Skip to content

Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

Emotional Healing and Reconnecting with Yourself | NeuroAlchemy Podcast

A Featured Conversation about Emotional Healing on the NeuroAlchemy Podcast

Good to see you,

I recently joined Dr. Sarah Young on the NeuroAlchemy podcast for a meaningful conversation about emotional healing, self‑awareness, and the lifelong process of reconnecting with the parts of ourselves that may have been silenced over time.

Many of us learn early in life to suppress certain emotions in order to cope or fit in. While those strategies may help us survive, they can also leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and from the people we care about.

In this conversation, we explore how emotional awareness, curiosity, and compassion can help us better understand our inner world and create healthier, more authentic relationships.

In our conversation, we discuss:

Healing is not about becoming someone new. It is about reconnecting with who you have always been beneath the protective layers you developed along the way.

I hope this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and hope wherever you are on your journey.

Watch the full conversation:
NeuroAlchemy Podcast Episode

Rooting for your growth,
Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst
Psychologist, Author, and Speaker

For more reflections on emotional development, identity, and healing, explore Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.

If you are navigating emotional disconnection, early‑life patterns, or a season of personal change, therapy can offer clarity and grounding. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, resilience, and meaningful growth.

related blog post by Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

Read more of my stories and reflections

two boys discovering the power of playing and playing games and speaking while a parent watches patiently, symbolizing raising Boys’ Emotional Development, of boys cry, and emotional disconnection in Maryland and DC.

Boys’ Emotional Development and Why They Are Taught To Swallow Their Tea

A Conversation for Maryland and DC Families About Boys’ Emotional Development I recently joined Atul Raj on the Genius Talk Podcast to discuss a topic that has shaped my work for more than fifty years: how boys are taught to manage their emotions, and how those lessons follow them into
Read My Post
A person sitting quietly on a beach at sunset after being under work pressure, symbolizing emotional freedom and emotional frequency in Maryland and DC.

Just Right

JUST RIGHT Perfection, Pressure, and the Power of Enough “Just right” isn’t mediocrity—it’s emotional truth. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how performance pressure in youth sports can distort self-worth, and why unconditional affirmation is the antidote to shame. Are you striving for excellence? When you take
Read My Post
A woman drawn to reflect the soul with a pink sunset on July 4th, symbolizing gender norms and emotional reflection and in Maryland and DC.

JULY 4TH

A Celebration of Freedom, Memory, and the Spirit of Community on July 4th What a fun celebration! This year is special, and every fence row in the neighborhood has decided to display patriotic bunting. Everything is festive, and the mood carries easily into the day. Memories of other Fourths come
Read My Post
A person in a garden full of artichoke, symbolizing emotional growth and seasonal reflection through therapy in Maryland and DC.

The Heart of the Artichoke

A Metaphor for Effort, Patience, and the Rewards Hidden Beneath the Surface I rarely have an artichoke, but I rather like them. The plant can be found in Portugal, Morocco, Libya, and Greece. These are lovely places to visit, and the artichoke is a native plant, so you could pick
Read My Post