Have you ever felt like you knew yourself a little too well? While self-awareness is usually helpful, it can sometimes lead to overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, and self-consciousness. In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore what we can do if we feel like we’re “too self-aware.”
They begin by identifying some of the issues that can arise with self-awareness, differentiating it from self-consciousness, and highlighting how conflict between different parts can stop us from becoming who we want to be. They then discuss how developing ego strength can help us become more authentic and free in our behavior. Rick then guides Forrest through a role-play exercise aimed at reducing self-consciousness and social anxiety, and addressing parts of ourselves we may not like.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:40: Rick’s clinical experience of how ‘too much’ self-awareness can present
- 3:55: Three ways self-awareness can cause problems, and four stages of growth
- 8:25: Outside-in vs. inside-out change, and self-consciousness
- 14:20: Authenticity, feeling stuck, and internalizing judgment
- 18:45: Ego strength, and what helps people navigate overwhelm
- 29:10: What not to do, and a roleplay example with Forrest
- 35:00: Showing interest in others, and rumination
- 40:15: More roleplay with Forrest, anxiety, overanalysis, and shame
- 53:25: Qualities we like and can embrace about an exiled part
- 1:01:30: Recap
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
