How to Make Someone Feel Seen Instead of Solved

What does someone really need when they're hurting? In this episode, therapist Malisa Hepner welcomes back friend of the show, Elaynie Painter, to explore why our instinct to fix, solve, or offer advice can sometimes create more distance—and what it looks like to truly be present instead.

Together they discuss emotional safety, self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and how learning to stay with someone's emotions (instead of rushing to change them) can transform your relationships. Whether you're supporting a grieving friend, navigating conflict with your partner, or learning to be more emotionally available, this conversation offers practical tools to help you show up with greater compassion and connection.

The next time someone shares something painful, pause before responding.Notice if an urge to fix arises, take a breath, and choose presence over problem-solving. Feeling understood often heals more than being given answers.

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

$5 - Early Ad free episodes + Occasional other goodies!
$10 - Benefits listed above and access to growing voice library support for spiraling/overthinking (along with workbooks and practices)
$30 - Deeper work and group spaces

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

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Episoder(300)

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