Dr. Friedemann Schaub

Do you struggle with self-rejection, self-hatred, low self-worth, or that constant voice saying you're not good enough? In this video, we explore the deep psychology of self-rejection and self-hatred — where it starts, why your brain developed it, and why these patterns are not flaws, but protective mechanisms formed early in life. You’ll learn:The 4 unconscious interpretations children make when facing rejection or neglectThe key difference between self-rejection and self-hatredWhy shame fuels the inner criticHow self-hatred can feel “safer” than self-acceptanceThe surprising reason self-hatred may actually be closer to healing than self-rejectionMost importantly, you’ll begin to see that self-hatred is not who you are—it’s something you learned. And anything learned… can be unlearned.This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, we’ll explore how to move from self-rejection to self-acceptance—and eventually, self-love.Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr

Feeling overwhelmed by anger, sadness, guilt, or shame? Do your emotions sometimes take over before you can think clearly? If you want to stop emotional overwhelm and get off the emotional rollercoaster, this episode will help.In this episode of Empowerment Solutions, Dr. Friedemann Schaub shares a simple 3-step method for emotional regulation that helps you calm intense emotions without suppressing them. Learn how to slow down emotional reactions, regulate your nervous system, and respond with clarity instead of reacting impulsively.You’ll discover how to:1️⃣ Name and Understand Your Emotions – Recognize what you feel and why your emotions arise. Understanding the protective role of emotions helps create distance, compassion, and emotional awareness.2️⃣ Ground Yourself in the Present Moment – Practical grounding techniques that calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and interrupt emotional spirals before they escalate.3️⃣ Reframe and Guide Your Emotions – Step in as the compassionate adult within and chan

Why do you react so strongly with anger, anxiety, guilt, shame, or sadness — and then feel exhausted afterward? Why do your emotions get triggered so quickly? In this episode, I explain the real reason behind emotional overreactions and the emotional rollercoaster so many sensitive people experience and share keys to emotional regulation. Your emotions are not weaknesses. They are survival responses created by your nervous system to protect you. We explore: Why anger is about control and boundaries How anxiety acts as a threat detection system Why sadness protects you from disappointment The hidden purpose behind guilt and people pleasing How shame creates the “I am wrong” filter Why emotions are not truth tellers How to calm your nervous system without suppressing feelings The difference between reacting and responding How to get off the emotional rollercoaster If you struggle with emotional triggers, anxiety, anger issues, shame, guilt, or feeling overly sensitive, this episode will help you understand your

Do your emotions sometimes feel like they're running the show? One moment you're fine, and the next you're spiraling into panic, anger, or despair—seemingly out of nowhere. If you've ever felt hijacked by your feelings, you're not alone, and there's a powerful reason why it happens.In this week's podcast episode, I dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster we all experience and reveal the surprising nervous system secret behind it.Why Do We Get Triggered So Easily?We often blame ourselves for overreacting or feel ashamed when our emotions explode. But here's what most people don't understand: those intense, fast-ramping emotions aren't a character flaw—they're a protective mechanism your nervous system developed to keep you safe.If you grew up in an environment where you had to stay alert, read the room, or walk on eggshells, your emotions became your early warning system. They learned to react quickly and intensely because that's what helped you survive.Real Stories, Real SolutionsI share a powerful story a

Do your emotions change so quickly that you no longer trust them? Does closeness feel exciting one moment and suffocating the next?In this episode, I explore emotional swings — a pattern where strong feelings arise quickly and then disappear just as fast, leaving confusion and self doubt behind.You’ll learn why intense emotions can suddenly turn into flatness or indifference, why distance can feel clearer than closeness, and why irritation or “the ick” often shows up right after moments of intimacy.I also explain how longing from afar can feel safer than real connection, and why emotional inconsistency is often your nervous system’s way of maintaining safety.If you’ve ever wondered whether something is wrong with you because your feelings feel unreliable, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening — and why these patterns make sense once you understand the nervous system behind them.Nothing is wrong with you. Your system learned how to stay safe — not how to stay close. And those are not th

