Are We Hiding Behind Masks Without Even Realizing It? Featuring Alicia Zielinski Straub

This Healing Mindset episode goes straight into the real stuff. No fluff. No performance. Just the raw mechanics of how we mask ourselves without noticing and how unmasking becomes the gateway to grounded living. Licensed Professional Counselor and somatic facilitator Alicia Zielinski Straub breaks down the unconscious patterns that keep people stuck in overproductivity, perfectionism and survival mode. The conversation moves through vulnerability, somatic grounding, trauma awareness and the powerful shift that happens when we finally stop outsourcing our identity and start listening inward. About the Guest: Alicia Zielinski Straub is a Licensed Professional Counselor, somatic facilitator and transformational retreat host. Her work blends therapy, breathwork, somatic movement and grounded mindfulness to help people reconnect with their core self beyond conditioning, fear and performance. She guides clients into deeper nervous system safety, emotional clarity and embodied healing. Key Takeaways: Unmasking is the practice of shedding unconscious behavioral layers built for survival and belonging. High achievers often wear masks of control, productivity and perfection which create chronic anxiety and hypervigilance. Somatic grounding offers a safer entry point to emotional healing than cognitive work alone. Vulnerability requires nervous system safety, not willpower. Regulation must come before reflection. Many people unknowingly live from stored implicit memories and fear-driven habits rather than authentic self-alignment. Body cues are often ignored until they become major breakdowns. Listening early prevents long-term burnout. Healing accelerates when curiosity replaces judgment and when emotional experiences are witnessed in safe spaces. Transformation starts with small micro-shifts like questioning daily routines, introducing flexibility and checking intention behind habits. Breathwork and gentle movement help release stored emotional tension and reconnect the body with the mind. Self-awareness gives people choice. Without awareness, life becomes autopilot based on conditioning instead of conscious direction. How to Connect with the Guest: Website/Email: https://aliciazstraubcounseling.com/ (contact email available on site) Instagram & Facebook: @journeywithalicia Phone/Text: available via website contact page Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™. We do not intend to harm, defame or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. About Healthy Mind By Avik™ Healthy Mind By Avik™ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity. Born during the pandemic, it has evolved into a sanctuary for healing, emotional resilience and conscious living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, the channel explores mental health, emotional well-being, holistic healing, trauma recovery and personal empowerment. With over 4,400 episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, we continue building a world where every story matters. Contact Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™ Email: www.healthymindbyavik.com Based in: India & USA Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching and strategic partnerships. CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST Listen to 17 Podcast Shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik Be a Guest: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest Video Testimonials: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials Join the Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Subscribe to Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ OUR SERVICES Business Podcast Management: https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/ Individual Podcast Management: https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/ Share Your Story: https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US Medium: https://medium.com/@contentbyavik YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/podhealthclub Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/ SHARE YOUR REVIEW Google Review: https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/ Video Testimonial: https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/ Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way. #podmatch #...