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Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World
Disconnection has become an epidemic, and it may require a revolutionary effort to get us back together — a reconnection revolution. Staying connected in this human race is the most direct route to happiness. But never have we been more disconnected. A call to simply connect isn’t enough any longer. Connection is what we’re wired for, and it can be waving at your neighbour, going on that second date, buying coffee for the person behind you. The hard part comes when we are called on to re connect, to repair or re-engage, especially after we’ve been wronged, alienated or hurt. We all desperately want to get it right, but this requires another step, which is the magic each of us so often the act of seeing. As simple as it is complex, it all comes down to this when we’re feeling seen, we will rise. Feeling Seen is a timely work with a timeless message. Written on a blueprint of theory, with a road map of reconnection (including three simple stops) and a way back for when we get lost, it leads to a place where all of those who share the human race will truly see—in ourselves as well as one another—our differences, our sorrows and our joys.
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2023
184 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read
About the author
Jody Carrington
7 books133 followersDr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist sought after for her expertise, energy and approach to helping people solve their most complex human-centred challenges. Jody focuses much of her work around reconnection – the key to healthy relationships and productive teams.
A speaker, author, and leader of Carrington & Company, she uses all she has been taught in her twenty-year career as a psychologist to empower everyone she connects with. Jody has worked with kids, families, business leaders, first responders, teachers, farmers and has spoken in church basements and world-class stages; the message remains the same – our power lies in our ability to acknowledge each other first.
Her approach is authentic, honest and often hilarious. She speaks passionately about resilience, mental health, leadership, burnout, grief and trauma – and how reconnection is the answer to so many of the root problems we face. Her wildly popular book, Kids These Days, was published in 2019 and has sold 150,000 copies worldwide. Jody’s message is as simple as it is complex: we are wired to do the hard things, but we were never meant to do any of this alone.
With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, work with major institutions and thriving clinical practice, she brings a depth of experience and insight that is unmatched in the industry.
Jody lives in small-town Olds, Alberta, with her husband and three children (she had three kids in 2 years to test her own resilience) and leads the amazing team at Carrington & Company.
Order the book now directly through my Shopify site:
https://drjodyshop.com/collections/al...
A speaker, author, and leader of Carrington & Company, she uses all she has been taught in her twenty-year career as a psychologist to empower everyone she connects with. Jody has worked with kids, families, business leaders, first responders, teachers, farmers and has spoken in church basements and world-class stages; the message remains the same – our power lies in our ability to acknowledge each other first.
Her approach is authentic, honest and often hilarious. She speaks passionately about resilience, mental health, leadership, burnout, grief and trauma – and how reconnection is the answer to so many of the root problems we face. Her wildly popular book, Kids These Days, was published in 2019 and has sold 150,000 copies worldwide. Jody’s message is as simple as it is complex: we are wired to do the hard things, but we were never meant to do any of this alone.
With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, work with major institutions and thriving clinical practice, she brings a depth of experience and insight that is unmatched in the industry.
Jody lives in small-town Olds, Alberta, with her husband and three children (she had three kids in 2 years to test her own resilience) and leads the amazing team at Carrington & Company.
Order the book now directly through my Shopify site:
https://drjodyshop.com/collections/al...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 10, 2023
3.5/5
This is a book about how to emotionally connect with the people around you. It covers various topics related to emotions including, but not limited to, regulating your own emotions (including navigating grief), finding the language to describe these emotions, relationships (romantic, familial, friendships, and workplace relationships), trauma, and exercising empathy.
First of all, I have to say that I really enjoyed the conversational tone and writing of this book. Carrington is a great writer and many of the stories that were shared in this book were really moving and made me feel really emotional.
There was also a lot of interesting information that was shared, including embracing both positive and negative emotions. Although it's important to learn to accept negative emotions, it's also great to know that a "happiness advantage" exists.
To my dismay, I learned that people with healthy social lives live longer... which is terrible news for my introverted self (refer also to The Village Effect by Susan Pinker).
