Send us Fan Mail Soul Therapy with Joanne Zagonev: Healing the False Self Through Psychology & Tanya In this episode of From The Inside Out Podcast, with Rivkah and Eda, we introduce clinical psychologist and author Joanne Zagenov, whose book "Soul Therapy" integrates psychodynamic/attachment theory with Tanya. Joanne shares how growing up in a culture that prized intelligence, feeling like an outsider, and early experiences of “not good enough” shaped her pursuit of psychology and later Chassidus through Rabbi YY Keselman, leading to deeper healing. The conversation explores the true self vs false self, healthy authenticity vs narcissistic “do what feels good,” secure attachment and defenses, and the Tanya’s animal soul and godly soul, emphasizing a God-directed life alongside responsible therapy. Joanne discusses sensitivity, anxiety as a coping mechanism, splitting and transference, practical Chassidic tools for low self-esteem, shame, envy, anger, and anxiety, and offers guidance on estranged family relationships. EPISODE SPONSORS Swimply This episode is powered by Swimply — and with summer here, the timing couldn't be better. Swimply lets you rent a beautiful private pool by the hour, right in your own city. No crowds, no chaos — just your family or friends in your own space. With over 15,000 private pools across the US, Canada, and Australia, you can browse by size, style, and location and find exactly what you're looking for. For those of us who value privacy and modesty, this is truly a game-changer: a luxurious, secluded swim experience without having to travel far from home. Download the Swimply app or visit Swimply.com, and use code INSIDEOUT10 for 10% off your next booking! Colel Chabad Colel Chabad is one of Israel’s oldest continuously operating charities, supporting families with food security, widows & orphans, and emergency relief. Their Pushka (Charity Box) App makes it easy to turn inspiration into action with simple daily giving—small “micro-donations” that add up to real impact over time. To join thousands of daily givers, download the Pushka App on iOS or Android and start giving today: https://pushkapp.cc/Inside Discover and donate to Colel Chabad here: https://colelchabad.org/ Shefa Living & Yeshiva of Glade Valley: Shefa Living is a warm, growing Jewish community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina — offering families the rare combination of natural beauty, affordable living, and authentic Torah life, all in one place. At the heart of the community is Yeshiva of Glade Valley, a school built on the understanding that every child is created with a unique soul, unique strengths, and unique needs. With small classrooms, close rebbe and morah relationships, strong Torah values, and a deep focus on emotional balance, confidence, and creativity, it's a place where children can truly feel seen — and where families can breathe a little deeper. Learn more here: https://yeshivagv.com/ OkClarity.Com Finding the right therapist or coach can be one of the most challenging parts of seeking help — even with a great referral, the person isn't always the right fit. That's where OkClarity comes in. OkClarity is an online platform featuring hundreds of Jewish therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, nutritionists, and support groups, where you actually get to meet the person through videos and introductions before deciding whether to move forward with a first session. More than 10,000 people have already benefited from OkClarity, and it's not just a directory for those seeking help — if you're a mental health practitioner, therapist, or coach, you can list yourself on the platform too, so the people who need you can find you. Visit OKclarity.com: https://go.jcn.io/OtfUxl to find the right fit for you. GUEST BIO Joanne Zagonev Joanne Zagnoev is a clinical psychologist based in South Africa with over 32 years of experience helping clients navigate emotional healing, attachment wounds, and the search for authentic selfhood. She specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and is known for her unique integration of psychodynamic and attachment theory with the teachings of Tanya and Chassidus. Joanne is the author of Soul Therapy: Achieving Total Transformation Through Psychology and Tanya, in which she explores the parallel journeys of psychological healing and spiritual growth — distinguishing the true self from the false self, and the animal soul from the godly soul, on the path to living a God-directed life. A South African native and mother of four, Joanne brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to her work, helping clients move from woundedness to wholeness. You can purchase Joanne’s book, Soul Therapy, here: https://amzn.to/4eZCAGp COMMUNITY Join the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 130, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have: 💫 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideout.podcast/ 💫 Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0W4PRglR5B4kC 💫 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheInsideOutPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Welcome And Background 04:24 Childhood Wounds 09:24 Psychology Meets Tanya 13:10 Triggers And Growth 15:24 True Self False Self 19:29 Authenticity And Empathy 25:56 Self Care Balance 28:38 Two Souls Explained 34:44 Therapy And Chassidus 38:01 Nature Nurture Sensitivity 39:58 Gaslighting Defined 52:56 Anxiety As Coping 57:00 Splitting Cupboard Analogy 59:53 Ambivalence and Splitting 01:01:01 Idealization in Therapy 01:03:24 Steel Cupboard Metaphor 01:06:38 Splitting Self and Narcissism 01:08:47 Transference and Distortion 01:13:45 People Pleasing False Self 01:15:33 Spiritual Tools Low Self Esteem 01:20:13 Anxiety Mantra and Caution 01:22:39 Envy and Bespoke Souls 01:30:34 Healing Shame vs Guilt 01:40:58 Anger and Seeing Godly Essence 01:49:34 Estrangement and Boundaries 01:54:45 Core Teachings and Farewell COMMUNITY Join the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have: 💫 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fromtheinsideout.podcast/ 💫 Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L0W4PRglR5B4kC 💫 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheInsideOutPodcast?sub_confirmation=1
