This Keeps Happening with Vienna Pharaon

The podcast delves into Skyler's journey of seeking a relationship that makes her feel safe, free, and joyful, while uncovering what's holding her back from feeling whole. It explores topics like embracing vulnerability, seeking wholeness in relationships, navigating family dynamics, setting boundaries, seeking validation from others, and embracing self-acceptance for inner peace.

MT struggles in creating space to have and honor her needs. She’s avoidant, she deflects and uses humor to distract away from her pain. Deep down, she’s hurting after a recent breakup where she had to keep their relationship hidden, even though she didn’t want to.  We begin the conversation by discussing the end of MT’s first significant relationship, which has prompted some serious examination into her own patterns.  You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here. 

Elizabeth is a 41 year old woman who has gone through some major transitions in the last six years including weight loss surgery and a career change. She has historically struggled with her worthiness, but now believes truly that she is indeed worthy. That said, she doesn't think other people see it, which is reflected in her dating life. The biggest transition of her childhood was when her mom was in a critical car accident when she was five years old. Elizabeth struggles to see what's blocking her from not just creating the life and relationship she wants, but actually permitting it. We begin the conversation by discussing the impact of her mom’s accident. You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here.

Jill was raised by her mother, who was a single parent for the majority of her childhood. But six years ago, she found out something shocking, and it caused a deep confusion within her, especially because her mother was unwilling to give her answers to any of her questions. There was pressure to present in a way that her mom wanted her to, and if she stepped outside of line in any way, she was painted as a bad person. We begin the conversation with the moment when Jill found out a life-changing secret.   You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here.

It seems like everyone and everything just sets Randi off. Everything annoys him and makes him angry and he doesn't know why. So, he called us with a very specific goal. He doesn't want to be a jerk anymore.  One thing to know about Randi: He's a long term caretaker for his wife. She has multiple sclerosis and her condition has been worsening. He doesn't know how to share his pain and he says he doesn't even know what sharing pain looks like. From my perspective, it's hard for Randi to connect with the emotions beneath his annoyance. We start this conversation inquiring about what the annoyance is actually trying to communicate to him.  You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here.

Today, I’m speaking with Charlotte. She's gone through a lot of transition in the last six months, including becoming a mother and finding out a terrible secret in her partner’s family. At the start of our conversation, she was focused on her partner and his family. She was mindful and attentive to their experiences, but I couldn't find her or her experience within all the changes she was navigating. For a long time, Charlotte had to hide her authentic self, an act that built up rage and resentment.  Although she was initially focused on boundary setting, we pivoted towards her fears of having to exist alone in the world. What would happen if she fully revealed herself instead of trying to control her partner? As you listen, I'd love for you to reflect on where in your life you're not fully revealed and what you're trying to protect by hiding.  In this episode, the topic of sexual abuse comes up. Although this is not the focal point of the conversation, I’d love for you to take care of yourself as you listen.  You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here.

Today, I’m speaking with a married couple, Jess and Ekko. Those are their aliases. The past few years have been challenging for their relationship. Between the pandemic and pregnancy losses, they had a hard time communicating through their sadness and grief.  Jess and Ekko separated for about a year, and only recently decided to give their relationship another chance.    You can order Vienna's National Best Seller 'The Origins of You' here and you can get a signed copy here.

Today I’m speaking with Michelle, that’s her alias. She’s an open book, but she struggles to trust others. She can create the illusion of connection for others, but then shuts her own pain down. She does this to protect and manage the emotional experience of others. She tragically lost her father at 14 and dealt with self blame, which often shows up as failure for not being who people needed her to be. It’s so common to find ways to disconnect or distract away from our hurt. Have you ever distracted away from what needs tending to?   

I have a special sneak peek for you. This is an exclusive clip from a conversation with a guest we’re calling Charlotte. That’s her alias. She finds herself struggling with a need for control. Although it can be challenging to examine exactly where that need comes from, Charlotte is willing to take a look. On the show, I have one-time conversations with anonymous strangers about a challenge that they’re facing in their lives and relationships. You’re going to hear real, intimate conversations with people sharing their struggles and their truth. Hear full episodes beginning September 27.

If we can be brave enough to face our patterns, a lot of beautiful healing work can happen. I’m Vienna Pharaon, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “The Origins of You,” which explores how to break family patterns so that you can create the life and relationships you’ve always wanted. In my new podcast This Keeps Happening, hear me speak with anonymous strangers every week about the challenges they’re facing. It all starts September 27.