Still making friends like a 12 yo? No wonder adulthood sucks. How Friendship can be your best therapy - conversation with a psychotherapist.

In this episode of the Worth Having Podcast, host Nic Scholtysik dives deep into the complicated world of friendship together with psychotherapist Natalia Szyszka.

Discover how childhood experiences shape our ability to form meaningful connections and why making friends can feel like a dreadful, exhausting task. We explore the concept of safety in friendships and get practical tips on how to build trust and foster deeper relationships.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the psychology behind friendship and how to navigate the complexities of human connection.

Shownotes:

[01:49] Teaser & Introduction

[03:14] The Definition of Friendship

- Ever wondered what truly defines a friend? Nic and Natalia share their personal definitions and discuss the essence of friendship.

[05:31] The Childhood Trauma of Friendship

- Could the process of making friends be a childhood trauma we all carry? Nic explores how early experiences shape our approach to friendships.

[08:11] The Evolution of Friendship

- From compromising to being selective: How does our approach to friendship change as we grow older?

[10:12] Navigating Friendship Breakups

- What happens when friendships don't work out? Nic shares a personal story and discusses the complexities of ending a friendship.

[14:07] The Role of Therapy in Friendship

- How can therapy help us build better friendships? Natalia explains the role of humanistic psychotherapy in fostering connections.

[17:27] The Importance of Hope and Compassion

- Discover why hope and compassion are essential in building and maintaining friendships.

[22:03] Ecotherapy and Connection

- Beyond human connections: Natalia introduces the concept of ecotherapy and how relating to nature can enhance our relationships.

[29:46] Practical Takeaways for Building Friendships

- What are some actionable steps you can take to build stronger friendships? Nic and Natalia share their insights.

[33:18] Self-Reflection and Acceptance

- How does self-acceptance play a role in forming meaningful friendships? Explore the importance of being authentic with yourself and others.

[37:55] The Need for Neediness

- Is it okay to have needs in a friendship? Nic discusses the importance of expressing your needs and being open to vulnerability.

[40:23] Distinguishing True Friends from Acquaintances

- How do you know if someone is a true friend or just someone you hang out with? Nic and Natalia discuss the criteria for deep friendships.

[41:13] Recap: The Essence of Friendship

- Nic recaps the key points from the conversation, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and authenticity in building meaningful friendships.