Episode Summary:
In this episode of Mental Notes with Matt, I sit down with licensed professional counselor Andrea Evgeniou to talk about the emotional masks we wear and why taking them off isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

We explore how past experiences and trauma can shape the way we present ourselves to the world, often leading us to hide our authentic selves in the name of safety, acceptance, or control. Andrea shares insights from her trauma-informed practice, including the role of safety in unmasking, the connection between ADHD and masking, and why self-compassion might be the most underused tool in healing.

From small, low-risk moments of authenticity to deeper values work, Andrea offers practical ways to loosen the straps of the masks we’ve been carrying for years. Whether you’ve felt the weight of performance in your personal life, at work, or even in friendships, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to rip the mask away all at once, you can start by simply letting more of yourself show.

What We Cover:

• What “wearing a mask” really means in daily life

• How masks can be both protective and limiting

• The role of safety in showing up authentically

• Why masking is so common for people with ADHD

• Small, practical steps for living more in alignment with your values

• How self-compassion can change the unmasking process

Guest Bio:
Andrea Evgeniou is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma-informed care, somatic healing, and helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves. With over 16 years in the mental health field, Andrea uses approaches like EMDR, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support clients in creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Connect with Andrea:
Instagram: @andrea_evgeniou

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to speak honestly, even if it makes people uncomfortable.

For more episodes, visit mentalnoteswithmatt.com or follow @mentalnoteswithmatt on Instagram.