Dr. Rick and I tackle the tricky topic of dealing with other people’s psychological defenses. It’s often easier to see other people’s defenses than to see our own, which can make them particularly frustrating to deal with. In this episode, Rick and I explore the psychological and communication skills that will allow you to have more successful conversations.

We start with a quick summary of what psychological defenses are and how they operate, before talking about recognizing our biases, showing empathy, and establishing a productive tone. Rick explains how to break the cycle of counterattacks that can happen when people get defensive, and how to balance different needs for closeness and distance. Topics include effective communication skills, moving from criticism toward values, managing frustration, and helping other people become more self-aware.

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction, psychological defenses recap
3:25 Why can’t we see other people’s defenses?
10:25 Recognizing our own vulnerabilities, and showing empathy
14:20 Setting the tone
20:10 Disrupting the cycle of counterattacks
24:20 Approaching differing needs for closeness and distance
30:10 Joining with empathy before escalating requests
37:55 A mutual orientation toward growth
40:50 Seeing openings for dialog when they present themselves
42:45 Basing dialog around values vs. criticism
46:50 Managing frustration
52:35 Is there any way to help others become more self-aware?
1:00:45 Recap

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Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (https://amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (https://apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

I'm not a clinician, and what I say on this channel should not be taken as medical advice.

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