#42: Humans need humans, not optimisation with Katia Erokhina

What if being human isn’t something to fix, refine or optimise?In this conversation, Rick sits down with Gestalt psychotherapist Katia Erokhina for a real-time, unscripted exploration of what actually helps us change and what quietly gets in the way.Together, they talk about withdrawal and conflict, shame and self-criticism, the stories we tell ourselves and how often those stories pull us away from what’s actually alive in the moment. They explore why insight alone doesn’t always create change and why corrective experiences almost always involve another human.This episode isn’t about tools or hacks. It’s about contact, tenderness and learning to stay with ourselves (and each other) when things get messy.In this episode, we explore:Why optimisation culture misses something essential about being humanThe difference between story and lived experienceWithdrawal, conflict and the protection underneath our patternsShame, comparison and “shaming the shame”Why awareness doesn’t always lead to change on its ownThe role of relationship and support in real transformationLetting go of being “better” and staying with what’s tenderIf you’re tired of turning your inner world into a self-improvement project, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and remember: humans need humans.Find Katia:Website: https://relationalhome.comInstagram: @relational_homeFind Rick:Website: https://www.rickwatson.com.au⁠Instagram: @rickwatson_