowingly drove his work for years until he learned to process those emotions directly.

Emotional healing is about completion: Gareth defines healing as the process of metabolizing suppressed emotions and "completing the incomplete" to free up energy in the nervous system.

BEST MOMENTS

"There was never any before illness because I was born a little bit ill."

"The biggest, most painful moments of my life held the biggest gifts every single time."

"You can't outthink how you feel."

"Emotional healing to me today just means completing the incomplete... metabolizing the physical tension and charge of what that emotion is."

"I tell people I'm an emotional laxative... I help people let go of old emotional shit so they stop spraying it over their future."

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this moving episode, Rachel sits down with Claire Adamou to discuss a form of grief that often goes unnoticed: identity erosion. Claire candidly shares her experience of losing herself within a high-control marriage where her confidence, ambition, and even her parenting were systematically critiqued.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The "Functioning" Grief: Grief doesn't always look like crying; sometimes it looks like being "reasonable," coping, and functioning while you are internally dying.

The Weight of Coercive Control: Emotional abuse and control can slowly diminish a person’s intuition and self-trust, making them a "shell" of their former selves.

Defining "The Anchor": Moving forward requires "cutting the anchor," letting go of the past's toxicity rather than dragging it into your future.

Seasonal Friendships: It is healthy to recognize that some relationships are only meant for a specific season, especially if they no longer provide psychological safety.

Survival as a Catalyst: True change often begins the moment you realize that staying in your current environment is more painful than the fear of the unknown.

BEST MOMENTS

There is a particular kind of grief that doesn't look like grief. It looks like functioning. It looks like coping... until one day you realize you're no longer living, you're just enduring."

"I didn't just leave a marriage; I left a version of me that had just gone so quiet, so silent."

"How fast can you move forward when you've got this big bloody anchor that you're dragging behind you with all of this baggage?"

"I've had people say, 'Is it the same you as prior to your marriage?' and I go, 'It's like me, but on speed.'"

"The moment you start asking, 'Is this still me?' you're already beginning to come back."

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel welcomes Sarah Co, who shares her deeply personal journey of grief following the loss of her daughter, Jasmine, shortly after birth. Sarah opens up about the complexities of navigating life after such a profound loss, discussing the challenges of balancing her grief with her responsibilities as a mother to her living son. Sarah reflects on the importance of community support, the therapeutic power of writing, and the ways she honors Jasmine's memory, including celebrating her birthday and incorporating her into family life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Complexity of Grief: Grief is a deeply personal experience that can be difficult to articulate, especially for those who have not experienced a similar loss.

Ongoing Connection: The importance of remembering and honoring lost loved ones is emphasized. Celebrating milestones, such as birthdays, can be both painful and meaningful.

Support Systems: Finding a supportive community is crucial for those navigating grief. Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can provide comfort and validation, helping individuals feel less isolated in their pain.

The Power of Expression: Writing and sharing personal stories can be therapeutic. It allows individuals to process their emotions and connect with others, fostering a sense of community among those who have faced similar challenges.

Misunderstandings of Grief: There is a lack of understanding about the long-lasting nature of grief, particularly surrounding the loss of a child. Many people may unintentionally say hurtful things.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the biggest thing for me is that I think she was incredibly strong and a fighter for, you know, making it as far as she did with the condition that she had."

"You have to learn to move forward with your grief. You're never leaving them behind. You're never replacing them."

"I just want her to know that everything I do is for her... she's not just a footnote in our story. She's an active part of our everyday life."

"Grief doesn't follow a calendar. It shows up in songs, scents, moments, memories."

"I think it's just nice when people do remember those days or take the time to say, how are you doing?"

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this episode, Rachel sits down with author and motivational speaker Craig Satkovsky to explore a life defined by radical survival and profound rebuilding. Craig opens up about the emotional battles often hidden beneath a person's visible strength, from surviving childhood molestation and teenage drug addiction to facing a series of life-threatening cancer diagnoses in his adult years.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of "Dark Work": True healing requires looking directly at past traumas - what Craig calls "dark work" to remove the emotional attachment from the story rather than just trying to forget it.

