Passion Struck with John R. Miles Caroline Fleck on Why Validation Fuels Our Sense of Mattering | EP 659
Sep 4, 2025
Dr. Caroline Fleck, a clinical psychologist and author of "Validation," discusses the profound effects of unmet validation on our mental health, including anxiety and perfectionism. She emphasizes that validation is essential for resilience, connection, and well-being. The conversation explores the 'absorption gap' in wellness, highlighting how too much information can hinder progress. Dr. Fleck also shares insights on navigating difficult conversations about illness and the healing power of small acts of service, encouraging genuine communication and empathy.
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Anxiety As A Messenger
- Anxiety is a signal pointing to unmet needs and values rather than a flaw to fix.
- Listening to emotions with curiosity transforms them into tools for resilience and clarity.
Baton Twirling Built Grit
- Caroline Fleck trained ten years as a competitive baton twirler and relied on intense practice to succeed.
- That discipline shaped her persistence and approach to later challenges like illness and therapy.
Invalidation Is Learned And Reversible
- Self-criticism and self-invalidation are learned from others and not innate choices.
- Healing requires both external validation from relationships and intentional self-validation practice.
