The Group Sessions

In this episode of The Group Sessions, Robert Saint Michael explores the unique experience of being the middle child. From Alfred Adler’s early psychology of birth order to the lived reality of feeling overlooked or “stuck in the middle,” Robert unpacks how these family dynamics shape identity, self-worth, and relationships. With a trauma-informed lens, he shares practical tools for healing the “middle child wound,” reframing invisibility into resilience, and reclaiming the strengths that come with adaptability and empathy.Credentials + Links:Robert Saint Michael, NLP | Mental Health CoachVisit robertsaintmichael.com — your hub for researched and evidence-based public health information, resources, and coaching services.If this episode spoke to you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone in your life who might need the encouragement. And don’t forget to comment with your own middle child stories—I’d love to hear how your family position shaped who you are today.Referenced in this episode:Adler, A. (1927/1992). Understanding Human Nature.Sulloway, F. J. (1996). Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics, and Creative Lives.Eckstein, D., & Kaufman, J. A. (2012). The Role of Birth Order in Personality: An Enduring Myth or an Empirical Reality? Journal of Individual Psychology.Trauma-informed resources on family dynamics and self-worth (American Psychological Association).robertsaintmichael.com — evidence-based mental health + public health resources.

In this episode of The Group Sessions, Robert Saint Michael explores how leaning into discomfort can literally rewire your brain for resilience. Research shows that the anterior midcingulate cortex—the part of the brain that activates when we face challenges—grows stronger when we push through effort. That growth isn’t just science; it’s survival.Robert breaks down how safe, intentional challenges can improve mental health, reduce stress, and support trauma recovery. With practical coaching tips and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to turn everyday struggles into opportunities for growth.✨ Comment below: What’s one small challenge you can take on today—physically, mentally, or emotionally?Robert also shares how his mental health coaching can support you in building resilience and healing, and invites you to visit robertsaintmichael.com — a hub for researched and evidence-based public health information.If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the encouragement.Referenced in this episode:Bush, G., & Shin, L. M. (2006). The anterior cingulate cortex and emotional self-regulation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.Shenhav, A., Botvinick, M. M., & Cohen, J. D. (2013). The expected value of control: An integrative theory of anterior cingulate cortex function. Neuron.Verguts, T., & Notebaert, W. (2009). Adaptation by binding: A learning account of cognitive control. Trends in Cognitive Sciences.Winell, M. (2011). Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion.American Psychological Association (APA) resources on post-traumatic growth.robertsaintmichael.com — evidence-based mental health + public health resources.

In honor of Bisexual Visibility Week, Robert Saint Michael opens up about being a bisexual Black man and creating Bi+ Black Men as a public health intervention for those who often feel unseen. Through a powerful story shared by “Alice,” a woman healing from deep Southern religious indoctrination while in a same-sex partnership, Robert unpacks the legacy of religious trauma, the reality of spiritual abuse, and the history of Christianity’s harms alongside its potential for peace. With compassion and honesty, he offers practical tools for countering intrusive thoughts and reframing God as a force of love, not fear.Hosted by Robert Saint Michael, NLP | Mental Health CoachVisit robertsaintmichael.com — your hub for researched and evidence-based public health information, articles, and coaching services.If this episode resonated with you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you’re seeking guidance on your own journey, reach out and explore working with me as your mental health coach.Referenced in this episode:GLAAD – Bisexual Visibility Week resourcesWinell, M. (2011). Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their ReligionResearch on Religious Trauma Syndrome (Winell)Pew Research Center – Studies on religion, LGBTQ+, and mental healthBi+ Black Men (Community + Podcast)

What do we do when the people we love stay in relationships that hurt them? In episode 5 of The Group Session Podcast, we explore the emotional, cultural, and generational reasons why some women—especially in midlife—remain in unhealthy marriages or partnerships. We look at how loneliness, fear, and past conditioning play a role, and what friends can do to support without judgment.With empathy and data, we unpack the psychology of staying, the cost of leaving, and how to hold space for those still figuring it out.—Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP Practitioner robertsaintmichael.comInstagram:  @robertsaintmichaelLike, comment, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this reminder: love shouldn’t hurt.Referenced in this episode:Pew Research Center data on midlife divorce and lonelinessJournal of Marriage and Family: Emotional dependency in long-term unionsHarvard Health Publishing on chronic stress and marital dissatisfaction

