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...

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...

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. If you’re interested in being on the show, call 206 9 V-I-E-N-N-A. Leave a voice message with an alias and the best time...

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...

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...

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.