In this episode, Dr. Kelsy Vick, board-certified orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist, explores how our culture of “healing” might be making us more self-focused than connected. Inspired by Gloria Alamrew’s essay “Healing Is Making Us Mean,” Kelsy examines the balance between personal growth and community care.

In this episode:

• How “therapy language” and boundary-setting can strain friendships
• What research says about self-care, loneliness, and prosocial behavior
• The role of privilege in who gets to “heal” and focus on wellness
• Why meaningful connection requires inconvenience, conflict, and care
• How to practice self-work that strengthens, not isolates, relationships

A thoughtful conversation on the fine line between self-care and self-centeredness—and how true healing helps us show up better for others.

Resources:

https://substack.com/home/post/p-176689615 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39688189/ 

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17499755231157440?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5429736/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8488814/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4026714/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

https://elke-u-weber.com/media/198_2021_journalofappliedsocpsych_schneider?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

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00:00- 00:17 Intro

00:18- 01:28 Introduction: The Shift in Healing Culture

01:29- 02:40 Personal Journey and Reflections

02:41- 04:31 The Dichotomy of Self-Care and Relationships

04:32- 06:33 The Privilege of Self-Care

06:34- 07:49 Exploring the Research on Self-Care and Relationships (Part 1)

07:49- 08:24 Safely

08:24- 13:26 Exploring the Research on Self-Care and Relationships (Part 2)

13:27- 18:00 Practical Insights and Boundaries in Friendships

18:01- 19:25 Conclusion: Embracing Messy Friendships

Mentioned in this episode:

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