Jason VanRuler is a therapist, coach, speaker, and author dedicated to impacting those who make an impact. His first book, Get Past Your Past, is all about establishing a mindset of emotional health and resilience to find lasting wholeness. In this episode, Jason shares his personal self-development journey, why going to therapy is so difficult for so many people, and why our natural inclination is to hurt others; intentionally or not.

TAKEAWAYS:

[4:15] A little bit about Jason and how he became a therapist.

[10:10] Due to Jason’s rough upbringing, he knew he had to work on himself first before helping others.

[14:40] Jason explains the reason why he likes to host outdoor retreats and how it helps with the healing process.

[21:30] Best way to change your past and maladaptive behaviors is by surrounding yourself with different people.

[22:05] It’s important to be honest with yourself and really benchmark where you’re currently are.

[25:15] The more successful we get, the less likely we become surrounded by people who tell us the truth.

[30:15] Therapists are truth tellers and this is why going to therapy is so hard.

[37:45] There was a time in Jason’s life where going to therapy seemed impossible.

[38:45] What can we do today that empowers a better story?

[40:45] Have a question for Jason? Reach out!

RESOURCES:

Sex and Relationship Healing

@RobWeissMSW

Sex Addiction 101

Seeking Integrity

Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men

Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency

Out of the Doghouse by Robert Weiss

Jasonvr.com

Jason on LinkedIn

Get Past Your Past

QUOTES:

• “We aspire to have something that only a different community will give us. If don’t have a different community, our current one just keeps us in the same spot.”

• “Be honest with where you’re at. So many times we fantasize how we want it to look.”

• “I think people always hurt people. Always. I don’t think people have gotten out of life without hurting other people, sometimes it’s intentional and sometimes it’s not. ”