Dr. Friedemann Schaub

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

People-pleasing may appear to be kindness, but it often masks fear and self-abandonment. If you find yourself constantly trying to earn approval, this episode will help you break the habit of living for others. Learn how to reconnect with your wants and needs—and start living from your truth.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Living for Others and Its Impact on Anxiety (00:00)The Dependency on Others' Approval (03:41)Overcoming the Pleasing Mode (06:09)Building a Healthy Relationship with Oneself (08:56)The Journey of Breaking Unhealthy Patterns (12:12)Check out the full series here...Part 1: https://youtu.be/7cQZkqSgaD8Part 2: https://youtu.be/xAFjJtenajIPart 3: https://youtu.be/5-WxtJzabU8Part 4: https://youtu.be/ET39OONKcsoPart 5: https://youtu.be/xKu7eOY5A-4Friedemann 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

I had my fair share of anxiety habits – but admittedly, control was the one I ‘used’ the most. Control is often our go-to way of creating the illusion of safety. Before we had cell phones, I asked Danielle to call me at least three times when she was on a 7-hour road trip, just to know that she was ok. I don’t know how she put up with me during that time. The problem is that control is not only exhausting for oneself and others, but it also doesn’t lead to a lasting sense of safety and peace. When we try to control every outcome, we disconnect from trust—trust in ourselves, in others, and life. This episode explores how hypervigilance fuels anxiety, and how shifting into presence and surrender helps us to establish the real anxiety-antidote – trust.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Anxiety Habits and Control Issues (00:02)The Illusion of Control (03:44)Building Trust in Oneself (06:42)Trust in a Higher Power (09:28)Trust in Others (14:20)Call to Action: Letting Go of Control (16:09)The Benefits of Letting Go (16:50)F

What if your anxiety isn’t just emotional, but also verbal? In this episode, we explore how negative self-talk keeps you stuck in anxiety. From harsh inner criticism to constant judgment, the way you speak to yourself matters. You’ll learn why this habit fuels anxiety and how to interrupt it with compassion and truth.Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Negative Self-Talk and Its Impact on Anxiety (00:00)The Role of Questions in Managing Negative Self-Talk (03:00)Addressing the Anxious Mind (04:27)Practical Strategies for Managing Negative Self-Talk (09:42)If you haven't already, catch parts one, two, and three:Part 1: https://youtu.be/7cQZkqSgaD8Part 2: https://youtu.be/xAFjJtenajIPart 3: https://youtu.be/5-WxtJzabU8Friedemann 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 m

Do you feel safest when you're in control? Hypervigilance, overthinking, planning, and needing certainty feel protective, but they often fuel anxiety. In this episode, we delve into the exhausting cycle of control and how letting go, even if only briefly, allows trust and calm to return.Dr. Friedemann's Takeaways:Disconnecting from Ourselves and Its Impact on Anxiety (00:00)Anxiety Easily Gets Triggered (01:05)Hypervigilance, Overthinking & Avoidance (01:56)Building Trust and Self-Esteem (02:30)The Journey from Anxiety to Self-Esteem (03:20)Catch Part One & Two:Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/breaking-the-anxiety-habit-series-introduction-es218/id1490645122?i=1000714645077Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dont-fear-the-feeling-break-the-habit-of/id1490645122?i=1000715275252Friedemann 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 fea

What if your biggest anxiety trigger is your fear of anxiety itself? That dread of the next wave can be more overwhelming than the emotion itself. In this final episode, we explore how to stop fearing anxiety and start listening to it. When you meet it with curiosity instead of panic, everything changes.Shift: From fear to curiosityTry This: When anxiety shows up, place a hand on your heart and say, “I see you. I’m here.”Dr Friedemann's Takeaways:Understanding the Habit of Fear and Anxiety (00:00)Curiosity and Responsibility in Managing Anxiety (02:37)Practical Strategies to Manage Anxiety (03:40)Reframing Anxiety as a Protective Mechanism (04:59)Building a Compassionate Relationship with Anxiety (06:24)Check Out Part 1 Here: https://youtu.be/7cQZkqSgaD8Friedemann 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 r

After a painful breakup, a client of mine found herself stuck in anxiety, replaying memories, stalking social media pages, and unable to let go. Sometimes, even when something hurts us, peace can feel unfamiliar, and anxiety becomes the pattern we know best.The truth is: anxiety isn’t always just a feeling. It’s a habit.In this week's episode, I explore how anxiety can get wired into our thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs, and why it’s not your fault if you’re still stuck in it.Over the next few weeks, starting Tuesday, I’ll be sharing a 5-part video series called Breaking the Anxiety Habit, where I guide you through the most common patterns that keep anxiety alive and how we can finally break free.Dr. Friedemann's Takeaways:Understanding the Habit of Fear and Anxiety (00:00)Curiosity and Responsibility in Managing Anxiety (02:37)Practical Strategies to Manage Anxiety (03:40)Reframing Anxiety as a Protective Mechanism (04:59)Building a Compassionate Relationship with Anxiety (06:24)Friedemann Schaub, MD, PhD, i