For those looking for relationship advice, this book covers that as well including knowing each other's Love Language in order to be better seen and understood by your partner (which is a key indicator of a successful relationship). This book also goes over how to apologize in an effective and meaningful way.
Most of the information in this book wasn't new to me but I really liked this quote by Sir Richard Branson which was included in the chapter on workplaces:
Overall, this book wasn't what I was expecting or what I was looking for. This book focuses on building strong emotional connections with the people close to you rather than say, learning to connect with someone you don't really know or don't know well. It also doesn't quite go over how to reconnect emotionally with people in this digital age, where the disconnect exists from not seeing and connecting with people in person.
This is a book about how to emotionally connect with the people around you. It covers various topics related to emotions including, but not limited to, regulating your own emotions (including navigating grief), finding the language to describe these emotions, relationships (romantic, familial, friendships, and workplace relationships), trauma, and exercising empathy.
First of all, I have to say that I really enjoyed the conversational tone and writing of this book. Carrington is a great writer and many of the stories that were shared in this book were really moving and made me feel really emotional.
There was also a lot of interesting information that was shared, including embracing both positive and negative emotions. Although it's important to learn to accept negative emotions, it's also great to know that a "happiness advantage" exists.
"Positive emotions make us more productive, healthier, more creative, and better able to process information. From children performing better on tasks, to doctors making better - and quicker - diagnoses, to lower absenteeism in the workplace... those of us who are happy simply do better... 'The most successful people, the ones with a competitive edge, don't look to happiness as some distance reward for the achievements, nor grind through their days on neutral or negative; they are the ones who capitalize on the positive and reap the rewards at every turn." (p.50-51; refer also to the The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor)
To my dismay, I learned that people with healthy social lives live longer... which is terrible news for my introverted self (refer also to The Village Effect by Susan Pinker).
For those looking for relationship advice, this book covers that as well including knowing each other's Love Language in order to be better seen and understood by your partner (which is a key indicator of a successful relationship). This book also goes over how to apologize in an effective and meaningful way.
Most of the information in this book wasn't new to me but I really liked this quote by Sir Richard Branson which was included in the chapter on workplaces:
"Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don't want to."
Overall, this book wasn't what I was expecting or what I was looking for. This book focuses on building strong emotional connections with the people close to you rather than say, learning to connect with someone you don't really know or don't know well. It also doesn't quite go over how to reconnect emotionally with people in this digital age, where the disconnect exists from not seeing and connecting with people in person.
February 5, 2023
So good. This book made me laugh out loud on several occasions but it also made me ugly cry! It really made me think about where I was in my life and who i was missing in my life. It made me realize that I need to take a chance and I reconnected with an old friend. Loved this book!
October 21, 2024
DNF at ~60%. Carrington is a psychologist who seems to treat everyone as inherently broken, traumatized, and unable to cope with the world. She explains the concept of emotional regulation to the (I presume) adults reading this book as if the majority of us are still inept at basic post-toddler-stage skills like not throwing tantrums in public, realizing when we get emotionally overwhelmed and finding constructive outlets that don't involve hitting, kicking, and punching other people or inanimate objects. etc. I generally give adults more credit for behaving appropriately and having insight into their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
My statistics:
Book 252 for 2024
Book 1855 cumulatively
My statistics:
Book 252 for 2024
Book 1855 cumulatively
February 14, 2023
This is a must read! We are living in a time of disconnection but that feeling of wanting to deeply reconnect and feel seen is all around us and in us. Dr. Jody brings wisdom, inspiration and wonderful storytelling together to let you cry and laugh.
April 3, 2023
I REALLY enjoyed this book… I love all of her books.
With her personal examples, keeping it real dropping the occasional f bomb and her great sense of humour she did a fantastic job keeping me engaged and driving the message home.
In world where we have become so disconnected she gives great tips and tools on how we can reconnect.
Highly recommend 🖤
With her personal examples, keeping it real dropping the occasional f bomb and her great sense of humour she did a fantastic job keeping me engaged and driving the message home.