Many people only notice their inner child when it gets triggered through anxiety, overwhelm, or insecurity. But real healing happens when we begin to understand the ongoing needs of the inner child beyond those moments of emotional activation.You’ll learn why consistency is one of the most important elements of healing. For many of us, childhood felt chaotic, rushed, unpredictable, or emotionally inconsistent. As adults, we often recreate that same environment by over-scheduling, staying constantly busy, or denying ourselves rest, freedom, and simple joy.This episode explores how to become the steady, reliable presence your inner child may never have had, offering reassurance, safety, love, and space to simply exist without earning worth or approval.Through real-life examples and practical guidance, this episode shows how healing the inner child doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you calmer, more grounded, and more at home with yourself.When the inner child feels safe, you no longer feel alone inside.And when

If anxiety, overwhelm, or insecurity seem to appear out of nowhere, there’s a good chance it isn’t random at all; it may be your inner child asking for attention. In this episode, we explore a healthy, grounded, and compassionate way to begin connecting with your inner child.Rather than trying to fix, suppress, or analyze these feelings, you’ll learn how to recognize them as meaningful signals and respond with curiosity and care. I share a simple framework for building a relationship with your inner child, one that doesn’t rely on reliving the past, but instead helps you understand how early experiences still influence your emotions today.This episode is about connection and compassion, learning to see your anxiety not as a flaw, but as a younger part of you that needs understanding, patience, and reassurance.When you respond to your inner child with kindness instead of resistance, something begins to shift. You move from feeling overwhelmed by emotions to becoming the calm, steady presence your inner child h

In this 4th episode of the Inner Child Healing series, we explore a mistake that often comes from good intentions but can quietly deepen anxiety and disconnection: trying to make the inner child “shut up.”Many people recognize their inner child is scared or anxious and immediately jump into management mode. They meditate, breathe, journal, affirm, walk, anything to make the feelings stop. But while these tools can be helpful, using them solely to quiet the inner child misses something essential.An anxious inner child doesn’t need to be silenced.It needs to be heard, understood, and reassured.In this episode, we explore why treating the inner child like a problem to manage, or a nuisance to calm down, creates a conditional relationship. When the goal becomes “be quiet so I can function,” the child’s deeper needs are left unaddressed, and anxiety continues to resurface.Healing the inner child isn’t about control.It’s about relationship.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Understanding the Inner Child's Anxiety (00:01)Tea

In Part 3 of this Inner Child Healing series, we explore a mistake that often goes unnoticed but can quietly run your life if you’re not aware of it.While avoiding or blaming the inner child creates distance, this third mistake is the opposite: letting the inner child completely take over while the adult self steps aside.When this happens, emotions don’t just show up; they flood you. You may feel overwhelmed, reactive, impulsive, or paralyzed. Old wounds get activated, and suddenly you’re responding to situations not as the capable adult you are today, but as the frightened, hurt child you once were.This episode explores why this happens, how to recognize when you’ve slipped into emotional regression, and why intense feelings, while valid, should not be in charge of major decisions, conversations, or relationships.You’ll learn how to bring your adult self back into the room: not to silence the inner child, but to stand beside them with steadiness, perspective, and care. True healing doesn’t come from suppress

Many people begin inner child work with good intentions — and then unknowingly sabotage their healing by doing one of two things: fearing their inner child or blaming it.In this episode, we explore the second major mistake people make when approaching inner child healing: treating the inner child as the problem rather than understanding it as a part of you that learned to survive.You may recognize this pattern if you’ve ever thought:“This part of me is weak.”“I should be over this by now.”“If I open this up, everything will fall apart.”When we fear or blame the inner child, we create an internal tug-of-war. One part of us desperately wants to be seen and understood, while another part tries to suppress, fight, or even erase it. This inner conflict often shows up as anxiety, emotional overreactions, self-sabotage, or patterns that feel “not like you” but won’t go away.Your inner child isn’t broken, weak, or dangerous. It’s a part of you that adapted early, and it needs safety, understanding, and leadership fro

