# Why don’t you like yourself? Gabby Bernstein: How to stop numbing difficult emotions

An episode of [Happy Place](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1353058891), 18 Aug 2025, 58 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/happy-place/e/6880c9d02a38d6f5cbe4e183/media.mp3

Getting lost in anxiety, shame, or self-loathing? Spiritual leader Gabby Bernstein wants you to acknowledge all the messy parts of your true character. Spoiler: you’re not going suddenly to like yourself overnight, but acknowledging the uncomfortable bits will get you there sooner! In this chat with Fearne, Gabby explains how ‘protector parts’ like perfectionism, people pleasing, and numbing out can spiral into extreme self-soothing behaviours like drug or porn addiction if they’re not dealt with. Fearne and Gabby chat about anxiety as a protection mechanism, exploring why being focused on the heart palpitations and hyper-vigilance is stopping you dealing with your deeper wounds. Plus, Fearne notices that her OCD is back so Gabby takes a moment to help her check in with her current stress levels – you can follow along with this exercise too! Gabby’s latest book, Self-Help, is out now. If you liked this episode of Happy Place, you might also like: Mel Robbins Natalie Lue Tell Self-Limiting Beliefs To Bugger Off Child on the line is a three-part documentary podcast series celebrating the Volunteer Counsellors of Childline, and the brave children & young people who contact the helpline service. Listen here: https://www.childonthelinepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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