Being Chosen vs. Being Valued: Why We Chase Validation | Dr. Katina Talks S5E1

Episode Description Some of us are still standing in an adult version of the childhood square, waiting for someone else to decide whether we belong. In this episode, Dr.

Katina takes listeners back to the housing projects of Camden, New Jersey, where a childhood game of kickball became an early lesson in what it feels like to wait for someone else to choose you. She traces that same pattern into adulthood: waiting for a partner to commit, a parent to acknowledge us, or an employer to recognize our contribution.

But being chosen and being valued are not the same. Someone can choose you and still fail to respect, appreciate, or care for you.

Drawing on her training as a licensed therapist and social psychologist, Dr. Katina walks through five lessons on the difference between being selected and being valued, and what it means to stop measuring your worth by someone else's decision.

Key takeaway: You do not have to be chosen to be worthy. Pay attention not only to who chooses you, but also to who values you, because you are choosing too.

To explore journals and resources designed to support your personal growth, visit . Follow Dr.

Katina Talks™ each Tuesday, and please subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Topic 01:11 Kickball Square Memories 02:55 The Pain of Waiting 05:06 Chosen as Adults 06:51 Five Lessons Intro 07:00 Belonging and Worth 07:37 Unqualified Choosers 08:38 High Achiever Trap 09:43 Chosen Versus Valued 10:26 You Choose Too 11:48 Reflective Questions 13:28 Affirmation Practice 14:11 Closing and Next Steps Important Disclaimer This podcast is hosted by a licensed counselor and life consultant.

All content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace professional counseling, therapy, coaching, or medical advice. Listening to this podcast or completing exercises in the journal does not establish a counselor–client or coach–client relationship.

If you would like to schedule counseling in Wilmington, Delaware or life consulting services, please visit: This podcast is not monitored for crisis or emergency situations. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe distress or a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. 🎵 Music Credit Music: In Slow Motion Artist: soundbay Source: AudioJungle Licensee: YellowDoor Consulting – DrKatinaTalks Podcast Item ID: 26553335 Licensed via AudioJungle