Understanding Emotional Avoidance and Embracing Vulnerability
Mastering Emotional Avoidance with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant welcomes Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a New York-based therapist and author of 'Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want.' They delve into a master class on emotional avoidance, discussing why people engage in it and how it can worsen emotional experiences.
Dr. Maidenberg introduces her ACE methodology — Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment — to help individuals connect with their core values and lead fulfilling lives. She also offers insights into men's unique struggles with emotional expression and practical strategies for managing intense emotions. Additionally, they explore EMDR therapy and the importance of setting sustainable goals.
00:00 Welcome to Real Men Feel 2025
00:20 Introducing Dr. Michelle Maidenberg
01:14 Understanding Emotional Avoidance
04:21 The Impact of Emotional Avoidance
07:15 Connecting with Core Values
16:31 Men and Emotional Avoidance
22:25 Introduction to Managing Negative Emotions
22:44 Understanding Stuckness and Core Values
23:54 The ACE Method: Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment
25:22 Sustainability of Change and New Year's Resolutions
29:18 Exploring EMDR and Healing Trauma
34:12 Personal Journey and Professional Insights
40:46 Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Michelle
Dr. Michelle Maidenberg -- http://www.michellemaidenberg.com/
LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemaidenberg/
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/drmichellemaidenberg
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/michellemaidenberg
Resources
ACE Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want, Michelle Maidenberg -- https://amzn.to/3DIvffG
Michelle's YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMichelleMaidenberg
Psychology Today Blog -- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/michelle-p-maidenberg-phd-mph-lcsw-r-cgp
Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Ready to create your best year yet? Book a Clarity Call with Andy at https://theandygrant.com/talk
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Personal Website | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Podcast Website | http://realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!
RMF Facebook Group | http://realmenfeel.org/group
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel
#RealMenFeel ep 335
Michelle Maidenberg
Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R, maintains a private practice in Harrison, NY. She is also the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of "Thru My Eyes", a nonprofit 501c3 organization that offers free clinically-guided videotaping to chronically medically ill individuals who want to leave video legacies for their children and loved ones.
Michelle is adjunct faculty at New York University (NYU), teaching a graduate course in Mindfulness Practice. She is a member of the American Red Cross Crisis Team. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Westchester Trauma Network (WTN) in Westchester, NY.
Michelle is the author of award-winning books "Free Your Child From Overeating" and " 53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health," and her new book and audiobook "Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want" is available at Thriftbooks, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Listen to Michelle's TED TALK: Circumventing Emotional Avoidance. She is also a blogger for Psychology Today and publishes a new guided meditation every Thursday on her YouTube channel. Michelle is dedicated and invested in health and mental health advocacy.