The Power of Memoirs in Emotional Connection

In this episode of the True You Podcast, hosts Bill Tierney and Marty chat with special guest Jerry Waxler, a seasoned therapist and memoir writer. They explore Jerry's journey from addiction recovery to becoming a memoir coach. Jerry emphasizes the therapeutic power of memoir writing, its ability to reframe past experiences, articulate emotions, and foster a deeper understanding of oneself. The discussion highlights how writing can be a transformative process, aligning with principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the 12-step recovery programs.

About Jerry Waxler:

Jerry Waxler hit bottom early in adulthood and began a long climb through recovery, self-help, therapy, and wisdom traditions. At fifty, he returned to school to become a therapist, only to discover that to help others, he had to keep growing. Memoir reading provided insight into the vast library of human experience offered in memoirs. And writing his own memoirs helped him rebuild shattered segments of his past. His continued interest in Twelve Step recovery, and his ongoing research into the many branches of psychotherapy, led him to Internal Family Systems, which he sees as a pinnacle of his journey toward mental wholeness. Now, 54 years sober, Jerry’s life work is helping others grow through therapy, writing, and the transformative power of turning private memories into shared stories.

Contact Jerry:

Website: www.jerrywaxler.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:46 Jerry Waxler's Journey and Memoir Writing

01:58 The Impact of Memoir Writing

04:19 The Evolution of Memoir as a Genre

08:22 Memoir Writing and Emotional Exploration

10:08 Therapeutic Aspects of Memoir Writing

19:56 Articulating Emotions Through Writing

24:39 The Challenge of Writing Emotions

25:33 Understanding the Memoir Genre

27:45 The Redemptive Arc in Memoirs

30:40 Connecting Through Stories

33:34 Memoirs as a Tool for Self-Discovery

39:52 Unblending and Healing Through Writing

47:34 Reducing Shame Through Storytelling

51:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Links and Resources:

• Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063235560

• True You Podcast Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/trueyoupodcast

• Would you like to be a guest on our podcast? Complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/Fre2eEmiNoDPYKmp9

• Internal Family Systems - https://ifs-institute.com/

• Bill Tierney Coaching - https://www.billtierneycoaching.com/

• ‘Listening is the Key', Dr. Kettelhut’s website - https://www.listeningisthekey.com/

• Marty’s new book, ‘Leadership as Relation’ - https://amzn.to/3KKkCZO

• Marty’s earlier book, ‘Listen… Till You Disappear’ - https://amzn.to/3XmoiZd

• Parts Work Practice - Free IFS Practice Group Sessions - https://www.partsworkpractice.com

• Contact Marty - mkettelhut@msn.com

• Contact Bill - bill@billtierneycoaching.com