Self-Accountability in Healing: Rebuilding your life is an individual responsibility. Craig emphasizes that while seeking help is vital, you must ultimately be the hero of your own journey.

Regulating Biochemistry: Craig shares how he utilized mindset, frequency, and epigenetics to manage physical and mental pain, transitioning from a state of being "medicated" to being "coherent."

Vulnerability as a Superpower: Especially for men, the willingness to be vulnerable and humble is a strength that prevents the "machismo" that often leads to internal collapse.

Living in the Present: By letting go of the "old version" of himself, Craig illustrates that the future is just a theory. True life and peace are found only by showing up fully in the present moment.

BEST MOMENTS

"It’s always better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener at war. I believe we’re at war with ourselves every day mentally."

"You have to go 'in-sane' in order to straighten your mind out."

"The person you’ve always wanted to become is waiting for you to show up."

"I used to think I was a liability until I realized I was an asset."

"I’m here to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed."

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 
LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠

In this episode, Rachel delves into the complexities of silence and its impact on mental health, particularly in the context of Time to Talk Day. Rachel explores why many individuals resort to silence as a survival strategy, highlighting that it often stems from past experiences where speaking up felt dangerous or led to dismissal. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Silence as a Protection Mechanism: Silence is not a personality trait but a survival strategy learned when speaking felt dangerous. 

Impact of Unspoken Emotions: Unexpressed feelings do not disappear; they manifest physically and emotionally, leading to issues like tension, anxiety, and burnout. 

The Importance of Connection: Humans are not designed to carry burdens in isolation. Genuine connection and being witnessed in our struggles are essential for emotional regulation and healing.

Small Steps Toward Expression: Opening up doesn’t require perfect words or grand gestures. It can start with one honest sentence to a safe person, emphasizing that the act of speaking is more important than the content of the message.

Valuing Your Voice: Everyone deserves to be known and heard. Time to Talk Day is about recognizing the validity of your feelings and the potential for connection, encouraging individuals to take small steps toward sharing their truths.

BEST MOMENTS

"Silence is not a personality trait. It's a protection mechanism."

"You learned silence because at some point, speaking felt dangerous."

"Humans aren't designed to carry everything in isolation. We regulate through connection."

"Silence doesn't mean you're coping. It often means you're coping alone."

"Talking doesn't mean telling everyone everything... It starts small. One honest sentence."

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this deeply moving episode, Rachel sits down with Jess Marie, host of the Unapologetically Overcoming podcast, to explore the complex and often disenfranchised journey of sibling loss. Following the sudden death of her younger sister, Hillary, Jess found her world and her identity completely reshaped. Jess shares the raw reality of moving from being the "positive advice-giver" to a person navigating intense anger, shame, and a total loss of self.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Grief Reshapes Identity: Losing a sibling often means losing a primary witness to your life and a key part of your own identity

The Power of Silent Presence: Often, the most helpful support isn't found in "tidy explanations" or advice, but in friends who are willing to sit in silence so the griever isn't alone.

Disenfranchised Sibling Grief: Sibling loss is frequently overlooked or minimized, with survivors often told to "be strong for their parents," which can lead to suppressed emotions and delayed processing.

Permission to Experience Joy: It is vital to understand that feeling happy or experiencing joy does not mean you have stopped grieving or forgotten the person you lost.

Honesty Over Performance: Vulnerability, such as Jess's choice to share her struggles on social media, can break the cycle of performance and allow for true connection with others who feel alone in their pain.

BEST MOMENTS 

"Grief is not something that people talk about a lot... people are uncomfortable talking about it, they don't know what to say, they don't know what to do."

"It’s okay to not say anything... sometimes just having someone there with you so you’re not alone is enough."

"I lost the identity of who I was... Who am I now that I'm not Hillary's big sister?"

"We walk around pretending to be versions of ourselves that we’re not because we think that’s how we’re supposed to show up in the world."