Cultural appropriation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about power, policy, and political erasure. In Episode 4 of The Group Sessions, we break down how borrowed culture leads to real-world harm. From TikTok trends to Texas legislation, we unpack how dominant culture profits from marginalized expression while erasing the people behind it. We’ll talk about Christian nationalism, DEI rollbacks, and why emotional intelligence—not just IQ—is critical to navigating today’s political climate. If you’ve ever felt unseen in a world that loves your rhythm but silences your voice—this session is for you.—Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP PractitionerExplore more at robertsaintmichael.comFollow on InstagramLike, share, and subscribe wherever you’re listening.Referenced in this episode:Texas Senate Bill 10 – Ten Commandments in Schools (Texas Tribune)Jesse Williams BET Awards Speech (2016)Daniel Goleman’s Work on Emotional Intelligence (Harvard Business Review)American Psychological Association on Emotional IntelligenceDEI Backlash Report – The Atlantic

Welcome to Group.In Episode 3 of The Group Sessions Podcast, we break down the psychological toll of digital burnout. If you’ve been feeling numb, anxious, or constantly distracted, you’re not imagining it. The scroll is stealing your attention, hijacking your dopamine system, and rewiring your nervous system.This episode explores how overstimulation from social media affects emotional regulation, focus, sleep, and overall mental health. We talk about dopamine depletion, attention fatigue, and how living in survival mode has become the default for so many of us.This isn’t just a detox — it’s a reset.You’ll leave with research-backed insight, grounded strategies, and a new way to relate to your screen.—Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP PractitionerVisit robertsaintmichael.com to book a free mental health consultation or explore the advice column. Follow on Instagram for more insights and weekly updates.Like, comment, subscribe, and share to support the show.Referenced in this episode:Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna LembkeHarvard Health – How blue light affects sleepPew Research – Tech and anxiety in Gen ZNIH – Digital overstimulation and nervous system dysregulation

Why the Strong One Is Always TiredIn Part 2 of this series on The Group Sessions Podcast, we continue the conversation on the trauma of parentification—focusing on what happens when a child internalizes adult responsibilities before their brain even finishes developing.We explore how early emotional labor shapes identity, blurs boundaries, and teaches children to earn love through over-functioning. From chronic burnout to strained sibling bonds, this episode unpacks the deeper psychological scars that come from being “the responsible one” too soon—and how many of us are still carrying those scars into our adult relationships.We also confront the harder truths: how forced maturity can lead to distorted views of intimacy, vulnerability to grooming, and even the quiet reenactment of trauma with others—all because no one taught us how to safely receive care.This episode offers reflection, affirmation, and an invitation to finally put the role down.—Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP Practitioner🔗 Check out the advice column, book a free mental health consultation, or explore other resources at robertsaintmichael.com📲 Follow @robertsaintmichael on Instagram for more insights, live updates, and community healing.📥 Like. Comment. Subscribe. Share!Referenced in this episode:– U.S. Department of Justice: Data on child sexual abuse by known perpetrators– Chase, N.D., & Deming, M.P. (2015). Parental role reversal and long-term relational patterns– APA: Effects of premature responsibility and emotional parentification– Journal of Child and Family Studies: Impacts of adultified roles on intimacy development

What happens when your older sibling becomes your parent?In Episode 1 of The Group Sessions Podcast, we uncover the hidden cost of growing up too fast—and the lifelong trauma of being forced to cosplay adulthood in dysfunctional homes. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of emotional parentification, exploring how it warps childhood development and traps us in caregiving roles that follow us into adulthood—leaving us exhausted, underloved, and unheard.We also unpack how parentification increases vulnerability to abuse—especially when children are conditioned to identify as “equals” to adults and taught to prioritize others’ needs above their own safety.This is a powerful, triggering, and healing reflection on silence, survival, and the families we’re still learning to heal from.—Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP Practitioner🔗 Check out the advice column, book a free mental health consultation, or explore other resources at robertsaintmichael.com📲 Follow @robertsaintmichael on Instagram for more insights, live updates, and community healing.📥 Like. Comment. Subscribe. Share!Referenced in this episode:– National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Impacts of emotional neglect and family role reversal– Hooper, L.M. (2007). The Psychological Impact of Parentification in Childhood– U.S. Department of Justice: Statistics on child sexual abuse and familial offenders– Afifi, T.D. et al. (2016). Childhood caregiving and adult mental health outcomes

What if every episode felt like a real session?Welcome to The Group Sessions — a healing space for the strong ones, the silent ones, and the ones still learning how to rest.Hosted by Robert Saint Michael, Certified Mental Health Life Coach and Master NLP Practitioner, this podcast helps us unpack the trauma, identity, survival patterns, and emotional exhaustion we carry — especially when we were never allowed to fall apart.Here, healing isn’t performative. It’s personal. Each episode blends research-backed insight with lived experience, drawing from psychology, behavioral health, public health disparities, sociology, culture, and resilience.You’ll find myth-busting, truth-telling, and soul-tending conversations that reconnect you to yourself — piece by piece.And if there’s something you want covered, you can reach out directly. Your story matters, and I’ll create an episode around your experience — anonymously, with care.New episodes drop every week. Subscribe and start your sessions now.You don’t have to heal alone.Robert Saint Michael, NLPCertified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP Practitioner🔗 Visit robertsaintmichael.com to explore the advice column, book a free consultation, or access more healing tools.📲 Follow @robertsaintmichael on Instagram for updates, live events, and support.📥 Like, comment, subscribe, and share.