In world where we have become so disconnected she gives great tips and tools on how we can reconnect.
Highly recommend 🖤
February 12, 2024
4.5* - This book talks about how people are losing connection and meaningful relationships. Somehow we don’t know how to interpret or interact social cues anymore especially after a global pandemic. I totally felt heard in this book 🤗 - I laughed, cried and smiled. As I read, I felt like it was a dinner wine night conversation with my closest friends - lots of laughing and humour about connection. How come we don’t know how to socialize anymore? It’s an easy read and the author is Canadian too. ☺️
January 20, 2024
What an excellent book and a reminder about being present and being mindful of your emotions in a society that does not hold these as priorities. My therapy journey also focuses on emotions and my overreactive emotions which I feel is more commonplace nowadays. This book allowed me to reflect on my “people” and reinforced the importance of having healthy boundaries; you can’t pour from an empty glass
December 29, 2023
Great ideas and information. Good insightful read.
February 22, 2025
This book was wonderful! I listened to this book in 5 hours. It was well written, and I feel everyone, especially parents and educators should read this! Well done Dr. Carrington!
August 10, 2025
Of course I only can listen to these non fiction type books. It was so good and such good messages especially in terms of empathy. Love Dr Jody!
February 28, 2023
Great book! A suggested read/listen for everyone. I like the many examples, reflections and ideas to move forward to connect or reconnect in a “busy” world!
September 24, 2025
First time I ever read a PG13 self-help book (for swear words). It was a lively, useful read. I listened to the audiobook which was brilliantly narrated.
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March 20, 2024A non fiction book I listened to recently was by Jody Carrington. It’s called “Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World” and felt like one I had to share this week with anniversary I shared yesterday.
Short synopsis is that it’s about creating a reconnection revolution and speaks about trauma, relationships, work, costs of the ‘isms’ while bringing the focus sharper about empathy and kindness.
Two parts I want to highlight are actually quite simple things:
1) learning how to apologize without the “but”
2) the notion of competitive or comparative suffering. Ie. By doing so, it stops us from identifying our own story.
The book felt a little like common sense with a dash of practical tools. And a real focus on remembering that our mental health is so closely connected to the feeling of community and being heard or seen.
𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, “𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘨𝘢, 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘦… 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳…. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯”.
If you’re into audiobooks or love podcasts, this is a good one.
Short synopsis is that it’s about creating a reconnection revolution and speaks about trauma, relationships, work, costs of the ‘isms’ while bringing the focus sharper about empathy and kindness.
Two parts I want to highlight are actually quite simple things:
1) learning how to apologize without the “but”
2) the notion of competitive or comparative suffering. Ie. By doing so, it stops us from identifying our own story.
The book felt a little like common sense with a dash of practical tools. And a real focus on remembering that our mental health is so closely connected to the feeling of community and being heard or seen.
𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦, “𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘨𝘢, 𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘦… 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳…. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯”.
If you’re into audiobooks or love podcasts, this is a good one.
May 10, 2023
So good, an honest reflection of how to reconnect! I love that this book is real and honest and as someone from an ag background the stories here resonate even more.
June 16, 2023
This book is so pertinent right now! Dr. Carrington touches on current issues and events, referencing recent research and publications to provide an outline for connection. I’m very happy to see references to authors like Glennon Doyle, Esther Perel, Brene Brown, + Gabor Mate, whose work I have consulted over the last year. She guides you back to yourself and helps to walk yourself home so you can do the same for others. 🫶
April 30, 2023
Dr Jody keeping it real with her newest book. Prepare to rip your heart out, dive deep into those emotions and then bring it all back together again with healthy coping technique and renewal.
December 23, 2023
To summarize this book - life is hard. Work is overwhelming, there’s an imbalance between the haves and the have nots, and people are flipping their lids due to low coping skills, past trauma, and lack of strategies.
To rectify this, we need to have connections with people and appreciate and acknowledge their efforts and feelings. We need to be kind as well as empathetic, have boundaries, and sit with others through their true feelings and stories.
