#161 Addressing shame with creativity: dancing with your inner critic with artist Steve Chapman

Explicit content warning

10/18/24 • 45 min

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Chapman, an artist and coach, to talk about working creatively with your inner critic. We talk about understanding this inner voice as a misguided protector rather than an enemy and explore creative approaches like drawing or dancing with your critic to better engage with it. However sceptical you may be about it, listen to us talk about finding compassion for that voice in your head and how art can be a therapeutic ally in your journey. Even if, like me, you cannot draw!

Steve Chapman: artist, writer, speaker, coach, with a background in Gestalt psychology, improv theatre, coaching, and art therapy.
Discussion on creativity, imperfection, being stuck, shame, and the inner critic.
Struggles with a harsh inner critic for years.
Perspective shift influenced by the song "Hi Ren"
Insights on the Inner Critic
Inner critics act as misguided protectors from early childhood.
An approach to understand inner critics rather than fight them.
Creative Approach to the Inner Critic
Drawing or creative engagement to externalise and personify the inner critic.
Small creative experiments to better understand the inner critic.
The therapeutic nature of experimenting with art.
Inner Critic & Self-Compassion
Developing a compassionate relationship with the inner critic.
Thich Nhat Hanh on nurturing inner energy.
Dealing with worry through acceptance and self-compassion.
Art as a method to engage with emotions and inner critic
Resonates with others and serves as a therapeutic tool.
Shame & Vulnerability
Shame thrives in secrecy; exposing it diminishes its power.
Importance of bringing shame to light as discussed by Brene Brown.
Comfort and Discomfort
Finding a balance between comfort and distress.
Advocates for taking small steps toward addressing discomfort.
Discussing mental health openly demonstrates personal growth and reduced stigma.
Working with different materials for creative exploration.
Workshops begin without set goals to allow creativity to flourish.
Dealing with Inner Critics
Awareness of inner critics as part of being human and lifelong process.
Engaging with the inner critic in a playful rather than adversarial way.
Therapeutic Work and Community Support
Value of in-depth therapeutic work and community support in managing inner critique.
Artistic Abilities and Perceptions
Societal pressures influence perception of artistic ability.
Chapman aims to inspire and counter feelings of inadequacy.
Role of Continuous Exploration in Art
Art viewed as an ongoing process rather than a definitive product.
Tuning into emotions and body sensations beyond verbal communication.

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

Steve Chapman: artist, writer, speaker, coach, with a background in Gestalt psychology, improv theatre, coaching, and art therapy.
Discussion on creativity, imperfection, being stuck, shame, and the inner critic.
Struggles with a harsh inner critic for years.
Perspective shift influenced by the song "Hi Ren"
Insights on the Inner Critic
Inner critics act as misguided protectors from early childhood.
An approach to understand inner critics rather than fight them.
Creative Approach to the Inner Critic
Drawing or creative engagement to externalise and personify the inner critic.
Small creative experiments to better understand the inner critic.
The therapeutic nature of experimenting with art.
Inner Critic & Self-Compassion
Developing a compassionate relationship with the inner critic.
Thich Nhat Hanh on nurturing inner energy.
Dealing with worry through acceptance and self-compassion.
Art as a method to engage with emotions and inner critic
Resonates with others and serves as a therapeutic tool.
Shame & Vulnerability
Shame thrives in secrecy; exposing it diminishes its power.
Importance of bringing shame to light as discussed by Brene Brown.
Comfort and Discomfort
Finding a balance between comfort and distress.
Advocates for taking small steps toward addressing discomfort.
Discussing mental health openly demonstrates personal growth and reduced stigma.
Working with different materials for creative exploration.
Workshops begin without set goals to allow creativity to flourish.
Dealing with Inner Critics
Awareness of inner critics as part of being human and lifelong process.
Engaging with the inner critic in a playful rather than adversarial way.
Therapeutic Work and Community Support
Value of in-depth therapeutic work and community support in managing inner critique.
Artistic Abilities and Perceptions
Societal pressures influence perception of artistic ability.
Chapman aims to inspire and counter feelings of inadequacy.
Role of Continuous Exploration in Art
Art viewed as an ongoing process rather than a definitive product.
Tuning into emotions and body sensations beyond verbal communication.

