Welcome back to Message in the Middle! I’m your host, Marianne, and Today I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Maidenberg—psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, adjunct professor at NYU, author, and passionate advocate for mindfulness and emotional wellness.
In this episode, Dr. Maidenberg and I dive into the powerful concept of emotional avoidance—what it looks like in everyday life, why we do it, and how to move through uncomfortable emotions instead of shutting them down. We also unpack what it really means to feel stuck, how to spot it (even when it’s not obvious), and what practical steps we can take to get unstuck and create meaningful change.
You’ll also hear about Michelle’s inspiring nonprofit, Thru My Eyes, where she helps chronically ill individuals leave behind a meaningful legacy through free guided video storytelling. Plus, she shares her best advice for sustaining personal growth and the most valuable piece of wisdom she’s ever received.
If you’re ready to step out of autopilot, face your feelings, and live with more intention, this conversation is for you.
Topics We Cover:
- What emotional avoidance really is—and how it shows up
- The difference between managing vs. avoiding difficult emotions
- How to know when you’re stuck (and how to get out of it)
- Why change can feel hard—and how to make it stick
- The powerful impact of legacy work through Thru My Eyes
- The best advice Dr. Maidenberg has ever received
Connect with Michelle:
Connect with Marianne:
- Website: Message In The Middle with Marianne
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- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MessageInTheMiddle/playlists
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-demello-smith-678b9966
- Email: Contact | Message In The Middle with Marianne
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