Merrill and Linda Hutchinson Explore Defense Mechanisms on Rock Solid Families Podcast
Understanding Defense Mechanisms To Create Personal Growth, Emotional Healing, and Connection
Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. Merrill and Linda welcome back special guest Meredith Scudder to join their discussion about defense mechanisms. Together, they emphasize that defense mechanisms are unconscious ways to reduce internal stress, acting as protective barriers against uncomfortable emotions or experiences and encourage listeners to acknowledge their own defense mechanisms and understand how they might impact relationships and personal growth.
Meredith, drawing from her experience working with teenage girls and young women, shares common defense mechanisms she has observed in her sessions. Merrill and Linda discuss how these mechanisms can hinder genuine intimacy and connection, preventing individuals from addressing emotional wounds effectively. They stress the importance of self-awareness and curiosity to understand the underlying reasons for these behaviors. By identifying their go-to defense mechanisms, listeners can take steps towards personal growth and healing.
Don’t feel ashamed of your defense mechanisms, as they are a natural response to past experiences. Instead, be open to change and consider healthier ways of dealing with emotions. In the end, everyone has defense mechanisms to overcome. But with the right support and awareness, personal growth and deeper connections can be achieved.
Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.
In this podcast, the co-hosts cover:
Defense mechanisms as ways to protect ourselves from uncomfortable feelings.
Childhood trauma and emotional wounds as factors contributing to defense mechanisms.
Examples of common defense mechanisms, such as acting out, altruism, avoidance, compartmentalizing, compensation, deflection, denial, displacement, and distraction.
The impact of defense mechanisms on emotional well-being and relationships.
Being coachable and open to trying different approaches is essential in dealing with emotional triggers.
Link: https://www.rocksolidfamilies.org/about
Podcast Quotes:
"Sometimes these defense mechanisms create a boundary from us actually getting a little deeper either into ourselves or into our relationships.” (2:15 | Merrill)
“Repression is where we subconsciously block out experiences. We've experienced something traumatic and we're conscious when it happens, but the brain shuts it out. Whereas suppression is when we consciously push it down.” ( 21:32 | Meredith)
“These defense mechanisms are coming up for a reason. So you need to ask yourself, how are you feeling? And what are you trying to protect yourself from in that moment?” (26:24 | Meredith)
About the Podcast Co-Hosts:
To learn more about Merrill and Linda, visit their website (Rock Solid Families).
About Rock Solid Families Podcast:
Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Radio in October of 2018. They have over 70 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!
Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.