In this transformative episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley welcomes Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a licensed therapist, author, professor, and expert in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and emotional wellness. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Maidenberg introduces her ACE Method—Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment—a powerful approach designed to help people break through emotional stuckness and create lasting change.
Drawing from her journey, including intergenerational trauma and childhood adversity, Dr. Maidenberg explains how our brains are wired for protection but can hold us back from growth and happiness. She shares practical tools to identify unhelpful thoughts, embrace self-compassion, and take values-driven action. Listeners will learn to stop self-criticism, shift harmful thought patterns, and build emotional resilience through mindfulness and intentional living.
She also highlights the importance of values-driven living, showing how aligning with your core values fosters clarity, purpose, and motivation.
Whether navigating life transitions, struggling with self-doubt, or seeking intentional growth, this episode is filled with practical strategies and compassionate wisdom. Tune in to learn how to break free from self-sabotage, honor your authentic values, and step confidently into your best life.
Bio:
I maintain a private practice in Harrison, NY. I am the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of “Thru My Eyes”, a nonprofit 501c3 organization that offers free clinically guided videotaping to chronically medically ill individuals who want to leave video legacies for their children and loved ones. I am also adjunct faculty at New York University (NYU) and teach a graduate course in Mindfulness Practice.
I am a Certified Group Therapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association and a Diplomate and certified member of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. I have advanced training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Structural Family Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and Practice, Mindfulness, and am a Level II trained Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist.
I am the author of the award winning books “Free Your Child From Overeating" 53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health and new book "ACE Your Life" Unleash Your Self Best and Live the Life You Want. I am a blogger for Psychology Today (1.7M reads) and recently did a TED Talk on “Circumventing Emotional Avoidance.”
Connect with Michelle:
Resources:
Books mentioned:
ACE Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want by Michelle P Maidenberg
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