Episode 763: The Story of Shame with Jeffrey Rutstein Psy.D
Oct 16, 2023
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Clinical psychologist and trauma expert Jeffrey Rutstein discusses shame, its impact on relationships, breaking free from shame and trauma patterns, trauma's impact on the nervous system, and the Healing Trauma Program.
Trauma shapes our responses to stress and adversity, emphasizing the importance of awareness and regulation of fear, shame, and anger.
Embodiment practices like present-moment awareness and grounding in the body support trauma healing, resilience, and transformative relationships.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Trauma
Dr. Jeffrey Rutsdine, a clinical psychologist with expertise in trauma treatment, explores the impact of trauma on individuals and how it shapes their behavior and perceptions. He shares personal experiences and examines the role of trauma in shaping responses to stress and adversity. Dr. Rutsdine highlights the importance of awareness and regulation of states, such as fear, shame, and anger, in order to avoid getting stuck in habitual patterns. He emphasizes the significance of self-regulation and cultivating present-moment awareness to overcome trauma's lasting effects.
The Healing Trauma Program
Dr. Rutsdine introduces the Healing Trauma Program, a nine-month course designed to help individuals embody awareness and somatic-based practices to heal trauma. The program offers experiential learning and live meetings to support participants' journey towards regulation and healing. The course delves into the impact of trauma on the body, relationships, and collective experiences. Dr. Rutsdine explains that the program aims to empower individuals to break free from the grip of trauma, offer themselves compassion, and constructively relate to others without perpetuating hate or division.
Recognizing State-driven Behavior
Dr. Rutsdine emphasizes that many of our reactions and behaviors are driven by the states of fear, shame, and anger. These states can shape our perceptions, thoughts, and interactions with others. He discusses the importance of becoming aware of one's own states and their influence on relationships and daily life. By understanding and regulating these states, individuals can break free from habitual patterns and live more authentically and compassionately.
The Power of Embodiment Practices
Dr. Jeffrey Rutsdine highlights the role of embodiment practices in trauma healing. By cultivating present-moment awareness and grounding in the body, individuals can shift from dysregulation to regulation, supporting healing and resilience. These practices enable individuals to navigate triggers, reduce suffering, and connect deeper with themselves and others. Dr. Rutsdine explains that through a nine-month program, participants can immerse themselves in these practices and experience a transformation in how they relate to themselves, the world, and others.
Jeffrey Rutstein, Psy.D., CHT, is a clinical psychologist, an expert in the treatment of trauma, a certified Hakomi Mindfulness-Centered Somatic psychotherapist, and a meditation teacher who has been in private practice for over 37 years. He has practiced meditation for over 55 years and that profoundly impacts every aspect of his work. He has devoted his professional life to helping people reduce their suffering and struggle while empowering them to claim their strengths, their talents, and their unique abilities to live a more fulfilling and rich life.
In partnership with Sounds True, Dr Rutstein created and leads the 9-month Healing Trauma Program. This program focuses on empowering individuals through a comprehensive training in Polyvagal insight and mindfulness practices that foster grounding, presence, connection, compassion, and healing.