Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin 243 — What Are You Avoiding? How to Stop Running and Start Living with Dr. Robyn Walser
Sep 1, 2025
Join Dr. Robyn Walser, a renowned clinical psychologist and author of 'You Are Not Your Trauma', as she discusses the stark relationship between avoidance and anxiety. She explains how sidestepping difficult situations may provide temporary relief, but ultimately traps you. Dr. Walser shares practical steps for confronting uncomfortable emotions, reconnecting with personal values, and taking manageable actions to reclaim your life. Learn why facing discomfort is essential for fostering mental strength and living more authentically.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Avoidance Reinforces Itself
- Avoidance feels good short-term because it removes immediate distress but it reinforces staying away from the feared situation.
- Over time avoidance shrinks your life and increases long-term problems and anxiety.
Avoidance Is Inside And Outside The Skin
- Avoidance includes internal events like thoughts, emotions, sensations and external things like places and people.
- Both kinds of avoidance limit your ability to engage with the world and reduce life opportunities.
Notice What Fighting Emotions Costs
- Use 'creative hopelessness' to notice that trying to eliminate emotions hasn't worked and invite acceptance instead.
- Observe that emotions rise and fall so you don't have to struggle to make them stop.