Previous Episode

#160 Dehoarding with the seasons: get inspired by nature when everything is overwhelming

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

In this episode, I explore how the change of seasons can inspire and motivate dehoarding efforts, with autumn in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere being upon us. Drawing on traditions like harvest festivals and spring cleaning, we'll discuss how nature’s rhythms can support our journey toward a more organised home. Plus, personal insights on managing the emotional challenges of letting go and tips for embracing seasonal transitions as opportunities for growth.

Seasonal Influence on Dehoarding
Autumn Motivation
Mixed feelings: beauty vs. precursor to winter
Harvest festivals: gratitude and inspiration for giving and decluttering
Nesting instincts as a motivational tool for organizing
Spring Motivation
Symbolism of renewal and hope
Growth and change as motivators for overcoming hoarding disorder
Spring cleaning tradition as an opportunity for new beginnings
Emotional Aspects of Decluttering
Acknowledge and understand feelings like overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, and fear
Use emotions to gain self-insight and understand attachment to items
Seek support from therapists, friends, family, or professional organisers
Practical Steps for Dehoarding
Assess possessions when transitioning between seasons
Evaluate practical use of items like blankets and coats
Decluttering inspired by seasonal changes
Focus on small areas to avoid overwhelm
Small, consistent changes over dramatic ones
Set realistic goals for home improvements by New Year
Community and Support
Engage in dehoarding accountability sessions for communal support
Donating items to reduce unnecessary storage
Assess what you want for your home as the year end approaches
Aiming for improvement, maintenance, or worsened state?
Set intentions
Walking, observing nature, and journaling
Creating Rituals and Redefining Comfort
Suggest creating rituals in tune with seasonal changes to aid decluttering
Redefine comfort by reducing clutter rather than accumulating more
Highlight the importance of a comfortable, decluttered space for winter

Next Episode

#162 From Fibble to Focus: Defibble your executive dysfunction with Jo Cavalot

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

In today's episode, I chat with Jo Cavalot, a compassionate inquiry practitioner and coach, about tackling executive dysfunction through a unique concept called "fibble", designed to help those struggling with focus and organisation. Jo shares her insights into treating internal parts with kindness, her own journey of recovery, and how she co-created Fibble as a tool to understand and manage executive function challenges. We explore the importance of personalised support in overcoming obstacles, and Jo offers a special discount for listeners interested in her work.

Importance of a compassionate approach
Internal family systems and parts work.
Viewing internal parts as friends with individual needs.
Differentiating exploratory sessions from physical organisation tasks.
Executive Dysfunction and 'Fibble' Concept
Challenges of executive dysfunction, specifically among people who hoard.
Use of the 'fibble' acronym: Frustrated, Inadequate, Baffled, Befuddled, Lacking, and Exhausted.
Fibble as a practical tool
Jo Cavalot's experience with alcoholism
Parallel between Jo's alcohol experience and hoarding.
Emotional challenges and non-linear nature of recovery.
Emphasis on self-awareness and self-compassion.
Jo's significant life changes, like moving to Spain and involvement in the Camino de Santiago.
Motivation through personal recovery and organisational skills.
Involvement and motivation in Hoarding Disorders UK.
Compassionate Inquiry, Based on Dr. Gabor Mate's work, focusing on trauma's impact.
Positive impacts on clients with hoarding behaviours and related trauma.
Key Challenges and Strengths in Addressing Organisation
Common challenges: sustained attention, organisation, self-activation, planning, and prioritising.
Creative problem-solving as a strength.
Flexible thinking and stress tolerance.
Use of a questionnaire assessing executive functioning across environments.
Understanding and leveraging diverse personal strengths.
Varying self-activation for personal vs. others' tasks.
Goal Setting and Personalisation
Personalised tools over generic advice.
Introduction of the Ikigai concept in goal setting.
Use of the fibble questionnaire for personal assessment and support.
Understanding and Addressing Underlying Causes
Identifying trauma responses and underlying causes.
Adjusting expectations based on life circumstances.
Holistic and trauma-informed support for personal challenges.