Golden Shadows and Other Therapeutic Role-Playing
OCTOBER 11TH, 2023
EPISODE 13: Golden Shadows and Other Therapeutic Role-Playing with Vanessa Bennett
Have you ever found yourself lost in the enchanting world of a fairy-tale romance, losing sight of your own identity? Have you ever brushed off a heartfelt compliment, doubting its authenticity, or deflected it as a means to avoid accepting it? In this episode, Dr. Scott Lyons sits down with Vanessa Bennett, a licensed holistic psychotherapist, facilitator, codependency expert, podcaster, and Mama to help uncover how our past shapes the way we see and experience the world.
Vanessa is the author of the best-selling relationship book It's Not Me, It's You, which offers readers profound insights into the essential elements of enduring and healthy relationships. Vanessa is renowned for her holistic approach which incorporates her years of experience and a deep understanding of Buddhist and psychological principles. She is also the co-host of the Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast, which explores the depths of human experience, combining psychology of the soul, yogic psychology, and mindfulness to help others live authentically and connect with their inner selves.
Throughout their conversation, Vanessa skillfully peels back the narratives we write to protect ourselves, revealing those glistening “golden shadows” - the strengths and virtues we often overlook. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of codependency, those delicate relationship dynamics that can leave us feeling adrift. They unearth the reasons behind our relentless quest for acceptance in others, the ebb, and flow of relationships, the hurdles that often obstruct genuine opportunities for validation, and much more. If you are seeking embodiment and the path to self-acceptance, then this episode is for you.
Topics We Break Down:
Societal values and how they influence self-acceptance.
Weaponizing positive attributes.
Consequences of seeking outside validation.
Codependence and interdependence in relationships.
Friction as a path to well-being and self-acceptance.
Therapeutic role-playing techniques.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE
Show Notes
Episode Links:
Codependent No More: Beyond Codependency by Melody Beattie
It's Not Me, It's You: Break the Blame Cycle. Relationship Better. by John Kim & Vanessa Bennett
Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast with Vanessa and Dené
Cheaper Than Therapy Community
Discount Codes:
Save 10% at Omala with offer code DRSCOTT10
Save 10% on The Embody Lab’s live and online workshops and certificate programs* with the offer code GENTLYUSED10
*Does not apply to in-person events or best-sellers.
Special Guest
VANESSA BENNETT
Vanessa Bennett, LMFT is a licensed holistic psychotherapist, clinical entrepreneur, mental health content creator and author of the best-selling relationship book It’s Not Me, It’s You. Her therapeutic approach integrates years of study and practice in Depth, Buddhist, and Yoga Psychology. She co-hosts the Cheaper Than Therapy Podcast, leads soul-based retreats and workshops, and creates and facilitates content for non-profit and corporate training, events, and conferences.
Your Host
DR. SCOTT LYONS
Dr. Scott Lyons is a licensed holistic psychologist, educator and author of the book Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others, with Hachette publishing. Scott is also the host of The Gently Used Human Podcast, a delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used.
As a renowned body-based trauma expert, Doctor of Osteopathy (Spain) and Mind-Body Medicine specialist, Scott helps people to break free from cycles of pain, limited beliefs, and trauma. Scott is an innovator in transformative wellness and trauma therapy, teaching over half a million people internationally over the past twenty years how to relieve stress and restore vitality. Scott has worked with many of the country’s top leaders and CEOs as an executive coach and wellness consultant.
Scott is the creator of The Embody Lab—the largest online learning platform for body-based trauma therapies—and developer of Somatic Stress Release™, a holistic process of restoring biological resilience, taught in over 20 countries. Scott is also the founder and progressive designer of Omala, a wellness brand dedicated to creating sustainably sourced tools for transformation.
About the Podcast
THE GENTLY USED HUMAN
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to tragedy, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