Most of us carry a wounded inner child that still shows up in our daily lives when we feel small, seek approval, or try too hard to fit in. But connecting with your inner child isn't always straightforward. In this episode, I break down one of the four most common mistakes people make when doing inner child work: Avoiding the inner childMore importantly, I'll show you what to do instead, how to build a compassionate relationship with your inner child that actually leads to healing. If you've been struggling with anxiety, overreacting to small things, or feeling stuck in old patterns, this series will give you a practical framework for understanding and working with the part of you that's still hurting. Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Understanding the Inner Child (00:00)The Role of the Inner Child in Emotional Healing (03:17)Common Mistakes in Addressing the Inner Child (07:07)The Consequences of Ignoring the Inner Child (11:29)Strategies for Connecting with the Inner Child (14:33)

We shut down emotionally to avoid pain but that creates deeper isolation. When we guard our hearts from others, we also lose access to ourselves.Loneliness often isn't about lacking others' love; it's about lacking self-love and spiritual connection. The times I felt most lonely, I also lacked connection to my spirit—that deeper, wiser part that longs for meaning and truth.Connect to something greater, whether through meditation, nature, or simply trusting you have a purposeSpirituality doesn't have to be religious. It's about feeling you belong here, exactly as you are, and that you're never truly abandoned.When you nurture these connections, you'll find the belonging you've been searching for.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Connecting with the Heart (0:01)Impact of Closed Hearts (2:22)Exploring the Heart's Potential (5:37)Vulnerability and Compassion (9:26)Self-Love and Inner Light (10:55)Being at Home with Oneself (13:53)Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr.

Do you ever feel like a prisoner of your own mind? You're not alone—but you don't have to stay trapped.Our minds can feel like battlefields: one part pushes us harder, another whispers we're not good enough, and another just wants to avoid discomfort entirely. The problem? We identify with every thought as if it's the absolute truth.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Understanding the Mind's Role in Loneliness (00:00)The Complexity of the Mind (02:28)Establishing Control Over the Mind (03:53)Training the Mind for Better Focus (06:59)Becoming the Leader of Your Mind (08:57)Become the leader of your mind, understanding and redirecting rather than fighting or silencingYour mind is a dedicated ally, even when it doesn't feel like it. It's time to make peace with it.Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr. Schaub has helped thousands of people with his Personal Breakthrough and Empowerment program to overcome their fear and anxiety by addressing the deeper, subconscious ro

Your body isn't the problem; it's your most loyal ally. Yet many of us treat it like the enemy.For years, I pushed my body hard, fed it poorly, and ignored its signals. Until it went on strike with chronic inflammation and painful wake-up calls. That's when everything changed.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Relationship with the Body (00:00)The Body as a Vehicle (01:31)The Body's Forgiveness and Adaptability (03:32)Appreciating the Body's Functions (05:46)Befriending the Body (08:03)Your body allows you to experience music, food, sunsets, and touch. What would change if you treated it with the respect it deserves?Check Out Part 1 Here- https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/why-you-feel-alone-in-a-crowded-room-and-how-to-fix-it-es229/id1490645122?i=1000732123315Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr. Schaub has helped thousands of people with his Personal Breakthrough and Empowerment program to overcome their fear and anxiety by addressing the deeper, subconscious

Ever feel alone in a crowded room? You're not imagining it. We're living through a loneliness epidemic, but the solution isn't what you think.Loneliness isn't really about other people. It's about four critical relationships that determine whether you feel isolated or deeply connected. The most important relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself.In this series, I reveal how transforming your relationship with yourself ends loneliness for good. We'll explore:Your relationship with your bodyYour relationship with your mindYour relationship with your heart and spiritWhen you truly meet yourself, you'll find you were never really alone after all.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Feeling of Loneliness in Big Cities (00:00)The Importance of Self-Relationship (01:26)Self-Awareness and Groundedness (03:23)Self-Reflection and Self-Treatment (04:50)Dependency on Others' Opinions (06:48)Becoming Your Own Authority (08:07)