Here is my one wondering though. What do we do when disregulated people are breaking rules or laws? When people are causing harm to others or disrupting learning in schools - simply forming a relationship with those people and being kind alone isn’t enough. Offering snacks also doesn’t do the trick in the long term.
Jody Carrington says consequences are ineffective, but what do we do instead to keep expectations high and protect safety and purpose?
To rectify this, we need to have connections with people and appreciate and acknowledge their efforts and feelings. We need to be kind as well as empathetic, have boundaries, and sit with others through their true feelings and stories.
Here is my one wondering though. What do we do when disregulated people are breaking rules or laws? When people are causing harm to others or disrupting learning in schools - simply forming a relationship with those people and being kind alone isn’t enough. Offering snacks also doesn’t do the trick in the long term.
Jody Carrington says consequences are ineffective, but what do we do instead to keep expectations high and protect safety and purpose?
February 13, 2023
If I could give this book less than one star, I would. The author seems to think she is an expert in Truth and Reconciliation in Canada although there is nothing on the cover or in the description to suggest that this book refers to such issues. This book is a flimsy rant on a myriad of subjects peppered with ridiculous personal stories about the author's 'practice.' The basic and sometimes foul language used in the book also diminishes the credibility of the author. Between finishing the book and writing this review, I learned that Ms Carrington was reprimanded in 2022 by the Alberta College of Alberta Psychologists after pleading guilty to several allegations of misconduct. No surprise, I just wish I had have done my homework before buying the book. I may try to return the book to the store to see if I can get a refund. It is not worth the $20 I paid for it.
May 26, 2023
This book is so timely. Although we have moved on from the pandemic, the affects of it haven't moved on from us and it's something I believe that needs to be worked on. Jody Carrington is a masterful storyteller. The way she expresses herself is very relatable. The book was what I think it may be like to go to therapy. I thought the book was good, but I have misgivings about the author and have for a while.
I haven't been much of a fan of Jody Carrington. She has been found guilty of misconduct and she talks like she's from red-neck Alberta (oh...she is) and she seems to mess up a lot. It makes her pretty human and definitely relatable. She definitely knows how to have those hard conversations and make amends.
G
I haven't been much of a fan of Jody Carrington. She has been found guilty of misconduct and she talks like she's from red-neck Alberta (oh...she is) and she seems to mess up a lot. It makes her pretty human and definitely relatable. She definitely knows how to have those hard conversations and make amends.
G
December 26, 2023
This book is tremendously valuable for any person self aware enough to recognize the need. If you aren’t aware of your own need then it won’t have the powerful affect that I took from it.
Jody Carrington is straight to the point, direct and no nonsense. She’s empathetic and deeply, deeply in tune with our most basic instincts. I’ve had the honour of attending one of her speaking engagements so I may have come into this book with her voice in my brain.
I’ve been on a long journey of self improvement and mental health repair and Jody Carrington has been one of the many puzzle pieces in my growth in 2023. I strongly recommend this book.
Jody Carrington is straight to the point, direct and no nonsense. She’s empathetic and deeply, deeply in tune with our most basic instincts. I’ve had the honour of attending one of her speaking engagements so I may have come into this book with her voice in my brain.
I’ve been on a long journey of self improvement and mental health repair and Jody Carrington has been one of the many puzzle pieces in my growth in 2023. I strongly recommend this book.
December 11, 2025
I saw Jody Carrington on a newscast. I had never heard of her. I was intrigued by her comments and decided to read her book which is one of the best decisions I’ve made in 2025. In a book about learning to be seen and seeing other people, I somehow have never felt more seen by someone and ironically, I don’t even know her.
I found her so relatable. I love the way she spoke, swearing, and all. Her stories were great and now I feel compelled to actually buy a hard copy of this book as there was so many notes I would’ve liked to have taken and exercise exercises that I would like to do. I recommend it to anyone who feels that they might not be seen in this life.