"Just because you’re happy doesn’t mean that you’re not grieving anymore... it’s okay to be happy even when you’re grieving."

To connect with Jess Marie:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/unapologetically-overcoming/id1625971200

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this poignant episode, Rachel explores the heavy reality of Divorce Day in the UK, the first working day of January. While the date is often associated with legal filings, Rachel dives deeper into the emotional exhaustion and silent withdrawals that happen long before any paperwork is signed. Rachel discusses the unique pressure of the holiday season, the Christmas pretending that eventually gives way to a quiet realization that something is fundamentally broken. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Divorce Day's Seasonal Significance: Falling on the first working day of January, this day marks the moment many people stop "pretending" after the holidays and realize they can no longer carry the weight of an unhappy relationship.

The "Silent Withdrawal": Relationships rarely end with an explosion; they often end through a slow process of no longer sharing small things or raising concerns because it feels "pointless".

Guilt vs. Loyalty: Staying in a toxic or draining relationship out of a sense of duty is often "self-abandonment" rather than true loyalty or commitment.

Redefining Stability for Children: Children don't necessarily need "perfect" families; they need emotionally healthy parents who model honesty and self-respect.

Grief and Relief Coexist: It is possible to feel both heartbroken over a lost future and deeply relieved to be leaving a painful situation at the same time.

BEST MOMENTS

"You're not asking for too much; you’re just asking the wrong person."

"Divorce rarely starts with paperwork. It starts with emotional exhaustion."

"Staying doesn't always mean commitment. Sometimes it means fear wearing loyalty’s clothes."

"Relief doesn't cancel grief. Strength doesn’t erase sadness."

"Rebuilding yourself isn't about becoming someone new. It's about returning to who you were before you learned to shrink."

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this illuminating episode, Rachel sits down with Charlotte Haggie, a resilience specialist for high-achieving working mothers. Charlotte shares her personal journey from a "frenetic" corporate life to a more grounded, authentic existence, illustrating that the "perform-to-belong" rules many high-achievers live by are not only exhausting but can be safely dismantled. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

The "Perform to Belong" Trap: Many high-achievers live by unwritten rules where their sense of belonging is tied directly to their performance and success.

The Power of Curiosity: Transformation starts with being curious about your own internal landscape and questioning why you feel driven to behave in certain ways.

Internal vs. External Chaos: Internal peace is the foundation for a sustainable external life; without it, external success often feels like a fragile facade.

Self-Trust is a Skill: Building self-trust happens through small, consistent acts—like drinking a glass of water every morning—which prove to your nervous system that you can follow through for yourself.

Co-Regulation as a Gift: By mastering your own internal state, you can positively influence the nervous systems of those around you, especially your children.

BEST MOMENTS

"Something feels tight, rushed, or anxious—like you're holding your breath through your own life." 

"We think that this is just the way that life is... that I'm going to walk out of my gate, smile, and put on this facade, and yet inside there is this chaos."

"The interesting thing about the false identities that drive this behavior is that they convince you that they're actually serving you." 

"I'm not scared of dying; I'm scared of feeling like this for the rest of my life." 

"If I can regulate myself, I can co-regulate with my children... that is such a beautiful gift we can give the world." 

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this episode, Rachel engages in a heartfelt conversation with Valerie Rubin, an attachment specialist with an anxious style and a trauma-informed somatic coach. Valerie shares her personal journey of navigating anxious attachment, chronic pain, and the complexities of relationships with emotionally unavailable partners.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Anxious Attachment is Common: Approximately 50% of people in the United States struggle with anxious attachment, yet many feel isolated in their experiences.

Healing is a Journey: Healing from anxious attachment is not a linear process and does not mean being completely "healed." It involves understanding and addressing deep-rooted patterns, often linked to childhood experiences and trauma.

Body and Mind Connection: Anxious attachment manifests physically in the body, leading to issues such as chronic pain and anxiety. Healing requires addressing both the mind and body, utilizing techniques like somatic therapy and vagus nerve stimulation to create a sense of safety.

Choosing Yourself: Choosing oneself involves setting boundaries and recognizing one's needs. It can feel uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing, especially after a lifetime of prioritizing connection with others over self-care.

Compassion and Patience: It's essential to practice self-compassion and patience throughout the healing process. Acknowledging that feelings of anxiety and fear are normal and that growth takes time is crucial for developing a healthier relationship with oneself and others.

BEST MOMENTS

"People carry so much shame and feel like something is wrong with me because they struggle with having an anxious attachment or feeling pulled toward people they know aren't good for them."

"Anxious attachment is literally just a symptom of the dysregulation in your body. It's a reflection of how you were treated growing up."

"Our nervous system is looking for the familiar. It will always go toward a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven."

"There are so many people going through the same or have been or maybe have been through the other side now. It's... a massive statistic for the U.S. as well, unbelievable."

"When we start to do these small moments, this communicates to your body, your brain, and your nervous system that I'm someone worth caring for."

To Connect With Val

Website: https://www.valrubin.com/

Her podcast - The Anxiety Recovery Podcast: https://spotify.link/75rKte7pRJb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healwithval/?hl=en

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

To Buy Rachel a Coffee: ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/unspokenemotions⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elimelech-a07a1a46/⁠⁠ 

HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.

In this episode, Rachel engages in a heartfelt conversation with therapist and coach Blair Pfeiffer, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating childhood differences, a violent relationship, and the complexities of unexpected motherhood through open adoption. Blair reflects on her late diagnosis of ADHD in her late 30s, coinciding with the onset of perimenopause, which brought clarity to her past struggles and experiences. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Validation Through Diagnosis: Receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD in her late 30s provided a sense of validation and clarity, helping to explain lifelong struggles and experiences that had previously felt isolating and confusing.

Importance of Supportive Relationships: Building strong friendships and support systems was crucial during challenging times, such as navigating a violent relationship and an unexpected pregnancy.

Therapeutic Fit Matters: Finding the right therapist is essential for effective therapy. It's important to keep searching until a good match is found, as the therapeutic relationship can significantly impact healing and personal development.

Empowerment Through Vulnerability: Sharing personal experiences in therapy can foster deeper connections and understanding between the therapist and client, allowing for more effective communication and healing.

Navigating Life Changes: Major life events, such as pregnancy and the transition into perimenopause, can be overwhelming but also provide opportunities for growth and self-discovery, especially when supported by understanding and compassionate individuals.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was a shell of myself. I really wasn't fully who I was... I was severely depressed and I had PTSD."

"I always knew I had ADHD... but never got treated for it, never got medicated for it."

"I didn't want her to have to struggle because I was struggling. I wanted her to have a fulfilling life."

"If at any point this isn't a good fit, you let me know."

"I was like, I could help people. I'm going to go back to school. I'm going to become a therapist." 

TO CONNECT WITH BLAIR

https://www.instagram.com/blairpfeiffercoaching/ 

To connect with your host, follow Me HERE: 

Insta:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rachel_unspokenemotions/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@rachel.unspoken.em⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/rachel.elimelech⁠⁠  

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HOST BIO 

Rachel Elimelech is the warm, courageous voice behind Unspoken Emotions - a podcast that gives voice to the feelings we so often keep buried. A qualified Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate, Rachel combines professional insight with deeply personal lived experience - from surviving sexual abuse, loss, and single parenthood to rebuilding her life with quiet strength and unwavering resilience.

Her journey from teenage single mum to respected legal professional has shaped her gift for deep connection. With empathy and authenticity, Rachel creates a safe, judgment-free space where guests are invited to speak the unspoken - grief, guilt, shame, anger, fear - and begin to let go of what no longer serves them.

Through honest, unfiltered conversations, Unspoken Emotions explores how real people have turned pain into purpose and silence into healing. Rachel believes that healing begins the moment we speak the truth of our experiences - and that none of us should carry our emotions alone.