Golden Shadows and Other Therapeutic Role-Playing with Vanessa Bennett

The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons

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.