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Psychological defenses are subconscious strategies we use to protect ourselves from uncomfortable emotions, and they exert a hidden power over our behavior. From denial and repression to projection and rationalization, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore how these defenses shape our actions, influence our relationships, and affect our overall well-being.\nThey start with the function and structure of most defenses, before giving a few simple examples. Rick then dives into the role of defenses in psychoanalytic theory, their role in managing self-worth and shame, and what we can do to become less defensive over time. They close with practical strategies for working with our defenses, including a brief discussion of what we can do to help other people with their defenses.\nYou can watch this episode on YouTube.\nKey Topics:\n0:00: Introduction\n2:30: Psychological and historical factors influencing psychological defensiveness\n8:00: Some examples of unconscious anxiety bubbling up\n12:00: Repression, regression, projection, reaction formation, and sublimation\n16:55: An overview of Freud\u2019s developmental model of the personality\n24:10: A few examples of how our defenses manifest\n33:40: Consciousness, competence, and joining the defense\n44:00: Navigating shame and guilt\n50:15: Distress tolerance\n57:15: Social connection, and finding healthy outlets\n1:00:20: When and how to approach others about their defensiveness\n1:10:45: Recap\nI am now writing on Substack, check out my work there.\xa0\nSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.\nSponsors\nSign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell.\xa0\nTransform your health with the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts.\nZocdoc helps you find expert doctors and medical professionals that specialize in the care you need, and deliver the type of experience you want. Head to zocdoc.com/being and download the Zocdoc app for FREE.\nOneSkin focuses on delivering more than superficial results for your skin. Get started today with 15% off using code BEINGWELL at oneskin.co.\xa0\nJoin over a million people using BetterHelp, the world\u2019s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!\nConnect with the show:\n\nSubscribe on iTunes\n\nFollow Forrest on YouTube\n\nFollow us on Instagram\n\nFollow Forrest on Instagram\n\nFollow Rick on Facebook\n\nFollow Forrest on Facebook\n\nVisit Forrest's website