The Science of Resting Bitch Face

JULY 19TH, 2023


 

EPISODE 7: The Science of Resting Bitch Face with Dr. Shirley Impellizzeri

You've seen it, you've judged it, heck, you might've even worn it – the infamous Resting Bitch Face. But it's more than just a 'stop-approaching-me' shield; it's a complex mask often crafted by the skilled hands of neglect and trauma. Let's face it, emotions are a messy business. We might use our physiology to unwittingly push people away, even while our hearts are screaming for connection and understanding.

In this episode, Dr. Scott is joined by Dr. Shirley Impellizzeri, an acclaimed clinical psychologist, and the brain behind 'Why Can't I Change?' and 'Scared Speechless’ to uncover the relationship between neuroscience, attachment theory, and primal emotional regulation. Using her own life as a case study, Shirley unflinchingly explores how childhood ghosts whisper into the ears of our adult selves, influencing our stress responses, attachment styles, and even body functions.


Topics we break down:

  • Physical manifestations of neglect

  • Primal instincts, survival skills and compartmentalization

  • The power of facial expressions

  • Rewiring the brain to unwind ‘resting bitch face’

  • Allowing space for emotions in challenging times


LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE



 

Special Guest

DR. SHIRLEY IMPELLIZZERI

Dr. Shirley is a clinically trained Psychologist with a Doctorate Degree in Psychology from UCLA. She has a successful practice in Beverly Hills, California focusing on individuals, couples and families. She has been featured on many shows such as “Dr. Drew Celebrity Rehab”, “The Doctors”, “Workout” and was also a recurring guest expert on the Spanish television show “Mujer Today”. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dr. Shirley attended high school in her parent’s native Argentina where she was inspired by a psychology course and knew then and there that she wanted to pursue a career in psychology.

During her training she discovered Somatic Experiencing®, a type of therapy that works with the body to heal trauma and chronic stress. Dr. Shirley combines talk therapy: connecting the experiences from your past; with body awareness: understanding what your body is telling you, to heal the imprints of stress and trauma. Thus, letting go of the defended you and becoming the authentic person you want to be. This mind-body connection puts you in the driver’s seat.

Dr. Shirley has published two books: Why Can’t I Change? How to Conquer Your Self-Destructive Patterns and Scared Speechless: 9 Ways to Oversome Your Fears and Captivate Your Audience. She also had a podcast for many years with co-host medium Kellee White called Both Sides Now: Two Perspectives; One World. In it they explored the intersection of psychology and spirituality.

CONNECT WITH DR. SHIRLEY:
Facebook | Instagram | DrShirley.com


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.

READ MORE ABOUT SCOTT HERE →

 

 

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.

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Interviewed by My Sister Who Kind of Hates Me