The Dr. Sylvia K Show

Why does family stress hit so differently than anything else?
Why can love and anxiety exist at the same time in the same family?

In this episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, I break down Bowen Family Systems Theory in simple, everyday language—no therapy jargon required. You’ll learn how families operate as emotional ecosystems, why anxiety spreads through relationships, and how one person often ends up carrying the emotional weig...

This is not your usual podcast episode.

This is a guided meditation designed to meet you in the quiet places—the tiredness that lingers in your body, the loneliness that doesn’t always have words, and the moment in life where something old no longer fits, but something new hasn’t fully arrived yet.

This episode is part of a special meditation series created to complement the work inside Lonely AF: A Therapist’s No BS Guide to Feeling...

This is not a traditional podcast episode—it’s a guided meditation experience.

In this special installment from my ongoing meditation series, I guide you through The Seven-Minute Meditation That Changed My Life—a short but powerful practice designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and release the family roles and self-limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck.

Many of us grow up taking on roles in our family syst...

This is not a typical podcast episode.

This is a guided meditation.

Breaking Up With Shame is part of a growing meditation series designed to support personal growth, emotional healing, and awareness of the family and relational systems that shape how we see ourselves.

In this short, no-BS meditation, you’ll be guided to gently notice shame-based patterns and self-defeating behaviors that may have once helped you cope, belong, or surv...

This is not your ordinary podcast episode.

This is a guided meditation created to support your healing.

In this meditation, you’ll be gently guided to bring awareness to the family roles you may have learned to play—consciously or unconsciously—such as the rescuer, the scapegoat, the caretaker, the peacemaker, or the one who stayed unseen. These roles often begin as survival strategies in our early systems and can quietly shape how w...

In this incredibly real and compassionate conversation, I’m joined by breakup coach Cole Zesiger, whose down-to-earth wisdom and lived experience make him one of the most relatable voices in the breakup and healing space. Cole just wrote his first book, Ex’s and No’s: The Breakup Advice You Don't Want to Hear, and wow… this episode delivers exactly the kind of clarity, comfort, and practical guidance you’d expect from him.

Toge...

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-...

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 he...

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: Sensit...

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 chil...

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.
...

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-  le...

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 a...

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 l...

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...

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 ...

It's seems like the majority of us have fallen right back into our patterns of "busy-ness" or chasing something.  

Some of us are chasing our dreams, our future selves, or even the idea of a partner that can somehow fill the void of "not enough-ness." The idea that we are not enough, creates a deep sense of wounding within our psyche. 

What is the cure for this endless cycle of chasing and...

This is not a light topic or a short podcast episode. In 1 hour and 19 minutes, Mikah and I get personal and have a lengthy conversation about the intricacies of loneliness,  Generation Z,  and narcissistic fathers.

Mikah is the host of the Podcast Exploring w/  Mikah, a home for those on their Self-Growth Journey to Inner Peace & Love life. His purpose for his podcast and Instagram account is to provide support and gu...

In episode 2 of season 2, you will meet Anne Riesling,  a female entrepreneur, athlete, people lover, finance geek and social media strategist. 

Anne and I have a heart to heart conversation about the power of human connection, conquering fear, the journey and action steps towards believing in yourself, and the tools that we use to manifest the things that light us up. 

Believing in yourself is not always an "...