What if your struggle with food isn’t about food at all?

In this raw and revealing episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, licensed psychotherapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Mary Dobson, LMFT, joins us to explore Family Systems Theory and hidden roots of disordered eating—childhood emotional neglect (CEN) and emotional loneliness. We unpack family systems theory, the roles we play in our families, and why so many high-functioning people feel numb, disconnected, or constantly “not enough,” despite looking like they have it all together.

Mary shares how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the pressure to perform often begin in emotionally neglectful environments—and how these patterns become embedded not just in the mind, but in the body. She introduces her Recover Your Self™ framework and daily practices that help you come back to who you really are—beneath the masks, the roles, and the “shoulds.”

We also discuss:

• How emotional neglect shapes identity, not just behavior
• The link between emotional abandonment and disordered eating
• Why community service—not just talk therapy—is essential for recovery
• The radical power of joy, pausing, and breaking free from performative living

If you’ve ever felt emotionally invisible or like your struggles are “too much,” or whatever you do, it never feels enough, you're not alone. This conversation will meet you right where you are—with truth, compassion, and a path home to yourself.

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For more information on Mary Hobson,LMFT, visit her website: https://www.marydobson.com/

Follow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/realpsychotherapist/

In this episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, we explore the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, a powerful metaphor for healing and growth. Kintsugi, meaning “to join with gold,” teaches us to embrace our cracks and imperfections, turning them into sources of strength and beauty.

Dr. Sylvia dives into how this philosophy can help us better understand family dynamics, navigate feelings of loneliness within relationships, and heal the parts of ourselves that feel broken or difficult to accept.

In this episode, you will learn:
1. How to apply the principles of Kintsugi to heal emotional wounds and broken family dynamics.
2. How to view loneliness as an invitation to reconnect with yourself and foster self-acceptance.
3. Practical steps to embrace your imperfections and turn them into a source of personal growth.

Join Dr. Sylvia as she inspires you to transform life’s cracks into golden opportunities for resilience and connection. Tune in to discover how you can mend your emotional wounds with gold and transform your struggles into something truly beautiful.

In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Dr. Sylvia K Show, we dive deep into the often-hidden loneliness that can exist within family structures. Joining me today is Stacey Dorenfeld, author of the powerful memoir Kosher Crack, who bravely shares her personal story of feeling isolated and disconnected in her own family. Together, we explore themes of abuse, survival, and the difficult journey of healing. Trigger Warnings: Sensitive discussion about rape, alcohol, drugs, and suicide.

Stacey opens up about her experience growing up in a family that was far from the safe haven it was supposed to be, challenging the idea that family always equals belonging. We’ll discuss the painful moments that led her to question her place in her family and the courage it took to write her story. From physical and emotional abuse to finding “miracles in the mud,” Stacey’s journey is a testament to resilience.

In this episode, you’ll hear Stacey’s insights on:

• What it means to be “Lonely AF” in your own family
• How to recognize when family dysfunction crosses the line into toxicity
• The importance of finding light and acceptance in who you are now

Whether you’ve felt like an outsider in your own family or are seeking a path toward healing, Stacey’s story will inspire you to take the first steps toward finding belonging, even when it seems impossible. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about pain, survival, and ultimately, self-love.

As always, thank you for listening, and don’t forget to pick up Stacey’s memoir Kosher Crack. It’s a raw, healing narrative that will leave you feeling seen, heard, and empowered.