36 | Existentialism as a Path for Truth & Growth with Dr. Sara Kuburic (AKA @millennial.therapist)

Honor Your Spark

In a world that often feels disorienting with its speed and complexity, finding our true selves can sometimes seem like a search for a needle in a vast, shifting haystack. This quest for personal identity and authenticity was the focus of a deep and insightful conversation on my podcast Honor Your Spark, where I was recently joined by existential psychotherapist, consultant, writer, and columnist Dr. Sara Kuburic, also known as the Millennial Therapist.

In this conversation, we explored the intricacies of human emotions and behaviors and how existentialism (and specifically, existential therapy) can offer a unique perspective on navigating life's challenges with authenticity, courage, and responsibility.

Sara opened the conversation with a critical examination of how trauma is perceived and labeled in contemporary society. She expressed concern over the oversimplification of the term "trauma," which, in turn, dilutes its significance and impact on those truly affected by traumatic experiences. Dr. Kuburic argues that attributing all personal hardships to trauma can undermine individual responsibility and hinder personal growth. Her stance emphasizes the need for a balanced discourse that both acknowledges the profound effects of trauma and encourages empowerment over victimhood.

We had a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of self-awareness and living authentically. One concept Sara explores deeply in her book, self-loss, is a disconnection from one's true self that creates feelings of emptiness, confusion, and inauthenticity. In our conversation, she shared personal insights on her journey through existential crises, emphasizing that acknowledging and embracing existential dread can serve as a catalyst for self-discovery and alignment with one's values and desires.

Dr. Kuburic also highlighted the critical role of making intentional decisions in shaping one's identity and life path. By actively choosing actions that reflect their personal values and goals, individuals can step into their power and craft a life that resonates with their true selves. This process of self-creation and continuous evolution stands at the heart of existential therapy and is a testament to the human capacity for change and resilience.

Additionally, we explored the importance of scrutinizing the narratives we tell ourselves, and how our internal dialogue can shape our perception of reality and, consequently, our actions and relationships. By differentiating between helpful self-guidance and harmful self-criticism, listeners are encouraged to cultivate a compassionate and discerning inner voice that supports their journey toward authenticity and fulfillment.

In a refreshing take on existential dread, Sara proposed viewing it as an opportunity for self-reflection and realignment. Rather than fearing the unsettling questions that life throws our way, embracing these moments as check-ins can inspire a deeper understanding of our desires, fears, and values. This perspective transforms existential dread from a source of distress into a catalyst for growth and authenticity.

About Sara

Dr. Sara Kuburic is an existential psychotherapist, consultant, writer, and columnist for USA Today. She is often known as the Millennial Therapist due to her Instagram handle (@millennial.therapist) and large online presence. She was born in Yugoslavia and raised in Canada. Sara is passionate about helping people seeking change. Her interest in psychology stems from her personal experience living through wars, navigating complex relationships, and continually learning what it means to be human.

This episode covers:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:58 Watching, Reading, Loving
• 08:02 What does it mean to honor your spark
• 10:11 The current pattern of trying to destigmatize trauma and the language we use to talk about it
• 13:54 The Self-Empowerment in this work that is missing in the public dialogue
• 15:14 The impact of this change and how it affects parts work
• 17:21 How do you find your sense of self if the self is fluid
• 22:14 How would someone know if they are experiencing self loss
• 25:52 Starting place for people who are realizing they are experiencing self loss
• 34:13 More about the pain that Sara went through healing herself and her other life experiences
• 38:09 Battling your own narratives and applying scrutiny to them
• 39:48 How do we trust the wise adult each of us has inside
• 41:13 What does it mean to embrace the existential dread

Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

• Watching: Mud (written & directed by Jeff Nichols)
• Reading: Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #1) by Jodi Taylor
  Loving: My Panda Planner!
  
• Episode Sponsor: My private podcast, You Are Motherf*ing Enough - https://honoryourspark.com/enough

The Action Over Perfection 5-Day Challenge - April 30 - May 4
https://www.honoryourspark.com/springchallenge

• 
  Day 1: Identify Covert Perfectionism & its Impact on Performance
• Day 2: Embrace Imperfect Action & Follow the Data
• Day 3: Set Human-Scaled Goals Rooted in Your Values
• Day 4: Stop Overthinking & Be Decisive AF
• Day 5: MASTERCLASS - 90 Days to Your Best Year Ever
  

Connect with Sara:

• 
  Website: www.sara-kuburic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/millennial.therapist
• Blog: https://sarakuburic.substack.com/

Connect with Val:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/honoryourspark
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoryourspark
• Website: https://honoryourspark.com
• Email: [e-mail]
• Book a call: https://honoryourspark.com/contact

DISCLAIMER: None of my online content or coaching services are to be considered as therapy or a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. These offerings are created for entertainment and educational purposes. For full disclaimer, visit https://honoryourspark.com/disclaimer