Why does chasing happiness so often leave us feeling empty? You get the promotion, buy the house, or take that dream trip… and yet it still doesn’t fill the void. Why does it feel like nothing we have is ever enough — and how can we finally turn this around?In this episode of Empowerment Solutions, I explore why the pursuit of happiness can actually be a trap. From fleeting dopamine hits of “small happiness” to the big milestones of career, money, and family — even those who seem to have it all often feel stressed, anxious, or unfulfilled.Tune in to discover why true happiness isn’t about achieving more or proving yourself. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin, feeling at home with yourself, and realizing that who you are has always been enough.If you’ve ever felt like no matter what you achieve, it’s never enough — this episode is for you.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:The Pursuit of Happiness: Introduction and Personal Anecdote (00:00)Small Happiness vs. Big Happiness (01:49)Jim Carrey's Perspective and

Can AI really replace a therapist or coach? On the surface, it feels supportive. AI listens, flatters, and gives advice based on what you type in. But that’s also the problem.AI can only see what you tell it. It can’t dig deeper, challenge your blind spots, or hold you accountable the way a human coach or therapist can. Using AI may feel comforting in the moment, but it won’t give you the transformation that comes from real human connection, lived experiences, and the hard questions that spark growth.In this episode, I share why human guidance is irreplaceable and why relying on AI for mental health support can even be dangerous.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Perspective and Limitations of AI in Therapy (00:00)Challenges of AI in Therapeutic Contexts (01:18)Human Interaction vs. AI in Therapy (01:39)Examples of Human Therapeutic Approaches (02:18)Potential Dangers of AI in Mental Health (04:10)Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr. Schaub has helped thousands of

With the rise of ChatGPT, coaching bots, and mental health apps, many people wonder if AI could one day take the place of human therapists and coaches. In this episode, I share why that will never happen — and why human connection remains the foundation of healing and transformation.If you’ve ever wondered about the future of therapy and coaching in the age of AI, this conversation will give you clarity and peace of mind.Join me next week for Part 2Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:AI as a Replacement for Human Connection in Therapy (00:00)Human Connection and Empathy in Therapy (01:06)AI's Limited Perspective and Lack of Challenge (03:22)Challenges in AI's Support and Human Interaction (08:01)Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, is the award-winning author of The Fear + Anxiety Solution. Dr. Schaub has helped thousands of people with his Personal Breakthrough and Empowerment program to overcome their fear and anxiety by addressing the deeper, subconscious root causes of these emotional challenges.Learn more at: https://DrFri

Are you stuck in a loop of negative thoughts even when life is going well?In Part 2 of my series, I explore why your brain seems wired for negativity and how to reprogram it. From minor daily annoyances to spiraling worst-case scenarios, negativity can keep us anxious, reactive, and disconnected from joy.But here’s the truth: you’re not broken, your brain is simply running an old survival program.Listen in to learn how a simple ear-pull helped me and my wife Danielle snap out of negativity on our latest Camino trail hike, plus how you can anchor empowering thoughts into your nervous system for lasting change.You CAN retrain your mind. It starts with awareness and a willingness to practice something new.If you missed part one, you can catch it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/your-brain-is-wired-for-negativity-es224-part-1-of-2/id1490645122?i=1000720005403Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Neuroplasticity and Brain Reprogramming (00:00)Interrupting the Negative Pattern (02:56)Stopping Complaining and Asking

Even when life is going well, do you catch yourself scanning for what’s not perfect? That little voice that fixates on the one thing that went wrong the email you didn’t get, the offhand comment, the 10% of your day that wasn’t ideal? That’s not just a mood, it’s a habit. A deeply wired one.In this episode, I explore why negativity is so persistent, even when we consciously want to feel better. From ancient survival instincts to emotional conditioning, I break down the root cause of our negative bias and why your brain might still be scanning the bushes for tigers even in the middle of a peaceful day.Because happiness isn't just something you find it's something you practice. And breaking free from negativity starts by understanding it.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Negativity as a Bad Habit (00:00)Impact of Negativity on Perception (01:28)Evolutionary Origins of Negativity (02:31)The Role of Negativity in Survival (03:16)We Never Fully Took The Reigns (04:33)Reprogramming the Mind to Reduce Negativity (4:46)Fried