Another journal from yours truly. 2024 has been a good year, so I wanted to take time to reflect on some personal growth milestones during this holiday season of gratitude. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠

Joined by educational, executive, and transformational coach Michelle Turnbull, we share our journeys that led us into the wellness space. Through our stories, we explore the impact of transformational coaching and the power of self-growth. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠ Guest Information: Michelle Turnbull Turnbull Coaching and Consulting, LLC Instagram: @turnbullcoachingconsultingllc Book: Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors: Vol 2

Creative consultant Malachi E Robinson opens up about his journey with imposter syndrome, revealing how he overcame self-doubt. Through his story, we gain insights into building confidence and finding our voice, especially in creative and entrepreneurial spaces. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠ Guest Information: Malachi E Robinson Point Black Creative Agency Instagram: @thespiritualthug References: All About Imposter Syndrome. (n.d.). Grad.uc.edu. https://grad.uc.edu/student-life/news/all-about-imposter-syndrome.html

Inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out 2, we explore how anxiety interacts with other complex emotions and at what point it becomes problematic. By examining the connections between anxiety and trauma, we gain insight into how these feelings shape our experiences. Hosted by Robert Saint Michael Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on Instagram and Youtube for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please email me at rsmpublichealth@gmail.com or visit robertsaintmichael.com References: Steimer T. The biology of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2002 Sep;4(3):231-49. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2002.4.3/tsteimer. PMID: 22033741; PMCID: PMC3181681. Center for Disease Control: Adverse Childhood Experiences https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html

In this episode, we examine the psychological effects of media censorship and propaganda, from mass panic to desensitization. This discussion centers how political agendas infiltrate our subconscious, often triggering defense mechanisms without us even realizing it. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠ References: American Psychological Association. (2023, January 13). Politics seep into daily life, negatively affecting mental health [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/01/politics-affecting-mental-health Braun, Sandra. "political spin". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2016, https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-spin. Accessed 13 July 2024.

With the rise of online dating and virtual connections, we dive into the complexities of modern relationships. Joined by returning guest Jarrett Brown, we examine the unique barriers that shape intimacy in the digital age and discuss how to build genuine connections online. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠ Guest Information: Jarrett Brown Podcasts: Black Boy, Bi Joy The Awkward Adventures of a College Graduate Instagram: @the_black_ambivert

In this episode, we break down how money can transform us—for better or worse. Real estate investor Stefen Lee joins us to share his personal experiences and insights into how financial power shapes our relationships and self-worth. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠ Guest Information: Stefen Lee Real Estate Investor Black Wall Podcast Instagram: @blkwall_podcast References: 2023 Bankrate Financial Wellness Survey - LINK Elbogen EB, Lanier M, Montgomery AE, Strickland S, Wagner HR, Tsai J. Financial strain and suicide attempts in a nationally representative sample of us adults. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2020;189(11):1266-1274. Chanel 4 News with Billy Porter Clip - LINK

We dive into the fear of not meeting the expectations of others and explore how it impacts our ability to be the best versions of ourselves. Together, we discuss strategies to break free from the pressure to perform and find our own path forward. Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠ Certified Mental Health Life Coach Master NLP Practitioner Follow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠

We analyze the culture of celebrity worship around recent viral clips of Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, and others. In this episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships and how fanbases connect deeply with celebrities on a personal level.Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠Certified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP PractitionerFollow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠

In this episode, we explore the shifting dynamics in romantic and familiar relationships and dive into the reasons why love is sometimes unreturned. Together, we face the hard questions about why we allow these dynamics and how we can create a healthier balance in our connections.Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠Certified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP PractitionerFollow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠

In this journal entry, I dive into the evolving landscape of social media and the age of AI. From Instagram Threads to the rise of tech anxiety, I explore how these shifts are shaping our mental well-being and what we can do to stay grounded.Hosted by ⁠Robert Saint Michael⁠Certified Mental Health Life CoachMaster NLP PractitionerFollow on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Youtube⁠ for more content! For Bookings, Appointments, and Engagements please ⁠email⁠ me at ⁠rsmpublichealth@gmail.com⁠ or visit ⁠robertsaintmichael.com⁠