Sunil Lad
on Embodiment, Masculinity,
Shame, and Taking Responsibility
Listen:
Show Notes:
Episode Description
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sunil Lad about his work in the UK prison system. He share his thoughts on masculinity, shame, and the importance of taking responsibility. Dr. Lad also describes how yoga has changed the way he approaches his work and explain how he combines his interest in compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and embodiment in his work in prisons. He offers insight on the idea of masculinity, discussing what happens when men don’t feel safe enough to express vulnerability and why shaming offenders is an ineffective way to change their behavior. Listen in for Dr. Lad’s perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement and learn how we can avoid demonizing people we disagree with and perhaps even forgive those who have caused harm.
Takeaways
- How yoga changed the way Dr. Lad approaches his work as a psychologist
- Dr. Lad’s view on the way we relate to harm and the divides that arise when we dissociate from suffering
- Why it’s important to explore the shadow side of humanity and how environment informs our behavior
- How Dr. Lad combines his interest in compassion focused therapy (CFTT), yoga and embodiment in his work in prisons
- Dr. Lad’s insights on masculinity and what happens when men don’t feel safe enough to be vulnerable
- The similarities Dr. Lad observes between the psychological dynamics of offenders and men in power
- Why shaming people is an ineffective way to change behavior
- Dr. Lad’s insight on forgiving people who have seriously harmed others and distinguishing between responsibility and blame
- Dr. Lad’s perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement and how he thinks about what to do as a professional to deal with racism
- The generational divide around emotional expression and why the older cohort is struggling with the BLM conversation
- How to avoid demonizing people we disagree with by managing our own threat response
- How yoga and CFT overlap in terms of advocating for nonviolence
About Sunil Lad
Dr. Sunil Lad is a Consultant Counseling Psychologist with the National Health Service and Qualified Yoga Teacher in the UK. He holds chartered status with the British Psychological Society and has extensive experience in the realm of forensic mental health, working with clients in the community, secure environments and custodial settings. Dr. Lad also has a background in training staff in the criminal justice sector to better understand Personality Disorder and other complex behaviors and presentations.
Connect with Dr. Lad
Other Resources Mentioned
- Professor Paul Gilbert
- ‘Using Compassion Focused Therapy to Work with Shame and Self-Criticism in Complex Trauma’ in Australian Clinical Psychologist
- Philip Zimbardo
- The Work
- The Gottman Institute
Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is strictly for educational purposes only, and is not intended as psychological treatment or consultation of any kind.
Recent Past Episodes:
Hosts:
Katherine King, PsyD
Katherine King, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at William James College. She was trained in evidence-based treatments within the Veterans’ Administration and has a private practice specializing in geropsychology. She is also a member of the Boston Shambhala Center Board of Directors, a vajrayana student of Buddhism, and has practiced meditation for over 20 years. Learn more about Kate at www.drkateking.com.
Alex Gokce, MSW
Alex Gokce, MSW has a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Government from Harvard University. He has led psychotherapy groups on topics including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body approaches to pain management. He has co-led programs at the Boston Shambhala Center on the topics of trauma and self-compassion. His personal and professional interests center around the individual, societal and intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the sociocultural roots of interpersonal harm.
Visit Our Friends At...
The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of mental health professionals in the integration of mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy.