I found her so relatable. I love the way she spoke, swearing, and all. Her stories were great and now I feel compelled to actually buy a hard copy of this book as there was so many notes I would’ve liked to have taken and exercise exercises that I would like to do. I recommend it to anyone who feels that they might not be seen in this life.
January 12, 2026
I saw Jody Carrington speak at Manitoba Teachers’ Professional Development Day in 2024 and she was truly fantastic. She is raw, real, and deeply human, with a light that makes you feel instantly understood.
Feeling Seen centers on connection, especially the reminder that you can’t find your passion if you don’t know your purpose, and that purpose is often rooted in connection, not achievement. Jody reframes behaviour as communication and emphasizes safety, regulation, and staying with people instead of trying to fix them.
Feeling seen truly matters, and this book puts words to something so many of us feel but struggle to name.
Feeling Seen centers on connection, especially the reminder that you can’t find your passion if you don’t know your purpose, and that purpose is often rooted in connection, not achievement. Jody reframes behaviour as communication and emphasizes safety, regulation, and staying with people instead of trying to fix them.
Feeling seen truly matters, and this book puts words to something so many of us feel but struggle to name.
December 12, 2023
Best book I've listened to all year!
This was recommended to me by an educator friend of mine who heard the author speak at a conference recently. It's full of wisdom and practical tools that all of us can make use of and carry forward. Honestly can't recommend this one enough. Also, quick side note; she swears a fair bit in this book, and I love it! I'm a sweary person myself, and make no apologies as that is part of my authentic self.
If you do pick it up, please share your thoughts as I'd love to hear them.
This was recommended to me by an educator friend of mine who heard the author speak at a conference recently. It's full of wisdom and practical tools that all of us can make use of and carry forward. Honestly can't recommend this one enough. Also, quick side note; she swears a fair bit in this book, and I love it! I'm a sweary person myself, and make no apologies as that is part of my authentic self.
If you do pick it up, please share your thoughts as I'd love to hear them.
December 13, 2023
This book made me take a step back (in a good way). It caused me to take a hard look at a lot of perspectives that I had and really stop to consider which ones were actually serving me and which ones I just brought along my journey cause they had just always been there.
It is just an easy read and Dr. Jody is such an immense wealth of information, talent and kindness. This is a book that I think needs to be on everyone's must read list.
It is just an easy read and Dr. Jody is such an immense wealth of information, talent and kindness. This is a book that I think needs to be on everyone's must read list.
January 10, 2025
Some repetition from her previous books, but not too much. It's good to have reminders of some core ideas and beliefs (like connection and relationship). What stuck out to me most was the idea that our energy priorities should be 1. to our families, 2. to our coworkers, and then 3. to our students. What?!? ha. I don't think I would have thought that, but it's true that a caring and healthy work environment allows us to give so much more to our students.
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January 22, 2025Three parts to the book: (1) things that disconnect, (2) connecting: acknowledgment, empathy, and kindness (but don’t tolerate bullshit), (3) reconnecting.
Defined “emotional dysregulation” as: uncertainty, fear, and the sense that there’s no end in sight (i.e. no clear plan).
I felt that the book started off strong, but the end devolved into platitudes (“Sit with the winners”, “practice gratitude”, “find the joy/joy is a choice”).
Defined “emotional dysregulation” as: uncertainty, fear, and the sense that there’s no end in sight (i.e. no clear plan).
I felt that the book started off strong, but the end devolved into platitudes (“Sit with the winners”, “practice gratitude”, “find the joy/joy is a choice”).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
Jody came and spoke to my school district last month and I have been obsessed ever since. Her message really, really resonated with me and even helped me further explain some of my own feelings I have felt the past handful of years. This book has impacted so much of how I will move forward in relationships with friends and my students, and also give myself grace for the feelings I feel regarding lack of feeling seen. Great book!
February 7, 2023
This book is perfect timing. In a season we are all trying to find ourselves and understand some of the emptiness floating inside. Dr Jody’s communication style is so gentle and so approachable. I felt like I could ponder through the pages and almost felt in conversation with her. So much light and so many great resources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews